Cadillac Super Cruise Allows for Hands-free Driving Sometimes!

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Cadillac has introduced the Super Cruise system on its flagship CT6 sedan and is letting the automotive media across the country test it out.

I drove it, or it drove me, along the crowded and busy I-94 interstate that runs through the middle of Chicago, the Edens Expressway to locals. Combined with the adaptive cruise control that maintains speed, distance to the vehicle in front, and also will bring the CT6 to a stop, Super Cruise takes over the steering in your travel lane.

Super Cruise, considered Level 2 semi-automated driving, is for the highway---only.

Why Super Cruise? “Super Cruise delivers comfort and convenience for long distance travels and daily commutes’” according to Lisa Sieradski, global product manager of the CT6.

Super Cruise is the industry’s first true hands-free driving technology for the freeway, according to Cadillac. Unlike other driver assistance systems, Super Cruise utilizes two advanced technology systems to ensure safe ‬and confident vehicle operation: ‬– a Driver Attention System‬ and LiDAR Map Data‬.

Two things to know: you can use it only when it lets you, and it monitors whether the driver is paying attention. The CT6 is loaded with data and it knows when it’s being driven on a divided, limited-access freeway with defined “on-” and “off-ramps.” A camera and infrared sensors monitor the driver’s eyes and head position. If you look away or move your head to look down from the road ahead the system will first warn you and then turn off.

My test drive was without fear! After centering the CT6 in the highway traffic lane, with the adaptive cruise control turned on, a light in the instrument cluster said I was OK and with the push of a steering wheel mounted button the Super Cruise took over the steering. A light bar in the upper portion of the steering wheel rim turns green. Super Cruise kept the CT6 centered in the lane. It’s much more precise than lane keep system that steer you away from the pavement markings.

Super Cruise won’t change lanes. I had to take the wheel and turn. Super Cruise keeps you going ahead in the same lane of travel. Its operation is very smooth and precise. However, as I approached some on and off ramps the system prompted me with its steering wheel mounted light bar now flashing red to take control. Vehicles moved into my lane in the space maintained by the cruise control and the CT6 slowed and then sped up with precise steering being maintained.

I drove the Super Cruise on a nice warm sunny day. Super Cruise will operate at night and in bad weather but the camera or radar sensors can’t be covered, obstructed, or damaged. Lane markings need to be clearly visible – lane markings may be obscured, for example, by glare or poor weather conditions. Or, lane markings may be in poor condition, that is, in need of repainting. It will be interesting to observe how municipalities and highway departments change, if at all, to the needs of automated driving.

With the need for the driver to be looking down the road ahead and ready to take over at any time, I see one benefit of Super Cruise for those doing hands-free calling. Even with hands-free many folks become distracted. Super Cruise will help to keep you going where you should be in your lane.

Also, Super Cruise can eliminate most all the hand and foot movements from a daily stop-and-go commute. Perhaps you’ll be more relaxed when you get home!

Super Cruise is standard on the CT6 Platinum trim that lists for $84,295 and part of the optional $5,000 technology package on the Premium Luxury trim.