GM Super Cruise Upgrade: 6 Vehicles in 2022

GM Enhances Super Cruise Driver Assistance System

General Motors is deploying significant enhancements to its Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance system. These updates include automatic lane changes and support for towing, expanding the system’s availability to six vehicle models, notably the 2022 GMC Hummer EV pickup.

Expanding Beyond Cadillac

Initially exclusive to Cadillac vehicles since its 2017 debut, Super Cruise is now becoming accessible to owners of Chevrolet and GMC trucks. This expansion signifies GM’s confidence in the technology and its appeal to a broader customer base.

Growth of Super Cruise Road Network

When first introduced, Super Cruise functioned solely on divided highways within the Cadillac CT6 sedan. However, GM announced expansion plans in 2019. Currently, the system operates on over 200,000 miles of designated roads across the United States.

Future Expansion Plans

GM intends to further broaden Super Cruise availability. By 2023, the company anticipates offering the system in a total of 22 vehicles. This includes forthcoming electric models like the Cadillac Lyriq and the GMC Hummer SUV.

New Features: Automatic Lane Changes and Trailering

A key upgrade is the addition of automatic lane changes that operate without requiring driver initiation. This enhanced Super Cruise functionality will be available in the 2022 Cadillac Escalade, CT4, and CT5, as well as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra and Hummer EV Pickup.

Furthermore, GM has developed a new feature enabling hands-free assistance while trailering. This trailering capability will be limited to 2022 model year vehicles equipped for towing.

The in-car navigation system has also been improved to clearly display highways compatible with Super Cruise operation.

How Super Cruise Works

Super Cruise utilizes a sophisticated combination of technologies. These include lidar map data, precise GPS, cameras, and radar sensors. A driver attention system continuously monitors the driver to ensure focus on the road.

Unlike some competing systems, Super Cruise does not necessitate drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel, but it does require them to maintain eye contact with the road ahead.

Automatic Lane Change Details

The automatic lane change feature still requires the driver’s attention. The system will initiate lane changes independently after alerting the driver, eliminating the need for manual turn signal activation. It will execute lane changes to overtake slower-moving vehicles.

Driver-initiated lane changes will remain the standard mode when towing a trailer, boat, or camper.

The Role of the VIP Platform

These advancements are enabled by GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP). This new digital vehicle platform provides increased electrical bandwidth and data processing capabilities. It allows for the addition of features to Super Cruise through over-the-air software updates.

Consequently, certain 2021 models, specifically the Cadillac Escalade, will receive these upgrades.

Limitations for Some Vehicles

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV utilizes a different version of Super Cruise and is not equipped with the VIP architecture. As a result, it will not be eligible for these latest enhancements.