What is Super Cruise and Which GMC Models Offer It?

April 18 2023 -

Autonomous driving technology is quickly transforming the automotive industry. Luxury car manufacturers, in particular, are experimenting with autonomous driving features on their cars to enhance the driving experience for their clients. GM is one of the leaders in this field, and its SuperCruise feature is a perfect example of this. Let's take a deep dive into what GM’s SuperCruise is, how it works, and its benefits to drivers.

Firstly, what exactly is SuperCruise? SuperCruise is a driver assistance technology that provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities to the driver. The technology allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, and the car will automatically follow the road. However, unlike other autonomous driving features, SuperCruise still requires the driver’s full attention as they must be ready to take over the wheel in case of an emergency.

The SuperCruise technology works through a combination of various features, including Lidar sensors, cameras, and radar sensors. The cameras and radars sense the car's surroundings, while the Lidar map builds a high-definition map of the road ahead. The sensors need to function together to ensure that the car stays in its lane, maintains its speed, and adjusts accordingly to the road's curve.

SuperCruise only operates on selected highways in the United States and Canada, where the Lidar maps feature high-definition scans of the roads. To use SuperCruise, the driver must engage it via the vehicle's settings menu and ensure that their seatbelt is fastened. Once activated, the driver can take their hands off the steering wheel, and the technology will do the rest. If the driver removes their hands from the wheel for too long, the car will issue alerts to remind the driver to remain alert.

The feature is also fitted with various safety features that ensure the technology does not malfunction, leaving the driver vulnerable. For instance, the car has a driver-facing camera that ensures the driver remains attentive and awake. The camera also monitors the driver's eyes to ensure that they don't fall asleep and that they are focused on the road.

GM's SuperCruise is a breakthrough in autonomous driving technology. Even though it's categorized as a driver assistance feature, it has the potential to transform the way we drive on the highway. This technology allows drivers to have a more relaxed driving experience, giving them the freedom to engage in other activities or sit back and enjoy the ride. While SuperCruise is not a fully autonomous driving feature, it's crucial to remember that the driver must be alert while using it to avoid putting other drivers and passengers at risk. The future is autonomous driving, and with technology such as SuperCruise, we are on the brink of something revolutionary.

Summary of Super Cruise Benefits and Functionality

Hands-free driving: Super Cruise allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while maintaining control, enhancing driver comfort on long drives and reducing fatigue.

Advanced LiDAR mapping: The system uses highly detailed LiDAR maps and precise GPS data to ensure the vehicle remains in its lane and adheres to road conditions, providing a high level of accuracy in steering and positioning.

Driver Attention System: Super Cruise incorporates a driver attention system that monitors the driver's level of engagement, ensuring that they remain alert and focused on the road, even when their hands are off the steering wheel.

Adaptive Cruise Control integration: Super Cruise works in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control, adjusting the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road and providing a smooth and efficient driving experience.

Extensive compatible road network: Super Cruise is designed to function on a vast network of highways and roads in North America, giving drivers access to this advanced technology on numerous driving routes and making long road trips more enjoyable and safe.

Which 2023 GMC Models Offer Super Cruise?

Here's a table illustrating which 2023 GMC models offer the Super Cruise feature: