Summary
- Super Cruise makes long, boring drives much more enjoyable and less taxing
- It is a hands-off, eyes-on system that competently handles most driving tasks on approved highways
- Features like Super Cruise are becoming more common in cars and are shifting to more affordable models
- Super Cruise may have some hiccups, such as merging lane issues and slower speed adjustments
- GM plans to expand Super Cruise to 750,000 miles of mapped highways in the U.S. and Canada by 2025
Article
Car companies are continuously introducing new technology in vehicles, but not all of it resonates with consumers. While affordability, electric range, and user-friendly tech features are important to car buyers, not all new features are seen as essential. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are incorporating built-in ChatGPT, but it remains to be seen if consumers will prioritize this in their next car purchase. Subscription-based features are also being introduced, but consumers are not particularly excited about them. Despite the increasing size of screens in cars, many are unhappy with the lack of easy-to-use physical controls. Thus, it is important to identify which new features are truly game-changers.
One feature that stands out as a game-changer is GM’s Super Cruise. This advanced driver-assistance technology allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel on approved highways, making long, tedious drives much more bearable. Super Cruise handles steering, accelerating, lane-changing, and stopping on mapped highways, as long as the driver remains attentive. The technology has greatly improved, making highway driving less stressful and fatiguing for drivers. It is not a fully autonomous system, as the driver needs to supervise and be ready to take control if needed.
Super Cruise functions as a “hands-off, eyes-on” system, allowing drivers to let go of the steering wheel while still monitoring the road. It maintains speed, navigates bends, and changes lanes when necessary. However, drivers are advised to keep their hands at the ready, as the technology may still make mistakes or require intervention. Super Cruise is considered one of the best in its class and addresses the real issue of highway driving being monotonous and tiring. While there are other similar systems on the market, Super Cruise stands out for its effectiveness and reliability in making driving more enjoyable.
Despite its benefits, Super Cruise is not without its flaws. The system may request the driver to take control in certain scenarios, and in some instances, it disengages unexpectedly. There are also issues with automatic lane changes, where the vehicle may merge back to its original lane immediately after changing. Additionally, Super Cruise may take curves too quickly or not slow down in advance of traffic, causing some uneasiness for the driver. These shortcomings highlight the need for further refinement and improvement in the technology.
Looking ahead, GM plans to expand Super Cruise to cover 750,000 miles of mapped highways in the U.S. and Canada by 2025. Despite the hiccups, Super Cruise is praised for its ability to reduce driver fatigue and enhance comfort on long drives. The convenience and ease of use of hands-free driving are becoming increasingly popular, with more car manufacturers incorporating similar features in their vehicles. As these technologies become more commonplace, consumers are starting to see them as essential features rather than just extras. Overall, Super Cruise and similar systems are revolutionizing highway driving and paving the way for a future where autonomous driving is more prevalent and widely accepted.
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