Cadillac goes Skynet with Super Cruise system

Cadillac is road-testing a Super Cruise system that is capable of automatic steering, braking and lane centering during highway cruising. The first version of the system will be found on the ATS and XTS sedans.

“Super Cruise has the potential to improve driver performance and enjoyment,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing. “Our goal with advanced technologies, like this and our CUE system, is to lead in delivering an intuitive user experience.”

The system uses 360-degree sensors to detect imminent crashes and respond accordingly.

The key, Cadillac says, will be the integrated lane-centering technology, which uses GPS information and forward-looking cameras to detect lane markings.

The system will have limitations in inclement weather, when lane markers are hard to read, or if GPS info is available. When that happens, the driver will need to steer. Pity.

When fully operational the system will include:

-- Rear automatic braking

-- Full-speed range-adaptive cruise control

-- Intelligent brake assist

-- Forward collision alert

-- Safety alert seat

-- Automatic collision preparation

-- Lane-departure warning

-- Side blind-zone alert

-- Rear cross-traffic alert

-- Adaptive forward lighting

-- Rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines

-- Head-up display

We're all for accident avoidance, and this system would help many distracted drivers. The only thing we don't want to hear is this: “I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.”

By Jake Lingeman