General Motors has been working hard to revamp and modernize its fleet. The dawn of electrification has put forth new challenges and also helps showcase new bleeding-edge technologies. With the launch of the all-new 5th-gen Cadillac Escalade, GM gave us an insight into its evolving autonomous technology with the Super Cruise feature.
This is a hands-free feature but was limited in functionality as compared to its arch-rival, Tesla's Autopilot. But now, that gap has been thinned down with GM's new Ultra Cruise feature which will take on Tesla's beta-staged fully autonomous tech. This feature aims to provide autonomous functionality in up to 95% of driving scenarios. This tech is built and improved upon the already impressive Ultra Cruise, GM's semi-autonomous driver-assist tech that is offered also in cars like the Cadillac CT4, Cadillac CT5, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV as well.
Initial impressions clearly show GM's Ultra Cruise having the mettle to take on Tesla's Autopilot; might end up being better as well.
GM's Ultra Cruise: The Newest Autonomous Tech That Uses LiDAR
Ultra Cruise autonomous driving tech uses the already impressive Super Cruise semi-autonomous tech as its base. GM has expanded on the features with heightened driving capabilities and a new dynamic display that provides drivers with driver-assist experience information, permanent traffic control device recognition, internal navigation route following, automatic and on-demand lane changing, and residential parking, to name an impressive few.
But the most noteworthy addition is the addition of LiDAR sensors (a first in automobiles) along with visual cameras and radar, to provide for the safest and most accurate bet on autonomous driving yet. Ultra Cruise has been completely developed in-house and also comes with 360-degree perception. This system also incorporated GM's newly announced Ultifi software platform and the new Vehicle Intelligence Platform. This fused layout allows incremental and complex updates to be transferred via OTA.
GM's Ultra Cruise Against Tesla's Fully Autonomous Tech
GM's ace when it comes to Ultra Cruise is the more inclusive usage of technology as its Ultifi software and new vehicle platform work in conjunction to eliminate the barriers of physical interventions. In short, it's cooler than what Tesla offers now. And more importantly with sophisticated and hi-tech tech like LiDAR backing up Ultra Cruise's performance.
While Tesla's autonomous system is still in its beta stage, GM has the upper hand here with more tech and a clear plan of action. Tesla's fully autonomous tech is sure to be handicapped as even in the current stage, GM has the upper hand in mapping and engaging on roads. This is because Ultra Cruise can be engaged even on subdivision streets but Tesla needs lane paint to work. All thanks to the bleeding-edge tech at hand.
When Will GM's Ultra Cruise Be Available For Use?
GM has stated that the Ultra Cruise autonomous feature is reserved for the premium models and will be offered to start from 2023 in a Cadillac. We suspect it to be the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq electric crossover that will pack the first-ever consumer version of GM's ambitious autonomous tech. The upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV also stands a chance to be the first truck to pack autonomous tech of this caliber, if Tesla Cybertruck is delayed again, that is!
Sources: Investor.gm.com, Gmauthoriy.com, Electrek.co