Cadillac Embarks on its First-Ever Hands-Free Drive with Super Cruise

Cadillac Super Cruise

Beginning today, Cadillac embarked on the first official hands-free drive on freeways from one side of the country to the other, using the industry-leading Super Cruise technology. A select group of key stakeholders and media will put the power of Super Cruise technology to the test in twelve Super Cruise-equipped Cadillac CT6 vehicles, which departed this morning from Cadillac House in New York City and will travel to Los Angeles, California.

Crossing through 16 states, plus the District of Columbia, in Super Cruise-equipped Cadillac CT6 vehicles, the drive program will make stops in major cities across the U.S. including: Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Santa Fe, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona. Super Cruise is Cadillac’s innovative driver assistance feature, which enables hands-free, driver-assisted operation on 130,000 miles of limited access, divided freeways in the U.S.

“Cadillac is setting new industry standards with ground-breaking driver assistance technologies like Super Cruise, the world’s first true hands-free driving system for the freeway," said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “We are excited to bring Super Cruise, a true testament to Cadillac’s innovative spirit and technical capability, on its first-ever hands-free drive on freeways from coast to coast."

The multi-state, cross-country drive marks the first time that Super Cruise technology will be demonstrated on New York City freeways. Cadillac has been granted a New York automated vehicle testing license under a new law championed, enacted and advanced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Set it as you would cruise control

“We are proud to work hand-in-hand with government officials to continue to develop new technologies that will define the future of transportation in the U.S.," said de Nysschen. “It’s especially fitting to kick off this drive in New York City, the home of Cadillac’s new global headquarters, and we’re honored to have the support of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, both of whom foster New York’s leadership in innovation and cutting-edge technology."

To celebrate the historic drive, Cadillac hosted a press conference with Hochul at Cadillac House in New York City. The Lieutenant Governor and de Nysschen sent off the fleet of Super Cruise-equipped vehicles, led by a police escort, as they embarked on the cross-country journey.

"Revolutions in transportation were at the heart of New York's original rise to national prominence and economic prosperity, and this cross-country demonstration continues that tradition," said Hochul. "By changing state law to allow automated vehicle testing and partnering with Cadillac to bring its headquarters to New York City, Governor Cuomo has positioned New York State to take the lead in the development of the driverless/hands-free technology that is rapidly transforming the automotive industry."

Super Cruise will be available this fall in the 2018 Cadillac CT6. Unlike other driver assistance systems, Super Cruise utilizes two advanced technology systems — a driver attention system and precision LiDAR map data — which brings a new level of technology and intuitive control to further elevate freeway driving.