Semi-Autonomous Cadillac Super Cruise Nabs Tech Award

General Motors Co. semi-autonomous Super Cruise system has been named the 2019 Technology of the Year by Autoblog.

The SAE Level 2 system allows for hands-free driving with adaptive cruise control under certain conditions. GM launched the technology in late 2017 on the flagship Cadillac CT6 sedan, which will be phased out this year, and plans to expand Super Cruise to all Cadillac models in 2020.

Super Cruise uses high-definition GPS and an array of cameras, radar and lidar sensors to track the vehicle’s position. Unlike other semi-autonomous systems on the market, Super Cruise also employs an interior camera monitor to ensure that the driver is always ready to resume control.

Autoblog praised the system for ease of operation, smoothness. integration with other features and Caddy’s low-key marketing approach that didn’t boast of autonomous driving capability. On the downside, the publication notes that Super Cruise isn’t able to complete lane changes autonomously.

Super Cruise beat two other finalists for the award. They are Infiniti’s variable-compression turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system that powers the Mercedes AMG E 53 sedan.