The updated 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 prototype is being fully revealed in just a few months. In the meantime, we get a close look at one of the technologies that will be available on this truck. It’s the next generation of the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system that is also capable of towing a trailer.
The latest Super Cruise system uses a new computer architecture with more computing power than before. The truck uses a collection of forward-facing and rear-facing radar as well as cameras to enable a self-driving experience on pre-mapped divided highways and interstates. GM says there are approximately 200,000 miles of remapped Super Cruise-enabled highways in the United States and Canada at this time.
I had an opportunity to drive two 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pre-production prototypes at GM’s Milford proving grounds and experience the new Super Cruise for myself. One of the trucks was hooked up to a 5,000 lbs trailer. When the Super Cruise system is enabled, the truck simply maintains a centered position in its lane. I was able to take the speed to beyond 70 mph on the closed circle track provided by GM. While I did encounter some crosswinds, the truck and trailer always stayed true in the middle of its lane.
When not hooked up to a trailer, the new Super Cruiser is also capable of initiating an automatic lane change. If the truck encounters closer traffic ahead, the system will assess if it’s safe to change lanes to get around the slower traffic. If there is space, the system will start the blinker and tell the driver that a lane change is initiated by displaying a message on the digital gauge cluster. I experienced this two times on the test track, and the system always left plenty of space while performing the maneuver. The driver can also request a lane change by using the blinker or take over driving at any time.
The truck monitors the eyes and the head position of the driver to ensure that the driver is still paying attention and is engaged while the Super Cruise is doing its thing.
Here is the latest Super Cruise-enabled roads map.
