Auto News 5

MILFORD, Michigan - Call me a Luddite if you will, but in-car technology has always been something that incenses, rather than excites me. All of my vehicles pre-date "connectivity," and never once has my phone enjoyed an automotive hookup - because it's generally turned off while I'm driving.

That grinding noise overheard during a recent press event announcing a vehicle's Facebooking capability was probably me; gritting my teeth in annoyance and frustration. As one of the unfashionable minority that believes driving is a privilege requiring all of one's attention - I'd much rather see the billions spent on gadget development put toward more driver training.



But unfortunately, unlike Europeans who are joyously engaged at the wheel, the majority of North Americans see driving as drudgery: to be endured rather than enjoyed. Due to the vast amounts of territory many cover in their daily commute, there are hours to be filled with distracting activities to satisfy short attention spans - and an arsenal of "nanny technology" to keep them safe while doing it.

As Alan Taub, VP of General Motors Research and Development team says, "people are already behaving as though their cars are semi-autonomous."

Up until now, safety technology has centred around the assumption that cars will eventually crash, and has focussed on keeping occupants as safe as possible. But recent strides in sensor integration systems have brought us closer to a "world where cars simply do not crash."

And so, I recently found myself a passenger behind the wheel of a Cadillac SRX at GM's Milford Proving Grounds, lapping circuit after circuit of a highly-banked test track while my fingers dug denim furrows in a desperate attempt to keep from grabbing the wheel. Equipped with what Cadillac has dubbed "Supercruise," the SRX is able to stay within its lane, slow down to keep a safe distance from slower vehicles ahead, and accelerate again once the coast was clear.

The prototype vehicle is a precursor to semi-autonomous cars that GM claims will be available to the public within this decade. Using a barrage of sensory input called "sensor fusion", the vehicles have a 360-degree "awareness" of their surroundings.

After the initial squeamishness of relinquishing control, it's surprisingly easy to get comfortable with the semi-autonomous car.

Although it requires driver input to pull out onto the track and into its lane, it does a remarkable job of staying centred there. At 100 km/h, much like activating cruise control, I select the "supercruise" button, and a series of flashing lights on the steering wheel change from blue to green - indicating that the vehicle has taken control.

(Photo: General Motors)

The driver can nudge to the left or right within the lane either by using steering wheel located arrows, or by poking the right or left seat bolster with his elbow. Seriously.

When a CTS sedan pulls out in front of us at a slower pace, the SRX brakes until the other car changes lanes, then accelerates back up to cruising speed.

It's a bit creepy - yet thought provoking. Of course, the technology hasn't quite reached the point where we can climb in and switch off until we arrive at our destination. The system we tested can only work by reading well-defined lane markings; so gravel and snow-covered roads are out. But the day may come when there are sensors embedded in roadways, or even satellite controlled guidance markers.

So what does this mean to the average driver? Other than my gadget-loving friends who are speechless with delight and my fellow enthusiasts who are quivering in outrage? It means you'll be able to go ahead and check out that text message you're just dying to answer, turn around and chat with your passengers or finish up that overdue memo before you reach work.

And those of us who are still driving will be grateful that something's keeping you in your lane...and out of ours.