GM CEO Confirms ‘Eyes-Off’ Driving for 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ

General Motors is targeting a 2028 launch for “eyes-off, hands-off” technology in its consumer lineup, signaling a move toward bringing advanced autonomy to personal luxury vehicles.

The technology is scheduled to debut on the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. Unlike the existing Super Cruise system, which allows for hands-free operation but requires the driver’s eyes to remain on the road, the 2028 system will permit drivers to legally divert their gaze and engage in non-driving tasks under specific highway conditions.

The 2028 system architecture relies on lidar, radar, and cameras for hardware redundancy.

This roadmap follows a significant strategic pivot for the automaker. In December 2024, GM scaled back its involvement in the Cruise robotaxi business after an estimated $10 billion investment, reallocating engineering resources toward personal autonomous vehicle development.

Hardware and Communication Standards

To achieve the redundancy required for Level 3 autonomy, GM’s 2028 system utilizes a multi-modal sensor suite. While some competitors rely exclusively on cameras, GM’s architecture integrates lidar, radar, and cameras to ensure the vehicle can navigate safely even if a primary sensor is obstructed.

The system will also introduce a standardized “Turquoise Light” protocol. Turquoise lighting on the dashboard and side mirrors will illuminate when the vehicle is in autonomous mode. This visual indicator is designed to communicate the vehicle’s status to law enforcement and other drivers, clarifying that the person in the driver’s seat is not currently responsible for active monitoring.

GM currently supports its hands-free Super Cruise feature on over 750,000 miles of compatible roads in the United States and Canada. The “eyes-off” system is expected to utilize this existing mapping infrastructure, though it will likely be restricted to a subset of these highways that meet the rigorous safety requirements for Level 3 operation.

The transition from “eyes-on” to “eyes-off” represents a critical hurdle in consumer automotive tech. While Super Cruise serves as a driver-assist tool, the 2028 system moves the vehicle closer to true autonomy. GM has not yet specified whether the 2028 features will be sold as a permanent hardware-exclusive package or as a recurring subscription service.

The post GM CEO Confirms ‘Eyes-Off’ Driving for 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ appeared first on World Weekly News.