Cadillac CTS Upgraded With Vehicle To Vehicle Communication

That's why Cadillac decided to outline some of the many ways that vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, standard on 2017 interim model year CTS models, will operate. Using Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) and the onboard GPS system, the car can handle around 1,000 messages per second between two vehicles 1,000 feet away from each other. The system warns drivers about potential road hazards ahead that they may not know about but have been experienced by the car in front. For example, if the traction and stability control intervenes in the car ahead, it will share that information with a Cadillac behind it so that it can slow its speed, warn the driver, and prime its safety systems.

Another scenario involves a driver ahead slamming on their brakes or activating the hazard lights, which then sends a warning to the car behind to slow down and be on alert. When approaching an intersection, a Cadillac equipped with V2V technology will scan for other cars and track their positions, direction of travel, and speed to help predict potential hazards. Essentially, the system gives the car's computers more foresight, helping the safety systems be more useful. "V2V essentially enables the car to sense around corners," says Richard Berkus, Cadillac global director of product strategy. "Connecting vehicles through V2V holds tremendous potential, as this technology enables the car to acquire and analyze information outside the bounds of the driver's field of vision."

He adds, "As an early mover, we look forward to seeing its benefit multiply as more V2V-equipped vehicles hit the road." With features such as Cadillac'sSuper Cruiseon the horizon, expect America's best source of blinged-out cars to get a lot more sophisticated.