J Christensen

So GM has ACC out for a number of years now, one part no is ACDelco 15918165.

I'm wondering if some car wizard would be able to take the various parts and mod it into a Vette?

Flame Red

Gosh, $1600-$1800 just for this module? Got to know what you are doing before experimenting at that price!

I would expect there are sensors, harnesses and maybe some computer tweaking required. Not for the faint of heart.

And I was flamed for looking for auto window up in a vette.

CaryBob

Especially since it seems to be an option nobody likes...

The problem with a Vette, I would think, is that using the engine to brake is going to result in some huge downshifts because of all the torque.

J Christensen

Hum. I've been using it on a 375 HP car and works perfectly. It's a very nice accommodation for long trips.

I'm thinking that it uses brakes for a bit stronger needs/stopping. Not sure about down shifts. If you are cursing, I'd think the vettes transmission would do just fine in the upper gears - where cruising is anyway.

I'm wondering if any car mechanic wizard thinks it is possible to port over this type of mod to the vette.

J Christensen

It's the closest thing to being chauffeur driven when you are alone in the car. The Genesis's ACC is great.

Once on the highway and in cruise I typically can go a few hundred miles with very little need to touch the gas or brake. MB's are even a bit more comprehensive, since they will take you all the way down to 'stop', and then resume, if you like that kinda of ease.

Bill Dearborn

That part number is the distance sensing module which is a radar unit that has to be mounted behind the front fascia or in the front grille area. Once you get it mounted then you would have to figure out how to tie in the extra functions required in the ECM, EBCM and BCM. For example the EBCM in the Corvette doesn't have the software to allow it to implement automatic braking. Yes, it has a lot of the functions required for automatic braking but not the one that will let it respond to a request from a module that doesn't exist on the Vette's LAN.

Here is a description of how it works in the 09 Cadillac DTS.

Cruise Control Description and Operation (Adaptive Cruise Control)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
The Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC) is an enhanced Cruise Control System with the ability to sense and react to forward traffic. Compared to the common Cruise Control System found on many vehicles, the main functional enhancement of the ACC System is the ability to detect the presence of a vehicle in the path of the ACC vehicle. The ACC retains the existing cruise control feature that controls the vehicle speed to the driver selected speed. However, ACC allows a driver to set and maintain a following distance to the preceding nearest vehicle in the ACC vehicle path. The distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module calculates a follow speed limit to ensure an acceptable distance is maintained to the preceding vehicle in front, should one be present. The ACC System automatically adjusts the speed of an ACC vehicle when the vehicle comes up behind a slower travelling vehicle in front. The ACC System applies limited automatic braking and throttle control without driver input when necessary to maintain the set following distance of the ACC vehicle. The preceding vehicle's speed and acceleration along with the ACC vehicle speed and acceleration and the distance between the 2 vehicles are factors used by the DSCC module to determine the ACC follow speed limit. The ACC vehicle speeds up to the original driver selected set speed when the pathway becomes clear without driver input.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System Description
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System depends on various modules on the vehicle to function and each module performs a function that is critical to the proper operation of the ACC System. ACC will not operate if any components fail. Communication between modules is via the high-speed serial data circuit. The body control module (BCM) provides a translating gateway function for the serial data links. The serial data links utilizes the controller area network (CAN) communications protocol. The following is a functional description of the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module and the other associated components:

Distance Sensing Cruise Control (DSCC) Module
The DSCC module contains the radar and the DSCC controller. The DSCC module utilizes the radar to identify and classify objects in the road environment. The radar scans the road environment to detect targets within its specified field of view. The DSCC controller then makes throttle and/or brake commands to the engine control module (ECM) and electronic brake control module (EBCM) via the serial data circuit in order to control the vehicle acceleration/deceleration based on the data from the radar. The ECM and EBCM provide throttle control and automatic braking needed for proper cruise speed adjustment. An internal yaw rate sensor is used by the DSCC module to determine the predicted path of the ACC vehicle. The main power feed for the DSCC module is the battery and this signal is always at battery potential. However, the ACC System only activates when the ignition 1 input is active and in the RUN position. The ignition 1 voltage signal to the DSCC module has to be 9.2 volts or more to be considered active by the DSCC module. When the ignition 1 signal is not active, all ACC functions are disabled. The following is a list of the DSCC module functions:

• The radar processes the road environment to get data concerning any vehicle ahead of the ACC vehicle. Detection, parameter estimation, tracking, object classification and diagnostics are the primary radar functions. When an object is detected, the DSCC controller calculates the object range, range rate, acceleration and azimuth angle parameters.

• The DSCC module performs ACC state processing automatically--distance control or speed control. The ACC System operates in 2 possible states--Cruise or Follow. The normal operating state is Cruise, whereby the vehicle speed is controlled to match the driver selected set speed. When a preceding forward target is identified by the radar, the ACC System will automatically transition into the follow speed state to provide proper lane spacing behind the target vehicle in front. The preceding vehicle's speed and acceleration, with the ACC vehicle speed, acceleration and distance between the two vehicles will be used to determine the ACC follow speed limit. The ACC follow speed limit will ensure that an acceptable distance is maintained to the preceding vehicle.

• The DSCC module determines the follow speed limit for throttle control by the ECM.

• The DSCC module arbitrates the ACC System brake and throttle control between the EBCM and the ECM.

• The DSCC module requests brake light activation during automatic braking.

• The DSCC module provides operational feedback to the vehicle driver. The DSCC module sends signals for telltales and messages to be displayed on the driver information center (DIC) via the BCM. The DSCC module will provide audible feedback to the driver via the BCM and the radio amplifier as well.

body control module (BCM)
The following are the ACC System functions provided by the BCM:

• The BCM provides a translating gateway for the high speed serial data circuit.

• The BCM reads all cruise control switches and the gap switch. The DSCC module monitors a variety of user operated switches from the BCM switch status information sent via the serial data circuit.

• The IPC illuminates the brake light based on a serial data message from the DSCC module during automatic braking.

• The BCM measures the brake pedal position and sends brake pedal travel status via serial data circuit to the ECM. The ECM disengages the ACC System when the brake is applied by the driver pressing the brake pedal.

• The BCM serves as a gateway to the display systems, instrument panel cluster (IPC), DIC and amplifier, visual and audible warnings. The BCM will generate visual and audible warnings based on high speed serial data messages from the DSCC module.

Engine Control Module (ECM)
The following are the ACC System functions performed by the ECM:

• The ECM provides the electronic throttle control to the ACC System. The ECM is also responsible for determining when a driver is overriding the adaptive cruise control throttle position by pressing the accelerator pedal.

• The ECM processes the cruise control switch requests received via the serial data circuit from the BCM. Engaging and disengaging the ACC System are functions performed by the ECM.

• The ECM determines the driver selected vehicle speed. Unless the ACC module requests a lower vehicle speed, the ECM will control the vehicle speed to the driver selected set speed.

• The ECM allows automatic braking without disengaging the ACC.

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The following are the ACC System functions performed by the EBCM:

• The EBCM controls the operation of the Antilock Brake System.

• The EBCM provides automatic braking for the ACC System. The DSCC module will request vehicle deceleration via high speed serial data circuit.

• The EBCM determines when the driver-applied brake pressure is active. The EBCM will communicate this status via the serial data circuit to the BCM.

• The EBCM releases vehicle automatic braking when there is a throttle override by the driver pressing the accelerator.

• The EBCM predicts brake temperatures. Due to automatic braking, the brake system may overheat. When the brakes are overheated, the EBCM requests the ACC System to be temporarily shut down by the ECM until the brakes cool to a normal operating temperature.

Refer to ABS Description and Operation.

Transmission Control Module (TCM)
The transmission control module (TCM) provides a down shift to protect the brakes. When the TCM detects some driver braking activity or ACC automatic braking activity, the TCM down shifts the vehicle transmission to increase engine braking. This helps reduce braking activity, extend brake pad life and reduce brake system overheating.

Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC is a part of the IPC and displays the ACC System warning messages. The DSCC module requests messages to be displayed on the DIC by sending a serial data request to the BCM. The BCM sends a serial data request to the DIC demanding the display of the warning message. When the message is acknowledged by the driver and the cause of the message resolved, the DIC turns the message off. These displays are accompanied by a chime warning internal to the DIC. The ACC System will not operate if the DIC fails. The following are the 3 ACC messages that can be displayed on the DIC:

• Service Radar Cruise

• Cruise Not Ready

• Clean Radar

Radio Amplifier
The amplifier receives a serial data message from the BCM in order to request an audible warning. The chime alerts the vehicle driver to certain ACC vehicle conditions. The audible chime accompanies a visual indicator as a warning to the driver. The ACC System will not operate if the radio amplifier fails.

Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor
The BCM monitors the brake pedal position (BPP) sensor in order to determine when pressure is being applied to the brake by the driver stepping on the brake pedal. The BPP sensor receives a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference from the BCM. When the brake is applied, a signal is applied from the BPP sensor through the BPP sensor signal circuit to the BCM. The BCM utilizes this signal in deciding when to command the activation of the stop lamps. The BCM continuously sends signals via the serial data circuit to the EBCM and the ECM reflecting the brake pedal position status. This will include the initial brake travel signal required for the activation of the ACC System. The ACC System will not engage unless the initial brake pedal travel signal is valid and received by the BCM. When the BCM brake pedal position signal indicates that brake pedal pressure is being applied by the driver when the ACC System is engaged, the ECM immediately disengages the ACC System. Re-engaging the ACC System will require the driver pressing the set or resume switch. Refer to Brake Pedal Position Sensor Calibration and to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation for more information on the brake pedal pressure sensor.

Accelerator Pedal
Deceleration of the ACC vehicle to maintain a certain distance and speed while a slower moving vehicle is in its path is achieved through throttle control by the ECM and the application of light automatic braking by the EBCM. During automatic braking the ECM is commanded to release the throttle by the DSCC module. The DSCC module via the serial data circuit requests the ECM to release the throttle from the currently controlled cruise position. At the end of automatic braking, the ECM will control the vehicle speed to the current set vehicle speed. Driver throttle override occurs when the driver of the ACC vehicle depresses the accelerator pedal with the intention of requesting greater speed than the current throttle position. An example is an ACC vehicle driver stepping on the accelerator for a passing maneuver. The ECM continuously monitors the throttle and reports a throttle override condition. When no throttle override is present, automatic braking is allowed. When throttle override is detected by the ECM, automatic braking in not allowed to affect the vehicle acceleration.

Cruise Control Switch
The cruise control switch, functionally is a common feature that is shared between the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System and the regular Cruise Control System. The ACC System will not operate if any cruise switch fails. The cruise control switch comprises the following cruise control function switches:

• On/off switch

• Set/decrease switch

• Resume/increase switch

The cruise control function switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design whereby each switch function is set up with different resistance values. The body control module (BCM) through the cruise control switch signal circuit detects a predetermined voltage value when any cruise control switch function is activated. The associated cruise control function signal detected by the BCM is then sent to the engine control module (ECM) as a serial data circuit message. The ECM on receiving the message provides the cruise control function requested by the BCM. The ECM is responsible for recognizing and responding to cruise control switch requests sent by the BCM. The cruise control function switches are used by the ECM to communicate to the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module the driver selected vehicle speed. The driver selected vehicle speed is communicated through serial data circuit to the DSCC module and the BCM. The ACC System engages and adjusts vehicle speeds based on the activation of the following cruise control function switches:

On/Off Switch
The BCM monitors the cruise control set/coast and resume/accel switch signal circuit in order to determine when the On/Off switch is disabled or activated. The BCM detects a predetermined voltage value on the cruise control set/coast and resume/accel switch signal circuit. The On/Off switch state is then relayed to the ECM via the serial data circuit. The ECM sends the On/Off switch input status to the DSCC module. When the On/Off switch is turned ON, the ACC System enters either a standby enabled or a standby disabled mode. The standby enabled mode indicates that every condition required for the ACC System to function has been met, but the ACC is not engaged. When the ACC is in the standby disabled mode, the conditions necessary for the ACC System to function has not been met. When the On/Off switch is turned OFF, the ACC will enter the disabled mode. The ACC will not activate in the disabled mode. When the automatic braking is active and the ACC On/Off switch is turned OFF, the ACC will delay entering the disabled mode.

Set/Decrease Switch
The ACC System is engaged when the ACC On/Off switch is turned ON and the set/decrease switch is momentarily pressed and released. When the set/decrease switch is pressed, the selected vehicle speed is set to the current vehicle speed by the ECM. The vehicle speed must be at or greater than 48 km/h (30 mph). While in the engaged state, the selected vehicle speed and the following distance can be adjusted. Pressing and holding the set/decrease switch, when the ACC System is engaged, will decrease the selected vehicle speed without deactivating the ACC. Momentarily pressing and releasing the set/decrease switch, when the ACC is engaged, decreased the selected vehicle speed by 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each time that the set/decrease switch is pressed.

Resume/Increase Switch
The resume/increase switch is used in order to increase the selected vehicle speed when ACC is active. The amount selected vehicle speed can be increased from the resume/increase switch depends on how long the switch is pressed. The presence of a slower moving vehicle in the path of the ACC vehicle will limit the extent to which the selected vehicle speed can be achieved. If there is no preceding vehicle in front, limiting the ACC vehicle acceleration, then the vehicle speed that is attained is the new selected vehicle speed. Acceleration is terminated when the resume/increase switch is released. Momentarily pressing and releasing the resume/increase switch will allow the selected vehicle to accelerate in at 1.6 km/h (1 mph) increments for each time that the resume/increase switch is momentarily pressed.

Gap Up/Down Switch
The gap up/down switch allows the driver to determine how closely the adaptive cruise control (ACC) vehicle follows a target vehicle while ACC is engaged. When the ACC vehicle speed is being limited due to a slower travelling vehicle, the ACC vehicle speed is automatically controlled to the follow speed limit. The gap switch has 6 following distance selections that range from 1-2 seconds. The gap switch following distance between the ACC vehicle and the target vehicle is expressed in time as opposed to actual distance. The distance maintained for a selected gap will vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the further back you will follow. The gap setting can only be adjusted when the ACC System is engaged. The gap up/down switch is hard-wired to the body control module (BCM) and voltage is provided to the switch from the BCM via the gap up/down ignition 1 voltage circuit. Based on voltage variations, the BCM is able to read the selected gap up/down switch selection and communicates the switch status on the serial data circuit to the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module. The gap up/down switch is a 3 position momentary switch--Center, Gap Up and Gap Down--with the following valid signal values:

• No Activation

• Increase Gap

• Decrease Gap

The initial push of the gap switch recalls the current setting and activates the display. Subsequent pushes of the gap switch will change the gap setting. Momentarily pressing the gap up/down switch will adjust the switch to the desired gap setting. When the voltage from the gap up/down switch circuit is in an invalid range, the BCM will default to increasing the gap value.

Cruise Indicators and Messages
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
The DSCC module commands the display of the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message in the driver information center (DIC) when it detects a malfunction in the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System. The DSCC module sends a request to the body control module (BCM) via the serial data circuit to display the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message in the DIC. The DIC displays the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message when it receives a serial data message request from the BCM. The SERVICE RADAR CRUISE is displayed in the DIC only when a diagnostic condition is present, the cruise switch is in the On position and the vehicle speed is above 48 km/h (30 mph). When the message is displayed in the DIC the ACC System disengages. The DIC sounds an internal chime anytime it displays the SERVICE RADAR CRUISE message.

CRUISE NOT READY
The DSCC module commands the display of the CRUISE NOT READY message in the DIC when ACC cannot engage due to a temporary condition. The ACC vehicle conditions that prompt the display of the CRUISE NOT READY message are temporary and do not require service. If no target is identified by the radar at the time of vehicle ignition, the CRUISE NOT READY message will be displayed in the DIC until the radar is able to identify a target. CRUISE NOT READY message is also displayed in the DIC when the DSCC transceiver is too hot and the brakes are too hot. The DIC sounds an internal chime anytime it displays the CRUISE NOT READY message.

CLEAN RADAR
The CLEAN RADAR message displays in the DIC when the DSCC module detects a blockage of the radar. The radar may be blocked by snow, ice, dirt, heavy rain or road spray. In rare instances, a vertically misaligned radar may trigger the activation of the CLEAN RADAR message in the DIC. The DSCC module commands the display of the CLEAN RADAR message via a serial data circuit request to the BCM. The DIC displays the CLEAN RADAR message when it receives a serial data message request from the BCM. When the CLEAN RADAR message is displayed in the DIC, safely park the vehicle and turn OFF the ignition. Clean the front fascia cover to eliminate the blockage. It may be necessary to clean both the outside surface of the cover, the inside surface of the cover and the DSCC module surface. Refer to Distance Sensing Cruise Control Maintenance for more cleaning information. It is important to turn the ignition OFF before cleaning any of the named surfaces. This is because the CLEAN RADAR message may still display in the DIC after cleaning the three surfaces. Cycling the ignition to OFF for 10 seconds is necessary to clear the CLEAN RADAR indicator if the indicator remains ON in the DIC. If the CLEAN RADAR indicator still remains ON after cleaning the radar and cycling the ignition, then the radar alignment will need to be checked and verified. Perform the Distance Sensing Cruise Control Aiming , if the radar is misaligned. The DIC sounds an internal chime anytime it displays the CLEAN RADAR message.

Cruise Engaged Indicator
The ACC engaged indicator is displayed in the driver information center (DIC) when the ACC is engaged by pressing the set/decrease switch. When the set/decrease switch is pressed by the driver, the BCM forwards the switch state to the engine control module (ECM) over the serial data circuit. The ECM will use the switch input information from the BCM to determine the driver intended vehicle speed. The ECM communicates to the DSCC module over the serial data circuit the ACC engaged state and the driver selected speed. When the DSCC module receives the ECM message indicating that ACC is active, the DSCC module commands the display of the ACC engaged indicator via a serial data message to the BCM. The HUD displays the ACC engaged indicator when it receives a serial data message from the BCM requesting the display.

Set Speed
The ACC vehicle set speed is displayed at all times in the DIC when ACC is engaged. The DSCC module set speed display request is sent to the BCM via the serial data circuit. The DIC displays the set speed when it receives a serial data message from the BCM requesting the set speed displayed. The DIC controls when the set speed is displayed.

Follow Distance
The DIC displays the driver selected following distance when ACC is engaged and the gap up/down switch is active. The current follow distance setting is displayed in the DIC for a few seconds after the gap up/down switch is pressed to increase or decrease the following distance. The DSCC module follow distance display request is sent to the BCM via the serial data circuit. The DIC displays the follow distance when it receives a serial data message from the BCM requesting the follow distance displayed in the DIC. The DIC will not display the follow distance if an indicator with a higher priority needs to be displayed in the DIC.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator
The vehicle ahead indicator is displayed in the DIC when the radar identifies an in-path vehicle. The vehicle ahead indicator is a warning to the driver that a vehicle is ahead within a distance of 100 meters (109.3 yards). The indicator also serves as a feedback to the driver that the radar is functioning properly. The DSCC module commands the display of the vehicle ahead indicator via a serial data message to the BCM. The DIC displays the vehicle ahead indicator when it receives a serial data message request from the BCM. The vehicle ahead indicator only displays with the ACC active and may sometimes display for stationary road objects.

Driver Alert
The driver alert indicator warns the driver of a certain road or vehicle conditions that require his attention. When the driver alert indicator flashes in the DIC it is accompanied by an audible warning from the audio amplifier. The driver alert indicator flashes in the DIC and the audible warning sounds when one of the following occurs:

• DSCC module is requesting maximum automatic braking.

• DSCC module automatic braking request not sufficient to safely stop the vehicle in certain road conditions.

• Cruise disengagement not initiated by driver or any driver action.

• Vehicle speed is below 32 km/h (20 mph)

• Abnormal cruise disengagement

The DSCC module requests the driver alert indicator and the audible warning via a serial data message to the BCM. The BCM then sends a serial data message to the DIC and to the audio amplifier requesting the driver alert indicator and the audible warning to be activated.

Cruise Engaged
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System will engage and adjust vehicle speeds based on the activation of the following cruise switches:

• On/off

• Set/decrease

• Resume/increase

ACC will not engage if any inhibit criteria is active. Also, the driver must step on the brakes at each ignition cycle before attempting to engage ACC. The engine control module (ECM) looks to the body control module (BCM) for the brake initial travel achieved signal indicating that the driver has stepped on the brakes before attempting to engage ACC.

The vehicle speed must be at or above 48 km/h (30 mph) and below 188.3 km/h (117 mph) for the ACC System to be engaged. In the engaged state, the ACC System allows the driver to override the controlled vehicle speed temporarily while still remaining in the engaged state.

Cruise Inhibited
DSCC Module Inhibits
The distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module inhibits the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System when any of the following conditions exists:

• The RADAR NOT READY message is active in the driver information center (DIC).

• Initial brake pedal travel signal from brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is not present

• An ACC System malfunction and/or failure is present.

• The CLEAN RADAR indicator is active in the DIC.

• An invalid vehicle speed

• The Antilock Brake System (ABS) is active during automatic braking.

• The Cruise Switch failed message from the BCM is sent to the DSCC module.

• Automatic braking failure--a serial data message from the electronic brake control module (EBCM) the to DSCC module indicating an automatic braking failure

• The brakes overheated signal from ABS

• The ACC System audible warning is not present, due to an audio amplifier failure.

• The DSCC module transceiver temperature is hot.

• The ACC is not present--the ACC can be disabled through the BCM ACC disable feature.

• The driver applied brake pressure.

ECM Inhibits
The ECM inhibits the ACC System operation when any of the following conditions exists:

• The ACC inhibited signal from DSCC is present.

• The vehicle speed is at or less than 40 km/h (25 mph).

• The vehicle speed is greater than 193.1 km/h (120 mph).

• Automatic braking failure--a serial data message from EBCM to the ECM indicating an automatic braking failure

• The ACC present signal from the BCM is false.

• The driver applied brake pressure.

• A cruise control switch failure is present.

• The park brake switch signal from the BCM is active.

• A Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System failure is present.

• The Traction Control System (TCS) is active.

• The ABS is active.

• The engine speed protection is active.

• The vehicle speed protection is active.

• The engine speed is too high or too low.

• The automatic transmission is in first gear, Park, Neutral or Reverse.

• The initial brake pedal travel signal from the BPP sensor is not present.

• The system voltage is too low.

Cruise Disengaged
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) System disengages when any of the following occurs:

• The driver depresses the brake pedal.

• The driver turns the ACC On/Off switch OFF.

Pressing the brake pedal while the ACC is engaged will disengage the ACC System.

Other Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Features
Mechanical Alignment
When the radar is out of alignment, DTC C1002 is set by the distance sensing cruise control (DSCC) module. When DTC C1002 is set, it becomes necessary to mechanically align the radar using the special alignment tool. Refer to DTC C1002. For further information on how to aim and align the radar, refer to Distance Sensing Cruise Control Aiming. An out of alignment condition may be as a result of tampering or damage to the DSCC module mounting structures or the adjuster settings. An out of alignment condition may also be as a result of damage to the front end of the vehicle or merely as a result of wear and tear. Refer to Distance Sensing Cruise Control Module Replacement on how to properly mount and adjust the DSCC module. Performance of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) System may be degraded after a DSCC module replacement. Normal vehicle driving will correct the performance of the ACC System.

Bill

cclive

Wow, talk about needlessly complicating a vehicle....

mpuzach

I have adaptive cruise control in my Jeep Grand Cherokee and love it. In fact, it was a non-negotiable for me when I was shopping for my Jeep earlier this year. Most of my driving is highway so I use cruise control fairly often. For the car to automatically maintain a safe distance from the car in front of me even when the going rate of speed constantly varies is of a lot of value to me. The system works perfectly.

JIMSC62006

I would rather drive the car than have the car drive me. If I didn't want to drive I would fly. And I enjoy driving much more than flying.

CaryBob

But I don't see how you can control braking on a Vette. If it is engine-only, seems like you would see a lot of downshifting to reduce speeds. And absent the ability to control the brakes, I would think it would have to set the reactive distances fairly high. Best to wait for the next generation car and hope for more adaptable electronics.

c54u

What is the safe distance that it maintains for you?

Personally, all these computer things that are done for you today that are listed below, make one disassociated from safe driving ...... period.

Makes your mind wander to tasks unrelated to driving....say more texting and internet access or whatever while driving. When one of these systems malfunctions (and it will), you may not necessarily know that is not working until it is too late.

backup brake alert - why bother looking when backing up, the car will stop by itself if there is an object / person nearby

blind spot alert - no need to look in mirrors any more, why bother

active cruise control - no need to pay attention to traffic slowing down ahead of you, why bother

auto parallel park - no need to pay attention to parking any more, heck just get out of the car and push a button to park it!!! (hmmm maybe not that advanced yet....but wait!!!)

J Christensen

You typically can set it from say 5-7 car lengths, or so, to less, based upon you liking.

Very handy for monotonous drives...

then there are the times when driving is more entertaining.

I don't think the various items you detailed promote an attitude of why bother. But I can only speak for me. Always drive diligently.

mpuzach

I'll be the first to agree that electronic driving aids should never be used as substitutes for diligence. I use them as supplements to what I can see and hear, not substitutes. As far as texting, etc. - NEVER.

ButWhatDoIKnow

AORoads

It started w. automatic trans, power brakes, power steering, power windows, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc. This is just a continuation of the "enclosed mobility conveyance capsule," or as I sometimes call it, EMC2.

Rocketmanwpb

I like the idea for highway cruising. Too bad it was not offered on the C6. My guess is that such a system will eventually be tied into GPS and some type of traffic system to provide automated driving on major highways in the future.

cclive

Interesting Bill....I guess I just want to stay a decade or so behind the times when it comes to electronic accessories...LOL

Bill Dearborn

I use cruise all the time on the road and in town in traffic. To vary speed I just use the tap up and tap down to increase speed 1 mph or reduce speed 1 mph per tap. Works great, I focus more on the road Vs letting my thoughts drift off to whatever. Don't know about other cars but all GM cars have had this feature since some time in the late 80s or early 90s. The big benefit I could see for adaptive cruise control would be in encountering fog, snow, or other causes of low visibility during the day when you can't see other vehicles or their lights. If the radar is sensitive enough triggering the brakes for deer on the road at night would be a great benefit. The truckers just drive through them and grind them up in all the wheels but they are really hard on the front end of cars.

Bill

Bill Dearborn

Other than the sensing unit and a couple of other parts the complexity is in the software. A lot of times an existing module can be given new function by just changing which software modules are loaded. For example, maybe the ECM is common across all cars. As we already know the fuel/load/timing tables change for each engine. If done right they can probably use the same software with a lot of different engines and just change the tables to adapt the module to each engine. On top of that software modules could be added to the overall software package to add a new function. Same piece of Hardware just different software. Part comes with a different part number on it and lets the manufacturing and support system know the software is different.

Bill

CHUXDRM

Didn't the Cadilac XLR have this feature? I drove one for a dealer trade a few years ago, and it seemed to me it had the ACC. If so, it wasn't too far from the Vette chassis.