The new 2017 Cadillac CTS sedan features Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology developed by the automaker. The system allows the car to communicate with other similarly equipped vehicles and share information that could be used to avoid potential dangers.
How does the system work exactly? It uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) and GPS technologies and can process 1,000 messages per second between two vehicles separated by up to 300 metres. If for example the CTS approaches an intersection, the system scans the immediate area for other vehicles and determines their position, direction and current speed so that it can warn the driver of any hazards which might not be immediately visible.
Explained Richard Brekus, Cadillac global director of Product Strategy, "V2V essentially enables the car to sense around corners."
Given advanced warning, drivers have time to react as needed. Using the next-generation CUE infotainment system, they can also personalize the alerts that display on the dashboard and on the windshield via the available Head Up display.
The V2V technology included in the 2017 Cadillac CTS functions on the 5.9 GHz spectrum, and the working wireless network created by the proximity of several V2V-enabled vehicles is not affected in any way by weather conditions, cellular coverage or sight lines.
Still to be determined will be any questions regarding potential hacking and data theft from the system. The automaker has not yet addressed this question and the risks it could pose for consumers, but the coming weeks may reveal more.
