[alk3997]

Just thought I'd start another summary thread. This one will be for the Adaptive Cruise Control.

In summary, the XLR includes a radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system. The radar emitter and receiver is located in the front of the car on opposite sides of the lower air scoop. The system is said to be useful to 300 *yards*. Previously the system was only rated to 300 feet.

Using the standard GM stalk, the cruise control is enabled and speed is set. On the steering wheel, the minimum distance between the XLR and the car in front is set. The Adaptive Cruise Control information is displayed on the Heads Up Display. The information shows an outline of the XLR and the car in front to indicate selected distance.

The Adaptive Cruise Control is standard on the 2004 XLR.

 

[alk3997]

Attached is a photo of the Cadillac crest in the XLR's front grill. The reason I'm putting this photo into this thread is that the crest retracts when the Adaptive Cruise Control is active.

Do any of the owners know the reason? I'm speculating that the radar emitter is behind the crest.

 

[Quixotic]

Really? I didn't know that. Weird, because in the manual, it says to keep the lens clean. How could you clean something that is hidden without instructions to get to it?

You've got my curiosity up.

:leaving

 

[wzlr]

Adaptive Cruise Control

The Adaptive Cruise Control unit is not located behind the Cadillac Cressent. It is located below the bumper, on the driver side. If you look through the plastic cover, you will see the unit. When you see the message " Clean Radar", you will need to clean the snow or slush of the plastic cover.
Regarding the performance of the Adaptive Cruise Control, I am really interested at any feedbacks about this new "hi-tech" feature. I tested this feature last year and found it to be very useful.

 

[ctsvman]

Have used it several times on the highway--it works as advertised and is simple to set & adjust--really like it!

 

[alk3997]

Yes, the adaptive cruise is located behind the two black covers below the grill. I'm assuming one is the emitter and the other is the receiver.

The only thing I can think of for the retractable crest (which is not retractable on later XLRs) is that it was for the NightVision system, which was dropped prior to XLR production (or so I've read). I believe the problem was lack of space in the right places to put all the NightVision electronics into the XLR.

 

[Mr XLR]

Night Vision

Andy:
Your are exactly correct, The crest is where the Night Vision Lens was to be mounted. The feature was pulled out of the vehicle when it was realized that only a few owners of Night vision cared for the feature.

Being an XLR dealer, I can testify to that. In 2000 when the feature first came out we sold about 100 of them. Most of those original owners have traded their car in for a new one but opted not to get the Night Vision feature. Claiming they really never used it & the fuzzy B/W image was hard to read.

Please remember the feature is not useful on lighted streets, it works it's best on dark open roads. It is a great suppliment to the driver that does a lot of traveling through heavily forested areas.

To date less than 10% or so of current Night Vision owners have repurchased the feature. With the quality levels of the XLR so high a fuzzy B/W 1960's grainy image would just not due.

Allen

 

[ctsvman]

I was one of Mr. XLR's customers that originally purchased the nightvision feature and did not re-order it--waste of $$ when u drive in a city--the adaptive cruise is much more useful.

 

[Quixotic]

This is only a rumour, but I hear that the new V-series will come with the Night Vision...

 

[DFXLR]

Hi Folks,

I have found the adaptive cruise control works great.

I have #25 NM XLR and its grille crest does not retract, however I am aware that this would be the location for nightVision.

DFXLR

 

[wzlr]

Has anyone tried the ACC feature around the city streets?
The cruise control works down to 20 MPH.
I am curious of your opinions.

 

[ctsvman]

Works well at all speeds! Love it.... Only problem I noticed is when the car in front of u makes an abrupt stop--u get a flashing red light, a tone and hard braking but u must brake manually also . So do not get to used to it and forget to keep your foot near the brake pedal or u will end up with a hurt XLR.

 

[DFXLR]

wzlr,

I agree with what ctsvman says. It is a great system but you need to be ready to apply, not hit, the brakes in close quarters. However, if your not paying attention you may have to stand on the brakes.

Having said the above, it is a great system and I love it.

DFXLR

 

[alk3997]

I've gotten so used to the ACC that not having it on a rental is strange. Anyway, I find the best way to use it is as an addition to your own braking. If both you and the XLR are prepared to brake then you've got the best of both worlds.

Of course, there are times where I have been curious about how the ACC performs. I've learned the following so far:

- The system will function down to 5 mph, even though the warning symbol starts below 20 mph.

- The audible alarm is actually transmitted directly through the Onstar telephone. Kind of interesting to explain the collision warning to someone you are talking with.

- Cars that are stopped are pretty much invisible to the system (this is in the owner's manual, as well)

- Still can't figure out the algorithm that allows the car to figure out on a curve which car goes with which lane. Very impressive!

 

[wzlr]

alk3997,
You are exactly right. The system is designed as cruise control, not a collision avoidance system. It can handle certain conditions but not all.
The system has an internal yaw rate for detecting road curves.
I am glad that you like this feature.

 

[alk3997]

wzlr, thanks! That makes sense. The nav system uses intertial reference (gyros and speed sensors) so I guess it shouldn't surprised me to know the ACC does, as well. That must have been an impressive amount of integration to make all the inputs function together so well.