Voyeur Edition? The Cadillac CT6 is Ready to Record Your Private Moments

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

You just know this feature is going to be used by a frisky couple or a penniless college film student with a traditional, “buy domestic!” uncle.

Cadillac made a big deal about the video rear-view mirror in its 2016 CT6, but now it says drivers can film — and store— video shot by four external cameras. With the range-topping sedan now rolling into dealers, the automaker really wants people to know just what the industry-first system can do.

Don’t lose that memory card if you’re an adventurous driver.

In total, seven cameras are available on the CT6, but only the external ones have recording capability. Those cameras — behind the grille, in each side-view mirror, and in the trunk lid — can film in two different modes, sending the video to a standard SD card located in the trunk.

Yes, if you wanted to, you could film a movie and edit it on your laptop.

A driver can set the cameras to record a 360-degree view when the security system is activated, which would be great for a clandestine stakeout, though Cadillac says it only turns on when the vehicle is tampered with. Privacy concerns strike again.

When the vehicle is underway, a driver can record footage from the front and rear cameras — a feature the automaker says is useful for recording a “memorable drive,” though anyone with blood pumping through their veins probably isn’t thinking about colorful foliage right now. Still, we’re talking about a full-size Cadillac here, albeit one far removed from the broughams of yesteryear.

There’s a security function to that mode as well, given that most collisions are front or rear impact. Dashcams aren’t as popular here as they are in Russia, so it would be nice to be able to hand a police officer (or insurance broker) video proof of your innocence.

[Image: General Motors]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Maserchist Maserchist on Jun 14, 2016

    Driving was so much more fun in the later years of precomputer carbureators and early transistor ignitions; points & condensors always were PITA. Of course, there were 100 million less cars on the "open road" too...smh

    • See 4 previous
    • Default Default on Jun 15, 2016

      @cartunez So... you were the "idiot"... or do you really intend to purport you possess the ability to read minds? You seem to imply your reported event was the fault of a motorist who reduced velocity, not the rear-ending motorist who failed to maintain an assured clear distance and/or adequate situational awareness. "The first thing we must recognize is that crashes are not accidents." -Ricardo Martinez, M.D., NHTSA Administrator, 1997

  • Mcs Mcs on Jun 14, 2016

    I have four external cams on my car, but they're prone to picking up all kinds of dirt and crap on the lenses. In the rain, forget about the front and rear cameras. I think the rear one has a layer of pollen over it right now. The advantage of a GoPro behind-the-glass is that the windshield can be cleaned with washer fluid and wipers.

  • Dwford I don't think price is the real issue. Plenty of people buy $40-50k gas vehicles every year. It's the functionality. People are worried about range and the ability to easily and quickly recharge. Also, if you want to buy an EV these days, you are mostly limited to midsize 5 passenger crossovers. How about some body style variety??
  • SCE to AUX The nose went from terrible to weird.
  • Chris P Bacon I'm not a fan of either, but if I had to choose, it would be the RAV. It's built for the long run with a NA engine and an 8 speed transmission. The Honda with a turbo and CVT might still last as long, but maintenance is going to cost more to get to 200000 miles for sure. The Honda is built for the first owner to lease and give back in 36 months. The Toyota is built to own and pass down.
  • Dwford Ford's management change their plans like they change their underwear. Where were all the prototypes of the larger EVs that were supposed to come out next year? Or for the next gen EV truck? Nowhere to be seen. Now those vaporware models are on the back burner to pursue cheaper models. Yeah, ok.
  • Wjtinfwb My comment about "missing the mark" was directed at, of the mentioned cars, none created huge demand or excitement once they were introduced. All three had some cool aspects; Thunderbird was pretty good exterior, let down by the Lincoln LS dash and the fairly weak 3.9L V8 at launch. The Prowler was super cool and unique, only the little nerf bumpers spoiled the exterior and of course the V6 was a huge letdown. SSR had the beans, but in my opinion was spoiled by the tonneau cover over the bed. Remove the cover, finish the bed with some teak or walnut and I think it could have been more appealing. All three were targeting a very small market (expensive 2-seaters without a prestige badge) which probably contributed. The PT Cruiser succeeded in this space by being both more practical and cheap. Of the three, I'd still like to have a Thunderbird in my garage in a classic color like the silver/green metallic offered in the later years.
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