Cadillac debuts streaming-video rearview mirror for 2016 CT6

By Stephen Edelstein December 19, 2014

Rearview cameras have begun to supplant rearview mirrors in many cars, but General Motors will soon combine the two.

When the 2016 Cadillac CT6 debuts next year, it will have a rearview mirror with streaming high-resolution video, giving the driver a clear view out the back without any obstruction from roof pillars or passengers’ heads.

Cadillac says it improves rear visibility by 300 percent, and makes backing up in the large four-door CT6 like driving a convertible with the top down.

The apparatus includes a TFT display and HD camera, which Cadillac says yields crisp images and reduces glare compared to a conventional auto-dimming mirror.

The camera is covered in a hydrophobic coating to keep it clean and maintain visibility in all conditions. Drivers can also switch the streaming video feature off with a switch on the mirror.

The rest of the 2016 CT6 should be pretty good too.

Set to debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show in April, it will become Cadillac’s new flagship and vault the brand into one of the most prestigious realms of the luxury-car world.

It will compete against the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Cars in this class are defined by long lists of tech options, so the CT6 will need more than a fancy mirror to stay in the game.

So far, Cadillac has hinted that its new flagship will be smaller than the competition, which means it could be more driver-oriented. There are also plans for a 70-mpg plug-in hybrid model.

Whatever its other merits turn out to be, we at least know the CT6 will be pretty nice to drive in reverse.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6: Which electric sedan is best?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

But the Tesla Model 3 is still clearly an excellent option for those looking for an electric car, and who don't want a larger crossover. Which is better? Here's a look.
Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quite different. If you've seen a Tesla car before, then you'll immediately recognize the Model 3 -- it looks largely like a slightly different version of every other Tesla (except the Cybertruck).

Cars

Scout Motors Electric SUV: rumored price, release date, design, and more

Scout SUV Teaser

There's another electric SUV on the way, and this one comes with a familiar name. Volkswagen is reviving the classic Scout name for a new electric SUV that's billed as being an "RUV," or a rugged utility vehicle. And, it could well prove itself as the best electric SUV in its price range, when it does finally come out.

The new EV isn't due out for quite some time, but there's already a fair bit that we know about it. Curious to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Scout SUV.
Design
There's very little we actually know about the Scout SUV so far, but we do know a little about the eventual design. A few teasers for the upcoming vehicle have been released, showing sketches of both the SUV and the accompanying pickup truck, along with what's presumably the front of the SUV -- though in a dark environment, with little detail.

Cars

Volkswagen ID.GTI concept is another icon reimagined as an EV

Front three quarter view of the Volkswagen ID.GTI concept.

Volkswagen reinvented one of its most iconic models with the ID.Buzz, a modern, all-electric homage to the classic Microbus. But that's not the only fan favorite vehicle currently in the automaker's catalog.

Debuting at the 2023 Munich Auto Show, the Volkswagen ID.GTI concept aims to do for the Golf GTI hot hatchback — VW's signature performance car — what the ID.Buzz did for the Microbus. VW claims a production version has already been given the green light, although it won't say when it will appear.