Driving through fog feels like navigating blind until that deer appears in your thermal vision. The Vantrue Pilot 2, unveiled at CES 2026, combines the world’s first consumer thermal imaging camera with 4-channel dash cam recording and wireless CarPlay—transforming any vehicle into a heat-seeking safety command center.
Thermal Smart Technology Spots Danger 200 Feet Away
Advanced thermal sensors detect pedestrians, wildlife, and vehicles in complete darkness or heavy weather.
The Pilot 2’s standout feature isn’t another megapixel bump—it’s genuine thermal night vision. While your 1440p front camera captures crisp optical footage using Sony’s STARVIS 2 sensor, a separate matchbox-sized thermal module scans for heat signatures up to 200 feet ahead. This system highlights moving pedestrians, lurking wildlife, and stationary vehicles even when fog, rain, or darkness renders them invisible to standard cameras.
The interior (1080p) and rear (1440p) cameras complete the 4-channel surveillance network, ensuring comprehensive coverage during incidents. Each camera uses Sony’s professional-grade sensors specifically designed for surveillance applications, delivering superior low-light performance that complements the thermal imaging module.
Modern Infotainment Meets Professional Recording
A 6.25-inch touchscreen brings wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to vehicles lacking smart displays.
Your thermal and optical feeds stream to an ultra-bright 6.25-inch touchscreen that doubles as a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto hub. This setup effectively retrofits older vehicles with modern infotainment while maintaining professional-grade recording capabilities. Drivers can rearrange the display layout to prioritize the thermal feed during challenging weather conditions.
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity enables rapid footage transfers, while support for 1TB microSD cards accommodates extended multi-channel recording sessions. The system includes 24/7 smart parking surveillance when hardwired, plus fatigue reminders and HUD-style display modes targeting commercial and rideshare drivers.
Professional-Grade System Targets Serious Drivers
Vantrue positions the P2 for fleet operators, long-haul drivers, and safety-focused vehicle owners.
This isn’t your typical dash cam upgrade—Vantrue explicitly targets commercial operators, fleet operators, and drivers navigating challenging conditions regularly. The IP67-rated thermal module mounts externally on your bonnet or grille, remaining discreet while scanning constantly for heat signatures. Unlike bulky DIY thermal setups, this compact system integrates seamlessly with existing vehicle aesthetics while providing Predator-style heat vision during your daily commute.
The thermal imaging engine provides proactive hazard alerts with audible warnings when necessary, tracking movement of potential dangers and highlighting them on the display. This creates a safety net that extends far beyond what traditional headlights and low-light cameras can detect.
The Pilot 2 reportedly launches later in 2026 with an expected $600 MSRP, though early Kickstarter pricing may hit $450. That positions it above typical $400 four-channel systems, but potentially replaces both premium dash cam and aftermarket head unit purchases while adding thermal capabilities no competitor currently offers.
