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During the 17 years this writer worked on braking and stability control systems, we occasionally joked about being able to remotely update the software in people’s vehicles and bring them to a halt. At that time, the technology didn’t really exist to actually do that. Today that’s no longer true. Researchers the Universities of California and Washington will present a paper at a security conference in Oakland, California next week outlining how they were able to hack into vehicle computer systems.

When electronic control units were first added to cars in the 1970s, the firmware was all in masked read-only-memory that couldn’t be modified once it fabricated. In the late 1990s, as systems became more complex, engineers began using flash memory so that firmware could be updated with bug-fixes and other changes. With most current vehicles you have to be plugged into the OBD-II diagnostic port in order to communicate with the ECUs, which are now connected over a vehicle-wide controller area network.

Now that we’re starting to move into the age of connected vehicles, the risks are rapidly increasing. OnStar already has the ability to remotely slow a stolen vehicle. Ford is currently demonstrating Fiestas that can download applications and communicate with the vehicle systems to broadcast vehicle information. Without putting adequate security into vehicle ECUs, it’s possible that someone could download a malicious application with the potential to disable or otherwise damage the vehicle.

[Source: PC World]

Hackers tap into ECU to kill engine, brakes and more

Big Brother is always watching. Or listening. Or maybe just nabbing some info off of your unsecured Wi-Fi network. Google has officially grounded its fleet of Street View cars after discovering that the rolling tech stations were inadvertently sampling data from open Wi-Fi networks. How did this happen? According to a post on the search giant’s blog, a piece of errant code found its way into the same program that Google uses to help pinpoint businesses in your area. As a result, tiny snippets of information were stored in the halls of Googledom as the Street View cars rolled through towns and cities all over the globe. The company says that it was never looked at and that it wants to delete the information as soon as it gets the OK from authorities.

If it’s any consolation, Google says that the bits of data should be very small and very fragmented. Why? For one thing, the Street View cars are moving, and the company says that the program was designed to change channels five times per second. Even so, Google will submit the software to a third party for review. The flaw was discovered following an audit from the German Data Protection Agency.

Let this be a lesson to you, kids: lock down your Wi-Fi.

[Source: Engadget via Google]

Google Street View cars collected personal data over Wi-Fi, entire fleet grounded

Sometimes we can’t help but lament the relative lack of touring car racing in North America. Sure, there are a handful of series, but they don’t enjoy nearly the popularity that they do overseas, including in England (BTCC), Europe (WTCC) and Australia (V8 Supercars). Even the Belgian Touring Car Series is looking increasingly appetizing with some of the latest entries to join the field.

Following the release of the recent release of the Volvo S60 touring car, we’ve just received word of a purpose-built tin-top Jaguar XF, also destined for the Belgian series. The XF Silhouette racer is based on the same frame that underpinned the previous X-Type touring car, but reportedly benefits from some major upgrades, including (obviously) updated bodywork and a new 3.5-liter V6 engine. Driving duties will reportedly be undertaken by Albert Thirty, who debuted in the series earlier this year behind the wheel of the Kia Pro_Cee’d Silhouette racer. Thanks for tip, Bastien!

[Source: Turbo Magazine]

Jaguar XF touring car headed for Belgian series

This is the 2011 Audi TT. It looks the same, it steers the same and it sticks the same. But there’s one major difference: torque. Audi has managed to coax an additional 51 pound-feet of twist from its ever-evolving 2.0-liter TFSI four cylinder. The result? The standard TT isn’t just the Bauhaus design icon that propelled Audi into the luxury limelight at the end of the last decade – it’s finally a proper sports car. And it’s about damned time. Follow the jump to see what we’re torquing about.

Exterior photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: The torque-tastic 2011 Audi TT

First Drive: The torque-tastic 2011 Audi TT

First Drive: 2010 Lotus Evora delivers performance, civility and little concession

In a move that would have impressed Harry Houdini, Lotus has made one thousand pounds of vehicle mass seemingly disappear – yet we…

Volkswagen Golf GTI Adidas and Excessive unveiled at Wörthersee 2010 [UPDATE]

As usual, Volkswagen has used this year’s annual GTI meetup in Wörthersee, Austria to unveil new special variants of…

Ford turns Fiesta into ultimate mobile hot-spot and cloud-linked cruiser

While engineering students at the University of Michigan were figuring out how to turn the Ford Fiesta into a rolling iPad, engineers…

Also of interest:

• Report: Chrysler Sebring name to live on, at least until all-new model arrives
• Report: Ford, GM make quality gains in new supplier study
• Hey Ya’ll, Wash This! NASCAR to license car wash chain, already moving into RV parks
• Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks
• Project Runningblade will attempt 100+ MPH lawnmower land speed record [w/video]
• Rumormill: BMW may bring diesel 5 Series to America

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Autoline Daily for 5.13.10

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.13.10

There are exotics, and then there are exotics. Some are relatively commonplace, like Porsches, Lamborghinis or Ferraris. But some are decidedly, well… exotic. Like Spykers, Gumperts and Moslers, to name just a few. Those most exotic of exotics are the contents of the latest downloadable content package for Forza 3, the hit racing game for the Xbox 360.

Called, suitably enough, the Exotic Car Pack, it contains the SSC Ultimate Aero, Weismann GT MF5, Devon GTX, Spada Codatronca TS, Spyker C8 Laviolette LM85, Mosler MT900S, Rossion Q1, Radical SR8 LM and Gumpert Apollo S, plus an Australian exotic called the Joss JT1. The package costs 400 Microsoft points (equivalent to $5) on Xbox Live, but you can check them out now in the high-res screen-shot gallery below and the video after the jump.

[Source: Microsoft]

Continue reading Video: Exotic Car Pack brings the truly exotic to Forza 3

Video: Exotic Car Pack brings the truly exotic to Forza 3

First Drive: The Gumpert Apollo is a near-mythological, utterly fantastical beast

Now this is a fascinating little creature. A compound of contradictions that goes by the unlikely name of Gumpert Apollo. The first…

Video: B-roll footage of Porsche 911 GT2 RS is just fine with us

We’ll admit it – the 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS gives us the willies. There’s something about the…

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee officially priced from $32,995* [UPDATE]

To say that Chrysler has a lot riding on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be an understatement of epic proportions. Though the…

Also of interest:

• Officially Official: Acura releases Canada-only TL A-Spec
• Report: Hyundai puts kibosh on Ram-based pickup, considers commercial market
• Google may be GM’s mystery technology partner
• Kia releases special edition Ghost Soul… Spooky!
• Ferrari idling engine plants and laying off workers?
• Report: NHTSA launches fresh investigation into Toyota recall delays
• A Prius costs $846/year to fuel… and other fun facts about car costs

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Autoline Daily for 5.12.10

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.12.10

To say that Chrysler has a lot riding on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be an understatement of epic proportions. Though the bulk of the new SUVs development was carried out under the not-so-watchful eye of Cerberus, as far as the public at large is concerned, this will be the first heavily updated nameplate to come out Chrysler’s studios since its much publicized bankruptcy and partnership with Italy’s Fiat.

Now that we’ve established how important the new Grand Cherokee is, let’s take a look at the automaker’s just-announced pricing information, which differs a bit from the leaked info we reported on earlier. The base 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×4 will start at $32,995 (all prices include $780 destination). For that sum, buyers will get the equally new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 290 horsepower plus 23 miles per gallon and 500 miles per tank of gasoline. A 360-horsepower Hemi V8 is optional on all models.

Moving up a notch to the $39,995 Limited model will garner the buyer a Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system along with Jeep’s new Selec-Terrain system, which allows the driver to adjust the car’s settings for differing types of terrain. Upgraded 18-inch wheels are also included, as are heated leather seats front and rear plus a dual-pane sun roof, automatic climate control, a rear backup camera and navigation.

Jeep’s top-level package for the Grand Cherokee is the Overland, and this model is blessed with Quadra-Lift air suspension; Nappa leather-trimmed seats that are both heated and vented; a wood and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel; power tilt and telescope steering column; wood interior accents; leather-stitched instrument panel, door and center console armrest; power liftgate and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Want the rest of the details? Click past the break for the complete press release and check out our high-res image gallery below.

UPDATE: Inside Line is reporting that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will also be offered in two-wheel drive, which lowers the base price of Chrysler’s redesigned SUV to $30,995 with a $780 destination charge. For whatever reason, Jeep makes no mention of any two-wheel-drive models in its official press release.

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee officially priced from $32,995* [UPDATE]

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee officially priced from $32,995* [UPDATE]

The all-new A8 and updated Q7 won’t be the only vehicles in Audi’s line-up to benefit from the automaker’s new eight-speed gearbox. According to dealer order guides released for the 2011 model year, the octo-cog-swapper is set to proliferate throughout the Audi line-up in the next year, with the automaker aiming for around 70% of it U.S. sales volume to come equipped with the new gearbox.

For the 2011 model year, the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro sedan and Avant will come packing the eight-speed tranny, along with the A5 2.0 TFSI quattro coupe and cabriolet (the manual six-speed will only be available on the coupe). In addition, the revised Q7, with its new high- and low-output 3.0-liter supercharged V6s (cribbed from the S4 and A6), will replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 for the 2011 model year. Both engines, along with the new 3.0-liter TDI, will come equipped with the eight-speed auto.

Finally, Audi quietly revealed the 2.0 TFSI inline-four-equipped Q5 at the New York Auto Show, and part of the new package will also include the eight-speed ‘box.

Sales of the eight-speed automatic-equipped models will begin this fall, each delivering improved fuel economy, quicker downshifts and, thanks to its compact packaging, no additional weight gain over the standard six-speed tiptronic.

Eight-speed automatic transmission available on A4, A5 and Q5 this fall

Before we get to this week’s show, we wanted to explain what’s up with The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes. The short story is that TV Squad, one of our sister sites in the AOL Network, recently received an update that went awry. The result was all of our RSS feeds being replaced with the TV Squad RSS feed. The issue was quickly fixed, but for some reason iTunes isn’t recognizing this fact and continues to display the TV Squad podcast as if it were the The Autoblog Podcast. We’re in contact with people from iTunes who assure us the problem is being worked on, so hang tight.

In the mean time, if you subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast via iTunes, you will not automatically receive this week’s episode. The easiest workaround until we get this fixed is to use the link below to download the MP3 file directly and drag it into iTunes. We’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience, even though it’s not our fault. Send your hate mail to TV Squad.

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, and Steven Ewing take on topsy-turvy topics like hybrid Ferraris, the Land Rover LRX, Hyundai’s focus-grouping a pickup truck, Toyota’s possible hydrogen future, and the OnStar relaunch. There’s the Autoblog Garage to start, and we finish with questions for this week’s 80-minute installment. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #177: What? Hybrid Ferraris, FWD Land Rovers, and Hyundai Pickups

In the Autoblog Garage:

Audi A3 TDI
Acura ZDX
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
Toyota Tacoma

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Dan Roth, Steven J. Ewing

Runtime: 1:18:56

Autoblog Podcast #177 – What’s up with The AB Podcast in iTunes?

European market Volkswagen Tiguans will be getting some minor powertrain updates starting next month. Apparently the changes extend past the styling updates we saw last month in Beijing. Both of the new powertrain options get the Bluemotion technology treatment to cut fuel consumption.

A 110 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter TDI inline-four diesel is now available at a lower price than the previous diesel. For those that prefer a gas engine, a 121 hp 1.4-liter TSI (turbo direct injection) is also offered. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. The updated Tiguans also get keyless access and push-button starting, which (sadly) are likely to be the only changes that will make it to the U.S.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen makes more minor updates to 2011 Tiguan

Volkswagen makes more minor updates to 2011 Tiguan

The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first mass-produced battery-assisted SUV on the market when it launched in 2004, and from day one it’s delivered on Ford’s promise of class-leading economy. It also offered similar performance and handling to its gas-powered counterparts with virtually no compromise. Sales have steadily risen each year and The Blue Oval even began eeking out some profit after trimming production costs by 30 percent. It’s now seven years later and the Ford Escape Hybrid is a well established product that seems to have risen above the hoopla of being a hybrid. It’s just a good CUV with great fuel economy. Even the president thinks so, having traded in his V8-powered Chrysler 300C for an Escape Hybrid during the run-up to the 2008 presidential election.

Ford gave the entire Escape line a visual makeover back in 2008. A year later it revamped each model’s drivetrain, giving the gas-powered models new or updated engines and transmissions while also upgrading the Escape Hybrid’s powertrain with a larger, more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and new nickel metal hydride battery pack that was 20-percent smaller and significantly lighter.

But for some reason, all of those changes haven’t translated into increased sales. In fact, sales have dropped each year since the redesign. A certain global financial meltdown is probably to blame, but newer entries in the small CUV segment have also given potential Escape buyers something to think about. We spent a week with a fully loaded 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited 4WD model to find out if Ford’s top-of-the-line hybrid CUV is still a serious contender.

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid makes being green easy

Review: 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid makes being green easy

Some might say it is a matter of family honor, others that he is just a man trying to emerge from the giant shadow of his father. If you were to ask Robbie Knievel why he plans to attempt the great Snake River Canyon jump that almost killed his father, legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, he may say that it is just his way to pay his respects to his late, great poppa. And hey, maybe the hopes of a repeat performance in the generating of millions of dollars in publicity monies has some draw to a 40-something, out-of-the-spotlight stuntman… who are we to say?

Whatever motivation tipped the scales of pursuing the concept to reality, word on the streets is that Knievel Jr is going for the big one! A spokesman for the “kaptain” said that the lesser Knievel will be headed to Idaho for a meeting with the who’s who of Twin Falls, in hopes of garnering official support for the jump. This should be the easy part of the process, as local government and business alike have been looking for ways to translate the Knievel-connection into visitors – and of course the subsequent cha-ching that often comes with them – for years now.

Robbie plans to complete the first successful jump of the Snake River Canyon over the Fourth of July weekend in 2011, 37 short years after the parachute in his father’s Skycycle deployed early, sending him plummeting into the canyon while millions of television viewers looked on. Let’s hope that in this case the apple Skycycle falls far from the old tree. Twin Falls spokeswoman Julie Pence pleaded the fifth when asked about the planned jump, saying, “Officials are waiting to hear Knievel’s proposal before commenting.” Stay tuned for updates as we get them. Hmm… wonder if Robbie will wear the trademark Stars and Stripes onesie?

[Source: Billings Gazette]

Just Like Daddy: Robbie Knievel said to be planning Snake River Canyon jump

The engineers in Stuttgart are hard at work prepping the next-generation SLK roadster, which should launch next year as a 2012 model. The smallest offering from Mercedes-Benz doesn’t look all that far from being show-worthy either, which leads us to believe that the SLK could possibly make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show later this year.

Details on the new SLK are slim, but rumor has it that an all-new twin-turbocharged V6 is in the works for the AMG-badged roadster, producing somewhere in the area of 476 horsepower. That’s pretty insane, especially considering that the current (and already potent) SLK55 AMG makes due with just 355 horses.

Obviously, the refreshed exterior design takes a lot of cues from the Big Daddy SLS AMG supercar, but new interior spy shots show that the updated cockpit will also be more akin to the Gullwing, as well. Note that the center stack features the Command head-unit integrated into the flat dash, with the radio and HVAC controls placed on a separate console below. We like what we see, especially since the current SLK interior is rather drab – not nearly as nice as what you’ll find in the new BMW Z4.

Scroll through the gallery below to see new spy shots of the next-generation SLK from all angles.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK caught training for Z4 fight

Quick Spin: 2010 Saleen S281 is the real deal with the wrong engine… for now

Does the new Saleen have the resources and personnel to create an all-new product worthy of the brand? Saleen gave us the opportunity to drive one of its first production S281 Mustangs based on the the car’s new-for-2010 body style, and we think we have the answer.

Porsche offering Sport Classic, PDK steering wheel retrofits for 911

For those Porsche fans who were unable to acquire a 911 Sport Classic, of which only 250 were built, Stuttgart is now offering some of the bits that make up the Sport Classic car on an à la carte basis.

Lexus announces LFA Nürburgring Package, only 50 available

As if the LFA wasn’t going to be rare enough with a production run limited to 500 units, Lexus has announced a special edition Nürburgring Packag. Lexus will only offer 50 copies of the LFA Nürburgring Package to commemorate the car’s participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Also of interest:

• Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats!
• Rumormill: Toyota developing smaller, cheaper baby FT-86
• Video: Mazda dealer responds to allegations it bilked customer on meds
• Fox News refuses ad denouncing nation’s dependence on foreign oil [w/video]
• Video: Juechter disses car mags, claims next Corvette won’t be “watered down” *UPDATED
• Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Flex to get new sportier trim level

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.10.10

From Monday’s ‘More Good News’ edition, this nugget from Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne: “It is clear that if we continue to perform at this rate we’re going to be in excess of the guidance that was provided in 2009.” What does that mean? It means that Chrysler is making more money and using that money more efficiently than expected. If such performance keeps up, the Pentastar will put up better than expected numbers this year, and could be ripe for an IPO ahead of anyone’s schedule.

Chrysler showed an operating profit in the first quarter of this year, but even so, it doesn’t want to change its estimates for the entire year, at least not yet. The only brand-new vehicle it will be rolling out is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and that leaves a lot of not-exactly-new product trying to keep the momentum going all the way to the end of the year.

Still, for a company that was left for dead last summer, to be here in May of 2010 talking about it at operational break-even this year and net break-even next year is not a bad year of work. With negative cash flow of $1 billion expected this year, true profit is still a couple of years away, but we can at least see the way with the Fiat 500 arriving in December, a Chrysler small car in Q4 of 2011, updates on its current offerings and an IPO. Come on, Jeep Grand Cherokee…

[Source: Reuters]

Chrysler outperforming internal forecasts, readying IPO

The next-generation Mini Cooper isn’t slated to arrive until 2012, but judging by this latest set of spy shots, it looks like parent company BMW is working on a very, very minor facelift for the 2011 model year Cooper and Clubman hatches. The slight tweaks include things like a new front bumper with revised air intakes (similar to those on the Countryman crossover), a revised rear bumper and restyled taillights with LEDs.

Our spies also indicate that some of these prototypes were sporting some interior cladding, meaning that a slightly revised dash and instrument cluster could be on tap for 2011. The Mini’s interior is growing a bit long in the tooth, especially the oversized speedometer – a kitschy feature that is rapidly losing its cuteness.

It isn’t much, but these slight upgrades should be plenty in order to keep the Minis fresh until an all-new model launches. Look for the updated Minis to appear at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and click through the gallery below to see the spy shots for yourself.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Minor facelift for 2011 Mini Cooper and Clubman spotted

Chrysler has announced the recall of 186,099 model year 2007-09 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine. The voluntary recall has been issued due to an engine defect that could cause the check engine light to come on. In some cases the engine can produce heavy soot that could damage the turbocharger, exhaust gas recirculation valve and diesel particulate filter, which are some very expensive components to repair in a modern, high-tech oil burner like the Cummins.

To fix the problem, Chrysler wants you to bring your affected truck to a Chrysler dealer for an Electronic Control Module software update, which should take about a half hour to complete.The heavy soot could also lead to higher emissions, and our friends over at Pickuptrucks.com tell us that owners of affected Ram HD models living in California will need to show proof of the repair in order to get their annual registration. If you own a Dodge Ram HD and have questions about the recall, call 800-853-1403.

[Source: Pickuptrucks]

Ram HD with Cummins diesel recalled for soot issue

If you read our recent report on the prospect for a Formula One race against a Manhattan backdrop and thought, That’ll be the day, well…that day may be coming sooner than you think. Destination Jersey City has submitted plans to build a racing circuit to host the United States Grand Prix in Liberty Park.

Now we know, Jersey’s not New York, but before you go dismissing the Garden State and it’s (stereotype alert) Firebird-driving, wifebeater-wearing, Miller-swilling, Bon Jovi-blasting residents, consider that Liberty Park is the gateway to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, two of the New York harbor’s most iconic landmarks, and offers spectacular views of the Big Apple across the river. And notwithstanding that Shell commercial (awesome as it was), closing down Manhattan city streets so a few F1 cars can run laps through Times Square would be practically unfeasible.

So what does Jersey City have in mind? A 3.6-mile circuit that could be ready as soon as 2012. Developers are seeking a five-year contract to bring Bernie Ecclestone’s dream to fruition. A group of citizens is already raising its voice in opposition to the proposal, fearing that the state park will be forever transformed into a racing venue. But even they’ll likely go along if the state puts on a free Springsteen concert or two at the site. Hey, the Boss is the Boss.

*Update: Apparently, the proposal was nixed by the major of New Jersey less than 24 hours after it was unveiled. So… there goes that idea.

[Source: Autosport]

Jersey City submits proposal to host F1 grand prix in Liberty State Park *Update

Somehow, we’re guessing that the “any publicity is good publicity” cliche isn’t ringing particularly true with Toyota these days. That said, we do have to give some props to the automaker for being open about the current state of its recent recall woes. According to Toyota, roughly 3.2 million of its many recall notices have been fulfilled.

Yes, that number sounds like a lot. Bear in mind, though, that Toyota isn’t even halfway finished with its recalls. In fact, there are about 4.6 million more of the notices out there that have yet to be fulfilled. And the actual breakdown of which recalls have been completed is also rather interesting.

Says Toyota, “Approximately 70 percent of the sticking pedal modifications have been completed on the 2.3 million vehicles that have been recalled… and more than 75 percent of the ABS program updates have been performed on the 147,500 Prius and Lexus models that were recalled.”

Not bad, but there’s still some worrying data. “Approximately 27 percent of the floor mat entrapment modifications have been completed on the 5.4 million vehicles that were recalled for this issue,” continues Toyota.

We have to wonder if people aren’t taking the floor mat entrapment issue seriously, or if perhaps the general populace is content just to chuck their mats into the trash bin in lieu of a seemingly odd tie wrap resolution. In any case, check out all the details in the press release after the break.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota Recalls: 3.2M down, 4.6M to go!

Toyota Recalls: 3.2M down, 4.6M to go!