2006 Bmw 550i Sedan 4-door 4.8l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

BMW Hack: the auto industry's big cyber-security warning sign [w/video]

A cyber-security hole that left more than two million BMWs vulnerable may be the most serious breach the auto industry has faced in its emerging fight against car hackers. Security experts are not only concerned that researchers found weaknesses inside the company's Connected Drive remote-services system. They're worried about how the hackers gained entry. German researchers spoofed a cell-phone station and sent fake messages to a SIM card within a BMW's telematics system. Once inside, they locked and unlocked car doors. Other researchers have demonstrated it's possible to hack into a car and control its critical functions, but what separates this latest exploit from others is that it was conducted remotely. In an industry that's just coming to grips with the security threats posed by connectivity in cars, the possibility of a remote breach has been an ominous prospect. The fact it has now occurred may mean a landmark threshold has been crossed. "It's as close as I've seen to a genuine, remote attack on telematics," said Mike Parris, head of the secure car division at SBD, a UK-based automotive technology consulting company. "At this point, the OEMs are trying to play a game of catch up." Previous researchers in the automotive cyber-security field have launched remote attacks that are similar in nature, though not the same. In 2010, academics at California-San Diego and the University of Washington demonstrated they could remotely control essential functions of a car, but they needed to be within close proximity of the vehicle. In November 2014, researchers at Argus Cyber Security remotely hacked cars with an aftermarket device called a Zubie plugged into their diagnostic ports. But the remote attack was predicated on the Zubie dongle having physically been installed in the car. With the BMW hack, researchers compromised the car without needing physical access or proximity. The German Automobile Association, whose researchers conducted the BMW study, said it infiltrated the system "within minutes" and left undetected, a feat that raises the possibility that a hacker could do the same in a real-world scenario. Messages Were Sent Unencrypted Security analysts described the BMW infiltration as a "man in the middle" attack. Researchers mimicked a cellular base station and captured traffic between the car and the BMW Connected Drive service, which drivers can access and control via an app on their cell phones.

BMW 7 Series could get M variant alongside Alpina B7

BMW is launching the new 7 Series with a limited engine lineup, but according to Car and Driver, there are more powerful versions on the way – including a potential M Performance model. The new 7 Series is initially being offered with a 320-horsepower turbo six and a 445-hp twin-turbo V8. European customers will also be able to spec a 261-hp diesel or a 320-hp hybrid. There's an M Sport package available as well with enhanced visual cues, but that won't be the extent of the performance choices when all is said and done. Expect a new 760i that will pack BMW's twin-turbo V12, and a new Alpina B7 to feature a more powerful twin-turbo V8 with around 600 horsepower. In parallel to the Alpina, however, C/D reports that an M Performance model could finally be in the works, which would ostensibly offer BMW the opportunity to go after the likes of the Audi S8, Jaguar XJR, and Mercedes S63 AMG, without changing tacks too drastically over the resolute position it's taken in the past against creating a full-on M7. C/D reports that there are more powerful diesels joining the lineup in the future, but those aren't likely to make their way to US showrooms anytime soon.

BMW debuts 435i ZHP edition coupe [UPDATE]

Performance enthusiasts enamored of the BMW 4 Series but not quite ready to step up to the M4 will be excited at the arrival of the new ZHP edition. Reviving a code last seen on a package for the E46 series a decade ago, the 2016 BMW 435i ZHP Edition boasts a series of performance upgrades aimed not only at "improved optics and aerodynamics; it is also notably quicker with more precise handling." The special 4 Series packs a series of BMW M Performance accessories to give it a more aggressive attitude, including a new Track Handling Package, M Sport Package, limited slip differential and a range of M Performance parts. The Track Handling Package alone includes 18-inch alloys, M Sport Brakes with four-piston calipers up front and two pistons in the back and incorporates the Active M Suspension with variable dampers and steering. With revised software and a new air intake, the M Performance Engine Kit kicks in an extra 35 horsepower for a total of 335 hp and either 32 more pound-feet (with the automatic transmission) for a total of 332 lb-ft or a 17-lb-ft boost (with the manual) for a total of 317 lb-ft. That's enough to drop 0.2 seconds off the 435i's 0-60 time and 0.5 seconds off the run from 50 miles per hour to 75. BMW also promises better accelerator response and engine note. There's a sport exhaust that sheds 8.8 pounds of weight, a full carbon-fiber aero kit and visual enhancements inside, out and under the hood. The German automaker will only be offering 100 examples of the enhanced coupe starting in July, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date. UPDATE: Of course, if you miss out on one of these special editions, you can always spec out your own from the M catalog with parts installed at BMW's Vehicle Distribution Center. And, as BMW points out in correspondence with Autoblog, you could even order one up with all-wheel drive and in convertible or four-door Gran Coupe body-styles if that's more your pace. Related Video: BMW UNVEILS THE SPECIAL EDITION BMW 435i ZHP COUPE Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 19, 2015... Paying tribute to the iconic ZHP Performance Package, BMW today released details for a 2016 BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition.