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BMW's Connected Drive feature vulnerable to hackers

BMW is working to fix a cyber-security flaw that has left 2.2 million vehicles worldwide vulnerable to hackers. Cars equipped with the automaker's Connected Drive remote-services system are affected, according to the German Automobile Association (ADAC), which first discovered the problem. Researchers found they could lock and unlock car doors by mimicking mobile communications and sending phony signals to a SIM card installed in affected vehicles. An attack could be launched "within minutes" of accessing the system without the perpetrators leaving a trace, according to their report, in part because once they had gained access to the network, the communications were not secure. In response to the security gap, BMW says it has been upgrading software via over-the-air updates over the past week, so no visits to dealerships are needed to remedy the security hole. In fact, owners of affected cars may not have even noticed the updates taking place. The problem affects BMW, Rolls-Royce and MINI vehicles equipped with Connected Drive since 2010. Flaws were first reported to BMW last year by ADAC, which is the country's equivalent of AAA. ADAC says it withheld a public announcement until the car company could address the problem. While BMW has pushed the software patch to most affected vehicles, the organization said it's possible some at cars in the United States had not yet been updated. BMW did not respond to a request for comment Monday. In a written statement, the automaker said it knows of no real-world breaches. 2015 Off To Dubious Start The hack could raise the eyebrows of industry leaders: Cars are now the equivalent of mobile computers and cyber-security experts have been warning that the auto industry has been slow to close its security holes. BMW's breach marks the second time in 2015 that researchers have found a popular automotive feature with little or no security precautions. Last month, experts said a popular device made by Progressive Insurance that allows motorists to track their driving habits contained no security whatsoever. Like the Connected Drive smart-phone app, many automotive components and infotainment features were conceived and produced at a time when industry executives never considered the possibility someone might want to hack into them. But increased connectivity brings increased risk. Going forward, BMW says its Connected Drive features will now operate by using encrypted communications via the HTTPS protocol.

BMW builds awesome M4 GTS safety car and racing wheelchair

BMW has developed two very different, but equally impressive wheeled vehicles recently. The first is the new M4 GTS Safety Car, specially prepared to serve Germany's popular and highly competitive DTM touring car series. It packs 500 horsepower and trick water-injection tech, just like the other 700 road-going examples of the GTS. Unlike the street version, it features key upgrades like special LED lighting, radio communication equipment, and special livery, as well as the no-cost optional Clubsport pack that includes six-point racing harnesses, roll cage, and fire extinguisher. The other new BMW doesn't have an engine, but is highly impressive nonetheless. It's a racing wheelchair created by BMW DesignWorks. Stemming from the automaker's partnership with the United States Olympic Committee, it features carbon-fiber construction and has been streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency. Members of the US Paralympics Track and Field team will help further develop the wheelchair before using it at the upcoming games in Rio de Janeiro. We wouldn't be surprised if longtime BMW driver Alex Zanardi helped in its development as well, even if he'll be competing for Italy at the Paralympic Games this year. Related Video: New high-performance special model BMW M4 GTS to be employed as a safety car at the DTM in 2016. Special models from the BMW M's mid-range series with even better performance and radically designed for high-level driving dynamics have enjoyed a lasting tradition at BMW M Division for decades now. The latest example is the BMW M4 GTS. BMW M has opted for a particularly spectacular way of drawing the public's attention: The BMW M4 GTS is to become the official DTM safety car during the 2016 season. Munich , 28th April 2016. Special models from the BMW M's mid-range series with even better performance and radically designed for high-level driving dynamics have enjoyed a lasting tradition at BMW M Division for decades now. The latest example is the BMW M4 GTS, which is limited to 700 units (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 199 g/km)*. In order to provide formidable proof of this elite sports car's outstanding performance qualities, BMW M has opted for a particularly spectacular way of drawing the public's attention: The BMW M4 GTS is to become the official DTM safety car during the 2016 season. The demands on such a lead car at the most popular international touring car series are high.

2012 Pebble Beach Concept Car Lawn offers a tutorial in cars to come

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a showcase for some of the world's most exquisite vintage vehicles, but if newer metal is more your speed, the Concept Car Lawn is the place to be.
This year saw models from Bugatti, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren and Bentley as well as SRT, Hennessey, Infiniti and Lexus among others. The ultimate sampler platter of exotic and concept vehicles saw the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse mingle with the Lamborghini Urus Concept and the mighty Hennessey Venom GT, though we found ourselves particularly smitten with the BMW Zagato Roadster and the Aston Martin Vanquish.
Not that we could go wrong anywhere we looked. The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed seemed perfectly content parked on the manicured putting green, as did the McLaren MP4-12C Spider. Get cozy with the full gallery below to see the smattering of metal on the lawn.