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Are future vehicular hacks inevitable?

Before the hack of the Uconnect system in a Jeep Cherokee resulted in a 1.4-million vehicle recall, the potential software vulnerabilities in vehicles were already a hot topic with Congressional inquiries and even proposed legislation in the US. As cars' interconnected systems gain the ability to go online, they become open to a host of new threats. Automakers are trying to stop this, but it might be too late to put the genie back into the bottle. Throughout 2015, the issue of software security in vehicles has become increasingly vital. For example, the recent Jeep case wasn't even the biggest hack this year. In February, a major flaw was discovered in the BMW Connected Drive service that allowed researchers to remotely lock and unlock the doors and potentially affected 2.2 million cars. The fix was an over-the-air patch for the problem. Automakers are actively working to fix the issues. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi reportedly are using encrypted connections and firewalls in their vehicles to prevent hacking. "Absolute, 100-percent safety isn't possible," Daimler spokesperson Benjamin Oberkersch said to Automotive News Europe. "But we develop our systems, tested by internal and external experts, so they're up to date." These vulnerabilities seem to be popping up more often. A successful hack took $14 in parts from Radio Shack in one case. There was also a 60 Minutes report earlier in the year about DARPA's ability to hack into OnStar to take control of a Chevrolet Impala. Experts aren't so sure companies can contend with hackers' advancement. "The difficulty for the carmakers at the moment is the question whether they can keep pace with advances in technology, and especially hacking technology," Rainer Scholz, executive director for telematics consultant EY, said to Automotive News Europe. "We seriously doubt they can." At this point, vehicle hacks are coming more from researchers looking for holes than from those with malicious intent. Still, the vulnerabilities are definitely there. It's up to automakers to keep patching the problems before they become dangerous to drivers. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req.Image Credit: Bill O'Leary / The Washington Post via Getty Images Audi BMW Jeep Mercedes-Benz Safety Technology Emerging Technologies hacking cyber security

Lots of new cars were unveiled in Munich this week. Here's what you might've missed

The 2021 Munich Auto Show is happening this week and due to ongoing corporate travel restrictions, we remained firmly planted on this continent. So, although we can't tell you exactly what it's like inside the futuristic new Mercedes EQE electric sedan or fully appreciate the funky Volkswagen ID.Life concept, there's no shortage of details and analysis to provide.  Obviously, as Germany's premier auto show in 2021, the cars unveiled were primarily from the German brands. We also focused mostly on the cars that might actually make their way to the United States, or at least inspire those that will.   2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE is an electric alternative to the E-Class While the EQS paved the way for Mercedes' electrified future, much like the S-Class before it, the EQE stands to be the car that will move in far greater numbers -- much like the E-Class before it. Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 View 12 Photos   Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept shows SUV future of the flagship brand Opulence will still have a place in an electrified future, as Maybach gets into the EQ game with a grand electric SUV. Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept View 4 Photos   Volkswagen ID.Life concept previews the city car's high-riding EV future Well, isn't this adorable? Though perhaps a tad derivative of the Honda E, Volkswagen's blocky little crossover EV nevertheless represents a handsome new direction for VW design. We like this better than the rounded looks of the current ID.3 and ID.4.  2021 Volkswagen ID.Life concept View 20 Photos   BMW i Vision Circular is a 100% recycled and recyclable hatch Behold, the next BMW 3 Series! Just kidding. Besides this, BMW displayed cars in person for the first time that it had previously only unveiled on the interwebs, including the new 2 Series and revised iX3. It also unveiled some bikes. BMW i Vision Circular Concept View 63 Photos   Audi's GrandSphere concept was designed as a road-going private jet Does Audi know what a sphere is? Cause this isn't anything like one. Still, it's quite a handsome thing, and as one of three Sphere-branded concepts, previews the next direction of Audi design (which is pleasantly reminiscent of two-decade-old Mazda design). No complaints here. 2021 Audi GrandSphere concept View 26 Photos   Porsche Mission R is a 1,000-horsepower electric monster Just like the Mission E previewed the Taycan, this apparently previews another future car.

BMW showcases M2, M4 with M Performance Parts at SEMA

The halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center may be filled this week primarily with customized automobiles from one side of the Pacific or another. But that's not to say that European automakers can't come out to play too. Take these two custom rides from BMW, for example. They're each based on Munich's latest performance coupes, but taken further with the addition of extra M Performance parts. The larger, more potent, and more thoroughly revised of the two is based on the M4. For the SEMA show, the Bavarian automaker has fitted it with a carbon aero kit including new front elements, diffuser, and spoiler, as well as wing mirror caps. The side sills are done in plastic, and the grilles have been blacked out. The whole thing rides on a lowered coilover suspension, and features a new two-mode stainless-steel exhaust system with titanium silencer and carbon tips. Meanwhile, the interior is trimmed out in carbon fiber and Alcantara with new a steering wheel, shifter, pedals, and LED door projectors. The SEMA show also presents BMW with the opportunity to present its first M Performance parts for the new M2 coupe. The smaller model has been decked out with new grilles, carbon rear spoiler and mirror caps, as well as new suspension components and exhaust. The interior has similarly been done up with new control surfaces, carbon accents and Alcantara trim. Related Video: BMW at SEMA 2015. 03.11.2015 The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) is regarded worldwide as the leading trade show for customisation and sports tuning. The new products presented at SEMA to trade experts influence the entire scene and set trends. At this year's SEMA show from November 3rd to 6th 2015, BMW presents a selection of distinctively sports-oriented BMW M Performance Parts to the trade fair audience. Located on the lower level of South Hall (Stand 40247), trade fair visitors will see a BMW M Performance modified BMW M4 Coupe as well as the first BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupe. What is more, the new "M Performance" inscription in dynamic technical design is to be seen on selected parts. The inscription reflects the increased dynamic flair of BMW M Performance as well as underscoring the essential functional orientation of all BMW M Performance Parts. Evidence of this is also to be seen in the new, extremely sporty parts and components with which BMW has fitted the demonstration vehicle.