Chevrolet: Camaro Z/28 Lt on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Chevy Corvette is latest car breached by hackers

UPDATE: This story has been updated with comment from General Motors. In the latest car-hacking exploit in a summer full of them, researchers from the University of California-San Diego say they've found a way to manipulate braking in a 2013 Chevrolet Corvette. The vulnerabilities may not be limited to that model. Cyber-security researchers breached the car's security systems via a device they had plugged into the Corvette's OBD-II port, and through that connection, they sent messages that could turn windshield wipers on and off and tamper with the brakes as the car drove at low speeds. It's the latest in a series of car hacks that involve access to critical systems obtained via the OBD-II port, where drivers can plug in devices that provide anything from diagnostic information for mechanics to driving information for insurance companies. Last November, cyber-security engineers from Argus Cyber Security remotely controlled vehicle functions in a car that had a OBD-II dongle called a Zubie installed. In January, researchers from Digital Bond Labs found security holes in an information-tracking dongle popular with more than 2 million Progressive Insurance customers. Those came before prominent hacks unveiled in recent weeks, in which researchers remotely commandeered control of a Jeep Cherokee and, separately, showcased problems with GM's OnStar infotainment system. Regarding the dongles that plug into the OBD-II ports, Stefan Savage, a Cal-San Diego professor involved in the research, tells WIRED that, "we acquired some of these things, reverse-engineered them, and along the way, found that they had a whole bunch of security deficiencies." Savage and others unveiled the latest study at the Usenix security conference Tuesday. In a video of their exploit entitled "Fast and Vulnerable," they show how they sent SMS messages from a smartphone to the dongle plugged into the car's OBD-II port. From there, their messages accessed the CAN bus, a network on the car that connects individual electronic control units, which control dozens of vehicle functions. As they send the commands to brake the car, the driver of the Corvette notes "the pedal doesn't react to any pressure." General Motors issued a written response Wednesday, warning drivers to be careful with third-party devices they plug into their OBD-II ports.

Chevy Silverado Special Ops will go into limited production

Remember the Special Ops edition Silverado? Chevy showcased it as a show truck at SEMA last month. And now it's going into limited production, and proceeds will support the National Navy SEAL Museum. The special pickup was based on a Silverado 1500 in Z71 spec and done up with a special three-tone paint job inspired by the camouflage used on 20th-century warships. Known as Razzle Dazzle, the camo was designed to disguise a ship's form and movements from enemy vessels. Chevy also fitted the show truck with a sport bar, off-road LEDs, lower- and under-body reinforcement, and flared wheel arches packing special 20-inch wheels. Following its debut at SEMA, former GM chairman Dan Akerson (a US Naval Academy alum) and retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Rick Kaiser presented the concept truck at the 116th Army-Navy football game this past weekend. Chevy hasn't said just how many it will build and at what price, but production is slated to be "limited," going on sale in the spring. Related Video: Chevrolet Salutes Special Forces During Army-Navy Game 2015-12-10 - Special Operations Silverado will support National Navy SEAL Museum - Partners with the USX Mt. Everest Team to raise Post Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness - GM Military Discount expands to include all veterans PHILADELPHIA – For the sixth consecutive year, Chevrolet is the official vehicle sponsor of Saturday's Army-Navy Game. During the game, Chevrolet will honor military service men and women, particularly its special forces. Former General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, will join retired U.S. Navy SEAL Master Chief Rick Kaiser, executive director of the National Navy SEAL Museum, to salute the special forces during the presentation of a Chevy Silverado Special Ops Concept vehicle at the game. The limited production version is expected to go on sale next spring. Chevrolet will donate a portion of the proceeds from each Special Operations Silverado sold to benefit the Navy SEAL Museum. "The partnership will also help us aid the families of fallen, injured and active duty Navy SEALs through the efforts of our Trident House and scholarship programs," said Kaiser. Founded in 1985, the museum honors the service and legacy of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Located in Ft. Pierce, Fla., the museum and memorial are recognized as the birthplace of the Navy SEALs.

Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues

'Tis the season... for road salt. And with that, comes rust. And what does rust bring? Well, for Ford and General Motors, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA is looking into potential recalls issues with Chevrolet Express vans and Ford Freestar minivans.
The feds have received five complaints that rust has caused leaking fuel filler pipes on 2003 Express vans. Separately, seven complaints have been filed over excessive rust in the rear wheel wells of 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. The Freestar and Monterey went out of production in 2007. Neither issue has resulted in any crashes or injuries, according to the report.