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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.

Next-gen BMW X3 caught in the cold

The BMW X3 might be getting a bit long in the tooth, but fans of the sporty CUV can rest easy knowing that Munich hasn't forgotten about it. The third-generation crossover was caught squeezing in some end-of-season winter testing by our trusty spy photographers. According to our spies, the 2017 X3, code-named G01, will be underpinned by a new modular platform that promises more space in the cabin and better visibility out. Beyond that, the next X3 will get a range of B-series engines; expect four- and six-cylinder options, as well as a plug-in-hybrid option (eventually). Our spies also report that BMW will finally offer some more performance-oriented options, starting with an X3 M40i and eventually expanding into a X3 M. Beyond the oily bits, it looks like the X3's looks are set to evolve, growing slightly compared to its predecessor. BMW's trippy camouflage, though, prevents a closer analysis of the next-gen CUV's styling. Check out our full gallery of spy shots to see what's coming for the X3.

2014 BMW Z4 offers minor refinements with a majorly orange wrapper

The redesigned BMW Z4 was rolled out onto the show floor at the Detroit Auto Show, with the example in question being an sDrive35is variant, with the just-less-than-screaming Hyper Orange Package. The exclusive colorway includes the metallic orange paintjob, as well as trim-specific seats, stitching and accents for the interior. More importantly, the 35is driveline means that you'll find a high-output version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter N54 engine, here outputting 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Two slightly less ferociously powered versions of the Z4 will be available for the new model year, too (both familiar). The Z4 sDrive35i is good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, while the still-potent sDrive28i features a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft.
You'll fine some more details about the 2014 BMW Z4 in our original news story about the model here, or by scrolling down to read the full BMW press release.