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Car Hacking 101: Here's what motorists should know [w/video]

Cars are nothing more than computers on wheels. As such, they're vulnerable to hackers. Most people who work within the auto industry have understood this for years, but for the broader American public not paying as close attention, three storylines emerged recently that underscored this new vehicular reality. First, German researchers found a flaw in BMWs remote-services system that allowed them to access the telematics units in vehicles. Then, a 60 Minutes report demonstrated that researchers could remotely infiltrate a Chevy Impala and override critical functions, like acceleration and braking. Finally, a US Senator released a critical report (see video above) that found almost all automakers are unprepared to handle real-time hacks of their vehicles. Those reports come on the heels of two previous instances in recent months when researchers demonstrated the capability to hack cars. All this news can be disconcerting. If you're late to the concept of car-hacking and wondering how this is possible, we've got you covered. Here's your quick primer on what you need to know. 1. How Did My Car Become A Computer? On the outside, cars haven't changed all that much over the past couple of decades years. On the inside, however, the amount of electronics and software has dramatically increased. Most new cars contain more than 50 microprocessors known as electronic control units. These ECUs control everything from airbag deployment and navigation systems to throttle control and braking, and they're usually connected to each other on an internal network called the CAN bus. 2. What Exactly Is Car Hacking? Depends who you ask. Automakers might consider anything that alters the car from its state of manufacture as a 'hack.' For example, if you're chipping the engine – re-calibrating those ECUs to increase your horsepower – some people might consider that a hack. But in the context of the recent news reports, security experts are focused on unwanted, unauthorized cyber intrusions into a vehicle. Once inside your car, prospective attacks could range from minor things like eavesdropping on conversations via an infotainment system and unlocking car doors to major concerns, like overriding driver inputs and controlling braking, steering and acceleration. 3. How Is This All Possible? Any part of the car that communicates with the outside world, either via a remote or direct connection, is a potential entry point for hackers.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer getting third row

In what enthusiasts will likely see as a continued attempt to dilute the BMW brand, the German manufacturer is testing a three-row variant of its already controversial 2 Series Active Tourer. Our trusty spy photographers captured images of the new, front-drive MPV testing on the roads of Europe.
The easiest way to ID this more passenger friendly 2er is its slightly longer length, which will allow it to accommodate seven people in total. As our spies point out, this should make the 2AT an attractive proposition for European taxi companies. Yep, BMW built a car that will be praised by taxi drivers. On top of the extra seats, the rear overhang appears larger as well, which should mean extra cargo space.
This, of course, is not the first time we've captured images of a new 2AT variant undergoing testing. Back in May, we spotted a hybrid-powered variant out for a drive.

BMW planning six-cylinder i9 hybrid to celebrate centenary?

On the prospect of a new BMW M1 based on the company's new i8 hybrid, the jury has been in and out so much that we can't even tell which way it's likely to go. However, the latest reports coming in from Germany suggest that BMW may have something else up its sleeves. Rather than make a conventional gas-powered version of the i8, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport says BMW will make a more powerful one.
Tentatively dubbed i9, the hybrid sports car is rumored to pack a six-cylinder internal-combustion engine instead of the i8's turbo three. Coupled to more potent electric motors, it would figure to produce even more than the 357 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque already on tap in the i8, with further weight reductions to offset the bulkier engine.
Auto Motor und Sport says the mooted model will be produced to celebrate the Bavarian automaker's 100th anniversary and eclipse the i8's performance, with a projected 0-60 run in under four seconds en-route to taking the gloves off to crunch the Autobahn in electric bliss. The new i flagship would be another member of the company's growing electrified family, joining the existing i3 hatchback, upcoming i5 minivan and possible i8 Spyder down the line.