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Autoblog Minute: FCA issues Uconnect software update amid hacking fears

Carjacking has gone wireless, as automakers and Congress scramble for a solution after a disturbing video on Wired showed a pair of researchers controlling a Jeep Cherokee remotely. Autoblog's Adam Morath and David Gluckman report on this edition of Autoblog Minute. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Carjacking has gone wireless, as automakers and Congress scramble for a solution. I'm Adam Morath and this is your Autoblog Minute. Cars with wireless connections are susceptible to remote hacking, as demonstrated in a disturbing video on Wired.com. The segment showed two researchers remotely controlling a Jeep Cherokee, including running vehicle's the wipers, turning up the music, and ultimately shutting down [00:00:30] the Jeep while it was being driven on the highway by Wired senior writer Andy Greenberg. Washington took note. A press release issued from the desks of senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal introduces legislation protecting drivers from auto security privacy risks. Fiat Chrysler, parent company of Jeep, has a solution for its customers. For more we go to Autoblog's David Gluckman. [GLUCKMAN INTERVIEW] Chrysler has worked with the Uconnect cellular provider Sprint to plug security holes on the carrier side. The vehicles themselves can't be updated wirelessly, so [00:01:00] the remaining changes require physical access. For that, customers have three options: One, download the Uconnect software update to a USB stick and install. Two, wait for FCA to send a USB stick with the latest software that they can install, or third, visit a dealer. Owners should do what they're most comfortable with. I made a video that walks through the whole process from download to install and it took about a half hour. [MORATH] David's full video tutorial of how to install the Uconnect fix can be seen on Autoblog. [00:01:30] It remains to be seen how the rest of the auto industry will respond to these security risks. For Autoblog, I'm Adam Morath. Related Video: Autoblog Minute is a short-form news video series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals.

Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver is a more rugged Trailhawk

We briefly mentioned the Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver that was heading to SEMA last week when discussing the Mopar lineup set to be shown in Las Vegas. At the time, though, we weren't able to dive too deeply into details. But with SEMA in full swing, we were able to sneak over and grab some snaps of one of the first modified Cherokees we've seen. The Cherokee is, after all, kind of an unknown quantity in the modification department, being so new and featuring such a polarizing design. We were quite interested to see what Mopar could come up with.
Starting with the Trailhawk 4x4 and its 3.2-liter V6, the engine is fitted with a Mopar cold-air intake and a new exhaust, although it's not clear what sort of power boost has resulted. We'll admit, we were hoping Jeep and Mopar would get a bit more aggressive with the Cherokee's suspension (has anyone thrown a few-inch lift on the new Jeep yet?), but there's no mention of upgrades beyond the knobby, off-road tires. Those should do some good when the going gets rough, while rock rails are there to protect the Auburn Pearl paint on the body.
Speaking of that paint, it's complemented by an interesting graphics package in contrasting black and Crush Orange. The cabin sports Katzkin Amaretto leather seats, along with tech-friendly items like a wireless charging system for cellphones and wireless internet.

Gilles defends 2014 Jeep Cherokee design as "very contemporary"

Following the forced-hand introduction of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, there has definitely been a mix of responses revolving around everything from its design to the return of the legendary nameplate. As evidence of this, just check out the 1,000+ comments in our article last week and some of the many opinions that were voiced. Following this not-too-warm reception, Ward's Auto had a chance to talk to Chrysler designer chief - and SRT president - Ralph Gilles, who shed a little more light on the styling direction of the new Cherokee.
Rather than looking to previous models for inspiration, Gilles says that the Cherokee has been designed to be more contemporary, with Mark Allen, head of Jeep design, adding that a main goal was to make sure the design still looks modern five years from now. Interestingly, Gilles does point out that one of the design elements incorporated on the new Cherokee that pays homage to past Jeeps is the sharply downward angle for the leading edge of the beltline, which he notes is meant to mimic the look of the old YJ and TJ Wrangler models fitted with half doors. Of course, the squared-off wheel openings - a signature Jeep cue - are still used.
This is probably a design that will need to be seen on the street in actual daylight to properly assess, but in the meantime, we'll bring you full images and impressions when the Cherokee debuts at next month's New York Auto Show.