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Autotrader picks best cars for 2015's college grads

Summer is here and the school season is winding to a close. That means millions of students will be graduating college and (hopefully) entering the workforce. For many, that will mean buying a new car suited to the new stage in life into which they will now be embarking. That can be a bewildering choice, especially for someone who's never bought a car before. Fortunately, Autotrader has come up with a short list of recommended cars – new and used – which it recommends to the graduating class of 2015. Among the site's top choices are some compelling crossovers and hatchbacks, including the Buick Encore, Chevy Trax, and Jeep Renegade, as well as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa Note, Mazda3 and Fiat 500. Can't stretch to buying new, or don't see the point? Autotrader has also identified the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and even the Lexus IS as smart buys in the certified pre-owned category. "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," says Autotrader editor Brian Moody. "For example, while that hand-me-down SUV from your parents was nice when you turned 16, you may want to opt for a safer, more fuel-efficient car as you transition into the working world." Autotrader Names 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates ATLANTA, May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many, graduating college is a milestone like no other – it represents a new chapter, a proud accomplishment and, fortunately or unfortunately, financial independence. Luckily for graduates who are in the market for a new car to suit their post-college lifestyle, Autotrader's expert editors say now is a great time to make a purchase, as dealerships are flush with affordable models that are fun, fuel-efficient and thoughtfully designed. Autotrader Logo "Any time someone goes through a major life change, such as graduating college, they need to determine if their current ride makes sense for their lifestyle, from both a financial and functional perspective," said Brian Moody, site editor for Autotrader.

FCA will pay you to hack its systems

FCA is willing to pay you to hack its cars, as long as you tell the company how you did it. In an effort to enhance cybersecurity and prevent future incidents like the Jeep Cherokee hack last year, FCA announced it's working with Bugcrowd to find vulnerabilities in its vehicle software. Bugcrowd labels itself as a crowdsourced application security testing company. Users, or independent security researchers as Bugcrowd calls them, can find exploits or vulnerabilities in FCA systems. They then submit the information to Bugcrowd, who in turn supplies the info to FCA. The goal is to update systems and close any possible security breaches. FCA is offering bounties from $150 to $1,500 to any Mr. Robot types, with payment based on the size and severity of the flaw. FCA wants hackers to focus specifically on the UConnect website and the company's iOS and Android apps. No bounties will be given for anything outside the scope of those three things. Bugcrowd says it will not take any legal action against anyone who submits an exploit. While we think it's good that the company is taking steps to address these problems, it's not a groundbreaking maneuver. Other companies employ similar systems. Earlier this year, both Tesla and Uber announced that they're willing to offer up to $10,000 to hackers who find vulnerabilities in their system. For years, Microsoft has been paying hackers to find exploits. It also seems that FCA took its time to announce this plan, considering the Jeep hack happened nearly a year ago. If the partnership works, we can expect other automakers to make similar deals. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: FCA, Bugcrowd Jeep Safety Technology Infotainment Smartphone FCA

Next Jeep Wrangler spotted with 8-speed and EcoDiesel

Although it may not look like it, there are big changes coming to the next-generation Wrangler. The 2018 model will use aluminum for weight savings, spawn a pickup version, and offer new engines. This latest set of spy images brings confirmation of two new powertrain items. The spy photos below show a Wrangler mule with the current interior and an eight-speed automatic shifter fitted in place of the old five-speed unit. (There's a comparison photo in the gallery.) The shifter design matches that of the refreshed Dodge Charger and Challenger; the final Jeep version is likely to differ, but this clearly indicates what kind of transmission is underneath. Chrysler builds eight-speed automatics from a ZF design and also uses some transmissions built by ZF. View 4 Photos While it's not visible in the photos, the unmistakable sound of a diesel was heard coming from this Jeep. The EcoDiesel V6 is expected to be available alongside a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is rumored to have the code name "Hurricane." The turbo four may completely replace the current gas V6 or be offered in addition. There's a good chance the eight-speed will also be paired with the Hurricane engine, since improved fuel economy is a goal for the new model across the board. We don't yet know whether a manual transmission will be offered again, but it's a pretty good bet for one of the gas engines since many diehard off-roaders prefer the ultimate control. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Detailed Spy Photos View 18 Photos Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler unlimited