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2015 Morgan Aero 8 shows a host of upgrades to the Swiss crowds [w/video]

With over 1,250 units made, the Morgan Aero model line has been in production for 15 years – just a blink of an eye for the Morgan Motor Company. The automaker has been in business for over a century and has had a tendency to keep its vehicles in production for decades with frequent upgrades keeping them modern. At the Geneva Motor Show, the company is shaking up the range with a thorough revision for the 2015 Aero 8. Hidden beneath the vintage styling is an improved aluminum chassis with better torsional rigidity and an improved suspension setup. Power comes exclusively from a 4.8-liter V8 from BMW making 367 horsepower, and the Bavarian brand also supplies a new limited-slip differential to get power down at the rear. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox. At first glance, the latest Aero 8 bares all the hallmarks of Morgan's classic style with a long hood, prominent shoulders and short rear. The new version is exclusively available as a convertible, although, as these photos show, an optional hardtop is available. The aluminum body is also slightly altered with better aerodynamics up front, and the most obvious change comes at the rear where there's now a clamshell design. The interior also received a new, though still retro-looking dashboard design, and Morgan is touting its improved air conditioning system that reportedly works better in hot weather. Buyers wanting to eschew some of the supple leather inside can opt for a set of carbon seats, instead. With the introduction of the latest Aero 8, Morgan is ending production of both the Aero SuperSports and Coupe in April. Production of the new model then commences in the fourth quarter. Check it out on the Swiss show floor in the gallery above, and see the convertible in motion on some snowy British roads below. Introducing the new Morgan Aero 8 Over 1250 Aero platform cars delivered since 1st generation launch in 2000. New Aero 8 signifies return to soft top motoring within the current Aero range. Significant changes to the aluminium chassis, suspension and vehicle aerodynamics. Powered by a 4.8 litre V8 BMW engine producing 367bhp. Available with 6 speed manual or automatic transmission (with paddle shift). New Hand sculpted aluminium body and revised interior styling. Largest options list of any Morgan sports car to date. The Aero SuperSports and Coupe cease production in April 2015. Production begins during quarter 4 of this year.

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.

Xcar rates AWD vs. FWD vs. RWD

With snow and ice blanketing large swathes of the United States over the past few weeks, commuting hasn't been easy. Among some drivers, there's an ongoing debate about how much all-wheel drive really helps when it gets slippery and whether rear-drive is as bad in slick conditions as many people think. Xcar Films puts some of those beliefs to the test in its latest video by showing off three very different cars taking on a trio of low-grip challenges. Xcar's picks for the test include the fairly plebeian, all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza, the somewhat plush, rear-drive BMW 120d and the sporty, front-drive Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy. Things start out easy with a hydraulic plate forcing the back end out on a wet skid pad. From there, the tests get really interesting with a slalom on simulated ice, and the cars finish with a high-speed cornering challenge through a soaked turn. While an obvious winner emerges in the end, keep in mind this is hardly a scientific test of grip. For better accuracy, all three vehicles should be wearing identical tires, and the same driver should be behind the wheel of each one. Still, Xcar's examination is a fun chance to see how vehicles react when things get slick. News Source: Xcar Films via YouTube BMW Subaru Renault Driving Safety Videos xcar renault megane xcar films renault megane rs