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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.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class named 2015 World Car of the Year

It's been a good morning for Mercedes-Benz, with three of the company's wares taking home awards today at the New York Auto Show. The 2015 World Car of the Year awards have just been announced, and the charming new C-Class sedan has taken top honors, beating both the new Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mustang. But Car of the Year isn't the only award Mercedes received this morning. Here are the other World Car announcements, where M-B was honored two more times. World Performance Car of the Year: Mercedes-AMG GT World Luxury Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe World Green Car of the Year: BMW i8 World Car Design of the Year: Citroen C4 Cactus Congratulations, all around, to this fantastic group of cars.

2018 Range Rover Sport Coupe spied in Scotland

Sport utility vehicles are the rage. SUVs with coupe styling are pretty popular, too, as BMW and Mercedes have demonstrated. Now it's Land Rover's turn. Believed to be the upcoming Range Rover Sport Coupe, this ute was spied this week during top secret testing at a remote location in Scotland. The vehicle would slot between the Range Rover Sport and Evoque, giving Land Rover an answer to the Mercedes GLE and BMW X6. These shots show what appears to be a chopped roofline, giving the new model a sportier profile than the traditional upright silhouette of Rovers. We expect it will use a version of the aluminum Jaguar F-Pace platform and offer V6 and V8 engines. It could also offer a hybrid or full electric version. The new crossover might also be lower set in a bid to differentiate it from traditional Rovers and give it a performance vibe. The Range Rover Sport Coupe – or whatever it is ultimately called – would enter a strong segment that's found favor in the United States. Once derided for potentially offering less function than traditional utes, these lifestyle vehicles have developed a strong following for their style and capability. The X6 was so successful, BMW added the smaller X4, and this forced Mercedes to follow suit with the GLE and GLC coupe variants. In this context, it's about time for Land Rover to join the fray. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Coupe View 12 Photos Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos BMW Land Rover Mercedes-Benz