Thursday, 25 February 2016

Nissan Leaf Smartphone App Disabled After Hacking Concerns

Nissan Leaf Smartphone App Disabled After Hacking Concerns

Nissan Leaf Smartphone App Disabled After Hacking Concerns

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The Nissan Leaf has been hacked through a smartphone app that many Leaf owners use.

The NissanConnect EV app, which is used by owners to control some of their cars' functions as well as get real-time status updates, has been temporarily disabled by the Japanese automaker after a vulnerability was found. Computer security researcher Troy Hunt has discovered that the app can be used to remotely hack and access a Leaf's temperature controls and review its driving record by just having the car's VIN.

Hunt had apparently reported the flaw to Nissan on January 23 and had contacted the Japanese automaker multiple times. He only posted a blog explaining the issue after people began discussing it on security forums online.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Nissan Leaf Priced from $29,860

Nissan's Steve Yaeger released a statement to USA Today saying that the issues relating to the Nissan Leaf hack has "no effect whatsoever on the vehicle's operation or safety." The company plans to launch an updated version of the app "very soon," presumably with a fix in place.

In his post, Hunt does say that the vulnerability is trivial since it doesn't impact the driving controls of the vehicle. It is however, a cautionary tale for automakers that are trying to take advantage of smartphone apps to make lives easier for their owners.

Last year, hackers were able to control a Jeep Cherokee remotely, including its gas and brake pedal controls. The American automaker had to recall over 1.4 million vehicles after the hack was exposed.

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[Source: TroyHunt.com]

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2017 Audi Q7 Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Rating

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The 2017 Audi Q7 has been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2016 Top Safety Pick+.

The all-new SUV earned good ratings in all five IIHS crashworthiness tests and a superior rating for front crash prevention. To determine crashworthiness, IIHS rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal or poor, based on its performance in five crash tests: moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. In addition, IIHS also evaluates a vehicle's crash avoidance and mitigation technology that can help prevent a crash or lessen its severity. For those tests, IIHS assigns vehicles ratings of basic, advanced or superior, based on the type of system and its performance in track tests.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Audi Q7 Review

Powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI engine, the 2017 Audi Q7 features 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with seating for up to seven standard. Standard on the model is Audi pre sense city with automatic emergency braking. The system can detect moving and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians at speeds of up to 52 mph. When a potential collision is detected, the system will initiate braking automatically.

"This year's Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2017 Q7 represents our brand's longstanding commitment to bringing innovative technologies to the market," said Audi of America president, Scott Keogh. "The Q7 demonstrates our leadership in many of the advanced driver assistance systems today that will form the future of piloted driving tomorrow."

Discuss this story on our Audi Forum

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Lexus’ New Trademarks Hint at Name for Seven-Seat SUV

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Lexus has filed to trademark three new names which will likely end up on a new seven-seat SUV from the brand. 

The Japanese luxury brand has protected the names UX200, UX250 and UX250h, filed under 'automobiles.' While no hints came with the trademark filing, and it is true that some trademarks end up going nowhere, these new names seem like a perfect fit for a new seven-seat SUV that is rumored to arrive at Lexus sometime in late 2016.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Lexus LC 500h Hybrid System Detailed

The new model will likely be an elongated version of the smaller RX, though it will have its own unique naming structure. A previous trademark filing for TX suggested that name, but the fact that this new UX filing comes so close to model's launch makes it a more likely candidate.

A three-row SUV has been the top desire for Lexus dealers and the brand is finally giving it to them. It will compete with the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Buick Enclave and Infiniti QX60.

Discuss this story at our Lexus Forum

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Aston Martin DB11 Teased as Company Highlights Iconic Heritage

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The Aston Martin DB11 has been teased ahead of its official debut.

Although a photo of the next-generation sports car has already leaked, the British automaker is getting ready to officially pull the cover off at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next week. In its latest video, the company takes a look back at the heritage of the Aston Martin DB nameplate that started 68 years ago with the 2-Liter Sports, also known as the DB1. The teaser video highlights all the iconic DB models since then, leading up to showing the DB11 shrouded in darkness.

SEE ALSO: Aston Martin DB11 Leaks Ahead of Official Debut

Despite all the leaks and teasers for the Aston Martin DB11, the company is staying mum on its specifications until it is properly unveiled. It is believed that the model will feature a 5.2-liter turbocharged V12 engine, sending around 600 horsepower to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is rumored to be available, which was hinted at with the manual DB10 in the latest James Bond Spectre movie.

The official presentation for the Aston Martin DB11 debut is scheduled to take place on March 1 in Switzerland and AutoGuide.com will be reporting live from the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Discuss this story on our Aston Martin Forum

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2016 Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra Get 2 MPG Boost from New eAssist Hybrid Setup

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General Motors is bringing hybrid power back to its pickup trucks, though for now the trucks are limited to buyers in California. 

In a select number of 2016 Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierras fitted with a 5.3-liter V8 and eight-speed transmission, GM will offer eAssist mild-hybrid technology, resulting in a boost of 2 mpg across the board. That brings overall ratings up to 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

Only two-wheel drive Silverado 1500 crew cabs in 1LT trim and Sierra SLT premium plus trucks can be fitted with eAssist, which will be a $500 premium over standard trucks.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Chevy Silverado HD Gets Towing Focused Update

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The eAssist system is made up of three main components, starting with an on-board electric motor which boosts output by 13 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque, slightly offset by the package's extra 100 lbs of weight. The electric motor also helps the truck's cylinder deactivation system on the 5.3-liter V8 stay in four-cylinder mode more of the time.

The second part of eAssist is start/stop capability, while regenerative braking completes the package, enabling the truck to convert braking into electricity to recharge the onboard batteries.

Only 500 Silverado eAssist models and 200 Sierra eAssist trucks will be built in 2016, and all of those will be exclusively sold in California. GM says it will closely monitor sales and will adjust availability based on feedback.

Power for the system comes from a 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery packed underneath the center console or font bench seat.

Discuss this story at our GM Trucks Forum

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Gallery: Rabid Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Gets Delivered to Lucky Customer

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One of the most innovative and groundbreaking creations to come out of the Lamborghini think tank — the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento — has been delivered to its lucky owner in Hong Kong via Kingsway Cars Ltd.

When it comes to the Sesto Elemento – which gets its name from the periodic table – less is more. The feather-light super sports car utilizes advanced carbon-fiber technology, bringing the weight down to an impossible 999 kilograms (2,202 lbs). It's the first time a car has used carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) technology, a testament to the expertise of Automobili Lamborghini.

ALSO SEE: Mansory has Created the Most Insane Lamborghini Aventador We've Ever Seen

The performance numbers deliver exactly what the car's extreme look promises: it outputs 570 hp, its power-to-weight ratio is a sensational 3.9 pounds per hp, and the car accelerates from zero to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The top speed is well over 186 mph, and fuel consumption is improved thanks to the car's lighter weight, not that fuel economy is what Lamborghini buyers are looking for.

Add permanent all-wheel drive and the naturally aspirated V10 engine to the carbon-fiber tech upgrades, and you've got one seriously fun – and flashy – sports car to drive.

Hong Kong drivers seem to be fans of rare and hyper expensive Lamborghinis. Just last month, two Lamborghini Veneno Roadsters were delivered on the Asian island.

A version of this story originally appeared on Luxury4Play.com

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