Top Automotive News & Stories: August 13-19
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Every week we collect the best announcements and events from the world of cars. Here are the unmissable topics from August 11 to 17.
Audi to release Green-Light countdown feature
Don't you hate sitting at a red light wondering when it will change? New Audi models will help alleviate this stress with a traffic light information system that counts down until the green light turns on.
Available on select 2017 Audi models, the system uses the built-in LTE wireless connection to collect information about the status of traffic signals and then displays a countdown until the light turns green. However, this system will only work in certain US cities that use smart traffic lights.
While Audi positions itself as a driver-friendly feature, it suggests the technology could help reduce traffic congestion and improve fuel economy. This is just one of the ways connected cars will change the way we drive.
For more information visit Popular Mechanics.
Volkswagen under threat of security breach
As if the dieselgate scandal hasn't given Volkswagen enough trouble, a new study exacerbates their problems even further. A study by researchers at the University of Birmingham shows that nearly every Volkswagen vehicle sold since 1995 is vulnerable to security breaches.
Hacking works by intercepting the signals sent when the driver presses the buttons on the key fob. A hacker can store a supposedly secret code for this signal on equipment that can imitate a key fob. As a result, a hacker can use these fake signals to unlock doors or start an engine—bad news for anything you want to store securely in your car.
This is not good news for Volkswagen, especially since they have chosen to only use four unique codes on tens of millions of their vehicles. What's more, the supplier of the components that control these wireless functions has been recommending Volkswagen upgrade to newer, more secure codes for years. Looks like Volkswagen was happy with what they had, never thinking that vulnerabilities would be discovered.
Fortunately, from a practical point of view, intercepting these signals is quite difficult, and the researchers do not disclose exactly how they cracked the code. However, this is yet another reason for Volkswagen owners to question their trust in the brand - what will go wrong next?
For more details and a complete study, head over to Wired.
Honda hot hatchbacks on the horizon
The Honda Civic Coupe and Sedan are already the two most popular cars in America. Now the hatchback's new bodywork should boost sales even more and give an idea of what to expect from future sport-tuned versions.
While the Civic Coupe and Sedan have a hatchback-like slanted profile, this new version is a legitimate five-door with ample cargo space. All Civic hatchbacks will be powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up to 180 horsepower. Most buyers will opt for a continuously variable automatic transmission, but enthusiasts may be glad to know that a six-speed manual is also available.
What's more, Honda has confirmed that the Civic Hatchback will form the basis of a track-ready Type-R slated for release in 2017. Until then, the Civic Hatchback offers drivers a combination of practicality, reliability and fuel economy with a healthy dose of fun mixed in.
Jalopnik has additional details and speculation.
BMW recalls top sports cars
Don't think that just because a car costs more, it's not eligible for a recall. BMW has recalled several hundred examples of its M100,000 and M5 sports cars worth over $6K to fix their driveshafts. From the looks of it, a wrong weld can cause the driveshaft to break, resulting in a complete loss of traction - obviously bad news if you're trying to get somewhere.
While this recall only affects a few drivers, it is indicative of the larger recall culture we live in today. Of course, it's better if the manufacturer recalls a product it knows is defective, but it causes concern for ordinary motorists who will be uncomfortable if their main mode of transport is recalled.
NHTSA announces the recall.
Autonomous Fords by 2021
Self-driving car research has become something of a freebie these days. Manufacturers are designing their own systems to comply with government regulations that have not quite kept pace with advances in autonomous technology. While no one can say for sure when self-driving cars will dominate our roads, Ford has made the bold claim that by 2021 they will have an autonomous car without pedals or a steering wheel.
Ford is working with a number of technology partners to develop the complex algorithms, 3D maps, LiDAR and various sensors needed to drive this new vehicle. Since this is likely to be very expensive, the car will probably not be offered to individual consumers, but rather to transport network companies or sharing services.
It's amazing to think that a car from a major manufacturer would get rid of basic control functions like the steering wheel or pedals. Considering this will be revealed within five years, one can't help but wonder what cars will look like ten years from now.
Motor Trend has all the details.
Epic Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept unveiled online
Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest concept: the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6. Maybach (the ultra-luxury car subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz) is no stranger to luxury, and the brand has gone to great lengths to create this stylish coupe.
The sleek two-door is over 236 inches long, a good 20 inches longer than its closest competitor, the already gigantic Rolls-Royce Wraith. Razor-thin headlights and taillights complement a huge chrome grille, and the concept is painted ruby red with matching wheels.
The gullwing doors lift up to welcome the driver into a white leather interior. The interior is filled with tech like a 360-degree LCD and head-up display. A 750 horsepower electric drivetrain powers this massive machine with a quick-charge system that can increase range by 60 miles in just five minutes of charging.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 made its public debut at the glitzy Pebble Beach Contest of Elegance, which began in Monterey, California on August 19th. Although it's only a concept for now, the positive consumer reaction may prompt Maybach to put it into production.
See more photos at Carscoops.com.
