Industry News for Automotive Technology: October 15-21
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Every week we bring together the latest industry news and exciting content not to be missed. Here is the digest for the period from 15 to 21 October.
Ambitious artisan builds self-made autonomous car
An Australian IT professional enjoys celebrity status among car enthusiasts and tech geeks after building his own self-driving car. Keran McKenzie used the Arduino microcontroller, a small computer popular with home DIYers, as the basis for his system. To scan the road ahead, he replaced the ultrasonic sensors in his car's front bumper with five cameras. These sensors send information to the Arduino, which in turn sends the information to the main processor in the engine bay. McKenzie says the total cost of autonomizing his Ford Focus was only about $770. Watch out Google, this Aussie is coming for you.
If you want to learn more about the Focus with Ardunio instead of a brain, visit McKenzie's YouTube channel.
Jeep announces next-generation Grand Wagoneer and Wrangler
The original Jeep Grand Wagoneer made an impression with its faux wood paneling inside and out. What exactly that statement was, we're not sure, but people loved the big SUV then and now. That's why the fact that Jeep plans to revive the Grand Wagoneer is big news. Rumor has it that the Grand Wagoneer will be based on the Grand Cherokee platform and come with premium luxury trim levels – enough to justify the $140,000 advertised price tag. Really sounds like a fancy cowboy Cadillac.
Jeep also teased off-road fanatics by seeing the new generation of Wrangler. From what can be seen, the appearance of the new setup will not change much from the previous model and will certainly retain its off-road capabilities.
If you love Jeeps, you'll want to find out more about the new line of vehicles at Auto News.
Car hackers want money, not chaos
As cars become more computerized and digitally connected, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks by hackers, as evidenced by several high-profile cases, such as when hackers gained control of a Jeep miles away. However, many malicious hackers are hardened criminals who don't care about pranks and destroying your car - they're all about money.
Security experts believe that car hackers will use cars to steal money in a variety of ways. Some examples include opening doors remotely for the purpose of theft, charging a driver a ransom for control of their vehicle, and hacking into connected cell phones to obtain financial information. Of course, as cars become less mechanical and more digital, automakers need to step up their cybersecurity measures to thwart hackers.
For more on the future of car hacks, check out Auto News.
Ram Rebel TRX Concept Targets Ford Raptor
Until now, the monstrous Ford Raptor has had little competition. It's the only truck that comes out of the showroom in full desert racer garb. Now Ram is threatening to take on Ford with the Rebel TRX concept.
The massive rig is loaded with all sorts of off-road goodies, including front and rear bypass shocks with 13 inches of travel, large fender flares, skid plates galore, and 37-inch tires. Under the hood, you will find a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine with 575 hp. That growl is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Finished with light grilles, side exhaust and two spare wheels in the back, the TRX certainly looks the part.
If you fancy the fun of racing over sand, mud, roots and rocks, you may soon have another option besides the one that comes from the Blue Oval. Learn more about the Ram Rebel TRX Concept at the SAE website.
Lisle Introduces Turbo Air Test Kit
There are now more gas-guzzling large-block engines in the landfill than on the roads. Downsized turbocharged engines are the wave of the future. Lisle recognizes this, which is why they have introduced a new turbo test kit. This handy piece of equipment helps detect leaks in the turbo system by covering the exhaust side of the turbocharger and the intake manifold. In addition to the pressure gauge, shutoff valve and pressure regulator, this kit also includes six adapters that allow it to be used with most turbocharged engines.
Considering adding one of these to your toolbox? Read more about it in Underhood Service Magazine.
