Industry News for Automotive Technology: October 29 - November 4
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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 October 29 to November 4.
Toyota is working on a smartphone key
Nowadays, we have to carry so many things; wallet, cell phone, car keys, a scalding hot cup of coffee… It would be nice to eliminate at least one of these items from your daily routine (coffee is not going anywhere). Toyota understands this, and that's why they came up with an idea to lighten your burden - a smartphone key for your car.
Working with car-sharing company Getaround, Toyota introduced a smart key box that sits inside the car to unlock and allow the car to be used. All this works through a smartphone application. For now, Toyota plans to restrict access to the app to only those who have previously used Getaround to subscribe to a shared car.
The idea is to provide a safer way to rent cars. Let's hope that one day this technology seeps into the consumer market and we can get rid of the ten pounds of keys we carry around.
Excited about your Toyota Smartphone Key? Read more about it at Automotive News.
The future of McLaren
Most modern sports car manufacturers have been diluted with minivans on steroids (aka SUVs) and four-door sedans. McLaren plans to go against the grain by making a commitment to only making genuine, purpose-built sports cars.
Rumor has it that Apple has its eye on the automaker, hoping to acquire it to produce advanced autonomous and/or electric vehicles. For now, however, McLaren CEO Mike Fluitt says they have no plans for a merger.
However, they plan to remain independent and continue to make sports cars, one of which could go electric in the future. That's right, McLaren has begun developing a high-performance all-electric car, but the ETA is still a long way off. In any case, we are all for drag racing Tesla against McLaren.
Learn more about the future of McLaren at SAE.
Breaking into your car is legal - at least for now
If you're like us, you probably never knew that playing doctor with your car's brain is illegal. Up to this point, tampering with the on-board computers of cars was illegal. The reason for this is that under the Digital Millennium Copyright Law, your car software does not belong to you because it is the intellectual property of the manufacturer.
However, last Friday the US Copyright Office ruled that it was legal to mess with the engine control unit in your own car. The amendment to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act is only in effect for a year, meaning that by 2018 the issue will be moot again. Of course, automakers don't like this decision and will wait to challenge it when possible. Until then, tinkers and growers will sleep easy knowing they're on the good side of Johnny's law.
If you're thinking about hacking your car, you can get more information on the subject on the IEEE Spectrum website.
Fire prevents Ford from releasing sales data
The day that Chevy fans have been waiting for has finally arrived - the Ford burned down. Well, not exactly, but there was indeed an electrical fire in the basement of Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. This affected the data center where sales data is stored, meaning Ford will delay releasing October sales data by about a week. Oh anticipation!
If you really care about Ford's sales numbers or want to know more about their electrical fire, check out the Auto Blog.
Chevy showcases new performance parts at SEMA
Chevy showed off its new racing paraphernalia at SEMA in the form of parts for the Camaro, Cruze, Colorado and Silverado. The Camaro is getting all sorts of upgrades, including an upgraded air intake, a new exhaust system and improved brakes. A lowering kit and stiffer suspension elements are also available. The Cruze gets similar air intake and exhaust upgrades, as well as a lowering kit and upgraded suspension.
When it comes to pickup trucks, Chevy offers an extra 10 horsepower for the 5.3-liter engine and an extra seven horsepower for the 6.2-liter. These rigs also get upgraded air intakes and exhausts, as well as new accessories such as floor coverings, luggage compartment covers, sills, side steps, and new wheel sets to make pimps ride.
Want to add some chic to your bow tie? Find out more about the new parts on Motor 1.
