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Cars: The next hacking frontier?

That nice, new computerized car you just bought could be hackable.

Of course, your car is probably not a high-priority target for most malicious hackers. But security experts tell CNET that car hacking is starting to move from the realm of the theoretical to reality, thanks to new wireless technologies and evermore dependence on computers to make cars safer, more energy efficient, and modern.

"Now there are computerized systems and they have control over critical components of cars like gas, brakes, etc.," said Adriel Desautels, chief technology officer and president of NetraGard, which does vulnerability assessments and penetration … Read more

GM: OnStar upgrade bypassed dealers

DETROIT -- General Motors Co. has upgraded software on its vehicles' OnStar module remotely -- without requiring the vehicles' owners to visit a dealership -- and will do so again, said Karl Stracke, vice president of global vehicle engineering.

The action is part of an expanded assertiveness by GM to control its software. But some dealers argue that they should retain control of vehicle software and customer relations.

"We manage our software development internally," Stracke told Automotive News. "We need to have the internal capability and not be dependent on the suppliers. We use and integrate the … Read more

GM exploring new engines to power the Volt

It's not even in showrooms yet and GM is already looking for ways to improve the Volt.

The extended range plug-in vehicle will make its market debut equipped with GM's fuel-sipping 1.4-liter engine that has been optimized to work with the Volt's battery and electric motor. GM didn't have time to develop a new powerplant specifically for the Volt, so it tuned its existing 1.4-liter engine to operate within a narrow band, typically around 1,800 rpm, to deliver adequate power to car's battery while keeping fuel consumption low.

It got the job … Read more

General Motors files for IPO

General Motors, which went through bankruptcy last year, filed plans on Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering.

During the 14 months since the bankruptcy protection filing, GM drastically cut its brands and changed its management. The company discontinued the Pontiac, Hummer, and Saturn brands, and Saab was sold to Spyker. In December of last year, GM's chairman, Ed Whitacre, fired the company's CEO, Fritz Henderson, taking the company's helm himself. Earlier this month Whitacre announced he would turn over the chairman and CEO positions to Dan Akerson. Well-known Vice Chairman Bob … Read more

A midengine Vette? GM says no

A midengine Corvette? Not gonna happen.

But a hybrid ? Maybe.

A hybrid Corvette "is an interesting idea," Karl-Friedrich Stracke, General Motors' vice president of global engineering, told Automotive News. "Porsche has announced a full hybridization for their complete lineup. What can they do? They need it" to meet increasing emissions standards.

He speculated that a two-tier power-train strategy could evolve for sporty cars that could satisfy both power junkies and those interested in fuel economy: "You could keep a normal power-train configuration for a small amount of very excited car enthusiasts and turn 80 to … Read more

Styling and fuel economy head the agenda at Chevrolet

Chevrolet's quest for more vehicles that match the styling appeal of the Equinox crossover and Camaro muscle car will continue in the next several years.

For instance, a more upscale Impala is in the works, with a low production volume and limited rental fleet sales, one source says. That would follow the example set by the 2010 Ford Taurus. But the new Impala is not coming until the 2014 model year.

In the nearer term, Chevrolet will prepare for rising federal fuel economy standards by decreasing the displacement of its V-6 engines, adding more four-cylinder engines, and introducing redesigned small cars.

Here are Chevrolet's 2011-13 model year highlights:

Spark: This minicar will enter the United States as a 2013 model with three- and four-cylinder engines. General Motors Co. is expected to build the first Sparks for this market in South Korea, home of the Spark's sibling, the five-door Daewoo Matiz hatchback. Spark production may move to Mexico later.

The Spark already is on sale in Europe, South Africa, and other markets. Expect midcycle updates in time for the U.S. model's debut.

Aveo: GM will start producing the redesigned subcompact in mid-2011 at Orion Township, Mich. The car will be longer and wider than the current Aveo and have a five-door hatchback and four-door sedan. Production is expected to reach 60,000 to 70,000 annually. … Read more

Cadillac to get new flagship, compact car

The Cadillac XTS Platinum concept may have screamed "flagship" at this year's Detroit auto show. But Cadillac already is looking at a more luxurious car--authorized by the boss himself.

This year, General Motors CEO, Ed Whitacre, authorized the brand to create a big, rear-wheel-drive flagship vehicle. The project still lacks a firm target date, sources say.

Here's what to expect in Cadillac's 2011-13 model years.

ATS: Cadillac probably will launch its compact car in the 2013 or 2014 model year. The line, based on the new rear-wheel drive Alpha platform, will have a two-door coupe … Read more

GM Aerodynamics Laboratory turns 30

What do the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, the America's Cup-winning Stars & Stripes yacht, and the 2011 Chevy Cruze Eco have in common? They've all been tested in the GM Aerodynamics Laboratory.

For 30 years, engineers have used the GM Aerodynamics Laboratory to improve the capability of vehicles and athletes to slip through the air more efficiency.

The GM wind tunnel, the largest of its type dedicated to automotive work, began operating in August 1980. During the past three decades, engineers have used it to cut the coefficient of drag of GM vehicles by about 25 percent, according … Read more

Beware Chevy Volt price gouging

Some General Motors dealers across the U.S. have been attempting to profit from would-be early adopters of the Chevy Volt by tacking on high premiums.

In the last few days, car sites have become awash with anecdotal complaints about various dealerships telling interested buyers they will have to pay more than the price GM announced in July if they want one of the first run cars.

The most egregious example reportedly took place at one Southern California Chevy dealership, which unwittingly told an Edmunds.com staffer via e-mail that he would have to pay $20,000 in addition to … Read more

Minor differences aside, Leaf, Volt gird for grid battle

NASHVILLE--The Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf have less in common, aside from the hype behind them, than you might think. But marketers are preparing the two battery-powered cars for head-to-head battle for green-conscious American consumers, even though the two will compete head-on in just a handful of markets.

Last week, General Motors said it will price the Volt at $41,000, a stiff $8,220 above the Leaf's retail price, set in March, of $32,780. The Volt's price includes a shipping charge; Nissan hasn't set the Leaf's shipping charge. Also, a buyer of either car is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

But backed by anticipated strong residual value from an aggressive eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Volt, GM said it also will offer a lease on the battery-driven Chevy of $350 a month for 36 months after a $2,500 down payment.

That plan clearly targets the Leaf's lease plan of $349 a month for 36 months after $1,999 down. And leasing likely will dominate electric-car transactions for the near future, said Mark Perry, Nissan North America's director of Leaf product planning.

"It doesn't matter," Perry said as he drove to an electric-vehicle conference in San Jose, Calif., last week. "We're still the most affordable electric vehicle."

Nissan immediately said it would offer an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the Leaf, citing "U.S. market competitive conditions." … Read more