Hackers Can Break Into A Subaru Outback Through Texting

So we all know texting and driving don’t mix, but it turns out texting and parking may be a bad idea too if you’re a Subaru Outback owner. If it’s possible for hackers to hack twitter accounts, cell phones and and even confidential political cables, then you can bet that it was only a matter of time before hackers were able to break into cars through the touch of a button.

It turns out there is an organization called The Black Hat, which focuses on technical security and hosts meetings all over the world. They’re aim is to show industry execs the latest ways hackers are able to infultrate pretty much anything. At a recent event in the States, some people from iSec Partners showed just how easy it is to unlock and start a Subaru Outback if you are technically advantaged enough. And it can all be done through an Android smartphone. Apparently all a hacker needs to do is set up their own GSM network, grab the passwords via text message and voila – they pretty much have complete control of the vehicle without hotwiring, smashing windows or security alarms going off. They could likely do this in a busy mall parking lot and no one would be the wiser.

It should be noted that this is not a flaw on Subaru’s part, apparently iSec is able to hack multiple devices that use similar networks. So, what can you do about it if you’re a Subaru Outback owner? Well, not much of anything. As mentioned The Black Hat holds these seminars so companies can increase their security networks. So until those networks get upgraded, unfortunately all you can rely on is crossed fingers at the moment.

[TG Daily]

Oh Hi: 2012 Subaru Impreza

After seeing spy shots of the front end of the next generation Impreza, there are no surprises on that front, but there sure are with the rest of the car.

The rest of the design elements can only be described as bold. In typical Subaru fashion, I’m willing to bet this new design will be just as polarizing as Imprezas before it. What should be pleasing to everyone, however, are the Legacy-esque headlights. Every headlight design of the Impreza since the ”bug-eyed” look from 2002 has generated sharp criticism. But with sharp creases and bulges everywhere, it’s clear that Subaru wants this Impreza to stand out. In fact, there seems to be lots of bulging a la WRX and STi going on here, which begs the question, just how radical are those designs going to be?

This new Impreza is 110 pounds lighter than its predecessor. This helps translate into better fuel efficiency, also helped out by the new, more efficient 4-cylinder boxer engine mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT. If you want a six speed, you’ll have to go for the STi. It’s the only Impreza to ever get a 6-speed. The 2.0 litre engine produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound feet of torque. Believe it or not, that’s actually less powerful than the engine in the current generation. 22 horses and 25 pound feet of torque less to be precise. But there is no penalty in acceleration as this new Impreza gets from 0-100 in 9.8 seconds which is actually 0.3 seconds faster than the current Impreza. The obvious gain in doing this is for fuel efficiency. The new Impreza gets 8.7 l/100 kms and 6.5 highway.

Of course, all-wheel drive is standard.

Hit the jump to see more pics and pics of the sedan.

What do you think of the new Impreza? Is it a love it or hate it design?

[Subaru]

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Next Generation Subaru Impreza Caught!

The next generation Subaru Impreza was caught with virtually no camouflage this past week.

Baring a similarity to its big brother, the Legacy, Subaru is clearly trying to keep a design theme throughout the lineup. They hope to make Subaru a more recognizable brand. That’s all fine and good, but I’ve got to say, the production version of the Impreza is a huge disappointment from the Impreza concept car they showed off last November. That concept was hot!

The model pictured above is likely the base model which will get a revised 4 cylinder boxer engine. The new engine is supposed to help the Impreza gain some extra fuel mileage all while boosting power. Both the sedan and the hatchback will carry over along with all-wheel drive standard, of course.

Luckily, since this is the base version, the WRX and STI will likely have more aggressive styling elements added on to give it a bit more character. Oh, and obviously there will be a much more desirable engine under the hood. No word yet on WRX or STI numbers, but stay tooned for that.

For more pics of the Impreza click here.

[Autoblog]

Subaru WIN! Sti Pulls Truck From Snow

Whoa! Check out this video of a Subaru Impreza WRX STI pulling out a massive truck that somehow got stuck in Holland.

Makes quite the argument for AWD and huge amounts of power for winter. Oh and proper winter tires or course.

[Youtube]

Oh Hi: Subaru Impreza Concept

Whoa, much better!

The Subaru Impreza has always been a very capable vehicle, especially in WRX and STi guises, but it was always lacking in the styling department. No matter which generation, the Impreza’s styling has always evoked controversy. The current model is no exception.

Well it appears as though the styling direction for the Impreza is about to very much change for the better. Subaru debuted this Impreza concept at the L.A Auto Show today and while it is still a concept, it definitely showcases Subaru’s intent to be finished with the questionable styling of the Impreza.

More in line with its big brother, the Legacy, the Impreza concept has similar large wheel arches, a trapezoidal grille and large front intakes. See those slits in the intakes? They’re not just styling strips, they’re actually functional fog lights. Pretty cool! Although I doubt they would make it to the production model.

Under the hood is a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder with CVT and that’s all Subaru is saying about it right now. Ditch that CVT, add a couple of turbos and you’ll be all set, Subaru! Build this NOW.

[Subaru]

Auto Express 2011 Performance Car of the Year Announced

As the year draws to a close, another Car of the Year (COTY) accolade is up for grabs. This one is courtesy of Auto Express, however it’s not your typical COTY award. Most COTY awards include any new model and usually the winner is based on how it handles day to day elements. Well Auto Express is tossing that formula out the window as their focusing solely on performance.

They took 20 cars that have performance as their top priority and ranked them from best to worst. Everything from cheap hot hatches to exotic supercars were considered. All were measured based on their performance abilities and value… which is odd considering they have an Aston Martin up against a Seat. Perhaps they meant best balance of performance for value.

Subaru fans will likely be up in arms at the results as the Cosworth WRX was ranked the lowest at number 20, especially since it was bested by several hot hatches including a hybrid, the Honda CR-Z.

Another surprise on the list was the Audi RS5 which ranked a bit low at number 11. Especially considering its arch rival, the BMW M3, not only cracked the top 10, but cracked the top 5 coming in at number 5.

I won’t spill the beans on who won the coveted top spot, however I will say that I definitely agree with their decision. Check it out in the video above. Notice no domestic cars were nominated? Just sayin’.

Do you agree with the performance COTY?

[Auto Express]

FAIL or WIN? Toyobaru Prija is…Interesting

What do you get when a Toyota Prius mates with a Subaru Baja? A Toyota Prija of course.

Steve Woodruff is probably the only person in the world that thought combining the two ideas would be a good idea, but he went and did it anyway. The result is a rather ugly looking pick up that is probably the most efficient pick up in the world.

Woodruff claims his Toyobaru gets about 40 mpg (or 5.8 L/100 kms in Canadian speak) which is awesome. The added weight of the pick up bed hasn’t affected fuel mileage that much as it’s not far off from a regular 2006 Prius.

Even though the Toyobaru does amazing fuel wise, it still isn’t likely to have any towing capabilities. But hey, it still hauls a lot of stuff just like a pick up is supposed to. Woodruff didn’t mention how much the crazy experiment cost, but it was likely a lot. Which means any fuel savings would likely be a bit of a moot point. But in terms of the environment, it’s definitely a win.

Too bad it looks hideous.

[AutoBeYours]

Test Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback

By Kevin Harrison

People love to throw words around all the time when they don’t really make much sense. For instance, the word ‘epic’ is grossly overused. Have you noticed that? Somehow everything is ‘epic’ these days.

“What an epic goal!”

“Epic fail!”

“That pizza I just ate was epic”

And so fourth. But really, the only thing that’s “epic” these days is the tolerance I have for people who overuse the word.

Likewise, people (car manufacturers specifically) are all about the word ‘crossover’. But what exactly is a crossover? Some people say it’s a vehicle that looks like an SUV, but has a car-like ride. Oh really? Then why not just buy a car? Why do you need to ‘crossover’ into another vehicle segment?

In my mind, a true crossover is a vehicle that can handle all the elements. That is, it can handle all sorts of terrain, can swallow all sorts of cargo, can hold its own performance wise, is safe, looks good, is decent on gas, can hold a lot of people comfortably and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. If you’re going to ‘crossover’ different vehicle segments, might as well cross them all to be a true crossover.

A lot of people say Subaru was the first to do this with its Outback. Now completely redesigned for 2010, does the crossover that started the whole craze still have the goods?

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Are You Just Happy to See Me? 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Starts to Buldge

The 2011 Subie WRX will get a sizeable shot of testosterone for the sedan.

The sedan version of the WRX will get much larger fenders, a newly restyled front lip, as well as larger blacked out grille and air intakes, helping to give it a much more agressive, robust look -something the WRX, and the Impreza in general, have been criticised for before.

The changes aren’t just cosmetic however, as new WRX will get a wider track (1.5 inches wider to be exact) along with firmer rear subfram bushings and wider 17 inch wheels. This should help the WRX stay more planted, along with that standard AWD.

The refreshed WRX will make its public debut at this year’s New York Auto Show.

Canadian Black Book Announces Best Retained Value Winners

If you want to get the most back from your car when selling it after four years, Canadian Black book has made it a bit easier for you to decide what to buy in the first place.

They have compiled a list of cars that best retain their value from MSRP four years later into 17 categories.

Find out who got the honours after the jump.

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Canadian Car of the Year Finalists Revealed! We Make Our Picks!

Those lucky ducks that have coveted AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) memberships all recently got together to rate the best new car of the year from the Canadian perspective for 2010. They tested them, rated them, and broke down the finalists into five categories.

Since Car Driven is literally only hours old as we write this, it seems a bit premature to have our own COTY awards. So instead, we’ll just use AJAC’s finalists and make our own picks.

Find out the finalists and our picks after the jump!

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