Can a Virus Hitch a Ride in Your Car?

The New York Times ^ | March 13, 2005 | Tom Zeller Jr. and Norman Mayersohn

[brooklin]

My 289s been modified, the trany is now a 4 speed with a nine inch rearend, the gearing is still too high-3.25:1. The rust virus is still present...my bondo seems to have some bacteria...

[null and void]

I think I'll keep my '86 Volvo a bit longer...

[null and void]

The computer takes over my car in an emergency?

yup.

[The Great RJ]

Viruses in embedded auto computer...possible. However, look at the source of many recent computer viruses and worms....teenage and twenty something script kiddies and hackers with a PC, Internet connection and lots of time on their hands. It would probably take more than these guys to hack into a car computer system.

[Longlines]

SkyNet has become self-aware and has taken over my Jeep!

I love it! *looking up at the sky with my trusty twelve gauge, concerned my home defense anti-ballastic missile system might NOT be good enough*

[Sarajevo]

Oh my starz! I won't go to a 9 inch rear end. I'll stick with my 8 inch (2.79:1 by the tag), and I plan on building the C4 to handle the horses which I want to incorporate into the motor. I've used epoxy resin and fibreglass to handle the rust problem instead of welding in new metal. I know it's an anathema to the resto and concours guys, but it's working great!

[patton]

"We have investigated the accident, and are charging you with failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle."

"But...the cumputer took over! Charge Bill Gates!"

Going to make for some interesting court cases.

[null and void]

Exactly.

Now prove it!

And if you can, they will blandly point out that these are due to Government Regulations...

[Hardastarboard]

computers have been flying the airplanes you ride in for the last 20 years.

I was aware that computers control the planes, and even land them occasionally. I have a buddy that's a former commercial airline pilot. I work in the software industry, and have seen how software is written and deployed. Inevitably there are edge conditions that weren't tested for, and guess when Mr. Murphy dictates that they show up?

[Bon mots]

Must be a slow news day.

OTOH - Now maybe we know what makes SUVs kill!

[brooklin]

I'll go with the epoxy based stuff next time. Bondo absorbs moisture and doesn't last. I need to get rid of the JC Whitney fiberglass front end( someone used this car for drag racing sometime) and get the real metal front end. I might even swap out the drum brakes and get discs. My problem is time, money, and a '77 Honda 750 supersport