Yesterday's Car Buff Is Today's Hacker

If you need any evidence that modern vehicles are becoming more computer than car, look no further than this month's over-the-air update from Tesla Motors pushed out to all of its Model S sedans. Like the latest iOS from Apple or a Security Update from Microsoft, a car manufacturer has the ability to remotely and automatically implement major changes to already-sold vehicles. Such updates will become increasingly common over time, but also highlight the role software plays in modern vehicles – software that consumers may also try to modify.

On a related note, Tesla Motors recently filed its 2014 annual report with the SEC. In it, Tesla Motors identified as a risk factor the potential for vehicle owners to customize their vehicles: