Tesla Model S :: Chinese hackers unlock moving car to win competition

The South China Morning Post reports the hackers exposed a “flow design flaw” that allowed them to remotely unlock a moving Model S, sound its horn, flash its headlights and open its sunroof.

The team was awarded 10,600 yuan ($1820) in prize money, though the organisers withheld the US$10,000 ($10,650) grand prize as they said “no team succeeded in the mission of hacking Tesla’s door or engine within the timeframe of the challenge”.

Tesla earlier said it welcomed the discovery of security vulnerabilities exposed during the competition.

“We support the idea of providing an environment in which responsible security researchers can help identify potential vulnerabilities,” Tesla said

“We hope that the security researchers will act responsibly and in good faith.”

The Tesla Model S electric sedan will cost from $96,208 when it arrives in Australia later this year.