That\u2019s why I asked an expert \u2014 and Dodge \u2014 what the heck is going on<\/span>. But before we get to that, let me explain what\u2019s causing my confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n In short, Dodge\u2019s new security feature is a type of two-factor authentication. Before starting the car, the driver has to input a four-digit code to unlock its full potential.<\/p>\n If the driver doesn\u2019t punch in the code, the car will enter a low-power mode where its engine won\u2019t rev beyond idle.<\/p>\n This kind of tech is nothing new. It can be enabled as an option on Tesla vehicles, and it has also been used on Peugeot and Citro\u00ebn cars \u2014 in fact my dad had it on one of his old cars, he tells me it was nothing but a faff, anyway\u2026<\/p>\n Dodge says their cars will be limited to 675 rpm, and produce less than 3 horsepower. In other words, it will roll away at walking pace.<\/p>\n According to Dodge, it\u2019s implementing the new security feature to add another layer of security to its vehicles, and prevent car key-relay thefts.<\/p>\n It\u2019s great to note that this isn\u2019t a feature only being added to new cars.<\/p>\n Owners of Chargers or Challengers, with either the 392-cubic inch HEMI V8 or supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine and made after 2015, can all have the feature installed on their car for free. All they have to do is contact their local dealer.<\/p>\n But there\u2019s one glaring question here: why limit power? Why not immobilize the vehicle entirely? That would be the ultimate theft protection. It makes no sense!<\/p>\n I spoke to Richard Billyeald, chief technical officer at Thatcham Research. If you don\u2019t know Thatcham Research, the company investigates the safety and security claims made by carmakers. It made its name by rating car security systems<\/a> for insurance companies.<\/p>\n Billyeald was as perplexed as I was. I laid out the situation, told him how I didn\u2019t have a clue what the reason could be, and then asked what he thought was going on. His reply was simple: \u201cI can\u2019t say our answer is going to be much different.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Billyeald conceded that there could be any number of reasons for why Dodge decided to limit power instead of cutting it completely \u2014 but he was still puzzled why it opted for doing just half a job.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span>I can\u2019t see why you would want to allow the <\/span>car to idle, why not just fully immobilize the <\/span>car<\/span>?\u201d Billyeald added. \u201cI think it\u2019s just a bit of an odd one, the way [Dodge] has chosen to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Billyeald does make one thing clear, though: he\u2019s very pleased to see a large carmaker like Dodge stepping up to make its cars more secure.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the sentiment is right,\u201d he said. \u201cI certainly wouldn\u2019t criticize it as a feature.\u201d<\/p>\n Dodge is implementing the new feature in response to the 150 car thefts a day that occur in the US.<\/p>\n In recent years, as keyless entry has become commonplace, thieves have taken to using car key spoofers that relay the key\u2019s unique signature to open the car even though its keys aren\u2019t nearby.<\/p>\nThe conundrum<\/h2>\n
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Seeking the truth<\/h2>\n
Unraveling the mystery<\/h2>\n