GM Network Hacked To Make Fun Of Rivals At 2013 Spark Unveiling -- Update

2013 Chevrolet Spark minicar unveiled in Detroit, October 2011

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General Motors' web-wide blast of new cars and technology today has made quite an impression, but a prank--or at least what is being called a prank--at the company's Detroit headquarters today has left a different sort of mark--both on GM and on the prankster.

A Wi-Fi router providing Internet access to some parts of the building was apparently modified to insert the word "sucks" after any mention of Ford, Chrysler, Honda, or Toyota--on any webpage accessed through that connection. The prankster was a subcontractor that installed the router, and although GM has declined to identify the business or the installer, GM spokesman Selim Bingol told the Wall Street Journal, "These guys are learning the definition of sucks."

Bingol earlier called the incident, "not funny," and said the problem had been fixed.

The prank was timed to coincide with this morning's unveiling of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark.

Only the one network is said to have been affected, and given that it was a wireless router that was the source of the nefarious text, it's possible the prank was pulled by someone outside the company.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark Mini-Car, Electric Version Confirmed For U.S.

2013 Chevrolet Spark minicar unveiled in Detroit, October 2011

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more Chevrolet announced this morning that its Spark mini-car will be coming to the U.S., as will a battery electric version called the Spark EV. The car will be the smallest offered by the brand in America, and will make its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The non-electric Spark will be powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 83 horsepower. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be offered. Despite its small size, Chevy says it will offer more room inside than other mini cars, including the similarly-sized Fiat 500. It will also come with a five year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and available OnStar equipment.

As GM's first all-electric car since the vaunted EV1, the Spark EV will arrive in 2013, about a year after the standard Spark, starting in California and expanding to other "select U.S. and global markets," according to GM. Chevy says the car will be best suited to urban drivers and those with short commutes, hinting that its A123 [NSDQ:AONE] nanophosphate lithium-ion battery pack will provide enough power only for short- to medium-range trips. For more details on the Spark EV, visit GreenCarReports.

Both cars will be available with Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment, which includes Pandora and Stitcher internet radio. Bluetooth, upgraded interior and exterior appearance options, and other packages will also be made available.

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2013 Chevy Spark EV, New Trailblazer, Cadillac CUE: Car News Headlines

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more Today's news at High Gear Media is heavy with new GM products and technologies, including the 2013 Chevrolet Spark, its electric variant, and a new infotainment system from Cadillac called CUE. In other news, we look at potential false advertising from Ford and Chrysler, the rebirth of the Chevy Trailblazer, and Oprah's 2012 VW Beetle giveaway.

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark and its electric version, the Spark EV, are coming to the U.S.

The Chevy Trailblazer will be back for the 2013 model year.

Oprah's free 2012 VW Beetles will reach their first owners this week.

Are Ford and Chrysler guilty of false advertising?

The 2012 Tesla Model S will use Panasonic batteries.

BMW launches new Purif-i...hand sanitizer?

Cadillac's new CUE infotainment system looks high tech, gives a glimpse of the 2013 XTS.

Nissan is launching a host of new safety features.

Want laser headlights? BMW says they're just three years away.

The 2013 Cadillac ATS is testing on the Nurburgring in the latest video.

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