Audi vehicles with automatic transmissions got technology that is efficient in distorting emissions during the time they are tested, Volkswagen stated, as its high-end flagship is battling accusations over a reported finding of a new cheat software device.
Germany’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper informed a week ago that the California Air Resources Board (CAR) had this year discovered unfaithful software application in an older Audi model, which is not associated to the gadget that set off last year’s diesel emissions scandal at parent Volkswagen.
The software in CARB’s finding decreased CO2 emissions by identifying whether a vehicle’s steering wheel was turned as it would be when driving on a roadway and was utilized in diesel and petrol models in Europe for several years, Bild had stated.
“Adaptive shift programs can result in inaccurate and non-reproducible outcomes” when the automobiles are evaluated, Volkswagen said by e-mail on Sunday in reaction to a short article released in Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Saturday.
If the software that controlled the automatic transmissions of specific Audi designs spotted screening conditions, the vehicles moved more rapidly and in a way that would decrease emissions of CO2 in addition to nitric oxides, Sueddeutsche Zeitung stated, citing a confidential Volkswagen file.
“Audi has discussed the technical backgrounds of adaptive shift programs to the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority KBA and has provided technical details,” Volkswagen stated, including there will be more talks with the KBA, which has been commissioned by the German federal government to investigate the irregularities at Audi.
So-called adaptive transmission control is meant to offer much better performance by enhancing fuel economy and lowering shifting frequency, specialists state.
“In typical usage, these adaptive systems support the driver by adjusting the gear-shifting points to best adapt to each driving scenario,” Volkswagen stated.
Previously on Sunday, Bild reported that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had started an investigation into Audi over the recently reported software application discovery and next week will look forward to senior Volkswagen group engineers, without elaborating.
Volkswagen and Audi refused to comment on Sunday, as had EPA spokesperson Nick Conger on Saturday.
However two people informed on the matter stated the U.S. government is asking questions about it and whether it constitutes a defeat device in gasoline-powered automobiles.
