WASHINGTON (AP) — Volkswagen has disclosed to U.S. regulators that there’s additional suspect software in its 2016 diesel models that would potentially help exhaust systems run cleaner during government tests.
Volkswagen confirmed to The Associated Press that the “auxiliary emissions control device” at issue operates differently than the “defeat” device software included in the company’s 2009 to 2015 models disclosed last month. That disclosure triggered the worldwide cheating scandal engulfing the world’s largest automaker.
The issue with the 2016 vehicles was first disclosed last week to Environmental Protection Agency and California regulators. The new software makes a pollution-control catalyst heat up faster, improving the device’s performance in separating smog-causing nitrogen oxide into harmless gases.
Regulators are working to determine whether the new software constitutes a second effort to game emissions tests.
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It’s not a Bug it’s a feature.
Does this make the catalytic converter heat up faster only when the vehicle is stationary? If so then I can see how this is another ‘cheat’. If not, then I don’t understand the problem. I need more detail.
I agree with you RF Scalf
I agree, this is a pretty pathetic article. Something that improves emissions output? Oh that must be cheating. Did you even check to see if it’s always on? Jesus Christ.
NONE of this is the fault of the “Rogue Engineers”.
That is a ludicrous statement by the US V.P. trying to save his own skin.
Nothing this complex happens without the full knowledge and sign-off of SENIOR executives who scrutinize every single PENNY of cost on anything as complex as a car.
No Engineer goes to the expense and trouble of masking the operation of a significant portion of a complex engine-control without being TOLD to do it, especially considering the number of people involved in the development, testing, and certification of the systems.