Just when it seemed the storm around software in VW diesels was blowing over, it now appears further engines could be implicated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US has now issued a second notice of violation to VW, now concerning the 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
Porsche now involved as V6s investigated
The same allegation has been made that was levelled at the four-cylinder engines, namely that a "defeat device" has been installed which senses when the vehicle is being emissions tested and operates in a low NOx "temperature conditioning" mode. Then a second after the "initial phases of the standard test procedure" are complete, it reverts to a normal mode where NOx emissions can be up to nine times the EPA standard.
The engine now being investigated is the 3.0-litre V6 diesel used in the 2014 VW Touareg, 2015 Porsche Cayenne plus 2016 model year versions of the Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5. The EPA estimates around 10,000 cars up to the 2016 model year are involved, plus an unknown amount of 2016MY cars.
The official line from VW is that the engines "had a software function which had not been adequately described in the application process." It also remains adamant that "no software has been installed in the 3.0-litre V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner."
Should the violations be proven, VW may be liable "for civil penalties and injunctive relief" in America. This certainly hasn't finished just yet. More news as it's released.