Audi cheat software found by California Air Resources Board

A German newspaper has reported that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) found a software in one of Audi’s automatic transmissions that could artificially lower emissions.

It seems that this software, unlike the one that led to the Dieselgate scam, is not just on the diesel-powered cars, but also in the petrol versions. CARB figured out that the software could detect how much the vehicle’s steering wheel was being turned. 

Essentially, this software would kick-in if the steering was turned up to 15 degrees, as the system would understand that the car was in testing conditions. It would then get the automatic gearbox to shift gears in a way that would reduce engine revs, and consequently lower fuel consumption and emissions. Once the steering wheel was turned by more than 15 degrees, the software would be disabled. 

Sources have revealed that Audi ceased using the software in May 2016, just before CARB learnt about it in an earlier model. It is speculated that the AL 551 gearbox with the special software was equipped on models like the Q5, A6 and A8. 

So far there have been no statements issued by Audi or CARB in the matter, but another scam from the VW group could lead to a lot of troubled times ahead.