Sources suggest that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have spotted a cheat software in an Audi transmission that could manipulate the emissions level.
Unlike the software that led to the Dieselgate scam, this one has been spotted in both the petrol and diesel versions from the brand. It all began when CARB learnt that the software could detect how much the vehicle’s steering wheel was being turned.
This software would begin operating as soon as the steering was turned up to 15 degrees, sensing that the car was being tested. In the process, the automatic gearbox would shift gears in a manner that would keep engine revs to a minimum, and as a result reduce fuel consumption and emissions. As soon as the system sensed the steering wheel turn by more than 15 degrees, it would be deactivated.
The reports claim that Audi stopped using this software in May 2016, just before CARB stumbled upon it in an older model. It is believed that the AL 551 transmission with the cheat software has gone into cars like the Q5, A6 and A8. While both Audi and CARB have not released any official statements in this regard, it is obvious that another scam from the VW group could spell trouble for them.
