Audi’s top selling A7 and A8 models have been found with emissions cheating software. Hit by the double whammy, the parent company, Volkswagen is still coping with the aftermath of the emissions scandal that came to light in 2015. According to the German Transport Ministry, the software found in the Audi models seem to halve the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions till the time steering wheel is turned beyond 15 degrees.
The Ministry of Transport has summoned Audi to come up with a provision within 10 days and chalk out a plan to refit the affected cars. On Thursday, Audi had already announced a recall for the 24,000 models. These models were manufactured between 2009 and 2013. It is reported that around 14,000 units from the affected models were sold in Germany. Soon after the emissions cheating software news was revealed, Audi’s engine boss Stefan Knirsch quit, opposing his involvement in the scandal. Read – Volkswagen Mulls Sale of Ducati
A German newspaper later accused Audi for cheating in its automatic transmission and cheating emissions in its A3 facelift. Post VW and Audi’s name emerged in the emissions cheating scandal; the companies have been focussing on low and zero-emissions cars. Audi is working on three electric cars that will be launched by next year. Besides, the company is also envisaging electrification of its range in future.
Audi mentioned in its statement that the A7 and A8 models manufactured between 2010 to 2013 and carrying V6 and V8 engines complying by EU5 emission norms, are found with NOx emissions (in certain situations) between 20 percent to 100 percent above the standard limit. Read – Audi Q2 | Audi Q8 Sports Concept
In some situations, engine speed is highly influenced by the transmission software. What is worrying is that it could have a negative effect on the engine’s emissions. It is expected that a recall will be rolled out in July. Since the cars need only a software update, it would only take 30 minutes to correct it.
