Porsche Accused of Using Defeat Device Triggered by Steering Angle

Germany’s KBA transportation authority is looking into whether Porsche uses a defeat device to detect when an emissions test is being performed, according to a report from German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche. The report alleges software looks for specific steering inputs that signal when a test is under way. Porsche denies the claims made in the report.

“We can confirm for all Porsche models: We are not using steering movements for the sake of detecting a test bench driving cycle and reacting to it,” Porsche said in an email to Automotive News Europe.

The alleged software is said to be capable of sensing when the car is on a test bed via the steering movements. If the steering wheel is turned more than 15 degrees, more than would be used on a dynamometer, the software would allow emissions to increase, according to Wirtschaftswoche.

Audi was accused of using the same detection method in the A7 and A8 last week, which prompted it to recall approximately 24,000 TDI models equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 and 4.2-liter V-8 in Europe. The 3.0-liter diesel in the A7 and A8 is already embroiled in VW Group’s emissions scandal in the U.S., but this new recall applies to earlier 2010-2013 models. Audi says the engines can emit between 20 and 100 percent above Europe’s NOx emissions limit, though it blames the problem on faulty transmission software – not a defeat device.

It’s unclear which, if any, Porsche models are being investigated. We’ve reached out to the KBA to confirm and are awaiting comment.

Source: Wirtschaftswoche, Automotive News Europe (Subscription required)

The post Porsche Accused of Using Defeat Device Triggered by Steering Angle appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/2qZhL44