Latest engines are still not rid of tailpipe-choking software.
While the automotive ‘supertanker’ that is the Volkswagen Group continues to do its best to put the Dieselgate emissions scandal behind it, the sneaky software that the company employed to curtail strict emissions regulations in various jurisdictions around the world finds new and interesting ways to rear its ugly head, this time with luxury marque Porsche left red-faced.
The German transport authority, the KBA, have discovered that Porsche vehicles with the very latest Euro 6-compliant engines still utilise the infamous emissions-testing defeat-devices that detect laboratory testing and throttle engine performance to achieve desirable tailpipe emissions. Yes, these are the very latest vehicles from the brand, and this latest recall follow in line with a similar recall notice that was issued recently on six-cylinder Macan compact SUV models (a software reflash updated the emissions control software, and allowed Porsche to avoid a sales ban by the KBA).
A Reuters report broke the story, saying that Porsche has been instructed to recall some 60,000 Macan and Cayenne SUVs due to the presence of defeat devices coded into their engine management systems. Rumours circulated that Porsche may drop its Audi-powered diesel variants in the near future, though that was quickly quashed by sales boss Detlev von Platen, who says that there remains a future for diesel with Porsche’s SUVs.
While Porsche continues to grapple with the effects of Dieselgate, the company is also working to push the brand towards greater electrification, with its Mission E electric saloon set to make waves upon arrival later this year. With 500km range, up to 500kW on tap, and driving dynamics that are uniquely Porsche, perhaps Zuffenhausen can make a clean, silent getaway…
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