Lean zones in fuel maps to coincide with and improve mpg test figures and butterfly valves to reduce exhaust volume at test RPM have been with us and been known about for some time. Is what VW has done, using a software algorithm to identify a test regime and alter emissions readings under test conditions, really that much different ?
If that's what they have done then tbh I can't see the issue, they are trying to compete commercially as well as abide by their 'social responsibility'. As u say, I can't imagine there isn't a manufacturer that doesn't do it? My Triumph had an exhaust valve that was closed in neutral then fully open in gear, can't say that was in the spirit of the 97db ruling. I guess though that emissions is more harmful to the environment so why it's a big deal. It is however why our bikes run like crap at low revs, leaning off partial throttle input to avoid over fuelling
deffo. it's our atmosphere their messing with. whats the point of regulations regarding emissions if they can bypass it with a bit of cleaver programming? they sell it for a premium price tag based on premium tech regarding emissions and fuel economy . which it turns out it doesn't really have
It's not a valve that they had, it was engine management software that was specifically written to trick the emissions test. Using the valve to give dodgy Db readings is fine, because they don't really seem to mind that in cars. The issue they have now is that 11 million cars worldwide have used this software to cheat emissions testing. These cars can now be subjected to higher tax brackets and when the emissions based congestion charging kicks in, the will be on a much higher rate. Customers were effectively lied to when purchasing a car. They can rewrite the software to make them pass emissions testing, but they have admitted performance will greatly suffer. As a purchaser, would you accept that when you could have brought a competitors car that would have beaten emissions fairly, and packed more punch?
There is also a big thing in business about social responsibility. It's not just legality, it's about doing the right thing and here clearly, VW have not been acting as one would expect of such a company. It's very poor. What is also poor is that official fuel consumption figures are pie in the sky values that no one can achieve in the real world - and this is true of all manufacturers. So the entire industry is lying in some shape or form. Now, if the EU actually worked (it clearly doesn't), they would have standard EU administered tests for all these things which would be fair to consumers, instead of letting manufacturers cook the numbers as they see fit. But then the EU isn't exactly big on taking on corporations - too many Brussels lobbyists.
There are standard tests and the engineers have designed products to look good under those tests. I do take your point about public opinion but since when did the spirit of the law become more important than the letter of the law ?
Does this mean not only VW, but Skoda, Seat and Audi will be in trouble..........same engine. Makes me wonder about the Volvo I have just got. Still, we always knew that diesel was dirtier than petrol, but actually a diesel engine is more efficient than a petrol engine.
more thermally efficient. dirty dirty things diesels. give one a rev in my work shop and we have to leave the building
I did assume you meant energy efficiency but we could equally define efficiency in terms of noxious gas emissions.
Efficient inasmuch they use less fuel than a petrol engine Probably doesn't affect you finm...........the amount of time you spend on this forum appears that you aren't in the workshop much.
Yes, there is an Audi listed on the affected vehicles list, however the issue seems to only be in California which has the strictest emissions rules. This would suggest they took a business risk to supply to that market which will definitely cost the chief exec his job! I imagine they are okay everywhere else. Ps... They own Ducati and the guy who wanted to invest was the CEO who may now be on the way out so I hope the investment in Ducati continues
@Arquebus ???:smile: becoming much more expensive to service, v.expensive emission related components.doubt i will own a diesel manufactured after 2010. not until i can afford someone else to fix it. cant have it eating into forum time
Some of the cars are producing emissions so bad that they are in danger of failing everywhere, not just CA
Fair enough, I did hear that but tbh I wondered if it was media sensationalism as I haven't really seen any statement that confirms that true
