Audi Ordered To Recall 127,000 Cars For Faulty Diesel Emissions (Again)

Haven't we been down this road before?

The German media is reporting that Audi has been ordered to recall some 127,000 vehicles over – wait for it – “illicit emission-control software in its latest Euro 6 diesel models.” Automotive News Europe has learned from a report in Bild am Sonntag that the recall involves the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 So, the majority of its current lineup? Pretty much, yes. Haven't been down this road before? Also yes. Here’s what happened: Germany’s KBA motor transport authority somehow detected the software issue.

The affected vehicles’ engine management systems turn off emissions-reducing measures in real-world conditions. But when those vehicles are being tested, everything comes off as just fine. Any of this sound familiar? The KBA is now threatening to withdraw approval for the all-new A8 until this problem is fixed. What’s interesting is that these specific vehicles were part of a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel vehicles with V6 and V8 TDI engines last summer. The KBA is now focused on vehicles with the V6 TDI. Thing is, VW Group diesel vehicles are still having emissions issues that require recalls.

Just last November, Audi announced a 5,000-vehicle recall in Europe for a software fix due to too much nitrogen oxide being admitted. This time around, the recall appears to only be in Europe (for now), with 77,600 vehicles in Germany alone.

Audi TT Also Offers Diesel Power

Typical for Audi, the TT is also available with a diesel engine option. Available only in Europe, the 2.0 TDI Quattro is available in both coupe and roadster forms. With a six-speed manual transmission, the coupe will go from zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds with a top speed of around 140 mph. The roadster has slightly slower numbers due to being less aerodynamic without the fixed roof.

Why should anyone consider the diesel option? Because it can get 44 mpg. This is a startling good number when considering the amount of power the car has. As Audi continues to make more advances in the turbo diesel engine field, expect even greater performance and fuel mileage numbers. Has anyone ever seen a diesel in a Mazda MX-5 or even a Porsche Boxster? Didn't think so.

Audi Stops V6 Diesel Deliveries Amidst Emissions Irregularities

With regards to the current situation, German auto magazine Der Spiegel reported that the software installed in these V6 diesels allegedly reduces the frequency of the urea injections required to neutralize harmful emissions. Audi did not elaborate on this but did say that a software update would be provided in line with the findings by the authorities. Globally, approximately 60,000 vehicles are affected, more than half in Germany. Happily, this time, no US vehicles are affected.

Audi Stops V6 Diesel Deliveries Amidst Emissions Irregularities

With regards to the current situation, German auto magazine Der Spiegel reported that the software installed in these V6 diesels allegedly reduces the frequency of the urea injections required to neutralize harmful emissions. Audi did not elaborate on this but did say that a software update would be provided in line with the findings by the authorities. Globally, approximately 60,000 vehicles are affected, more than half in Germany. Happily, this time, no US vehicles are affected.

Forget Dieselgate: Audi SQ8 Coming With A 429-HP Diesel V8?

A new Audi with an oil burner? Are they serious?

Now that the Audi Q8 has debuted, we’re already bracing for the more performance oriented SQ8 variant. Slated to be unveiled potentially as soon as this October at Paris, the SQ8 could be offered with two different powertrains, depending on the market. According to Autocar, one of those powertrains will be a 4.0-liter V8 diesel, the very same engine found in the SQ7 and Bentley Bentayga Diesel, where it produces 429 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Interestingly, this engine would replace the previously planned hybrid V6 powertrain Audi had been hinting. But why on earth is Audi about to offer a diesel instead of a hybrid gasoline engine following the whole Dieselgate fiasco? Because demand is apparently still strong in certain markets for high-powered diesels. Also, as this engine is already good to go in other VW Group vehicles, it’s relatively easy to drop it under the new SQ8’s hood. But what about the US where diesel was never especially popular? We’ll instead receive a 3.0-liter TFSI V6-powered version. So as it stands, the SQ8 won’t be offered in hybrid form, though that could change at a later date.

However, an even more potent RS Q8 is slated to happen and it’ll supposedly come powered by the same electrified V8 currently in use in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. It’s expected to produce somewhere around 670 hp and will go up against the likes of the BMW X6 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupe. As far as the upcoming SQ8 goes, we doubt there’ll be much controversy surrounding its diesel V8. Why not? Because no one is complaining about the Bentley Bentayga Diesel. In fact, it’s been selling very well, hence the decision to drop the SQ8’s hybrid V6. Meanwhile, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler continues to sit in jail for his alleged role in the Dieselgate cover up. There’s an irony to that.

Volkswagen Will Sell You A Repaired Diesel With Up To 25 Percent Off

But there's a specific diesel engine this offer is good for.

Over the past couple of years, ‘diesel’ has become a tainted word within the auto industry, especially in America. That’s where the whole Dieselgate affair started. But VW, as part of its settlement with the US and overseas governments, agreed to buy back and fix customer cars inflicted with a faulty diesel engine. It’s taken some time but those engines are now repaired and Volkswagen is anxious to unload them. Cars Direct has discovered that there are currently some huge discounts on government-approved repaired 3.0-liter diesels right now.

How does up to $13,000 (25 percent off MSRP) in savings sound to you on a used VW or Audi? From now until January 2, VW is offering the following discounts on its 3.0-liter diesel V6: $25% off MSRP on 2014 models, 20% off MSRP on 2015s, and 15% off on 2016s. To calculate the discount, VW simply went with the original MSRP with optional equipment, excluding the destination charge. So, for example, you could buy yourself a 2014 VW Touareg TDI Sport, MSRP $51,610 (before destination), with 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque for $38,708. What about a 2015 Audi Q7 TDI? Given the above savings and a base MSRP (again, excluding destination) of $53,400, you’re looking at an $11,000 discount.

There must be a fair number of them in stock because Audi is further offering 1.9% APR financing for 66 months, or a 72-month rate of 2.49%. If you’re the owner of any 2005 or newer Audi you’ll also receive a $1,000 loyalty discount. Earlier this year, VW sold discounted and repaired 2.0-liter diesel vehicles with also attractive discounts and financing rates. But the vehicles powered with the 3.0-liter diesel are unquestionably in a different league (compared to, say, a VW Golf). There may never be a better or cheaper time to buy a used Touareg or Q7.

Audi Ordered To Recall 127,000 Cars For Faulty Diesel Emissions (Again)

Haven't we been down this road before?

The German media is reporting that Audi has been ordered to recall some 127,000 vehicles over – wait for it – “illicit emission-control software in its latest Euro 6 diesel models.” Automotive News Europe has learned from a report in Bild am Sonntag that the recall involves the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 So, the majority of its current lineup? Pretty much, yes. Haven't been down this road before? Also yes. Here’s what happened: Germany’s KBA motor transport authority somehow detected the software issue.

The affected vehicles’ engine management systems turn off emissions-reducing measures in real-world conditions. But when those vehicles are being tested, everything comes off as just fine. Any of this sound familiar? The KBA is now threatening to withdraw approval for the all-new A8 until this problem is fixed. What’s interesting is that these specific vehicles were part of a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel vehicles with V6 and V8 TDI engines last summer. The KBA is now focused on vehicles with the V6 TDI. Thing is, VW Group diesel vehicles are still having emissions issues that require recalls.

Just last November, Audi announced a 5,000-vehicle recall in Europe for a software fix due to too much nitrogen oxide being admitted. This time around, the recall appears to only be in Europe (for now), with 77,600 vehicles in Germany alone.

Audi Still Can't Shake Off That Whole Diesel Crisis

Scrutiny, recalls, and more recalls. It ain't over yet.

When your parent company actively engages in emissions cheating, there will be far reaching consequences for all of its brands. Audi is fully aware of this. After all, it played a big role in Volkswagen Group’s diesel offerings, until it all came crashing down a couple of years ago. And the after affects are still being felt today. Reuters reports that current Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said earlier this month that, following an additional recall for 60,000 cars, the luxury brand is still not in the clear.

“We are still running into issues that we report immediately to regulators,” he said. “The diesel crisis hasn’t yet ended.” For Stadler, this is also personal. The CEO asked workers to ignore media reports claiming his exit is imminent. Apparently Volkswagen wants to force out people who were in leadership positions when the scandal broke, and Stadler has been at the helm of Audi since 2010. Point being is the guy has a cloudy history as far as VW management is concerned. However, Stadler has no intention of going anywhere. “I feel responsibility, and as long as I have the full support of the supervisory board and management, I accept this responsibility to solve the problem and lead the company into the future.”

Stadler was obviously questioned by investigating authorities regarding what he possibly knew (or didn’t) regarding what became Dieselgate, but has since been cleared of wrongdoing. Today, he wants to steer the ship clear before eventually retiring. While more recalls regarding diesel-engined Audis are likely and expected even by Stadler himself, the guy clearly wants to fix what’s been wronged. At the same, he wants to set Audi on the right path towards electrification. Only a few days ago, we learned the brand is preparing a new electric supercar equipped with solid-state batteries. Before that model arrives, the e-tron GT, a direct rival to the Tesla Model S, is expected in 2020.

Audi Ordered To Recall 127,000 Cars For Faulty Diesel Emissions (Again)

Haven't we been down this road before?

The German media is reporting that Audi has been ordered to recall some 127,000 vehicles over – wait for it – “illicit emission-control software in its latest Euro 6 diesel models.” Automotive News Europe has learned from a report in Bild am Sonntag that the recall involves the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 So, the majority of its current lineup? Pretty much, yes. Haven't been down this road before? Also yes. Here’s what happened: Germany’s KBA motor transport authority somehow detected the software issue.

The affected vehicles’ engine management systems turn off emissions-reducing measures in real-world conditions. But when those vehicles are being tested, everything comes off as just fine. Any of this sound familiar? The KBA is now threatening to withdraw approval for the all-new A8 until this problem is fixed. What’s interesting is that these specific vehicles were part of a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel vehicles with V6 and V8 TDI engines last summer. The KBA is now focused on vehicles with the V6 TDI. Thing is, VW Group diesel vehicles are still having emissions issues that require recalls.

Just last November, Audi announced a 5,000-vehicle recall in Europe for a software fix due to too much nitrogen oxide being admitted. This time around, the recall appears to only be in Europe (for now), with 77,600 vehicles in Germany alone.

Audi Stops V6 Diesel Deliveries Amidst Emissions Irregularities

With regards to the current situation, German auto magazine Der Spiegel reported that the software installed in these V6 diesels allegedly reduces the frequency of the urea injections required to neutralize harmful emissions. Audi did not elaborate on this but did say that a software update would be provided in line with the findings by the authorities. Globally, approximately 60,000 vehicles are affected, more than half in Germany. Happily, this time, no US vehicles are affected.