on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Audi says fixing diesel emission problem is simple

Audi reportedly has a simple repair nearly ready to fix the emissions problem on 85,000 vehicles with the 3.0-liter TDI V6 in the US. "Swift, straightforward and customer-friendly solutions are in discussion," company exec Rupert Stadler told workers in Germany, according to Reuters. In late November, Audi announced that the 3.0 TDI had three previously undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices, including one that was potentially considered a defeat device under US law. At the time, the German automaker claimed it could repair the problem with just a software update. Stadler's statement indicates that just such a simple fix might be on the way. Even before Audi's disclosure of the emission control devices, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice of violation against the 3.0-liter TDI for allegedly having software to defeat emissions tests, and the agency later expanded the scope to any vehicle with the engine from 2009 through 2016. The affected models include the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, and Porsche Cayenne. New diesel versions of these vehicles have a stop-sale. Audi offered owners of affected vehicles the same $1,000 Goodwill Package that parent company VW offered to its affected diesel owners. The money is split up into a $500 gift card and $500 to spend at the Audi dealer. The package also comes with extended roadside assistance. Audi needs to find a solution quickly because it's under a 45-day deadline from the California Air Resources Board to submit a recall plan for the 15,000 vehicles with the 3.0 TDI in the state. The automaker also must include a report on any effects to fuel economy and performance from the proposed repair. Related Video:

Porsche 911 Aerodynamic prototype cheated the wind ahead of its time

You might think that sports cars would have the lowest drag coefficient of all cars. And yes, they do tend to be more slippery than, say, SUVs or convertibles, but the sleekest vehicles on the road tend to be EVs, hybrids and luxury sedans. Sports cars, on the other hand, have aerodynamically detrimental needs for downforce and additional engine cooling. Still, the Porsche 911 is better than most, and has only gotten more so over the years. Its relatively narrow track and compact form mean it has a smaller frontal area than some other sports cars, and the gradual sweeping back of its headlights and windshield have only augmented its capacity for cheating the wind.
This 911 prototype, however, is even more aerodynamic than most. It's based on a "G model" 911 from 1984, but employed such features as covered wheels, a new rear spoiler and a reprofiled front end to drop its drag coefficient from 0.40 to 0.27, making it as slippery as a modern sedan and better at cheating the wind than just about anything built up to that point, save for maybe the Tatra 77, Citroën SM or Tucker Torpedo.
Elements of this prototype ended up gradually making it into production Porsches for years to come, and you can clearly see early influences on the second-generation 964 and even on the 959. It's featured here as the latest installment in a video series on rare historic Porsches unearthed from the company archives, following previous clips that featured a rare V8-powered 911 and a mid-engined 911 prototype. Scope out the latest episode in the video below.

Porsche updates Macan range to match new GTS

Porsche just rolled out the new Macan GTS, packing a number of enhancements and updates. But while some of those revisions remain limited to that specific model, others are being shared across the Macan range. Chief among the updates to the Macan is the new Porsche Communication System, which was introduced on the latest 911 variants, then on the Macan GTS, and now on the rest of the small crossover lineup. The system centers around a seven-inch touchscreen display and integrates onboard wifi, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity, and a new 3D navigation interface. The revised Macan can also be had with full dynamic LED headlights instead of the bi-xenon units. Finally, Porsche is also offering some new accessories for the Macan Turbo, including new interior and exterior packages, as pictured in the gallery above. There are new 21-inch wheels, trim pieces, and smoked rear lights for the outside, and Alcantara trim and other special touches for the cabin as well. The updates and packages are being rolled out initially in Porsche's home market, but should be arriving Stateside as well in due course. Exclusive exterior and interior packages for the Macan Turbo More functionality and individuality for the Porsche Macan Stuttgart. Porsche is significantly upgrading the Macan. To coincide with the world premiere of the Macan GTS at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, the new model year of the compact SUV is also receiving enhanced infotainment and comfort features. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) now comes in the Macan as well. Just a short while ago, the system celebrated its debut in the 911. Highlights are real-time route navigation, simplified operation and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot. Porsche is also offering new full-LED headlights as an option for all models of the sporty SUV. Greater comfort and functionality are augmented by a bonus in sportiness. A re-engineered steering controller provides a more direct handling experience and improved contact with the road. Extended exterior and interior packages are available as options exclusively for the Macan Turbo. Now customers can introduce even more individual styling to their vehicle. The new PCM generation: easier operation and improved connectivity The centrepiece of the infotainment system that comes as standard in all Macan models is the new, high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen. The redesigned user interface employs intuitive operation, similar to that of a smartphone.