Porsche denies accusations of a new dieselgate scandal involving the Cayenne V6 TDI

The popular German magazine Der Spiegel published this week that, following tests carried out on the Porsche Cayenne V6 TDI, it exceeds the permitted nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. According to the Bavarian publication, the study was carried out by the German testing institute TÜV Nord to verify the pollution levels of the popular SUV under everyday driving conditions.

According to TÜV Nord’s head of testing, Helge Schmidt, “the emissions in this test were higher than the limits set for this type of car. With these values, the vehicle would not have been approved by the authorities.”

From Porsche have stated that the results of the German publication’s tests are not representative of reality, as a variety of factors, including engine load, speed and temperature, can alter a vehicle’s emissions.

Porsche denies having installed a device that detects steering wheel movements to control emissions. Furthermore, according to the German outlet “Wirtschaftswoche”, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) will investigate Porsche over the use of a device installed in the steering of its vehicles that could detect when the car is undergoing an emissions test and thus emit fewer polluting gases.

Audi has also been accused of using this illegal software that manipulates emissions of polluting gases. As with the Porsche system, the device recognises when the vehicle is being inspected through steering wheel movements.

From Porsche have denied all accusations and have made clear that they do not use any software or device to detect steering wheel movements. Two years ago, the EPA already accused the brand of using a suspicious device.

On the other hand, the Stuttgart prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the CEO of Volkswagen, Matthias Müller, because it suspects that, during his management at the helm of Porsche, he was aware of the fraud and failed to fulfil the duty of reporting it to investors.

Before the report by Der Spiegel, the Porsche Cayenne TDI 3.0-litre models built between 2013 and 2016 had already been inspected as part of the dieselgate scandal. If these accusations are true, this would be another hard blow for the Volkswagen Group.