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11M VW diesels affected, Porsche and Audi under investigation

Volkswagen's diesel scandal is growing exponentially larger. In a new statement, the company admits that 11 million vehicles worldwide might be equipped with software capable of evading emissions testing. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency is beginning an investigation into the 3.0-liter V6 in Audi models and the Porsche Cayenne in the US, according to The Detroit News. The automaker claims that from its investigation so far, the "relevant engine management software is also installed in other Volkswagen Group vehicles with diesel engines." However, the company finds that the "noticeable deviation" in test results and real-world numbers only relates to the Type EA 189 powerplant. That still leaves 11 million vehicles potentially skirting emissions rules, though. Governments around the world have started taking a closer look into the company, too. In the US, the EPA has begun testing VW's V6 diesel because "they were certified well before we knew what we know now," Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, said to The Detroit News. The agency has started checking diesels from other automakers to make sure they're meeting the rules, as well. Germany, the European Union, and South Korea have instituted similar investigations. In response, VW is setting aside 6.5 billion euros ($7.25 billion at current rates) to cover servicing all of these diesels. The company admits that the figure might have to be adjusted depending on what happens next. The money is being deducted from its third-quarter earnings. Related Video: VOLKSWAGEN AG HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: Sep 22, 2015 Volkswagen is working at full speed to clarify irregularities concerning a particular software used in diesel engines. New vehicles from the Volkswagen Group with EU 6 diesel engines currently available in the European Union comply with legal requirements and environmental standards. The software in question does not affect handling, consumption or emissions. This gives clarity to customers and dealers. Further internal investigations conducted to date have established that the relevant engine management software is also installed in other Volkswagen Group vehicles with diesel engines. For the majority of these engines the software does not have any effect. Discrepancies relate to vehicles with Type EA 189 engines, involving some eleven million vehicles worldwide.

Audi prepping A5 Sportback for US market

Audi is prepping one of its European-market models for the US market. No, it's not the RS3. Or the RS6. Or even an RS model at all. Sorry. Instead, just be happy we might be finally seeing the handsome A5 Sportback on American roads. Automotive News is citing Audi of America boss Scott Keogh, who hinted that a third A5 body style would be offered in the very near future. And since there are only three A5 body styles – coupe, convertible, and Sportback – and Americans can already buy the first two, the five-door variant is almost certainly what he was referring to. "I feel confident that there will be another variant of the A5 that will be a real home run," Keogh told AN during the US launch for the new A4. Keogh then went on to make the same argument we made above, that Audi only has one more A5 body to sell over here. Audi sells the Sportback with a number of powertrains in Europe, including gas, diesel, and S performance varieties, but we'd expect the US-spec model to mimic the new A4. That means the only choice facing owners would be whether they went for front- or Quattro all-wheel drive. According to Automotive News, we can expect some kind of announcement on the A5 Sportback ahead of the second quarter of 2017, when it's expected to go on sale. We're impatient, though, so we reached out to Audi for confirmation. As soon as they respond, we'll update this post. Related Video:

Audi's new driving school: Drive an R8 at Circuit of the Americas

Every car enthusiast's dream is to be able to drive fast, exotic cars on a famous racetrack, and Audi's new driving school offers exactly that. The Audi Driving Experience has set up shop at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, which you may know as the home of the United States Grand Prix F1 race. The company offers four different programs of varying length, intensity, and cost, but they all feature some Audi's best vehicles including the RS3, TT RS, and the R8 V10 Plus. Two of the programs are half-day, and they teach some of the basics of high-performance driving. The first is called the "Dynamic Experience." It covers things like emergency handling and braking, and it takes place in the exercise paddocks rather than on the actual track. It also only features the RS3 and TT RS. But it's also the most affordable at $595. The other half-day program is the "Track Initiation," and it takes place both in the aforementioned paddocks and on the full Circuit of the Americas course. It adds the R8 to the car roster. It also costs $400 more at $995. The other two programs are longer. The "R8 Track Initiation" program is a full day of driving instruction and practice. It focuses on learning the course by taking it one section at a time, followed by driving the full course toward the end of the day. It features all three cars, and it costs a not-insignificant $2,195. The "R8 Pro Track Initiation" builds on the one-day program with a two-day course. In addition to more track time and more advanced instruction, the course will teach driving techniques such as the famous Scandinavian Flick for inducing oversteer. This program costs a pricey $4,995, and you have to have completed the regular R8 Track Initiation course. Related Video: Image Credit: Audi Auto News Audi Driving Coupe Performance Sedan circuit of the americas