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EPA discovers defeat device in more VW TDI engines

In a sternly worded letter, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a new set of allegations against Volkswagen claiming that so-called emissions defeat software has been found in the company's 3.0-liter TDI V6 diesel engines. This is a completely different engine than the 2.0 TDI that has already been identified as an emissions cheater. In addition to VW, the EPA has included Audi and Porsche in this notification, as the non-compliant engine has been used in vehicles from all three manufacturers from model years 2014 through 2016. The EPA claims that cars equipped with the 3.0 TDI engine know when they are being tested for emissions, and their on-board computers switch into a mode designed to pass the stringent requirements in the United States for diesel exhaust. Vehicles sold in the United States with this engine include the 2014 VW Touareg, 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and 2016 Audi A6, A7, A8L and Q5. The EPA says there are 10,000 vehicles currently on the road with this second defeat device, along with an unknown number of 2016 models either on dealer lots or in the driveways of consumers. According to the EPA, VW's 3.0-liter TDI, like the 2.0 TDI that was found to circumvent US regulations, has code in its computer specifically written to intentionally put the vehicle's engine into a mode that allows it to meet exhaust requirements. When the vehicle is unhooked from testing equipment, it will go back into a mode that emits nine-times higher nitrogen oxide emissions than is allowable under US law. "VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans," said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for the Office for EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "All companies should be playing by the same rules. EPA, with our state, and federal partners, will continue to investigate these serious matters, to secure the benefits of the Clean Air Act, ensure a level playing field for responsible businesses, and to ensure consumers get the environmental performance they expect." Richard Corey, Executive Officer of the California Air Resources Board, said in a statement, "Today we are requiring VW Group to address these issues. This is a very serious public health matter. ARB and EPA will continue to conduct a rigorous investigation that includes testing more vehicles until all of the facts are out in the open." This story will be updated as new information becomes available.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs. sport compact sedans: How they compare on paper

Hot hatchbacks may be stealing the headlines, but they're not the only way to get cheap speed. There are actually a number of small sporty sedans on the market, too, in case you want that more formal roofline. The recently revealed 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI highlighted these vehicles, so we figured we'd take a look at the specifications and see how they compare to each other. Our contenders are the aforementioned VW, along with the 2019 Honda Civic Si, 2019 Subaru WRX and 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport. All four start under $30,000 and offer more than 200 horsepower. And of course, they all have trunks. In our comparison, we'll look at each car's powertrain comparing horsepower and torque. We'll also look at practicalities such as interior space, fuel economy and pricing. You can see the raw numbers in the chart below, followed by additional analysis and links to reviews. If you'd like to compare any of these cars with a different group, be sure to check out our car comparison tool. Engines and drivetrains Performance, and particularly power, is likely a priority for a sporty sedan buyer, and there's a clear leader: the Subaru WRX. At 268 horsepower, it's 40 ponies ahead of the next most potent car, the 228-horsepower Jetta GLI. It also ties the GLI for torque at 258 pound-feet. Both cars also support the old adage that "there's no replacement for displacement," since each have 2.0-liter engines while the Hyundai has a 1.6-liter unit and the Honda engine only displaces 1.5 liters. The Hyundai and Honda are nearly tied for power and torque, too, at roughly 200 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Another bonus for the Subaru is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which is handy for power delivery, lateral grip and for inclement weather. While the Jetta GLI and Civic Si are front-drive only, they do feature mechanical limited-slip differentials to enhance traction under power. The Elantra Sport makes do with electronic aids and an open differential. We're pleased that all four of these cars offer manual transmissions, too. But if you do want or need an automatic transmission, the VW, Subaru and Hyundai have you covered. The VW and Hyundai rely on seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions, and the Subaru uses a CVT with eight preset ratios for manual mode shifting. The Civic Si, though, is manual only (and it's an excellent manual at that).

Car companies may need to start curbing model proliferation

Looking at the current automotive landscape, especially from German makers, you quickly get the impression that less definitely isn't more. BMW alone offers its 3 Series platform in practically every segment possible, including the regular sedan and 4 Series Gran Coupe, which would seem to be direct competitors. Porsche might be the winner, though, with 20 different variants of the 911 listed for sale on its US website. However, some of this model madness might be reaching an end as companies begin cutting back spending or shifting money to other priorities.
According to Yahoo Finance, the offerings from the German automakers are up 25 percent over the past three years to over 200 models in Europe. The peak is expected to come around 2018 at 230 separate vehicles, according to consulting company PwC.
Amazingly, BMW, which is among the poster children for this model explosion, might be changing its tune. "I'm sure there will be points in the future where we look at certain cars and say, 'Maybe we need to think differently now,'" said head of sales Ian Robertson in an interview, according to Yahoo Finance. The statement certainly sounds shocking coming from a company rumored to have 23 front-wheel-drive vehicles all using a single platform on the way.