All VW, Audi, Porsche Diesels Have Had Illegal Software Since 2009: U.S. Fines May Hit $21.2 Billion

Volkswagen's Dieselgate scandal continues its gruesome shock-and-awe assault on the world's headlines. Late last week, the automaker finally admitted that the Environmental Protection Agency was correct when it said that Volkswagen had installed illegal emissions control software on its 3.0-liter diesel engines. 

In fact, in a meeting with EPA officials, representatives from VW and Audi said that none of their 3.0-liter diesel engines have complied with U.S. emissions regulations since 2009. As a result, the tally of U.S. vehicles affected by Dieselgate has now risen to 587,000 -- 482,000 2.0-liter diesels, mostly from the VW brand, and an additional 85,000 3.0-liter diesels, spread among VW, Audi, and Porsche.

The confession marks the conclusion of a slow, 180-degree pivot by Volkswagen. When the EPA first accused Volkswagen of installing cheat software on its 3.0-liters at the beginning of this month, VW reps vehemently denied the charges. Audi remained silent. Only Porsche seemed contrite, issuing a brief statement that said: "We are surprised to learn this information. Until this notice, all of our information was that the Porsche Cayenne Diesel is fully compliant."