Porsche launches investigation into suspected engine tampering – BamS

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DEThe luxury sports vehicle unit Porsche AG has launched an internal investigation into the alleged manipulation of gasoline engines, German weekly Bild am Sonntag (BamS) reported.

Porsche has informed German car watchdog KBA, the Stuttgart prosecutor’s office, as well as US authorities about suspected illegal hardware and software modifications that could affect exhaust systems and engine components, according to the newspaper .

“Porsche regularly and continuously reviews the technical and regulatory aspects of its vehicles,” said a spokesperson for Porsche. “As part of these internal reviews, Porsche identified issues and, as in the past, proactively informed authorities.”

The spokesperson said the issues were with vehicles developed several years ago, adding that there was no indication that current production was affected. The automaker is working closely with the authorities, he said.

BamS, not mentioning where it got the information from, said engines developed between 2008 and 2013 were investigated, including those in the Panamera and 911 models.

The newspaper also said that aside from discussions with employees, meeting protocols and hundreds of thousands of emails were being reviewed for evidence, adding that KBA had launched an official investigation.