This behaviour needs to die.
It’s not reasonable for companies to charge subscriptions to hardware that you own that require zero external connections.
The engine is not a connected component. There is zero reason it would ever be constrained by connected features.
So I’m carrying around extra weight I don’t need if I don’t want the extra horse power?
So a software hack could unleash the extra power?
John Deere? Is that you?
I eagerly await cars that require subscriptions for air conditioning, sound system access, etc.
Oh shit the DLC virus has spread
Then again, it's german corporate software...there should be a hack for that in no time 🤡
What does Netflix have to do with it? They still kill your favorite shows, and overcharge with ads. The first two words were not necessary in this headline.
In France, VW cars are usually bought by our local rednecks. I would be curious to know who buys those cars in other countries.
I don't think I know anyone with a VW made after 2013, I guess that's not going to change anytime soon now
I loathe the idea of a subscription, but you buy a car upfront knowing what specs you're getting.
If they want to unlock more power for a one time fee, that's fair game. It actually does have a cost incurred on them via increased wear and tear and warranty claims.
But it's gotta be a 1 time purchase and is lifetime of the car.
Also tough luck if you failed to secure it properly and someone jailbreaks it. It's their car they can do whatever the fuck they want to it.
201 to 228 hp is just like an idiot tax. But of course it’s only a start. If customers accept it, they will put more and more behind a subscription.
Well, I was planning on buying the new electric van they have, but this article has changed my mind. Same reason I won’t buy a Tesla or any other company that hides features of a fully purchased car behind a paywall. Fuck that mess and I will never support it.
My wife's 2017 Volkswagen, with only 160,000 very gentle km on it (100,000 miles) suddenly had a warning light come on. It seems that the sensor on the turbo charger had gone bad, but the only way to fix it is to replace the entire turbocharger, close to $5,000.
From what we have read, Volkswagens of this age start to have large numbers of very expensive repairs. Lesson learned, she got rid of the Volkswagen and bought a hyundai.
Ads when you're driving, features you've paid for locked behind a paywall and overpriced repairs.. the future is here.
Hope suburu doesn't end up doing this, just bought one.
"You wouldn't download a car"
I own a 26 year old skoda 1.9 TDI 110 HP Without touching any hardware it can be remmaped to 140 hp, which is a setting used in an Audi A4 from that era. Replacing a couple of things, like injectors turbo and intercooler, it can go to 180-190, which was also offered for the same engine. I'm happy with the 110hp, the car drives fine, and the engine is relaxed, wich has helped its longevity
Give it a few weeks and some eastern European wizard will find a way to unlock it with ease and make it available to the masses
Personally i just drill holes in my ECU to install weatherproof connections to the BDM port so I can fiddle around with it myself in WinOLS. quite the learning curve though.
I just had to pay upwards of $700 to boost my VW’s horsepower.
By buying a Cobb Accessport
Seems like this scheme might save you money in countries where insurance is extremely expensive? Since car's official power figure is the original one.
Yay! Another company to boycott 👍
NO.
It blows mind anyone buys volkswagens after the emissions scandal.
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