I have a buddy with inside connections at VWoA corporate looking into wth the holdup is with these cars stuck in port. Hopefully he'll be able to provide some insight.
Kevin, I'm ready to double-down on my bet that the "hold" on the Rs is emissions related.
As you probably know, these days manufacturers self-certify that their products are emissions compliant. It's my hunch that the feds have essentially said to VOA: "Prove it." In this regard, remember the Rs are coming from Germany, not Mexico. Different car, different testing. (And, yes, I've seen the post with a copy of the CA certification. I encourage others to read it. It clearly states that the results are based on VW AG's self-certification.) If certification is the issue, re-certification involves VW finding a lab competent to do the work -- meaning one the feds recognize as competent and reliable -- and then actually getting it done. This isn't something that can be knocked out in a couple of days, and it costs millions.
The other possibility is the misfire issue discussed on this board and elsewhere -- also an emissions issue -- has motivated VOA to take the initiative to find the source of the problem and resolve it before the feds step in and compel it. Finally, I've considered the fact that some Audis have a similar EA888-series engine, and they are being sold. My answer: Similar isn't identical. Certifications pertain to specific engine/ECU/drivetrain combinations. This ain't horseshoes.
I'll be the first to admit I could be wrong, but I don't believe I am.
