OK. This just in! Although, who knows, with modern communications, maybe the world and his brother already know!

I've been concerned about the diagnostic restrictions imposed by these new security measures manufacturers are imposing. I was having an email exchange, with a well known and trusted Diagnostic gear provider, about something else entirely during which it came out that VAG have decided to allow a simple work around to allow the disablement of the firewall. Bonnet open, Driver's door open, Hand brake on. Full diagnostic access should then be available? I'm going to have a chat with my friends at our local Audi/VAG indy and see what they know.

They were also aware of the American Bypass module and that Fiat Chrysler are talking to aftermarket diagnostic gear manufacturers and some may already have permission to access their servers for security codes. Exactly where all this is just now is somewhat more opaque but it looks as if encouraging technical moves are afoot. What the cost implications are who knows?