Not a surprise, as its fairly easy* for a computer expert to alter (or replace) computer code on cars. People do alter the code, especially if it's thought something on a car is being deliberately disabled by automakers, mostly likely by the demands of the federal government.
Many model cars now have third party software that can replace all or some the automakers installed software. Typically to restore or enhance horsepower or gas mileage that is present in the engine, but held back by computer controls. A typical new car can produce more horsepower without any physical upgrades, but by just removing the computer code holding it back. The feds have gone apesh*t on pollution control lately, but since cars only produce about 3% of the pollution they made just 30 years ago, there isn't much left to remove, and what is left costs an arm and a leg to control.
For example, today's diesel power cars and light trucks come with a DEF tank. As they annoy people more then anything (computer will not allow the car to start if its empty), there are kits to bypass (remove) the tank.
*easy for someone handy with a computer, not a normal person
