Get back to me when it really happens. To attract attention, widely exaggerated amounts are frequently used. It is SOP for headline writers. It is far from a done deal and shouldn't be referred to as if it is.
VW will act all contrite - most, if not all, of top management will step down (which has already started) as will the directors. VW will promise all kinds of reforms. The EPA will scale back the possible fines to a still substantial amount but something far less than $18 billion. That's the way the game works. The EPA will get a large fine so it can claim victory and VW will pay something that it can afford.