Following its recent groundbreaking move in catalytic converter technology, Mazda is now on its way of cutting the price of these environment-friendly automobile devices.

Mazda aims to save buyers from the ever-increasing prices of catalytic converters without affecting their efficiency, as well as the vehicles’ emission levels.

The high cost of metal used in most catalytic converters today makes these devices prone to being stolen. In a previous post, this blog reported that the Japanese automobile company has recently developed a Mazda catalytic converter with less metal content, to lessen the rising incidence of catalytic converter theft.

Whatcar.com reported on October 2 that Mazda is set to unveil its new and efficient catalytic converter, along with its latest concept sports car, at the Tokyo motor show at the end of this month. The Japanese auto maker, however, has not announced yet when the new catalytic converter will be equipped on production vehicles.

Source: Whatcar.com

http://www.whatcar.com/news-article.aspx?NA=228354
http://www.whatcar.com/news-article.aspx?NA=228347

Catalytic converter theft is rampant nowadays. A lot of motorists now fear that the next time they park their car in a public place; their car’s performance may not be the same by the time they leave. But catalytic converter thieves are no longer getting just any kind of catalytic converters; they are now specifically targeting those of the Toyota 4Runner. Such incident has been reported in Chesterfield. This county of Virginia has been having continuous problem regarding stolen catalytic converters, but recently, the theft have been pertaining to a specific vehicle.

One may ask, “What is it with the Toyota 4Runner’s catalytic converter?” Aside from the precious metals in all catalytic converters, the SUV’s catalytic converter is very easy to reach. Other pickup trucks’ cat cons are also relatively easy to reach, since all they have to do is slide under the vehicle and cut the pipe where the precious metals are and get it. It would be very easy for them especially if they know their way around a certain vehicle. Familiarity of which part they need to target and its location is very important for them.

Police reports that aside from the Toyota 4Runner, Tundras and Tacomas are also prime targets, because their catalytic converters are easy to remove.

The three most commonly used precious metals in catalysts are platinum, palladium, and rhodium. According to a police official, these materials are used in the manufacturing electronics, jewelry, glass, and medical and dental equipment. According to some reports, Platinum is the most valuable metal. Reports say that the latest market price is about $1300 an ounce.

The new 2008 Hayabusa has now released its Suzuki GSXI300R. This new bike from Suzuki has an engine capacity increase to 1,340cc, a major power rise to 194bhp and torque up to a massive 114lb ft. Its chassis has been revised, the suspension renewed, the swing-arm is significantly stiffer. The said bike is able to meet the latest Euro 3 emissions regulations because of its big catalytic converter. On the other hand, its massive catalytic converter is accountable for the 7 lb weight gain compare to its previous edition.

The added weight, however, helps a lot when one needs to turn the twist grip. Its added weight helps to make easier for one to make a turn. The new Suzuki GSXI300R Hayabusa is fast. It is so fast that the people in Suzuki highly recommend that one takes it for a ride on a race track. In doing so, one could really experience the full capacity of the GSXI300R Hayabusa. The said bike is so fast that some even recommends that one drives it only on the race track. This, of course, could only be an exaggeration on their part.

Similar to the B-King and GSX-R1000, the Hayabusa features variable power outputs that are attained by pushing a button on the bars. What the Hayabusa considerably improved is its rider wind protection. The old model’s screen was far too low, leaving the driver out in a windblast. This new version, however, is so much better for the protection it gives to the driver.

The rising market price of some precious metals has made local auto dealers and repair shops the perfect target of looters. Since last month, more than 50 catalytic converters have been looted from SUVs particularly from vehicles that are parked on Augusta County sales lot. Apparently, the thin coating of obscure metals such as the platinum, rhodium and palladium on catalytic converters can be priced for over thousands of dollars when sold in high quantities.

Melting down the metals can be quite a difficult task but it is possible. An ounce of rhodium was valued at $6,000 as of the second week of September, according to market quotes. The average catalytic converter is coated with $50 worth of the metal. This means that dozens of converters are needed so as to have a hefty profit. New and used catalytic converters can fetch as much as $130 from salvage yards, industry experts said. Some experts suspect that to resell parts is the main objective behind the burglaries and not to melt the obscure metal.

Slightly more than 30 vehicles at Staunton Hyundai on Lee Jackson Highway were targeted over the weekend, reports the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s quite a loss to the car dealership,” Capt. Dwight Wood said. Authorities estimate the loss at more than $800.

It is quite easy to know what a critical metal is. Basically, critical metals are metals that one cannot do without in building certain things. As for catalytic converters, one simply cannot do without the rhodium. One of the most effective ways in which the catalytic converter is able to meet the legally mandated emissions reduction of nitrogen oxides is by having the hot exhaust gases pass over a finely divided rhodium. Without the rhodium, the catalytic converter will be unable to function the way it is supposed to. Aside from this, the vehicle that is equipped with a catalytic converter that does not have a rhodium as one of its component may not be sold in the US, Japan, and Europe legally.

The American OEM automotive industry, accounts for more than three-fourths of the actual annual demand for rhodium. This amounts to over a million ounce supply of newly produced rhodium. This demand for rhodium is solely used for manufacturing catalytic converters. On a sad note, it has been projected that with the increase in car production from a total of 75 million units per annum in 2007 to a projected 100 million vehicles in 2012, there could be a growing rhodium deficit. For this reason, rhodium has increased its value and hence the looting of catalytic converters.

The second-generation 2008 Toyota Highlander is a new SUV that is quite larger, faster, and more efficient than the one that came before it. The Toyota Highlander was first launched in 2001. This first-generation Highlander was able to answer the growing need for car-based SUVs. The first-generation Highlander catered to those who are looking for crossovers.

The 2008 edition of Toyota Highlander offers about the same room a mid-size sedan does. It has a more rugged looking package than the original Highlander. Also, the 2008 Highlander has lots of inside and outside space. Formerly, the Highlander used to be of the same size as the Ford Escape, now it is quite closer to the Ford Explorer. The Highlander’s overall length of 188.4 inches just about matches its arch-nemesis, the Honda Pilot. But, the Highlander’s efficient packaging yields an interior space that surpasses the Honda’s and actually compares favorably to larger SUVs like the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Explorer, and Dodge Durango.

On the inside, it features the Toyota catalytic converter, which is the main reason for Toyota Highlander’s exceptional exhaust. It has a 3.5-liter V-6, engine with 270 hp/248 lb-ft, a drivetrain of five-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive, and the length-width-height of 88.4 x 75.2 x 69.3 in.

Mazda’s 2008 new 6 sedan is on the Frankfurt show. This latest addition to Mazda vehicles feature a more fluid, rounded shape vehicle that is near the lines of the RX-8. This new Mazda is already out in the market and has a two inches longer wheelbase than most vehicles nowadays. It is powered by Ford’s 3.5 liter V6 and has a 180 horsepower four cylinder engine. Would-be buyers of this Mazda will have the option of having an all-wheel drive. The Mazda 6 features the Mazda catalytic converter. This would be the reason behind Mazda’s good exhaust and call for greener vehicles.

According to Mazda, “the all-new Mazda6 arrives as a full redesign of Mazda’s first model to embody the Zoom-Zoom product philosophy, offering a thrilling drive to all those who still remember the love of motion first experienced as a child. Following the all-new Mazda2, the new Mazda6 is the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage, further deepening the emotional connection between man and machine - Mazda calls it ‘Kizuna.’”

“Inheriting Mazda’s tradition of responsive handling and performance that has become recognized around the world and evolving the original model’s distinctive design and exceptional functionality, the all-new Mazda6 takes a step forward in quality and offers strengthened environmental and safety performance. The result is an exciting and delightful experience that only the all-new Mazda6 can deliver.”

With its new 2008 model, the Audi has high hopes of taking the A8 lineup to the mainstream among vehicle buyers in the United States. This new version of the A8 is not scheduled to be released in the market until 2009. Even though this is the case, it has been going around that the most striking visual feature of the 2008 Audi A8 is its single frame grille. This single frame grille is lifted from the Novolari car concept. The ’08 edition has revised side mirrors, new LED taillights, aluminum trim inserts and modern-looking wheels.

Beyond appearances, the 2008 Audi A8 is made to provide ride comfort, safety, and relative ease in vehicle handling. The makers of the latest addition to the A8 lineup claim that this all-aluminum luxury vehicle will probably be the quietest one on the road. This is because of the new sound insulation that can be found in the new Audi A8. Aside from this, it can also be expected to have good exhaust emissions. Several high-tech features have been added to the Audi A8. Among these are Audi catcons that will see to it that the exhaust emissions will in no way harm the environment.

Aside from these, the A8 also features twinned side assist and lane assist systems. The twinned side assist uses “intelligent” radar technology to constantly scan the car’s blind spots. If the vehicle comes upon an obstacle, a yellow LED lights up in the appropriate side mirror housing. If the driver then signals to change lanes, the LEDs glow brighter and begin flashing.

It can be hard to detect how modern cars “progress” from the one’s that came before it. It can partly be because it becomes difficult to nail down especially when the norm has been whisper-quiet cars with relatively clean emissions. With these characteristics made as a standard for new released vehicles, how can one really determine if a vehicle is better from its predecessor?

This problem has been faced by BMW with the release of its fourth generation M3. The said vehicle will start to be seen in the roads of United States next spring. With the many advances when it comes to vehicles, the BMW has sought to improve on its driving machine. The BMW has made the M3 more powerful, more responsive, and its looks, more attractive.

The new M3 is powered by a V8 engine. Not the in-line six but a racing-derived V8 that has more than 400 horsepower. Aside from this, the M3 added on more features, which boosted the weight of the M3 in spite of its carbon-composite roof.

 Aside from these, the M3 features BMW catalytic converters. The said catcons are expected to help minimize air pollution by not contributing to it. The burnt fuel emission gases are dealt with accordingly to help reduce the presence of harmful gases in the exhaust.

As the 2008 Caravan is able to boast of superb interior dimensions similar to that of a small living room, it is also able to carry on the conveniences one can expect to get when at home.

For the 2008 edition of the Grand Caravan, Chrysler designers have done a great job. Their goal was to be able to come up with a more powerful, dynamic looking vehicle. While it was not said during the media preview, Dodge hoped to make the new models look a bit more rugged. And with the Grand Caravan 2008, it was successfully carried out. The Caravan gets a bigger, bolder chrome grille with a larger Ram icon in the center. It has a front end that intentionally resembles the Dodge Charger, down to the sneering eyebrows over the headlights and the low-mounted fog lamps. From the side, there’s a more SUV-like, two-box feel, rather than the conventional one-box minivan shape.

The 2008 Grand Caravan is no sports car. Its steering is a bit numb. Although this is the case, the new minivans offer good on-center feel and handle. Aside from this, it is surprising easy to handle even on the tight and twisty back roads that one may have to wander about. On its front side, McPherson struts with the larger stabilizer bars added can be found. However, on the rear, a new twist-beam suspension is present.

It has a 4.0-liter V-6, Dodge has modified both suspension and steering to provide a firmer and more aggressive ride. As for the catalytic converter, it is equipped with Dodge catalytic converters. This is the main reason for the good exhaust emissions of the latest model of Dodge Caravan.