Takeo Fukui, Honda’s President and CEO, proudly introduced two new clean diesel engines at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The said engines belong to Honda’s well-developed second generation diesel family that carries on the name i-DTEC (intelligent Diesel TEChnology). The i-DTEC makes use of the world’s finest technology in order to reduce emissions to a level equal to that of a petrol engine.

Set to make an appearance in the United States within the next two years, Honda’s next generation super-clean diesel engine features an innovative Lean-burn NOx-reducing Catalyzer. This catalyzer makes use of ammonia to ‘detoxify’ NOx. Upon detoxifying the NOx, it turns into harmless nitrogen. Not like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which makes use of Urea supplied from a storage tank, Honda’s technology uses ammonia generated directly within the catalytic converter.

It has a two-layer structure: one layer absorbs NOx from the exhaust gas. The NOx during periodic rich burn controlled by the engine management system reacts with hydrogen from the exhaust gas. This produces ammonia that is then absorbed by the second layer.

During lean burn operation, the ammonia is utilized to convert the remaining exhaust NOx into nitrogen. One may wonder why ammonia. It is because ammonia is a great reagent for reducing NOx into nitrogen in oxygen-rich, lean-burn atmospheres. The system also has the capacity to provide for more efficient NOx reduction in the most critical temperature range of 200-300°C for diesel engine exhaust systems.

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 new 2.0 TDI e Concept is able to show the effectiveness of Audi’s new Modular Efficiency program. The said vehicle has the capacity to undercut the consumption limit of five liters per 100 km by using just 4.9 liters for 100 km on the EU cycle. With the A4, Audi is able to bring forward its whole package of innovative engineering solutions. As for the start/stop system or the energy recuperation system that is still being developed, Audi enthusiasts can expect future Audi vehicles to exhibit it.

The people behind Audi’s diesel engine development combined a whole package of innovate measures to come up with the latest developments in TDI generation. The new piezo common rail system with an injection pressure of 2,000 bar, highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation and the optimized turbocharger produce greatly reduced raw emissions. The presence of combustion chamber sensors, the first of its kind, serves as one of the highlights. These sensors allow the combustion processes inside the engine to be regulated even more precisely.

When combined with the ultra low emission system, the latest TDI engine in the end becomes the clean high-tech diesel. This combination is able to reduce nitric oxides by up to 90 percent. It uses the additive AdBlue, which is a biologically degradable water-based solution. A minute dose is injected into the system upstream of the DeNOx converter.

The A4’s ultra low emission system comprises the catalytic converter and a metering module, the AdBlue tank and heated lines, and an extensive system of sensors. The additional oxidation catalytic converter and the highly efficient regulated diesel particulate filter complete the comprehensive exhaust emissions control system.

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.

A shocking news about carbon monoxide poisoning raised concern levels as it threatened the lives of three children. The incident occurred when an infant and two toddlers were driving on a drive-through line together with their mother. The children started to feel nausea when they got home, and they were all acting a bit “unusual”. As a result, firefighters who investigated the scene suspected that this toxic poisoning was due to catalytic converter poisoning, since harmful gas was detected to be coming out from the car’s air conditioning vents. As mechanics were consulted, they too have confirmed that a primal suspect could be a faulty catalytic converter.

However, when catalytic converters fail, the keen driver will be able to detect it. There will be changes when it comes to the performance and even the smell, according to McGee Tire representative Steve Bell. The children were brought to the hospital on Friday, and were expected to be released by Saturday.

True enough, when catalytic converters fail, they begin to emit harmful effects not only to the environment and the engine performance, but to the car occupants too. Here comes the part wherein car drivers must be knowledgeable about the maintenance of their catalytic converter, or their exhaust system for that matter. Since catalytic converters are implemented on the car as a regulation that is promulgated by the law, it means that every car has one. Hence, every car owner must take the initiative to maintain it and keep its efficiency.

Read on the previous Blog posts regarding catalytic converter troubleshooting and maintenance, since it will greatly avoid any possibility of having carbon monoxide poisoning. When it comes to catalytic converter poisoning though, this basically means that the vehicle is being poisoned by lead, rendering it to fail. Cars equipped with catalytic converters should only run on unleaded gasoline. Lead alone can cause harmful lead emissions so this fact already gives us the reason to switch to unleaded gasoline. Other catalytic converter poison includes sulfur, zinc, manganese, silicon, and phosphorous. Avoiding these elements paired with constant maintenance and visual check-ups on the catcon will lead one to have only safe emissions.