Mazda develops new cat converter

madmelon · 13-01-2009, 11:51 AM

Mazda has apparently developed a nanotechnology based cat converter which can significantly reduce emissions. Maybe this is what FoA was talking about for continuation of the I6 when they said new cat converter technology...

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...eID=60174&vf=7

**Polyal** · 13-01-2009, 12:49 PM

Cool.

So they are selling it to the germans who can afford to put it into their cars without worry of RRP. Then the volume of manufacturing increases which then brings the price down so others can use it aswell?

Hope so.

Bossxr8 · 13-01-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmelon

Mazda has apparently developed a nanotechnology based cat converter which can significantly reduce emissions. Maybe this is what FoA was talking about for continuation of the I6 when they said new cat converter technology...

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...eID=60174&vf=7

Ford said new technology, they didn't say anything about cat convertors, just that they can reach Euro 4 with exhaust, injection and calibration changes. First thing they must do is move the cat much closer to the engine, its a lot further away than the Euros do it. Nearly everything new out of Europe has the cat less than 20cm away from the engine, on the FG its probably nearly a metre away. The closer the cat is to the engine, the quicker it warms up and reduces cold start emissions, which is the area Ford need to improve apon.

If only the high end Euros can afford this new tech cat then Ford won't be using it, too expensive.

madmelon · 13-01-2009, 10:15 PM

There was an article somewhere with Sinead McAlary (or whatever) mentioning new catalyst technology too- that's why I posted this. Regardless, it is another good step towards minimizing the impact of fossil fuelled vehicles.

Ohio XB · 14-01-2009, 02:33 AM

Here in the US, ZDDP (a zinc compound) has been removed from conventional motor oils for the purpose of manufacturing some new kind of catalytic converter. I don't know what the technology is.

This causes premature wear of camshaft lobes on flat tappet cams. Since most new cars have roller cams this is not a problem. For older hotrodders though it is.

Steve

irlewy86 · 14-01-2009, 02:42 PM

Most scientists expect nano-technology to evolve like the computer industry or DNA research. Once a few products hit the market it will become radically cheaper and more prevalant in the space of just 2 decades.