>Date:    Sun, 15 Feb 2004 23:52:32 -0800
>From:    Tromper <tromper@COMCAST.NET>
>Subject: Re: "green" cars (NVC)

>I do wonder if they used actual data from the Tourag or
>just an estimate based off conventional diesels.

>Heard somewhere the 4 cyl TDI's were clean enough to run a
>catalytic converter.

>JT

Though they have terrific economy, diesel engines (burning petrol-diesel)
are very polluting without an oxi-cat.
I read that all the VW's and Audi's were using oxi-cats in Europe in an
effort to
curb the soot pollution problem associated with diesel engines there.
Much of the diesel in Europe is 10-25% bio-diesel, which also lessens soot
pollution.
According to studies, running bio-diesel with an oxi-cat is far cleaner then
gasoline with a cat,
in regards to gases and particles produced per gallon burned.
All the newer (1999+) VW TDI's 4 and 6 cyl have oxi-cats (at least in the
US).
I wouldn't doubt that the larger engine VW's also have them, though I
couldn't say for sure.

-Steven Dodson
Kneeland, CA
"Inga" the 87 Syncro