Fifty years after introducing a six-cylinder engine in its 164 sedan model, Volvo has halved the cylinder count for a new entry-level engine in the XC40 compact SUV . The turbocharged T3 gasoline engine is the Swedish manufacturer's first triple, even if it is not the smallest engine ever offered in a Volvo. Announced back in February , the T3 is being offered for now to European XC40 buyers, but Volvo has said the three-cylinder will be part of Volvo's XC40 portfolio in the U.S. sometime in the future. The current specifications for the XC40 T3 are fitting for an entry-level model: 156 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1,850 to 3,850 rpm, and the sole transmission option is a six-speed manual gearbox. Later on, an eight-speed auto will join the manual, a must for United States sales. The 1.5-liter unit is actually largish for a triple, as three-cylinder units are usually closer to one liter of displacement or l...
When it comes to your car’s exhaust system, the catalytic converter (often called the "catalyst") plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions. However, when it fails, it can lead to performance issues and even legal problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore **how a catalytic converter works** and **what happens when it goes bad**. What Does a Catalytic Converter Do? The catalytic converter is an essential part of your car’s exhaust system. Its main job is to **convert harmful pollutants into less harmful gases** before they exit the tailpipe. Here’s how it works: 1. Reduces Harmful Emissions The catalyst contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium,which facilitate chemical reactions that break down pollutants: - Carbon monoxide (CO)→ Converted into carbon dioxide (CO₂) - Hydrocarbons (HC)→ Converted into water (H₂O) and CO₂ - Nitrogen oxides (NOx) → Broken down into nitrogen (N₂) and oxygen (O₂)* 2. Helps M...