First of all Nitros Oxide (laughing gas the dentist uses) is a legitimate way to increase hp and NOT obviously made only to confuse the issue. 600/700 cubic inch engines routinely produce 3,000 hp but they are rebuilt after a couple of minutes running. Lot’s of hp/ci but not longevity, which is the point. HOW the increase in hp/displacement is achieved dictates any increase in longevity.
Quote:
|
The GM engine has a lower HP/liter number AND costs more to build than the Mercedes.
|
Where on earth did you get that from?
Quote:
|
The Mercedes comparatively equipped sell for same or less than the GM product throughout the world.
|
If your comparing the Mercedes to GMs sold in Calcutta, but not in NY.
Quote:
|
BTW, what does the catalytic converter do? Burns gasoline the engine did not (and a few other functions).
|
The Catalytic Converter was invented to remove the NOx (nitrogen oxides) that come from higher combustion temps. The higher temps are required to make the engine operate more efficiently. Engine coolant temps that used to be 160 to 180 degrees F are now over 200 to keep the combustion chambers and incoming charge passages hot.
Now they have 3-way Cats that will act like a furnace to burn some of the carbon monoxide and any hydrocarbons (fuel or oil) that get by the engine. BUT their primary function is still removing the N from the NOx resulting in O2(oxygen) and N2(nitrogen).
One reason Hybrids pollute less is that huge battery pack has the power to heat the Cat, getting it working quickly.
All these are just technical points. The fact remains GM's management has sucked for some time and still does. The only reason they've survived this long is the momentum and clout of such a behemoth with a better than 50% market share takes a long time to run down.