Volkwagen's diesel cars set air quality back by years

[Tab]

Based on Autolist’s analysis, the cars were supposed to be emitting NOx gases at levels similar to a Honda Civic, a low emissions gasoline-powered vehicle. In reality, the VWs were producing smog equivalent to 20 Ford F-450 Super Duty trucks -- .084 kilograms of NOx per year.

More: http://www.computerworld.com/article/2988658/telematics/nearly-a-million-illegal-tons-of-smog-resulted-from-vws-diesel-cars.html

[NorthCarolina]

1. Holy schnikees

How can that even be possible? One (1) small car with emissions equaling 20, count-em 20, F450's??? Doesn't make sense.

[NutmegYankee]

2. Lean fuel mixtures.

Lean fuel mixtures tend to burn hotter and therefore react more of the nitrogen in the air with the oxygen to form NOX. Part of the fix is to cool the combustion temps by enriching the mixture, but this will lower fuel economy.

[HooptieWagon]

4. F-450 is probably diesel.

Edit. Correct, the Super Duty 450 only comes with the 6.7L turbo diesel.

[NorthCarolina]

5. F450 is a bit more than a pick-up truck though

so I assumed they were naturally Diesel. Learn something new every day!