[roy@gambitmotorsport]

Too funny, but true and very interesting.

I was reading a magazine article tonight about the new
BMW concept car X6 and when it got to the exhaust
details, it mentioned that they utilized a
Mercedes-developed technology called "BlueTec", which
passes urea through the exhaust to reduce harmful
emissions.

I thought, "Urea?", did a wikipedia search, and yes,
it is that same stuff we all produce naturally.
Interestingly, it is our body's way of expelling
excess nitrogen, a combination of which is one of
automotive's harmful gasses.

With this new technology, it reduces emissions, is
oderless, and is recirculating - so can be filled up
by the dealer at 10K mile intervals. No road-side
stops.

I think it's great technical companies are taking in
organic biologists (or, at least, those inspired by
and understanding them) to create future benefits.

Thought this was pretty unique and decided to pass it
on; no pun intended.

[sageashton]

That is cool. I can't say that I am a full fledged tree hugger, but damn it's nice to support a company that actually cares about the future a bit and is actually putting so much R & D into cleaner, more efficient cars. Nice find!

[roy@gambitmotorsport]

The magazine was "Bimmer". I read a lot tonight and think I got the X6 article mixed up with the forthcoming diesel engine articles. The BlueTec technology mentioned is actually posted on-line here:

http://www.bimmer-mag.com/art2/art2p2.html

May be cross-platform for both gas and diesel in the future.

[purplewidow]

the system is mercedes...i guess bmw bought it....it talks about it in bimmer magazine i believe...it is from the bluetec system....bmw is using it in the new diesels