Honda Xr350 Skid Plate 1984 on 2040-parts.com

Catalytic converter thefts double in three years

Associated Press Thefts of catalytic converters from cars have more than doubled in less than three years, according to an investigation by the BBC. Data compiled from 40 police regions across the UK reveal that in 2012 a total of 8,947 catalytic converters thefts were reported, compared to 3,957 similar cases recorded in 2010. On Bing: see pictures of catalytic convertersStreet sweepers to mine UK roads for precious metals A car’s catalytic converter reduces its harmful exhaust gas emissions by initiating a chemical process to neutralise many toxic substances emitted from the engine.

Rolls Royce Wraith Convertible planned & the Wraith hits Harrods

That means the Wraith gets a stiffened suspension setup to stop it rolling too much and more weight to the steering so you have a chance of knowing where the front wheels are at any given moment. It’s a promising offering from Rolls Royce, but it looks as though the Wraith won’t be a stand-alone model but will be joined, in due course, by a convertible version for those who find the Wraith Coupe not quite ostentatious enough. Who’d have guessed?

Meet the Jaguar/Land Rover smartphone

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a whole new host of apps that'll be available in vehicles by both brands later this year via the InControl smartphone integration system. With the help of Bosch and a number of third-party app developers, Jaguar and Land Rover will debut integrated in-vehicle app connectivity for phones with the Android operating system, as well as for Apple's iOS. Jaguar Land Rover is the latest company to bring apps to cars' infotainment systems, an innovation that will either greatly reduce distracted driving and make crucial information much more easily accessible or cause drivers to completely ignore the act of driving altogether.