LOL WAOH at the v12, catalyst error? sounds like your jap import car's useless cat temp sensor is fooked its a JDM only requirement, the error comes up on the Check control. I think there is a thread somewhere here about disabling it through some relay under the seat.
If the cat's stuffed it will make a rattly noise from under the car on partial throttle such as a gentle take off. if you jiggle the cats vigoursly they sound like they have marbles rolling in them if they're gone.
most likely you'll have a loud exhaust too because the bits of the cat start taking out mufflers baffles on the way out.