The Lubrizol Corporation announces its continued work with global OEMs to solve the challenges associated with gasoline direct injection and turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T/GDI) engines. Addressing low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and chain wear through lubricants is a critical step to achieve more reliable performance in new engines. Lubrizol has developed higher performing lubricant additive technology to address LSPI and chain wear, two challenges specific to T/GDI engines.

ILSAC GF-6, the next major passenger car engine oil specification, has experienced significant delay and is not anticipated to see first license before 2019. This delay has left OEMs to pursue alternative approaches to address T/GDI performance field issues, specifically LSPI and chain wear. LSPI is a random, destructive occurrence caused by high in-cylinder pressures in T/GDI engines. Chain wear is caused by GDI soot, a carbonaceous contaminant unique to T/GDI engines that causes accelerated timing chain wear. It has been proven that advanced lubricant additive technology can have a positive impact on both LSPI and chain wear.

Lubrizol has been persistent in its support of OEMs in their efforts to address these challenges, as evidenced in part by investments in testing and development to discover new ways to mitigate LSPIs detrimental effects and minimize accelerated chain wear. "By working closely with major OEMs to understand T/GDI engine challenges, we`ve been able to anticipate the needs currently unmet by industry-standard performance," said Gabe Rhoads, passenger car global business manager, Lubrizol Additives."

Many OEMs are evaluating their options to solve LSPI and are taking action. For instance, General Motors has tackled the issue by specifying LSPI performance in its proprietary GM dexos1(TM) Gen 2 specification. Rhoads continues, "OEMs can`t afford to wait for a GF-6 remedy to LSPI. They need lubricant solutions now, and they`re taking action. That`s why Lubrizol has been proactive in developing critical additive technology that enables the necessary performance for T/GDI engines on the road today." Lubrizol anticipates that most OEMs will take similar steps to ensure vehicle field performance.

"In North America, more than 50% of the cars produced in 2017 will be equipped with GDI engines, and by 2024, that figure will rise to 83%. LSPI must be addressed, and it must be addressed now," said Rhoads.

Lubrizol`s unique OEM solutions for T/GDI engines are compatible with current ILSAC GF-5 formulations and offer additional protection to mitigate LSPI and minimize chain wear, thus enabling oil marketers to quickly deliver new products to market that are compatible with new OEM specifications.

With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, Lubrizol owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 8,300 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2016 were $6.5 billion.