New engine technologies are constantly being developed and
introduced in order to meet increasing customer demands and
government regulations. In many cases, improved engine oil
performance is necessary to facilitate the implementation of new
engine technologies. In order to meet increasing customer demands
for performance, durability, and fuel economy, the engine builders
are introducing hardware and operating cycles that place increasing
demands on the engine oil.
Each new North American Gasoline Engine Oil Performance Category
has been developed with specific performance targets and
improvements in mind. This paper will primarily focus on the
initial steps in the development of engine oils for the GF-6
passenger car engine oil category in North America.
GF-6 is scheduled to be introduced during the 1st quarter of
2015 and will supersede GF-5 and previous categories. It will also
be backward compatible and will provide improved performance
relative to GF-5 in many respects. Changes from GF-5 will include
replacements for the Sequence IVA, IIIG, and VG engine tests as
well as the addition of a new viscosity grade (representing an HTHS
150°C of 2.3 cP) and increased fuel economy limits. This paper will
first review the industry structure in place for category
development. Subsequently, implications of the use of ultra-low
viscosity lubricants will be discussed. Finally, data will be
presented showing current research around the new viscosity
grade.