For much of the recent history of modern passenger car hardware, change has been a common theme.

Emissions, reductions, and regulations are becoming stricter. Improved fuel economy is a necessity. In response, engines are evolving, eking out new efficiencies by any means necessary.

Indeed, the development of ILSAC GF-7—the next major North American passenger car engine oil specification, set for first license on March 31, 2025—is a reflection of such change. The category, developed on an accelerated timeline in order for new lubricants to contribute to upcoming regulatory standards for OEMs, is primarily focused on improving fuel economy.

But there is more to the story, and it’s reflective of why modern, high-performing lubricants have such a critical role to play in the future of transportation. Let’s take a look:

LSPI: A Lubricant Success Story

In pursuit of new fuel economy gains, OEMs have turned to gasoline direct injection (GDI) or turbocharged GDI (TGDI) engines for new efficiencies. This technology today is widespread and commonplace—though it might not have turned out that way without advanced lubricant technology.

Engines are evolving, eking out new efficiencies by any means necessary.

GDI and TGDI engines delivered on new efficiency, doing so under more stressful operating conditions. As such, they were in some cases susceptible to a phenomenon termed low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), an unpredictable and destructive combustion event with the potential to catastrophically damage engine hardware. For the then new technology, LSPI became a significant liability for OEMs.

A solution was identified in the lubricant. By closely studying the phenomenon, Lubrizol assisted in developing a reliable testing framework for LSPI as well as the additive chemistry that has enabled new lubricant formulations to prevent LSPI from occurring. The industry first incorporated LSPI performance as a key performance metric for new lubricants with the API SN PLUS classification; such performance will now be codified within GF-7. What may have been an existential problem for promising new hardware was functionally eliminated by the lubricant.

Enabling the Future of Mobility

The story of LSPI is a case study on the importance of modern lubricant performance. Indeed, the role of the lubricant—as an essential enabler of today’s and tomorrow’s hardware—will only become increasingly critical as the industry moves forward.

The lubricant—as an essential enabler of today’s and tomorrow’s hardware—will only become increasingly critical as the industry moves forward.

OEMs continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible from the internal combustion engine. Elsewhere, rapid hybridization and electrification will continue to drive new requirements from lubricant performance. Simultaneously, the vehicle parc throughout the Americas is aging as end users hold onto their vehicles for longer periods of time. Globally, new specifications and regulations add complexity to the landscape, requiring technology that can deliver broad performance coverage from region to region.

The bottom line is this: High performance lubricants must satisfy all these criteria and more as the industry continues to progress. They will be an essential part of the evolution of modern transportation. And it’s incumbent upon our industry to make it happen.

New scientific breakthroughs will be required. Ongoing partnerships between technology providers, oil marketers, OEMs, and all stakeholders will help shed light on new needs and new solutions. GF-7 is just part of the story, and an important one, but future needs will be even more demanding.

To those ends, Lubrizol is committed to helping you prepare for both today and tomorrow with optimized additive chemistry to meet the right performance requirements. Learn more about how we can help with our Specification Readiness Program.

Get Ready for GF-7 with Lubrizol

GF-7 and the Role of the Lubricant, Today and Tomorrow