Choose a country or region to display content specific to your geographic position
14.11.2020
Motul has upgraded its 8100 Eco-lite line to meet and exceed the newest API standards of API SP as well as the new ILSAC GF-6A ILSAC GF-6B specifications. These new standards will replace the outgoing standards of API SN+ and ILSAC GF-5 which covered energy conserving grades of 0W20, 5W20, 5W30 and 10W30. However, there is one change, ILSAC GF-6 is now split into 2 categories to accommodate ultra-low viscosity grades like 0W16:
ILSAC GF-6A covers:
0W20
5W20
5W30
10W30
ILSAC GF-6B covers:
0W16
ILSAC GF-6A will be fully backwards compatible to previous API standards, while GF-6B will only be backward compatible to previous 0W16 oils.
API SP also applies to higher grade products like 0W40, 5W40, 10W40, 20W50 etc and is fully backwards compatible to previous API standards like API SN+, API SN, SPI SM, SPI SL, API SJ and so on.
Many technological factors resulted in the need to upgrade existing API standards as well as ILSAC standards but are 2 slightly different conversations. For the low viscosity oils of ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B, much of the improvement was focused on maximizing fuel economy where possible. The broader conversation is looking at the API SP standard as it affects the entire viscosity range of oils for gasoline engines.
API SP was developed due to new engine technology from many OEM's and as a result, new technical challenges occurred. Namely, something known as LSPI, also known as, low sped pre-ignition. This is an abnormal combustion process in direct-injection-turbocharged engines that can result in catastrophic internal engine damage. Many factors contribute to LSPI but it can be mitigated by the oil formulation itself.
In addition to LSPI preventing technology, API SP and ILSAC-GF6 oils also have remarkable improvements in other areas when compared to older API and ILSAC standards:
improved wear protection
reduction in oil sludge
reduced varnish deposits
improved piston cleanliness
To address these challenges and required technological improvements, Motul has upgraded the 8100 Eco-lite range to meet and exceed these standards.
