Idemitsu Lubricants America says that its SAE 0W-20 is the industry’s first engine oil to achieve the next-generation dexos-1, aka dexos1: 2015, approval through General Motors. Yes, that’s zero (0) viscosity at times. Idemitsu claims to have used a proprietary technology to attain the required fuel economy and performance needed to meet GM requirements for current and future engine development.
“Idemitsu focused on lower viscosity oils intentionally,” said Scott Rajala, Senior Chief Engineer at ILA. “As with our Asian OEM customers, the U.S. OEMs are now beginning to focus on the potential fuel economy savings of lower viscosity engine oils. Idemitsu developed this innovative technology with the intention of being the leader in the OEM factory fill market for fuel economy engine oils.”
GM and other vehicle manufacturers are adding turbocharging to their engines. This requires more demanding oil standards. Idemitsu’s 0W-20 also is said to suppresses low speed pre-ignition, which is becoming more common. Idemitsu’s 0W-20 not only carries the new GM dexos-1: 2015, but also satisfies ILSAC GF-5 conditions.
Idemitsu’s claims its 0W-20 had some of the highest fuel economy benefits seen in GM testing. It took Idemitsu two years to meet GM’s requirements.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
