Audi A5 1.8TFSI

NGK Spark Plugs – the world’s leading manufacturer of spark plugs and Lambda sensors – is to supply the Volkswagen/Audi Group with spark plugs for the third generation of its best-selling EA888 engine.

The 1.8 litre TFSI debuts on the Audi A5 and will soon be powering many additional models.

The EA888 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder engine (125kW, 170PS) was revised to meet ambitious CO2 targets and comply with the upcoming EURO6 regulation.

Consequently, the third generation of the engine family includes innovative features such as an exhaust gas cooling system within the cylinder head, a dual injection system, variable valve controlling – and a brand new spark plug design.

NGK’s PLFER7A8EG is a double platinum spark plug with an M14 thread, a platinum tip on the centre electrode and an additional platinum chip worked into the ground electrode.

Thanks to the resilience of the precious metal, the spark plug guarantees the utmost in ignition reliability along the entire service life. The exceptionally thin design of the centre electrode additionally improves the spread of the flame front inside the combustion chamber, thus positively affecting engine efficiency.

The most innovative element of the plug, however, is its terminal, with the SAE terminal being replaced by a connection in a ‘cup design’ – the first such plug to be installed in an Audi engine.

The connection of the ignition coil is established by means of a spring that is inserted into the cup to give a secure high-voltage connection.

The new design is only a third of the height of the SAE terminal with the space saved being used to lengthen the ceramic insulator by several millimetres – a step which, in turn, improves the flashover resistance of the spark plug at the high-voltage side.

An increase in flashover resistance like this is required if higher supercharging rates and increased ignition pressures demand higher ignition voltages. In addition to this, the electrical connection or the spring is optimally screened which helps to avoid breakdowns across the insulator or the ignition coil boot.

Martin Pring, General Manager – Sales & Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “NGK Spark Plugs works closely with vehicle manufacturers to satisfy their ever-demanding requirements in light of the upcoming EURO6 regulation.

“The new NGK spark plug selected by Audi has a number of innovative features designed to improve performance and reliability in its best-selling EA888 engine range which will be used in a number of new models.”

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