LAS VEGAS – Bosch says it is setting new performance and durability standards with the launch of the new Bosch Iridium spark plug. Bosch Iridium employs OE design, material and manufacturing techniques to provide a highly advanced, long-life spark plug for modern high-tech engines.
 
The new Bosch Iridium spark plug is designed for a range of makes and models, with the complete program to include coverage for 84 percent of domestic and 90 percent of Asian vehicles in operation in North America, as well as top European vehicles, the company says.
 
Iridium Utilizes ‘Exact Spark Projection’
“Powerful new engines, especially those utilizing Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and turbochargers, require significant changes in OE spark plug design. Vehicle manufacturers have focused on exact ‘spark projection’ and special materials to create the best spark in the latest generation of engines,” said Mark Wilkinson, group product manager, Spark Plugs for Bosch.
 
"Spark projection" refers to the actual location of the spark in the combustion chamber. The new Bosch Iridium maintains correct spark projection and utilizes finewire Iridium technology to deliver best performance. It has a 360-degree continuously laser-welded iridium center electrode made from a proprietary iridium alloy with application specific spark location, as well as an iridium- platinum inlaid, tapered ground electrode to provide top performance and durability for tens of thousands of miles.
 
“Bosch works closely with vehicle manufacturers to develop and improve spark plugs for their vehicles, and we transfer this knowledge and expertise to the spark plugs we produce for the replacement market,” Wilkinson said. “Bosch’s strategy has been to use advanced technology, materials and innovation to offer premium quality spark plugs that provide superior performance and durability for the motorist, and Bosch’s new Iridium spark plugs do just that.”
 
“The Bosch Iridium plug is, in reality, an upgrade for many vehicles not originally equipped with Bosch plugs. For applications where Bosch is not the original plug, we designed and produced our Bosch Iridium to have a spark projection the same as or most like that of the OE plug. This is very important, especially in GDI applications,” Wilkinson indicated.
 
“One of the keys to the new Bosch Iridium plug’s outstanding performance and durability is the extensive use of precious metal in both the center and ground electrodes, and the unique Bosch 360-degree Continuous Wave Laser Welding, which fuses the fine wire iridium pin to the base of the center electrode, ensuring that there will be no cracking in the intense heat and pressure of combustion.”
 
The company says the new Bosch Iridium is the industry’s only spark plug that utilizes a special iridium alloy fine wire center electrode design and 360-degree continuous laser-welding, plus a laser welded iridium-platinum-inlay on the ground electrode. This combination provides a stronger spark with lower, more stable ignition voltage requirements and a more durable and longer-lasting spark plug, according to the company.
 
“The new Bosch Iridium’s ‘Best in Class’ OE design, competitive pricing, vehicle coverage, seven-year satisfaction guarantee, and installer warranty make it clearly the best value in the market for repair shops, distributors and motorists,” Wilkinson said.
 
Bosch Iridium is backed by a seven-year consumer satisfaction guarantee and a 12-month professional technician warranty that covers parts as well as labor based on an average rate and ALLDATA published labor times, and an 800 number to track claims.