By bringing together interested parties from each of these industry sectors, Ricardo aims to create a framework in which fundamental challenges in this area can be investigated and researched in a pre-competitive manner for the mutual benefit of participating companies.

Particular areas of interest for the consortium include:

• The implications of extreme engine downsizing and increased specific power;
• Tolerance to increasing volumes of exhaust gas recirculation in combustion systems (with consequent issues for soot in oil, wear and sludge formation);
• The chemical impacts on lubricants of biofuel dilution;
• Advanced component designs and new material applications; and
• The drive towards thinner, lower viscosity lubricants for reduced friction.

The work of the consortium will be structured into a series of modules, the first of which will focus on the effect of downsized light duty gasoline and diesel engine technologies on lubricant soot levels and engine wear. Subsequent modules—to be discussed and agreed in advance by the participating members—are likely to focus on enabling ultra-low viscosity lubricants and their potential benefits in terms of friction reduction on fuel consumption, and lubricant effects on emissions and aftertreatment performance in future engines.

The new consortium has already generated interest from many leading oil companies, lubricant additive manufactures and automakers, and is currently open to applications from prospective members in advance of its first meeting of interested parties in October 2009. Companies wishing to register an interest in participating or obtain further information should contact [email protected].