NGK has been chosen as the original spark plug supplier for LaFerrari, the prestige sports car maker’s first hybrid car, which was officially unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show.

Just 499 of these exclusive models will be manufactured, each one featuring a V12 6.3-litre engine and NGK’s MR8AP8HJS spark plugs with added sensor capabilities. According to the car maker, LaFerrari, will be the most powerful of all its models producing 789bhp, supplemented by a 163bhp KERS unit, called HY-Kers, and boasting a top speed of almost 224mph. Despite this, Ferrari says fuel consumption has been decreased by 40 percent.

Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager, Sales & Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs said, “It is a major accolade for NGK spark plugs to be fitted to Ferrari’s first-ever hybrid vehicle. We have enjoyed a long association with Ferrari over the years, and our racing spark plugs are used by its F1 team. This once again proves the confidence that the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers have in the technical capabilities of our products.”

NGK’s spark plug MR8AP8HJS is also fitted on the Ferrari V8 engine which powers the F458 Italia and the F12 Berlinetta’s V12 engine. The HEX 16 spark plug comes with a long-reaching 22mm M10 thread, which was specifically designed for Ferrari engines to fit the manufacturer's sophisticated combustion chamber design. 

The spark plug also acts as a sensor for the engine’s knock-detection. The centre electrode is linked to an independent control unit, which measures the ionic current between the electrodes. Thanks to this system, initial stages of misfiring and detonation can be detected, enabling the engine management system to adjust its settings accordingly.

For more information about the NGK products and services please visit www.ngkntk.co.uk