NGK is the exclusive spark plug supplier for the new high-performance Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, which was unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show.

The 2.0-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder car produces 360bhp – a new record for compact cars – and accelerates from nought to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds, while having an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The SILZKFR8B7S spark plug for this engine was designed by NGK with some application specific high-technology features. The long and slim M12 spark plug with ‘Long Insulator’ design comes with an extended insulator and a cup-shaped terminal, which replaces the standard SAE connector.

The long insulator, which was introduced in 2011, has become standard for German car manufacturers as it effectively prevents flashovers and electrical failures in highly supercharged engines, which use extreme ignition voltages.