NGK spark plugs have been selected as the OE supplier for the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider high-performance convertible sports car. The latest Alfa roadster is based on the Alfa Romeo 4C, which was launched in 2013 and also features NGK spark plugs.

The car will go on sale in early 2015 and will be powered by a four-cylinder, all-aluminium, 1742cc turbo petrol engine, which will take it from  0 to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds and will have a top speed in excess of 155mph.

Tim Ward, Deputy General Manager, Sales & Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs said, “We are delighted that NGK spark plugs have been selected as original equipment for such an iconic car as the Alfa 4C Spider. The news comes hot on the heels of the announcement that we are OE on the innovative Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid sports car and further demonstrates the technical excellence of our products and the work of our OE team in satisfying the demands of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.”

Alfa Romeo chose NGK’s ILKAR7D6G spark plug for the 4C Spider, NGK having originally developed this plug exclusively for the FIAT Group’s high-output direct injection 1750 TBi engines in 2009.  Since then, the ILKAR7D6G has been continuously meeting the high demands of Alfa Romeo and other brands within the group in terms of ignition reliability, performance and resilience, and delivering top performance on cars that include the Alfa Romeo 159, Spider, Giulietta and 4C.

The ILKAR7D6G is a double precious metal spark plug. An iridium tip on the centre electrode offers outstanding mixture accessibility while being almost completely resistant to spark erosion or corrosion. The ground electrode is equipped with a platinum block which also safeguards the highest resistance against wear. Consequently, the size of the 0.6mm gap remains unchanged along the entire service life.

Additionally, the ILKAR7D6G features a long thread with a 12mm diameter and 14mm HEX, a design which allows for a larger layout of the cooling ducts and for easier installation within the confined space of this engine.