The new emission limits regulations have forced engine manufacturers to upgrade the technologies they use and introduce systems that reduce pollutant emissions. One of the parameters that has been worked on to achieve this result is the increased efficiency of the entire power train system, i.e. “FE - Fuel Economy” since, the less fuel is burned, the lower the exhaust emissions.

Of course, the lubricant has evolved to meet the new performance requirements and the upgrades have involved both the chemical composition of the lubricant and its physical characteristics and viscosity. Engine lubrication is mostly hydrodynamic, so the lubricant has a high viscosity; this ensures greater surface protection, but on the other hand results in a loss of power due to the internal friction of the lubricant's molecules. It is therefore necessary to optimise the viscosity of the oil to ensure proper performance.

Engine oil is subjected to high temperatures and high surface sliding speeds. Both of these conditions heavily affect the viscosity of the oil and it is not possible to rely solely on the viscosity class (e.g. SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-40). It is therefore necessary to have a measuring system that is able to simulate the real operating conditions in the best way possible. This includes the HT-HS (High Temperature- High Shear) parameter, which is measured using a specific internationally-standardised instrument, in accordance with Standard ASTM D4683.