Bosch Introduces Revolutionary Platinum+4 Spark Plug.

LAS VEGAS--(AutomotiveWire)--Nov. 4, 1998--The Robert Bosch Corp. has redefined the premium spark plug market with the introduction of its new Platinum+4 spark plug.

The basis of the new Platinum+4 is Bosch's unique four ground electrode design, which provides multiple radial spark paths, as opposed to a conventional single ground electrode design with one axial spark path.

With the four ground electrode design, the spark finds the most efficient path from the platinum center electrode, ensuring the least electrical resistance. The resulting spark is longer, more efficient and more powerful than that of a conventional single ground electrode. This translates into optimal access to the air/fuel mixture, producing superior burn characteristics and peak engine performance over a longer plug life.

Bosch first introduced "pure platinum" technology to the aftermarket in 1985, and remains today the only aftermarket spark plug manufacturer with a pure platinum center electrode. With the Platinum+4, Bosch has raised the state-of-the-art in the spark plug industry to an entirely new level. This new technology builds upon the success of the Bosch Platinum spark plug, which the company will continue to market. Bosch has great equity in its Platinum line, and Bosch continues to be the only manufacturer using a pure platinum center electrode.

During production, the platinum center electrode is heat fused into an extended ceramic insulator, thus allowing the Bosch Platinum+4 to reach its self-cleaning temperature faster for smoother acceleration and optimal engine power. This process is exclusive to Bosch spark plugs. Bosch Platinum+4 features 75 percent more pure platinum in its center electrode than the current Bosch Platinum spark plug, for a longer spark plug life and peak engine performance.

An yttrium-alloy is added to the four ground electrodes providing up to double the wear resistance of a standard plug ground electrode. This results in a spark gap that remains unchanged. Plus, the new Platinum+4 spark plug is pre-set at the factory, so it never needs to be regapped.

Prior to the product's launch, Bosch conducted extensive functional and endurance testing. Tests confirmed that Bosch Platinum+4 transfers energy more efficiently to the air/fuel mixture resulting in a more powerful spark for smoother idling and acceleration. Other performance benefits confirmed were better cold restart reliability, improved fuel economy, and a longer performance life.

The Bosch Platinum+4 spark plug carries a full replacement performance guarantee that extends throughout the entire vehicle manufacturer's recommended spark plug change interval.

Robert Bosch Corp., a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, has for more than 110 years been committed to developing innovative products for the automotive industry. A global company with more than 180,000 employees and annual sales reaching $27 billion, Bosch has earned a reputation as a quality supplier to both the automotive original equipment and the aftermarket.