Nissan Diamond-Like Carbon for Ultra Low Friction!

[Chuck1986]

Not sure if this belongs here or general automotive discussion, but this is a VERY interesting read- surprised it hasn't been talked about recently:
http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/TECHNOLOGY/INTRODUCTION/DETAILS/DLC/index.html

What do you guys think? It says friction is reduced by 40% compared to convential engines, amazing! Nissan's VQ-series engine has already been on Ward's Best Engines List for 13 straight years, it has a reputation of lasting well beyond 200K miles, I can't imagine how long this engine will last with this technology.

 

[PandaBear]

The key is you need a "special" additive in the oil to take advantage of this, and how many percents of engine output is lost due to friction.

I think probably 1-2% improvement the most, and a rather typical 0.5% percent improvement over the board.

 

[buster]

Very interesting.

 

[swalve]

Quote:

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The key is you need a "special" additive in the oil to take advantage of this, and how many percents of engine output is lost due to friction.

I think probably 1-2% improvement the most, and a rather typical 0.5% percent improvement over the board.

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Ever turn an engine by hand? The motor has to overcome all of that, and that's lost efficiency.

 

[Kestas]

I've seen DLC used in racing engines. I imagine it's expensive. I'm curious if it pays off to use this coating, or is it "putting lipstick on a pig".

 

[Schmoe]

Today, with engine oils as good as they are, it isn't the engine failing or permature deaths, it's everything ELSE about the car that makes them fail or get so expensive to fix that it's cost prohibitive.

 

[Kestas]

[rant on]I agree. I put a lot of miles on my cars and never have lube-related issues in the engine. Manufacturers should focus their efforts on other things that kill a car, such as making bulletproof underhood electricals and body electricals. Once the electricals are on par with the drivetrain materials, then we can say we've achieved progress in automotive manufacturing and reliability.

What good is 1% increase in efficiency when a sensor that costs $1000 to diagnose and repair brings a car to a screeching halt?[rant off]