In addition to the update on the PC-12 heavy-duty oil specification that the American Petroleum Institute (API) recently released, it also issued a statement on the progress of the development of the ILSAC GF-8 motor oil category.
API’s Statement on the ILSAC GF-8 Motor Oil Category
Progress continues toward the development of the next passenger car engine oil category, ILSAC GF-8. Following review of ongoing test development work, stakeholders (vehicle and engine manufacturers, oil marketers, additive companies) reaffirmed that the proposed timing for GF-8 remains Q3 2028. However, this schedule is dependent on the pace and success of key engine test advancements currently underway. ILSAC has accepted a substantial portion of the technical updates presented to support the new category, reflecting continued alignment across the industry.
These outcomes stem from recent discussions within the Auto Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP). The development of the replacement for the Sequence VH sludge test, proposed as the Sequence VJ, is progressing as prove-out testing continues across multiple engine test laboratories to verify performance. In parallel, the task force responsible for fuel economy test development has made notable strides in methods to extend the life of the current Sequence VIE and Sequence VIF platforms. Their work aims not only to preserve the existing hardware but also to improve precision over the current procedures. While ILSAC accepted many of the task force’s recommendations, additional refinement and validation work is still needed before implementation.
Collectively, these efforts demonstrate steady movement toward the launch of ILSAC GF-8, with technical progress continuing to shape the category’s final timing and requirements.