Lightning-Bolt ignition

Conventional spark plugs struggle to fire lean intake charges that are laced with heavy doses of exhaust gas. To prevent misfiring, Mercedes-Benz uses several sparks per combustion cycle in its new high-compression 3.5-liter  V-6. An alternative approach under development by Federal-Mogul is an Advanced Corona Ignition System, which sprays several ion streams into the combustion chamber like a miniature lightning storm. This high-frequency system occupies the same space as a conventional coil-and-plug ignition and has demonstrated a 10-percent mileage gain. Since this eliminates electrode arcing, which shortens the life of conventional plugs, ignition-system longevity should be improved.