Technology supplier Denso has unveiled a new line of iridium-based spark plugs that it claims are unique, and which have been snapped up by some of the world's leading motor sport outfits.

The Japanese industry giant has announced details of a major sponsorship push to promote the hi-tech spark plugs, which are used at the highest levels of automotive technology.

Sponsorship of the Toyota Formula 1 team, the Subaru World Rally Championship outfit, as well as involvement in the All Japan GT Championship and Indy Racing League, is being targeted to demonstrate the technical proficiency of the new device.

Denso's 'Iridium Power' spark plugs claim to be the world's first spark plug that uses a 0.4-mm iridium alloy centre electrode, and are currently in use in various motorcycling events, including Motocross and the World Two-wheel Championship.

Takao Inukai, executive vice president of sales and marketing at the firm, said the new deals would help promote the technology even further.

'It is a good opportunity to showcase our technology to our many customers who support the motor sports community,' he explained.

Denso, which supplies all the world's major carmakers with various parts, boasts a turnover in excess of $19 billion.