It's an Aktinson Cycle engine design that gets electrically wound-up at the crankshaft with the (VVTi) valve train artificially held open. At around 1,100 RPM the ECM applies fuel/air mixture to the plenum and slams shut the valve train a few milliseconds before the fire is lit.

This sequencing allows for very smooth engagement of the engine while underway. But it produces hella shear forces on whatever oil file happens to be there. It had better be thin and it had better be strong. 10w-30 is too pudgy at cold temps.