Shell V-Power Nitro

[PeteC]

Performance reinvented
Life was invited to Shell's Hamburg-based R&D facility to witness first-hand how the V-Power Nitro+ fuels are developed

http://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/autosco ... reinvented

Published: 30/07/2012 at 02:12 AM
Newspaper section: Life

The Shell Company of Thailand recently launched its latest generation of premium performance fuels _ Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline and Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel.

Not to be confused, the term gasoline is the same as petrol. Following the launch of the first-generation Shell V-Power fuel in Thailand in 1998, the Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels are considered products of the latest fuel technology in that class.

Shell made it clear that it "walks the talk" when it comes to proving the prowess of Shell V-Power Nitro+.

HERITAGE

Arriving at the PAE facility _ or called Shell Global Solutions (Deutschland) GmbH in full _ the orientation began with senior scientist Andreas Schaefer explaining the rich heritage of Shell's achievements, starting in 1907 with the launch of the world's first branded fuel called Shell Spirit.

"At Shell, we recognise that customer's needs are evolving and they are looking for more from their driving experience. That is why we have developed new Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels which are the latest step in the technological development of Shell's premium performance fuels," said Dr Schaefer.

Innovative marketing and PR strategies fuelled the Shell brand image with major motorsports events such as the 1910 Peking to Paris Rally and the Atlantic Ocean flight of the Super Aviation Spirit in 1919. Of course, Shell was the chosen fuel.

Then in 1930, Shell pioneered the first iso-octane fuel which was followed by the establishment of dedicated R&D fuel facilities in the 1940s.

These R&D facilities paved the way for the first ICA engine deposit control additive in 1953 and ASD advanced inlet system deposit control additive in 1970.

More recently, Shell V-Power was born in 1998 and launched in Hong Kong, followed by Shell V-Power Diesel which debuted in Italy and Thailand in 2002.

A further testament to its prowess came in 2006 when Shell-V Power race fuel was introduced to Ferrari and later added to road fuel before being marketed in over 60 countries. It is important to note that Shell and Ferrari share a synergistic and strategic alliance that dates back over 60 years.

SHELL V-POWER NITRO+

Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline, simply put, is the next generation of Shell's premium performance fuel that contains more of the detergent designed to prevent and clean up deposits that can affect engine performance.

The new formulation in the V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline also contains a higher level of so-called Friction Modifier, a technology tested with Ferrari.

It is designed to instantly reduce friction in critical engine areas and deliver more power to the wheels.

Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel works just as well for diesel, which is good news for pickup truck drivers in Thailand because the new, more powerful detergent technology delivers a faster and more effective clean-up of fuel-injection systems for the latest generation diesel engines.

What's impressive is Shell's claims that V-Power Nitro+ formulation is designed to restore and maintain engine power through active engine protection, in both old and new diesel engines via anti-corrosion agents designed to protect the fuel system.

SHELL INNOVATION

Shell's forte is technology and innovation. Over the last five years, it claims to have spent more than US$1 billion annually in R&D, more than any other international oil and gas company.

One of Shell's four R&D facilities, the PAE deals in projects on the cutting edge of technology and employs over 200 fuel scientists and specialist engineers. It is in strategic partnerships with leading automotive giants such as Mercedes-Benz, Ford, BMW, Nissan, Ferrari and Fiat, along with electronics giant Siemens.

The PAE's field of focus includes retail and commercial fuels; lubricants and grease; equipment, vehicle and maritime testing; and energy efficiency.

The fruits of its labour are delivered via advanced technology and solutions such as product development and differentiation, motorsports, fuel economy, gas-to-liquid and second generation bio-fuels, well-to-wheel analyses and production and sale of speciality fuels and lubricants.

TEST LABS

We were given a tour of Shell's advanced system for testing of engines, vehicles, complete drivelines and components.

The labs are able to conduct high precision fuel consumption measurements, advanced exhaust gas analysis, test automation and instrumentation for high reproducibility and discrimination and surface wear measurements.

Extreme weather can be simulated and testing conducted under real conditions which means they don't have to travel to the Sahara or Siberia.

Perhaps the most impressive part of PAE is its automotive fuel formulation and testing process where it interacts fuel products and engine technology.

The end result is proven on the track by Shell's motorsports partners Ferrari and Ducati.

Our delegation from Thailand even blended a high performance fuel that yielded about 724hp which is supposedly meant for Formula One race cars.

In short, the claims made in promotional campaigns for the Shell V-Power Nitro+ Gasoline and Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel can be validated technically.

[brianks]

Is this an advertisement for Shell Gas?

[Nereus]

Our delegation from Thailand even blended a high performance fuel that yielded about 724hp which is supposedly meant for Formula One race cars.

Something missing in the translation here!

Innovative marketing and PR strategies fuelled the Shell brand image.................

Yes, so it would seem!

The report is very confusing when it talks about "friction modifiers" and "detergent additives".
These additives are usually applied to lubrication (oil), not fuel.
They make no mention of what the octane rating of the petrol may be, or the fact that with higher octane fuels it is for use in higher compression ratio engines. Diesel has a cetane rating, but no mention of that either.

BP have for many years produced a 98 RON octane petrol, but I have never seen it here.

Probably some good information, just poorly reported.

[PeteC]

I'm not a big fan of PTT so music to my ears when Shell, Caltex or other "farangs" come out with something new and hopefully superior. Pete

[VincentD]

What the article fails to mention is the ethanol content, i.e. is it 'gasohol', like Shell V-Power, or is it a pure benzine, and if it is, will it ever see light of day here in Thailand?

I don't use Shell anymore (if I can help it) as it still is technically a gasohol. PTT and Caltex do still carry Benzine 95 at select stations, so that is what I use (unless unavailable).