PRODUCT: Shell V-Power Nitro+ Test

Our (unscientific, but none-the-less user-based, and hopefully useful) consumer tests of the new Shell V-power Nitro+ unleaded continue, with surprising results on two of the oh-so-thirsty V6 and V8 Road Magazine Project Cars.

Our twin-turbo V6 Audi S4 is loving its new fuel – seemingly more so, the more it sups. It's definitely running more turbo boost with the higher octane fuel – giving it a noticeable surge in torque on turbo spool-up. And, when I've eco-tested it on a recent run, it returned it's best ever mpg, 29.5 – which ain't bad for a 300+bhp forced aspiration V6 eh?

And whilst our Project P38 4.6-litre V8 Range Rover can only dream of hitting just shy of 30mpg (despite being LPG converted, so it might get close in cost per mile terms), it's also loving the V-Power Nitro + treatment, feeling much more peppy and powerful and also returning more miles per gallon. 

It might cost more at the pumps this new Shell V-Power fuel, but – with a light right foot – it's saving you money with improved mpg. And, hopefully, it's reducing servicing costs/extending the lifetime of our engines, thanks to the fact its designed to clean out nasty, power-sapping engine deposits from the moment you turn the key. 

And the more of the fuel you use, the more it cleans up and frees up your engine, with its clever "Friction Modification Technology" – as tested with Ferrari, which is designed to instantly reduce friction in critical engine areas, thereby helping the engine to deliver more power to the wheels.

It's certainly working with our old performance cars, and we hope aiding their long-term health.

Shell has teamed up with Formula One™ fan, Jake Humphrey, to launch the new V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded (and Diesel) and he says: "I’ve spent the last four years travelling the world with the F1 circuit and have seen first-hand how Shell share with Ferrari the passion for performance in motorsports. They’ve competed in over 500 races together and that is a testament to the fuels Shell produce. It’s a thrill to know that when I fill up with Shell V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded I will experience the same technology that is developed for Ferrari on the track, in my own car."
David Moss, Shell UK Retail General Manager, adds: "Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels come with a racing seal of approval having been inspired by the Shell Technical Partnership with Ferrari, the titans of Formula One racing. At Shell, we are committed to making better fuels for our customers. Formula One helps us to deliver those better products. Our Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels are the result of over 60 years of innovation and shared passion for performance with Ferrari in the motorsports arena and we’re excited about giving UK drivers the opportunity to try them for themselves and experience just what these new fuels can do."
For more information, visit www.shell.co.uk/vpower.

NEWS: Matt Dawson Success In Shell Eco Marathon

Shell has just crowned England and Lions rugby star, Matt Dawson ‘Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driver of the Year’ after he recorded an astounding 94.86km on just one litre of fuel, pushing fuel efficiency limits to the maximum in the Shell eco-marathon.
Driving an ultra-energy efficient Shell Eco-marathon vehicle designed by students, on a challenging urban track, Matt Dawson battled it out against three other famous faces from across Europe. The head–to-head challenge put driving skills such as braking, accelerating and cornering to the test to see which celebrity could drive the furthest on the least amount of fuel.
Matt Dawson said: "I’m delighted to be named ‘Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driver of the Year’ but the real stars are the students. I’m so impressed by the creativity and skills of the student teams in approaching future energy challenges."
The celebrity challenge took place at the opening ceremony of Shell Eco-marathon Europe in Rotterdam. Shell Eco-marathon brings together thousands of young students from around 24 countries as they compete in ultra-energy efficient cars they have designed and built. The event sparks debate about the future of mobility and inspires young engineers to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency.
David Moss, Shell Retail General Manager UK and Nordics said: "It was great to see the celebrities perform and their success shows just how easy it is to save fuel and reduce fuel costs. That’s why Shell has launched Target One Million, which that aims to help one million drivers learn how to save fuel. Via a series of online games atwww.shell.co.uk/targetonemillion, drivers can discover tips to help improve fuel efficiency."
Bravo to Matt. More silverware for the mantle piece!

NEWS: Top Fuel Saving Tips

As a counter balance to all the red-hot-motorsport and wanton fuel abuse we cover in Road Magazine and with the cost of fuel still sky high and the threat of a triple dip recession hanging over us – here's some top fuel saving tips from road safety charity and award-winning breakdown cover company, GEM Motoring Assist, to eke out those extra miles per tankful.
GEM’s top tips for fuel efficient driving:
1. Engine efficiency: Get your car serviced regularly by a recognised garage to avoid a poorly tuned engine, which can use up to 50 per cent more fuel than a car that is well looked after.
2. Tyre tread: At least every month, check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. If not, even with just one tyre deflated by 20 per cent, fuel consumption could rise by five per cent.
3. Lose weight: For every one per cent of the car’s weight that you add, fuel consumption could rise by one per cent, so take out anything that you don’t need in the car (golf clubs, push chairs, tool boxes etc.)
4. Eliminate short journeys: Cold engines are thirsty engines, so really short journeys will be relatively expensive if driving just a short distance. Opt to walk, or even cycle.
5. Plan ahead: Plan your journey to avoid road works, or getting lost, which causes an estimated 350,000 tons of fuel wastage each year.
6. Slow down: Most cars run at their most efficient at approximately 60 mph, and for every five mph above that you drive, you will lose six per cent of your fuel economy. Slow down to save money.
7. Air con: If not needed, switch the air con in your car off to reduce demand on the engine. However, ensure that it is on for several minutes at least every couple of weeks to prevent a build up of harmful bacteria in the system.
8. Exploring for fuel: Don’t go out of your way to make a saving, as you could spend more on getting to a cheaper dealer, so fill up when you are passing, rather than making a separate journey.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist comments: “We believe that there are simple yet effective steps for motorists to ensure that the fuel they pay for goes as far as possible. Even as petrol prices aren’t currently on the rise, it is always good practice to follow fuel efficient driving and get the most out of a car’s fuel tank.”

Thanks for the image by staff snapper, Neil Denham.