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.

PRODUCT: Shell V-Power Nitro+ Fuels

Performance car drivers may have noticed a new fuel being promoted by Shell – their V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded (& V-Power Nitro+ Diesel) – which the giant fuel brand says "is our best performance unleaded fuel," developed in conjunction with Scuderia Ferrari and featuring the very latest in Friction Modification Technology (FMT)… which sounds impressive, right?!

Put in simples idiot speak – the smart fuel cleans combustion deposits from inside the critical valve areas of your engine, which cause friction. Friction causes heat, which saps power: Less dirt = less friction = less heat = more power/efficiency. Gottit at the back?   

The new, high octane Super Unleaded V-Power Nitro + and V-Power Nitro + Diesel fuels are designed to actively clean engines, and start working start away, reducing power-sapping engine deposits with a special "unique double action formulation"containing 25% more friction reducer than previous Shell V-Power products. 

More than 120 boffins at Shell and Ferrari have combined more than 100 years high quality fuel production experience to develop the new Nitro+ V-Power range – aiming to produce a performance (and mpg) enhancing range of higher octane, cleaner performance fuels. 

A Shell spokesperson said: "Shell and Ferrari share one of the most long-standing and successful partnerships in Formula One history. As a result, Shell V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded has been developed by the same team of scientists that develop the Shell V-Power race fuels we supply to Scuderia Ferrari in the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship."
"Not all premium unleaded fuels are the same. Using lower quality products can lead to deposit build-up that disrupts the mixing of fuel and air, resulting in incomplete combustion. Shell V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded is designed to clean your engine, instantly getting to work on these deposits – unlocking hidden engine performance."

We've been trying the fuel on our twin-turbo V6 Project S4 & our new 4.6-litre V8 Range Rover (project details coming soon in 2014), and whilst we've not had the cars on the dyno to see if there is a tangible power hike, the Audi has certainly responded strongly – feeling more spritely and also returning its best ever mpg on a recent road trip, at 29! And the old V8 in the Range Rover Vogue seems to feel more alive and loves lapping it up too – but it'll quad any fuel at an alarming rate! 

Best of all, the price difference at the pumps between regular unleaded and the new V-Power Nitro+ seems to be lower than it used to be. So, for added bite and efficiency, we reckon it's worth the few extra quid on a fill up. Try it for yourself and see… 

NEWS: Rugby Star Matt Dawson's FuelSave Driving Challenge

England World Cup rugby hero, Matt Dawson has been taking part in a Shell-sponsored FuelSave Driving Challenge – to drive from Preston to London (280 miles) on one tank of fuel. 

The mission dubbed "One celebrity, one tank of fuel, one car, one goal: to see how far they can travel" is a build up to the forthcoming annual Shell Eco-marathon Europe.

Matt's been charged with the task of driving the 280 miles from Preston to London as economically as possible in a VW Golf, using Shell's FuelSave Unleaded.
And along the challenge route, Matt Dawson will drive through Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham and Oxford. He will visit consumers at selected Shell forecourts to talk about the importance of saving fuel and meet with Shell Eco-marathon students to learn about the future of energy.
The Shell Eco-marathon is a Shell initiative that challenges student teams from around the world to design, build and test ultra-energy efficient vehicles. This year’s European leg is being held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from May 15-19. A total of 224 teams from 24 countries have been invited to take part. During the Shell FuelSave Driving Challenge, four UK student teams from the University of Central Lancashire, Staffordshire University, Aston University and University of Oxford will offer Matt Dawson expert advice and encouragement on how to save fuel.
Speaking before the challenge Matt Dawson said: "I am really excited to be taking on the Shell FuelSave Driving Challenge and sharing fuel saving tips with UK drivers. The demand for energy is set to increase in the future and by using the right fuel and making simple changes to our driving habits, we can all reduce our fuel consumption and costs. I hope by taking on this challenge I can show UK drivers that it’s easy to save fuel and encourage them to try it for themselves."
Matt Dawson is not the only celebrity taking on the Shell FuelSave Driving Challenge; the sportsman will be competing against three other celebrities from Germany, the Netherlands and Turkey, all aiming to win the ‘Shell FuelSave Celebrity Driver of the Year’ title. To win the title, all four celebrities will meet at the Shell Eco-marathon on May 17, where they will put their fuel efficiency knowledge to the test as they go head-to-head in a final challenge.
David Moss, Shell Retail General Manager UK and Nordics said: "We’re delighted to have Matt Dawson on board to represent the UK in the Shell FuelSave Driving Challenge. The challenge is just one part of our ongoing efforts to educate and inspire drivers on how to save fuel. This includes launching the Shell FuelSave Target One Million campaign, which aims to help one million drivers around the world learn how to save fuel. Via a series of online games at www.shell.co.uk/targetonemillion, drivers can discover simple tips to help them save fuel and cut their fuel costs."
Matt Dawson will be driving a Volkswagen Golf during the Shell FuelSave Driving Challenge, supplied by rental company Avis (www.avis.co.uk).
To learn more, visit: www.shell.co.uk/fuelsave

And see more images on our Facebook page. 

NEWS: Shell Launch V-Power Nitro + Unleaded and Diesel Fuels

Shell and Formula One™ face, Jake Humphrey are launching Shell V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded and Diesel performance fuels at an event at Battersea Power Station in London today.

Shell says: "The two new fuels are designed to instantly get to work inside your engine on deposits that can reduce the performance of your car. Developed by Shell Scientists, Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels represent the next generation of Shell’s premium performance fuels and are the result of more than a century of experience in fuels innovation. They will replace Shell V-Power Unleaded and Diesel fuels which will be phased out from 18th April 2013. Developed with Scuderia Ferrari, the innovation behind Shell V-Power Nitro+ Unleaded lies in the enhanced Friction Modification Technology (FMT). The new formulation contains 25% more FMT which is designed to instantly reduce friction in critical engine areas. This helps the engine to turn more freely, unlocking valuable energy which can help lead to improved acceleration and power delivery.

"For motorists powering their cars with diesel fuel, Shell V-Power Nitro+ Diesel contains Shell’s most powerful detergent technology to date. It has been specially formulated to deliver a faster and more effective clean-up of diesel fuel injection systems , which helps to restore and maintain engine power.
"Shell V-Power Nitro+ fuels are designed to instantly get to work in your engine from the first fill, no matter what car you drive."
Jake Humphrey 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 & Nordics Retail General Manager, says: "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.

VIDEO 1962: Nürburgring Nordschleife Onboard With Graham Hill

A true classic from the attic here, and way ahead of its time, with on-board filming and everything! This was a 1962 promotional movie for Shell, with Hermann Lang driving the W125 Mercedes around the old Nürburgring Nordschleife. Narrated by Graham Hill. Thanks to http://www.influx.co.uk for reminding us of this gem. Amazaing how much the Nordschelife has changed... and the trees have grown!