Shell V-Power Racing: More than just 'power'

Questions about the V-Power Racing will forever be asked by motorists who are quite particular about the fuel they use for their vehicles, as well as the performance of their machines. Understandably so, since there are new motorists and petrolheads born almost every day.
Ever since the V-Power racing was launched in Malaysia in Nov 2006, the questions have been quite the same: “Is it right for my vehicle?” “Does it really work?” “Can it be mixed with other RONs and brands?” “Where to buy?”...; the list goes on. Well, here are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers, plus some testimonials by the Shell V-Power Racing regular users.
So, is the fuel “right” for your car? Shell V-Power Racing contains powerful cleaning technology, developed to help enhance everyday driving performance and responsiveness. These cleaning components are designed to prevent the build-up of power-robbing inlet valve deposits and to help remove those which may have been left behind by other fuels.
Formulated for enhancing power delivery, the Shell V-Power Racing is a high-octane fuel (minimum RON97) designed to help maximise the performance of many modern engines. It can be used in any old or new car designed to run on unleaded petrol. Its formulations are designed to help cars operate at their best, using its powerful cleaning agents and Friction Modification Technology (FMT). The cleaning agents are formulated to control the build-up of deposits in new cars and to assist in removing deposits in older cars, which have accumulated them during their lifetime and are also prone to “knock” or “pinking”. With FMT helping in friction reduction, this will also help restore performance.
How long does Shell V-Power Racing take to work? The fuel is designed to improve performance from the very first fill. The more often you use it, the more effective it will be.
Can you mix Shell V-Power Racing with other grades of fuel? Yes, you can mix it with all unleaded petrol, but it’ll only reach its full potential if you use it all the time.
For those who are quite environmentally-conscious (and still has to drive), what does Shell V-Power Racing do for the environment? Well, the fuel has been formulated in compliance with Euro 4M specification. Moreover, as it is designed to reduce engine deposits and thereby help the engine achieve more optimum combustion, it is likely to produce less emission than regular unleaded petrol in some cars.
Can you use Shell V-Power racing for your motorcycle? Yes, you can, as long as your motorcycle runs on unleaded petrol. The fuel’s unique formulation can help protect your motorcycle’s engine and enhance its responsiveness. The V-Power Racing’s higher octane formulation is designed to help maximise the performance potential of many modern engines.
Wait, what is Euro 4M? It refers to European emission standards for tailpipe emissions. The increasing Euro number refers to an increasingly tighter emission standard (e.g. Euro 4 is more stringent than Euro 2, the current standard in Malaysia for RON 97 petrol).
The M indicates the Malaysian version of the standards. To meet those emission limits, car manufacturers employ a range of emission control systems (e.g. catalytic convertors) in their vehicles, but such technologies require corresponding fuel specifications in order for the vehicles to work properly.
Therefore, to meet Euro 4 emission levels, a Euro 4 engine requires a Euro 4 specification fuel, where the most important differentiator is the level of sulphur contained in the fuel. In going from Euro 2M to Euro 4M, the main difference is that the level of sulphur in the fuel was reduced from 500 parts per million (“ppm”) to 50 ppm – by almost 90% (ten-fold) – which allowed the introduction of more modern emission control devices in vehicles to meet the more stringent emission limits.
You can contact Shell’s Customer Service Centre at 1-300-88-1808 (8am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays) for more information on the Shell V-Power Racing.
Three V-Power Racing fans share their opinions on the fuel with Gear Up!:
Arif Izzuddin Mohamad Shukor, 30, Subang Jaya. Has a 2009 Honda Civic Type-R he uses for track days every month:
“First of all, the Civic Type-R must use a minimum RON97 fuel. That’s Honda’s firm advice. So, I use the V-Power 97 for the Civic on normal days. During track days, I fill it up with V-Power Racing. There’s immediate difference, especially during accelerations. The car’s spark plugs last longer too. I will continue using it the V-Power Racing for my track days. Besides, I’m a regular Shell fuel user.”
Zool Helmy Md Zin, 40, Hulu Kelang, Kuala Lumpur. Drives a Perodua MyVi and rides a 200cc Aprilia SportCity scooter:
“I always drive outstation to take part in recreational and sports activities. Sometimes I have three passengers and some equipment carried on the roof rack. That’s when I need my car to give an extra “kick”. The V-Power Racing certainly helps. Be it accelerating to overtake or going up hills, I feel as if my car has a slight displacement increase! The same goes for my bike, but that’s just to have a bit of fun on twisty roads outside the city.”
Gilbert Ang, 19, Shah Alam. He is a racecar driver and his family has a Lotus Exige, Porsche 993 GT3 and a Ferrari 430:
“My family members use it on them, either for normal use or for track days. Needless to say, such cars will really “love” the V-Power Racing. I think sports cars show the best effects of such a fuel. The acceleration is always the part V-Power Racing shows what it can do. It’s really good! I do admit that I have not tried the one with Euro 4M. Will definitely try it soon!”