Shell Helix unveils first synthetic motor oil from natural gas

MANILA, Philippines – Shell, a global leader in power, energy and gas technology, has developed an entirely new way to produce synthetic base oils designed from natural gas rather than crude oil. This gives the finished motor oil a number of important performance benefits, including improved viscosity control, lower volatility, and fuel economy.

These are the advantages found in the new Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.

Shell PurePlus Technology is a revolutionary gas-to-liquids process that converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil. It is further combined with Active Cleansing Technology to create a motor oil that cleans as it protects the engine, helping prevent the build-up of dirt, and aiming for a smoother, more responsive drive for everyday drivers.

“We designed Shell Helix Ultra’s performance such that no other motor oil cleans your engine better,” says Robert Sutherland, Shell Helix global technology manager.

The properties of a base oil produced from natural gas translate into important performance benefits for the engine, according to Sutherland. Base oil makes up approximately 75 to 90 percent of motor oil, so Shell PurePlus Technology is a significant step-up in the composition of Shell Helix Ultra motor oils—making it the company’s newest and most advanced motor oil ever.

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is synthetics re-imagined and reinvented. Its superior performance is marked by reduced friction for better fuel economy. New viscosity grades such as SAE 0W-40 have been proven to deliver an improvement of up to 1.9 percent in fuel economy.

Enhanced viscosity also maintains the oil’s performance in extreme temperatures. Shell PurePlus Technology gives Shell Helix Ultra excellent low-temperature properties, which means it flows rapidly for easier engine start-up and faster engine warm up.

Improved protection against the build-up of engine deposits as well as unsurpassed sludge protection provide better defence against wear and corrosion, helping to extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs. Increased savings for the consumer are also achieved because of less frequent top-ups, owing to Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology’s lower volatility.

“The oils must pass a series of engine tests and laboratory tests that look at a particular area of performance, such as deposits, oxidation, wear and fuel economy. Even though not required by industry standards, for Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology, we also conducted millions of miles of vehicle fleet and taxi testing that verifies the product’s superior performance,” explains Sutherland. Shell has conducted tests with over 1,000 motorists globally to demonstrate that drivers can feel the difference after a Shell Helix Ultra oil change.

With Shell’s experience in formulating motor oils for over 70 years, some of the world’s top manufacturers choose Shell as the first-fill motor oil for new vehicles in their factories, and continue to use Shell’s range of products for ongoing servicing.

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology in particular offers the most modern industry specifications and OEM approvals from manufacturers including Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Chrysler, and Hyundai.

“For many people who are buying new, modern vehicles, the manufacturer’s recommendation will include specifications that they can only get in products like Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology,” adds Sutherland. Shell Helix is the smart choice for drivers who want to get the best out of their car on every journey.

In the Philippines, Shell Helix Ultra 0w-40 comes in 1-liter and 4-liter packs, and the Shell Helix Ultra Diesel 5w-40 in 1-liter and 6-liter packs. Both are available in Shell retail stations and automotive supply shops nationwide starting October. Learn more about Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology at www.shell.com/pureplus.