BP Ultimate 102

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polarexpress

Original Poster:

6,777 posts

227 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Hot off the press from a friend in the industry...

£2.42 per L!!!

BP said:

BP ULTIMATE 102 UNLEADED

MEDIA Q&AS

1. What is BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded?
A UK first! BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded is a precision engineered, high performance fuel. It has an Octane number of 102, it burns more completely and allows highly tuned engines to perform at their best. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is the most advanced, high performance petrol sold on any forecourt in the UK.

2. Why has BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded been introduced/ Who is the target audience?
BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded has been developed with private motor sport enthusiasts in mind. They now have the chance to buy a fuel meeting the same high specifications used at the pinnacle of motor sport in Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship direct from forecourts. It has an Octane number of 102 and burns more completely to allow highly tuned engines to perform at their best. It is envisaged that motor sport enthusiasts will be able to fill up with BP Ultimate 102 unleaded on their way to motor racing circuits.

3. What are the benefits of using BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded / What’s so special about using BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded?

Benefits include:

- High Research Octane Number (RON) of 102 and Motor Octane Number (MON) of 90 to allow engines to be tuned for increased performance and higher boost pressures
- Optimised formulation which allows the fuel to evaporate more readily in the engine, especially at high engine speeds, leading to more complete combustion, smoother, more responsive operation, better engine breathing and increased performance
- High oxygen content to improve combustion and increase energy release in the combustion chamber
- Exceptional purity, demonstrated by the crystal clear colour, resulting from the precision manufacturing process for this fuel. Impurities that would normally lead to deposits in the intake system and combustion chamber are removed allowing remarkable engine cleanliness. The clean engine results in better engine breathing and lower octane requirements, facilitating more advanced engine tuning
- Friction reduction in the upper cylinder, so that more of the fuel energy gets to the wheels with less wear and tear.
- Improved combustion process leading to better energy release and lower emissions. The sulphur free formulation also means that the catalyst works more efficiently, reducing exhaust pollutants more effectively
- Benzene free formulation for safer handling and lower benzene emissions
- High performance bio-component to help protect the environment.


3. Aren’t you just encouraging speeding by bringing out a higher octane fuel?
Absolutely not. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded has been developed for private motor racing enthusiasts to use under legal conditions, specifically with race tracks in mind. We remind customers on our pumps to drive according to road conditions and speed limits.

4. Does BP Ultimate unleaded 102 start working straight away?
If an engine has been highly tuned, performance benefits will be noticeable immediately. Full benefits will improve with continuous use.

5. Is there a Diesel 102 version, if not, why not?
No. BP Ultimate 102 is an unleaded fuel only. We recommend BP Ultimate Diesel as the highest performance diesel fuel available in the UK.


5. Is 102 replacing BP Ultimate 97 Unleaded?
No. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is aimed at amateur race enthusiasts with highly tuned engines. For drivers who want to get the best out of their vehicles everday, BP Ultimate unleaded (97 RON) and BP Ultimate diesel (55 Cetane) still offer more performance and less pollution and are intended for all cars.

6. Why can’t I just use BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded instead of 97?
BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is recommended for vehicles with highly tuned engines. The fuel is fully compliant with the UK specification for unleaded petrol, which means it can be legally used on the road by any car. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded will not do any damage to your engine if it is not tuned but only cars that have been properly tuned will experience the full benefits of 102. BP Ultimate unleaded 97 also offers more performance and less pollution compared to ordinary fuels and is intended for all cars.

6. What’s the point in having two versions of BP Ultimate Unleaded?
We are proud to offer our customers a choice of fuels. Only cars that have been properly tuned will experience the benefits of BP Ultimate 102 unleaded. 97 is a high octane fuel that offers a cleaner engine, sharper acceleration and less emission release and is suitable for any car old or new.

7. Why isn’t 102 compatible with all cars?
BP Ultimate 102 is compatible with all cars but only those with tuned engines will notice the full performance benefits.

8. If I tune my engine to 102, can I still use a lower octane fuel?
If you have tuned your engine to 102 you are advised not to use lower octane fuels unless you are sure that it has been tuned in such a way that will allow this without problems. Use of lower octane fuels may require the vehicle to be restored to the original tuning. Please check with a competent person to avoid risk of engine damage.

9. Is BP Ultimate 102 unleaded suitable for older/classic racing cars?
Any vehicle that is able to run on ordinary unleaded fuels can use BP Ultimate 102 unleaded. It fully complies with the UK specification for unleaded petrol and will not damage any engine. The full benefits of BP Ultimate 102 unleaded petrol will be noticed from engines that have been highly tuned.

10. How much will BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded cost?
£2.42 ppl

11. Given current fuel prices, how can this price be realistic?
BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is a specialist fuel aimed at motor sport enthusiasts. It is not meant to compete with any other premium fuel available at forecourts currently. Relative to fuels of this type available at race tracks or via mail order, we believe this is a very competitive price.

12. How can I be sure that of the quality of the fuel/that the octane level will not deteriorate from leaving the refinery/ that the fuel will not deteriorate from sitting in fuel tanks over time?
BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is effectively ‘hand made’ to a tightly controlled recipe in small, discrete batches. The result is a fuel with exceptional purity and consistently outstanding quality. And because we only use the finest components with superior resistance to oxidation, you can be assured that BP Ultimate 102 unleaded has excellent stability over extended storage periods. We are happy to provide batch certification with every purchase of BP Ultimate 102 unleaded to guarantee its quality.

13. Isn’t BP just copying Sunoco?
We are unable to comment on the specification of other fuels on the market. We believe that BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is the most advanced, high performance petrol available on a UK forecourt, and is built on BP technology developed through our long involvement in F1 and other classes of motorsport.

14. Mail order Sunoco boasts 105 octane levels, why does BPU 102 only have 102?
102 octane is the maximum permitted in F1 and WRC, and so fuels with higher octane than this are not representative of fuels in the top level of motorsport. Furthermore, benefits from Ultimate 102 come from much more than just the octane number.

15. Shell Optimax claims it is 99.9% formulae 1 standard – how does 102 compare?
This is an interesting claim. BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded available at our sites fully meets the Formula 1 l specification 100%. Ultimate 102 that we sell in winter will not comply in one respect only, in order to comply with the higher vapour pressure required for BS:EN228 in winter.


16. Is BP Ultimate 102 unleaded be the same as F1 and WRC fuels?
BP Ultimate 102 unleaded fully meets the Formula 1 and WRC fuel specification in the summer. However, BP Ultimate 102 unleaded has been formulated to comply with BS:EN228 at all times. During winter months this means that it has to have higher volatility with a vapour pressure specification in the range of 70-100kPa. This is outside the range allowed in F1, which only has a specification for summer quality. If you use this fuel for competition purposes you should check the rules applicable to that specific event to ensure compliance.

17. Is BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded legal for use on the road, for example if I am driving to and from race tracks?
Yes, as well as meeting the maximum performance specifications allowed in Formula 1 and WRC, it also fully complies with BS:EN228 (the UK specification for unleaded petrol) which means that it can be legally used on the road while driving to and from motor sport circuits.

18. Unlike Shell, BP does not seem to have F1 expertise, is this true?
BP has actually long been acknowledged for its fuels technology expertise across a wide range of transport fuels. And not least in the motor sports arena. We have been heavily involved in the development, manufacture and supply of fuels to the F1 community for the past twenty years, often working discreetly behind the scenes and gaining a strong reputation as a leading specialist in the field.

19. Which F1 teams is BP working with?
For business sensitive reasons we unable to disclose this information.

20. Where is BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded available?
It is being trialled at nine specific sites:

TBC

21. Why is 102 only available at nine sites?
This is currently a trial of BP Ultimate 102 unleaded and we have chosen nine sites for this trial. We will review this ongoing.

22. Will BP Ultimate 102 unleaded be available at every pump?
No, BP Ultimate 102 unleaded will only be available at certain pumps on each of the nine trial sites. Please refer to the directional signage on each forecourt for details.

23. Will BP Ultimate 102 unleaded be available for purchase via mail order or at motor racing circuits?
At this time, BP Ultimate 102 unleaded will only be available at the nine trial sites.

24. Are there any plans for a nationwide roll-out for 102?
Future plans for BP Ultimate 102 unleaded will be dependent on the success of the initial trial

16. Is 102 available anywhere else in Europe?
We believe we are the only petrol retailer to offer a 102 octane product on our forecourts. At this time, BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is only available on nine of our UK forecourts.

17. Can customers buy BP Ultimate 102 unleaded in portable containers?

Yes, but there are regulations than need to be observed. In general these are as follows:

- A maximum of two 5 litre plastic containers, or
- A maximum of two 10 litre metal containers, or
- One 23 litre ‘Jerry Can.’

There are a number of pieces of legislation that are relevant to the filling of petrol containers at petrol station forecourts and their transport and storage, and further details can be found in the Government Health and Safety Executive circular LAC 65/9 available at www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/65-9.htm.


18. How is BP’s staff intending to control customer purchase?

Under BP’s licensing conditions the limits for purchasing petrol in portable containers at a BP site, during any one visit, are as follows:

- A maximum of two 5 litre plastic containers, or
- A maximum of two 10 litre metal containers, or
- One 23 litre ‘Jerry Can.’

These limits apply unless specific permission from the Petroleum Officer has been granted. Any container(s) used must comply with the relevant standards.

Pump signage will clearly state the legal limits for purchasing petrol in portable containers. Any customers wishing to purchase BP Ultimate 102 unleaded will need to pro-actively activate the pump by way of a button. Our staff will also have to authorise any purchase and will monitor the amount of fuel being dispensed once authorisation has been granted.


19. Isn’t it dangerous for customers to be transporting petrol in their car?

Where petrol is carried on board a vehicle for private use, there are no specific regulations in force. However, BP recommends that only containers that comply with relevant requirements for filling and storage be used, and that any containers are secured in the vehicle so that they cannot move or be overturned in transport.

20. Why is 102 more environmentally friendly than other fuels?

BP Ultimate 102 is a high performance fuel that is also less harmful to the environment. This is as a result of the unique purity of the BP Ultimate 102 formulation, together with its superior evaporation properties, that actually improve the combustion process in the engine. This enables the engine to work more efficiently, meaning that combustion is more complete, and less of the fuel is emitted as partially burnt pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons.

BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is also sulphur free. With ordinary fuels, the sulphur present in fuel reduces the efficiency of your car’s catalytic converter, which means that it loses its ability to reduce the harmful emissions from your engine. So the sulphur free property of BP Ultimate 102 actually improves the operation of the catalytic converter on your car, reducing exhaust emissions.

Importantly, BP Ultimate 102 is also benzene free. This means that with less than 0.1% benzene, BP Ultimate 102 is the only petrol available that is not classed as carcinogenic, making it safer to handle and less harmful to the environment.

Not only do the unique properties of this fuel lead to fewer harmful exhaust emissions, but BP Ultimate 102 unleaded also has other environmental benefits. That's because it contains a renewable component, which means that well to wheels greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.


21. Is BP Ultimate 102 unleaded a bio-fuel?
Yes. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded has been specially formulated to include a high performance, renewable oxygen-containing component. The presence of our chosen bio-component means that overall greenhouse gas emissions - associated with global warming - are reduced, helping to protect the environment.

22. Will BP be adding bio-components to all of their fuels?
At this time, BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is the only BP fuel in the UK to contain bio-components. This is possible due to the unique manufacturing process used in making the fuel compared to BP Ultimate 97 and Regular fuels.

The development of bio-fuels is an important issue for BP and one in which we have a leadership position globally. We do expect to sell significantly more bio-fuels in the future as the market develops
BP Invests significantly in R&D for future fuels. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded, BP Ultimate 97 and BP Ultimate diesel are seen as the start of a journey towards cleaner fuels. BP Ultimate unleaded 97 boasts 4 x the cleaning power of ordinary fuels, offers significant improvements for both the performance of individual cars (up to 28 more miles per tank, increase in power equivalent to increase in engine size of up to 270cc) and the environment (If all the cars in the UK used BP Ultimate the reduction in emissions would be the equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the road).
We envisage this development continuing and we are constantly looking at opportunities for new and differentiated fuels that offer both performance benefits for our customers as well offering significant environmental benefits.
23. Why is the fuel clear? Isn’t it dangerous?
BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is a precise fuel recipe using a completely different manufacturing process compared to conventional refining. This processing results in a fuel with exceptional purity without the impurities found in ordinary fuels. This is demonstrated by the crystal clear or ‘water white’ appearance, compared to the yellowish colour of typical petrol.

The impurities that colour the fuel are also compounds that can go on to form combustion chamber deposits in the engine. These deposits build up over time and actually increase the octane requirement of the engine. BP Ultimate 102 reduces these deposits which means that the fuel can work harder before knock occurs, allowing for more highly tuned operation and higher boostpressures.

24. Why aren’t all your fuels ‘crystal clear?’
BP Ultimate 102 uses a completely different manufacturing process compared to conventional refining, which allows us to remove the impurities found in ordinary fuels and achieve the ‘crystal clear’ appearance. This is not currently possible in BP Ultimate 97 or Regular fuels in the UK.

24. Aren’t you just encouraging speeding by bringing out a higher octane?
Absolutely not. BP Ultimate 102 unleaded has been developed for private motor racing enthusiasts to use under legal conditions, specifically with race tracks in mind. We remind customers on our pumps to drive according to road conditions and speed limits.

23. Do you have any performance results?
BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded has been developed for vehicles tuned for increased performance. In the range of vehicles we tested, where the ignition was remapped, Ultimate 102 gave typical power benefits of between 4.0 and 7.5 per cent above normal Ultimate Unleaded. On a very high performance, turbo charged vehicle, with boost pressure increased, the power benefits seen included an increase in maximum power of 37 bhp (8.6%), and as much as 60 bhp (16%) at some points in the engine speed range.

24. How were these performance results generated?
We tested a range of vehicles using independent facilities including G-Force and WRC Technologies at Silverstone. Our test results are intended to be indicative of the typical benefits that are possible and will depend on the vehicle type and the way it is tuned..

25. Can motor bikes use it?
Yes, it is fully compatible with motor bike engines. As with cars, engines that have been highly tuned will experience the full benefits of BP Ultimate 102. The exceptionally good evaporation properties of the fuel in engines make it particularly suited to engines which operate at very high engine speed.

26. What happens if I misfuel ie. put 102 in my car but it’s not compatible?
BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is fully compliant with BS:EN228 (the UK specification for unleaded petrol) which means it can be safely and legally used on the road by normal petrol vehicles. As such, should you use BP Ultimate 102 unleaded by mistake, there will be no negative effect on your vehicle.

27. How many people do you envisage using this fuel?
This is a trial of our new fuel to determine the customer take up. Consumer insights however tell us that there are a significant number of motor racing enthusiasts who will welcome the opportunity of being able to source a high octane performance fuel from the forecourt for track days and other events.

28. How can it give greater performance and yet still be friendly to the environment?

BP Ultimate 102 is a high performance fuel that is also less harmful to the environment. This is as a result of the unique purity of the BP Ultimate 102 formulation, together with its superior evaporation properties, that actually improve the combustion process in the engine. This enables the engine to work more efficiently, meaning that combustion is more complete, and less of the fuel is emitted as partially burnt pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons.

BP Ultimate 102 unleaded is also sulphur free. With ordinary fuels, the sulphur present in fuel reduces the efficiency of your car’s catalytic converter, which means that it loses its ability to reduce the harmful emissions from your engine. So the sulphur free property of BP Ultimate 102 actually improves the operation of the catalytic converter on your car, reducing exhaust emissions.

Importantly, BP Ultimate 102 is also benzene free. This means that with less than 0.1% benzene, BP Ultimate 102 is the only petrol available that is not classed as carcinogenic, making it safer to handle and less harmful to the environment.

Not only do the unique properties of this fuel lead to fewer harmful exhaust emissions, but BP Ultimate 102 unleaded also has other environmental benefits. That's because it contains a renewable component, which means that well to wheels greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.



29. Is this just a BP scheme to make more money?
No. BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded has been developed specifically with amateur race enthusiasts, who now have the chance to buy a fuel meeting the same high specifications used as the pinnacle of motor sport in Formula 1 and the WRC. BP is the first company in the UK to make this type of fuel easily accessible at forecourts.

30. Can fuels of this type contaminate groundwater?
BP Ultimate 102 contains a high performance renewable bio-component, which contains oxygen and is supported by government tax incentives to encourage its use. There have been incidents of groundwater contamination in the US with certain oxygenates, but the properties of this fuel are less likely to cause these problems, and we have various environmental protection measures in place to guard against these problems.


- Ends -


polarexpress

Original Poster:

6,777 posts

227 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
According to the Powerpoint presentation, this is where it is available as of 10am 24th April:

All Saints Self Serve
Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BU

Tudor Filling Station
London Road, Allington, Kent, ME160HE

Newham Way,
Canning Town, London, E16 1QX

Newbury Centre Filling Station,
758 Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG27HU

Wavendon Gate Connect,
Newport Road, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK77AG

Chichley Park Connect,
Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9BD

baskey

14,291 posts

226 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
so it's basically like getting sunoco or something but from your local stn..?

it's riddiculous paying so much more than optimax/99ron/normal ultimate... i bet every saxo in the land will have 2 litres of it in the tank by june..!

vesuvius996

35,829 posts

271 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Interesting....!

lazyitus

19,926 posts

266 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
polarexpress said:
According to the Powerpoint presentation, this is where it is available as of 10am 24th April:

All Saints Self Serve
Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BU

Tudor Filling Station
London Road, Allington, Kent, ME160HE

Newham Way,
Canning Town, London, E16 1QX

Newbury Centre Filling Station,
758 Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park, Ilford, Essex, IG27HU

Wavendon Gate Connect,
Newport Road, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK77AG

Chichley Park Connect,
Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 9BD


Suprise, suprise.

None up North.

Polarbert

17,923 posts

231 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Thats a joke. I don't know much about engines but I doubt that you would see all that much improvement. And when you think its 2 and half times the price! Jeez

egomeister

6,700 posts

263 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Polarbert said:
Thats a joke. I don't know much about engines but I doubt that you would see all that much improvement. And when you think its 2 and half times the price! Jeez


It's basically race fuel, and at reasonable cost if my memory is correct. Surely it would be more appropriate to celebrate the fact that someone is willing to sell it on the forecourt!

Mr E

21,616 posts

259 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Dear lord that's rather expensive

Fire99

9,844 posts

229 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
That!!!
£2.43 a litre??

Well lets hope those who buy it have their tires at 100% perfect optimum pressures and the car serviced with the precision of an F1 team for all the benefit this is gonna make.

All i can say is, if you can afford to put 102 in your car, Can you sub me a few ££ please??

lazyitus

19,926 posts

266 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Gazboy said:
Does it matter? it's £2.42 a litre mate! Even if it was on sale 1/4 mile from my house I wouldn't have it.


Good point.

ApexClipper

24,983 posts

243 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
lazyitus said:
Gazboy said:
Does it matter? it's £2.42 a litre mate! Even if it was on sale 1/4 mile from my house I wouldn't have it.


Good point.


I'll second that.

There's no way in hell that you're going to see enough of a difference over the likes of Optimax or the current Ultimate, to justify the extra cost.

Stu_00

1,529 posts

219 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Cant be that price - you might aswell run it on aviation fuel !

Zod

35,295 posts

258 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
It's even more expensive than the 102 octane racing fuel at the Silverstone filling station, which was £2 a litre last time I checked. At £1.42, I have to admit I'd be tempted if it was available locally, but at that price with a 70 litre tank and fuel consumption only just into double figures no chance.

polarexpress

Original Poster:

6,777 posts

227 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
I reckon it's cheaper to buy a £5 bottle of octane booster per tank..

Pigeon

18,535 posts

246 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
Or a can of thinners.

jagdpanther

19,633 posts

219 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
£217.80p to fill my tank

4WD

2,289 posts

231 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
I remember an account of a guy running his roller on champagne for the crack. Looks like this may be a cheaper alternative in future. Obviously not a 55 Dom, but a sparkling wine of sort's might do

annodomini2

6,861 posts

251 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
As they've mentioned Formula 1 I'm guessing they've introduced it due to that rule in F1 that states they must run commercial grade fuel so they can run higher octane stuff??

monkeyhanger

9,198 posts

242 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
£2.42 a litre ? I think not.

Even if it were available up here i wouldln't bother. If you want more than what's available normally use Optimax or Tesco 99 and Octane booster.

I've used Shell VPower 100 on the continent and that does make a noticable difference, but then again the price is pretty reasonable too.

redvictor

3,152 posts

237 months

Friday 21st April 2006
quotequote all
they said 9 sites,6 are listed....where's the other 3?
i can see where everyone is coming from here but if you'd spent the money i have on getting close to 2000hp and you had to run road fuel then this would be a cheaper alternative than detonating an engine to bits....just hope they have a site in the midlands...somehow i doubt it..