Discussion
tvrbob said:
Is Shell claiming V is different to Optimax? This was only ever a name change. A laser-eye treatment company owns the Optimax (tm) so Shell had to give it up.
Yeah, 99 RON against 98
I filled the Audi up on it tonight. Couldnt notice any difference. Except it seemed to be a penny cheaper than the last Optimax fill up

I used V-Power when in France for Le Mans. No noticeable change over noraml Super Plus (97+ RON). I assumed it was a continental name difference because the pumps and logos seemed similar/the same.
However, it seems like it's a new fuel and will supercede optimax at our pumps here. How much extra it really is might be down to how much you believe the marketing. Optimax calimed to be 'at least' 98 RON with it being higher in some cases, freshness/where you bought it from had a factor. So 99 RON isn't much of a leap from 98 point something. Unless the other addivitves are the key, more marketing hype mostly would be my guess.
Still the thing not to lose sight off here is that petrochem companies are making an effort to make fuels for enthusiasts in a World of high oil prices, anti-car lobbies, must use public transport, etc. I for one applaud that (and dont really get it at the same time but fair play
)
However, it seems like it's a new fuel and will supercede optimax at our pumps here. How much extra it really is might be down to how much you believe the marketing. Optimax calimed to be 'at least' 98 RON with it being higher in some cases, freshness/where you bought it from had a factor. So 99 RON isn't much of a leap from 98 point something. Unless the other addivitves are the key, more marketing hype mostly would be my guess.
Still the thing not to lose sight off here is that petrochem companies are making an effort to make fuels for enthusiasts in a World of high oil prices, anti-car lobbies, must use public transport, etc. I for one applaud that (and dont really get it at the same time but fair play
Chances are you are still filling up with Optimax - until the next tanker delivery to the station. That is what my local station told me this morning.
"Is this V-Max then?"
"No, mate still Optimax until we get a delivery"
So all you who 'think' you have better performance from a 99RON fuel instead of a 98RON - could it be the placebo effect?
"Is this V-Max then?"
"No, mate still Optimax until we get a delivery"
So all you who 'think' you have better performance from a 99RON fuel instead of a 98RON - could it be the placebo effect?
tvrbob said:
Tyre Smoke said:
Chances are you are still filling up with Optimax
It's the same stuff; they've just adopted the European name because they didn't have rights to use the name Optimax in the first place. The name belongs to another company. It's the same stuff folkswww.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=uk-en&FC2=/uk-en/tailored/shell_for_motorists/fuels/vpower_p/zzz_lhn.html&FC3=/uk-en/tailored/shell_for_motorists/fuels/vpower_p/vpower_p_about_ga_1602.html
More info from this link. Dont think it is the same stuff, what would be the point of all this marketing and still charging the same price as Optimax. Even if you dont notice the extra 1 RON.... if it's better at cleaning your engine thats a bonus.
tvrbob said:
Tyre Smoke said:
Chances are you are still filling up with Optimax
It's the same stuff; they've just adopted the European name because they didn't have rights to use the name Optimax in the first place. The name belongs to another company. It's the same stuff folksNot according to Shell. From their FAQ
Is Shell V-Power really different or have you just changed the name?
Yes, Shell V-Power really is different! In developing Shell V-Power we have built on the highly successful performance platform achieved with Shell Optimax and developed a fuel to help give drivers an even better driving experience.
Edited by puffsorted2 on Friday 25th August 12:38
Mustang Baz said:
I thought Optimax was 97 RON vs 99 for V Power? Also filled up this morning with VP and generally louder pops and bangs on overrun, comparable to the Tesco 99/European fuel of comparable RON numbering.
Optimax is 98 - V Power is 99. Probably won't give any extra power unless you advance the igntion timing a tad (on Rover V8's anyway, not sure about the AJP and Speed 6), which you should be able to do as it has a higher Octane without it pinking
Just filled up from my local Shell garage around the corner from me with V-Power. The guy in the garage told me that they had the delivery last night and haven't changed over the pump decor as yet from Optimax (98-Ron) to V-Power (99-Ron). Agree with the comments about the ignition advance etc but I think the key here is not the increase in Octane level but rather the additives that help to keep the engine clean and running nicely. I have always used Optimax in my Tuscan so I will be interested to see over time whether there is any difference in the running of the engine.
Can't really comment as yet as to whether it runs/sounds better as I have the roof off today and the noise is obscene anyway!
Andy
Can't really comment as yet as to whether it runs/sounds better as I have the roof off today and the noise is obscene anyway!
Andy
zippee said:
I used proper V-Power in S.France whilst on the Furball (102 ron IIRC) and noticed absolutely no difference compared to standard Optimax.
Hi Tony
After the poor petrol in Italy we found it made a huge difference when we chucked in some 100ron v-power stuff in the Tamora.
Hope your car is better
Cheers
Simon
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