Shell introduces Shell Helix Ultra

By Romel S. Gurky

Shell Indonesia announced on Wednesday the launch of a next generation motor oil, Shell Helix Ultra with Shell PurePlus Technology, the company's most advanced motor oil ever, featuring a base oil designed from natural gas.

The launch was officiated by Director/GM Lubricants & Commercial Fuels PT Shell Indonesia DR Johari Jalil, with GM Marketing Shell Lubricants Indonesia Dian Andyasuri, Shell Helix Global Brand Manager Alexander Ip, and Lubricants Technology Manager, Shell Global, Leo Kin Mun on Wednesday in Jakarta.

Johari said, "Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology represents a huge step forward. The way motor oils are produced has not changed for decades and now, we have unveiled a new motor oil that surpasses our previous lubricant technology, which is why we are confident when we say that no other engine oil keeps your engine closer to factory clean. Shell Helix Ultra with revolutionary PurePlus Technology harnesses the power of gas to produce the next generation motor oils, bringing together over 40 years of research and development by Shell scientists in collaboration with Ferrari."

Leo Kin Mun added that Shell PurePlus Technology allows Shell to design the molecules that go into the motor oil, using chemical engineering to manufacture long chains of carbon molecules that are the ideal starting point to create pure, clean base oils. Because the base oil has been produced from natural gas at a molecular level it is a significantly more stable product than conventional base oils, which gives the finished motor oil lower volatility and better low-temperature flow properties. Shell PurePlus Technology base oils have consistently lower viscosity at cold temperatures (-25 to -40C) so they start lubricating your engine straight away from a cold start. These properties translate into important performance benefits for the engine, including improved cleaning, wear protection, and fuel economy.

At the same occasion, Dian Andyasuri explains that Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is designed to meet the needs of the latest engines. The range combines Shell PurePlus Technology with Active Cleansing Technology (ACT) to deliver higher levels of protection against build-up of engine deposits and unsurpassed sludge protection. The product also provides superior wear and corrosion protection which can help to extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs. Fuel economy benefits vary with viscosity grade, but certain products within the Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology range can deliver an improvement of up to 3% in fuel economy. All these advantages of Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology help engines to keep its factory condition, and owners will get the brand-new car driving sensation.

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology meets the most modern industry specifications and has received approvals from leading vehicle and engine manufacturers across the world such as Ferrari, and it is the recommended lubricants to be used for all brand-new Ferraris rolled out of the factory. Scuderia Ferrari even uses Shell Helix Ultra for its race cars for the F1 2014 season.

At the moment, Shell PurePlus Technology base oils are produced at the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar; a partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum. This facility is the world's largest gas-to-liquids facility, and can produce approximately one million tonnes of base oils per year.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon