[MickyD]

http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?...r_extreme.html

Shell Optimax Extreme
The power of 100 octane
With the natural quality of ethanol

Shell Optimax Extreme is a new super-high octane fuel with a minimum octane rating of 100, the highest currently available at any Australian service station. Shell Optimax Extreme is formulated with 5% ethanol.

Shell Optimax Extreme is formulated to deliver more engine responsiveness, sharper acceleration and enhanced power in many modern and high performance vehicles compared to other Shell premium fuels.

Ethanol is a renewable non-fossil fuel produced in Australia. When used in fuel it’s a cleaner burning, renewable component that helps to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, through the formulation with ethanol, Shell Optimax Extreme has a substantially lower sulphur and benzene content than the maximum levels set under the Federal Government’s fuel quality standards. Ethanol is a cleaner burning, renewable fuel component that helps to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.

Shell Optimax Extreme will initially be available at selected Coles Express sites in the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.

[MickyD]

and what manufacturers say about Ethanol:

Australian Automobile Manufacturers
Holden

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10 except as listed below.

The following models which do not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel:
Apollo (1/87-7/89), Nova (2/89-7/94), Barina (1985-1994), Drover (1985-1987), Scurry (1985-1986), Astra (1984-1989).
Ford

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10 except as listed below.

The following models may not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel because of drivability concerns:
Focus (2002 - 2004), F-series (1986-1992), Ka (All), Maverick (1988-1993), Mondeo (All), Transit (1996 - 2004).

The following models do not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel:
Capri (1989-1994), Courier 2.0L & 2.6L (All), Econovan (pre-2002), Festiva (All), Laser 1.3L, 1.5L & 1.6L (All), Raider (All), Telstar (All).
Mitsubishi

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.

Mitsubishi vehicles with carburettor fuel systems built before 1991 may experience hot fuel handling concerns and may experience a lower level of durability in some fuel system components.
Toyota

All Toyota models manufactured locally or imported by Toyota Australia since 1987 will operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel except as listed below.

The following models will not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel due to material compatibility issues:

Camry with carburettor engines pre July 1989 and Corolla pre July 1994.

Supra - pre May 1993, Cressida - pre Feb 1993, Paseo - pre Aug 1995, Starlet - pre July 1999.

Land Cruiser - pre Aug 1992, Coaster - pre Jan 1993, Dyna - pre May 1995, Tarago - pre Oct 1996, Hilux , Hiace, & 4 Runner - pre Aug 1997, Townace - pre Dec 1998.
Vehicle Importers
Alfa Romeo

All Alfa Romeo vehicles imported since 1998 must run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol).

Post 1998 Alfa Romeo vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E5 ethanol blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). E10 ethanol blended petrol is not recommended as there are material compatibility and drivability issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

E10 ethanol blended petrol is not recommended for earlier model Alfa Romeo vehicles due to material compatibility issues.
Audi

All current Audi vehicles must run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol). All Audi vehicle models since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10 except as listed below:

Audi A3 1.8L (Engine Code 'APG' 2000 onwards) and A4 2.0L (Engine Code 'ALT' 2001 onwards) will operate satisfactorily on E5 ethanol blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). However, E10 ethanol blended petrol is not recommended for these vehicle models as there are material compatibility and drivability issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.
Bentley

All petrol engine vehicles since 1990 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
BMW

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Citroen

All Citroen vehicles are required to run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol).

Citroen vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E5 blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). However, E10 blended petrol is not recommended because of drivability and/or material compatibility issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.
Chrysler

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Daewoo

GMDaewoo does not recommend the use of ethanol blended petrol.
Daihatsu

The following models will operate satisfactorily on E10:

Charade (September 2004 onwards); Terios (September 2004 onwards); Copen (October 2004 onwards); Sirion (November 2004 onwards).
Honda

All Honda vehicles should use the fuel recommended in the Owner's Manual.

The following models will operate satisfactorily on E10:
Insight - 2004 onwards; Civic range (including Civic Hybrid) - 2004 onwards; S2000 - 2004 onwards; CRV - 2003 onwards; MD-X - 2003 onwards; Accord & Accord Euro - 2003 onwards.

Honda does not recommend E10 for other vehicle models because there may be drivability issues.
Hyundai

Hyundai vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10, but if engine drivability concerns occur revert back to 100% unleaded petrol.
Ferrari

Ferrari does not recommend the use of ethanol blend petrol. E10 may be used in emergency situations.
Jaguar

All Jaguar vehicles imported and sold by Jaguar Cars Australia since 1986 will ooperate satisfactorily on unleaded petrol containing ethanol blended up to 10% (E10) provided that the fuel octane recommendations in the owner's handbook are adhered to.

To avoid any operational issues, the vehicles should also be maintained in accordance with Jaguar servicing procedures using genuine Jaguar replacement parts.

In general, some pre-1986 cars will operate on E10 ULP, however Jaguar recommends that they do not use ethanol blended petrol due to the aging of the vehicle fuel systems. It is important however that Jaguar vehicles with carburettors do not use ethanol blended petrol.
Kia

All petrol engined vehicles since 1996 will operate satisfactorily on E10 but if engine driveability concerns occur revert back to 100% unleaded petrol. Please refer to Owner' s Manual for further details.
Land Rover

All Land Rover vehicles imported and sold by Land Rover Australia since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on unleaded petrol containing ethanol blended up to 10% (E10) provided that the fuel octane recommendations in the owner's handbook are adhered to.

To avoid any operational issues, the vehicles should also be maintained in accordance with Land Rover servicing procedures using genuine Land Rover replacement parts.

In general, some pre-1986 cars will operate on E10 ULP, however Land Rover recommends that they do not use ethanol blended petrol due to the aging of the vehicle fuel systems. It is important however that Land Rover vehicles with carburettors do not use ethanol blended petrol.
Lexus

All models will operate satisfactorily on E10 except for the model listed below:
The following model will not operate satisfactorily on E10 fuel:
IS200 - pre May 2002.
Maserati

Maserati does not recommend the use of ethanol blend petrol. E10 may be used in emergency situations.
Mazda

Mazda 323 1.8L (1994 onwards), Mazda 323 2.0L (2001 onwards), Mazda2 (11/02 onwards), Mazda3 (All), Premacy (5/02 onwards), Mazda6 (8/02 onwards), 800M and Millenia (8/98 onwards), MX5 (1998 onwards); RX-8 (7/03 onwards), MPV (8/99 onwards), Tribute (All) and E-series (2002 fuel injected models onwards) vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10.

All other models not listed above do not operate satisfactorily on E10.
Mercedes-Benz

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
MG

MGF (2000 onwards), MG ZT (2002 onward) and MG TF (2002 onward) vehicles may operate satisfactorily on E10. However, use of E10 may affect engine calibration and emissions.

MGF (pre-2000) does not operate satisfactorily on E10.

MINI
All models will operate satisfactorily on E10.


Nissan

Nissan vehicles manufactured from 1 January 2004 onwards are capable of operation on ethanol-blended fuels up to E10 (10% ethanol), providing that blending of the ethanol component to the petroleum component of the fuel has been properly made at the fuel refinery (ie there is no "splash-blending" of the fuel).

For Nissan vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 2004, Nissan Australia does not recommend the use of E10 because of drivability concerns and/or material compatibility issues.
Peugeot

All Peugeot vehicles are required to run on minimum 95 RON fuel (premium unleaded petrol).

Peugeot vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E5 blended petrol (European Standard EN 228). However, E10 blended petrol is not recommended because of drivability and/or material compatibility issues. E10 may be used in emergency situations.

Porsche


Porsche does not recommend the use of any level of ethanol blended petrol in any Porsche models.
Proton

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Rover

Rover 75 (2001 onwards) vehicles may operate satisfactorily on E10. However, use of E10 may affect engine calibration and emissions.
Renault

All petrol engine vehicles since 2001 will operate satisfactorily on E10 but Renault does not recommend its use
Rolls Royce

All petrol engine vehicles since 1990 until 2002 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Saab

All petrol engine vehicles since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Subaru

Subaru Liberty B4 (all year models) and Impreza WRX STI (1999 and 2000) do not operate satisfactorily on E10.

All other since MY1990 petrol engine Subaru vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Suzuki

Suzuki Alto, Mighty Boy, Wagon R+, Swift/Cino, Ignis Sport (1.5 litre requires 98RON), Sierra, Stockman, Vitara, X-90, Jimny (SOHC) and Super Carry vehicles do not operate satisfactorily on E10.

Suzuki Baleno and Baleno GTX will operate satisfactorily on E10 but Suzuki does not recommend its use in these vehicles.

Ignis (1.3 litre), Liana, Grand Vitara/XL-7, Jimny (DOHC), Carry (1.3 litre), Swift (2005 on) and APV vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10.
Volkswagen

All Volkswagen vehicles will operate satisfactorily on E10, but Volkswagen does not recommend it.
Volvo

All Volvo vehicles imported and sold by Volvo Car Australia since 1986 will operate satisfactorily on unleaded petrol containing ethanol blended up to 10% (E10) provided that the fuel octane recommendations in the owner's handbook are adhered to.

To avoid any operational issues, the vehicles should also be maintained in accordance with Volvo servicing procedures using genuine Volvo replacement parts.

In general, some pre-1986 cars will operate on E10 ULP, however Volvo recommends that they do not use ethanol blended petrol due to the aging of the vehicle fuel systems. It is important however that Volvo vehicles with carburettors do not use ethanol blended petrol.

[St00ge]

Quote: Originally Posted by MickyD

http://www.shell.com/home/Framework...ir_extreme.html

Shell Optimax Extreme
The power of 100 octane
With the natural quality of ethanol

Shell Optimax Extreme is a new super-high octane fuel with a minimum octane rating of 100, the highest currently available at any Australian service station. Shell Optimax Extreme is formulated with 5% ethanol.

Shell Optimax Extreme is formulated to deliver more engine responsiveness, sharper acceleration and enhanced power in many modern and high performance vehicles compared to other Shell premium fuels.

Ethanol is a renewable non-fossil fuel produced in Australia. When used in fuel it’s a cleaner burning, renewable component that helps to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, through the formulation with ethanol, Shell Optimax Extreme has a substantially lower sulphur and benzene content than the maximum levels set under the Federal Government’s fuel quality standards. Ethanol is a cleaner burning, renewable fuel component that helps to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.

Shell Optimax Extreme will initially be available at selected Coles Express sites in the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.

hey micky, is ethanol safe to put in the MCS? Cos some service stations make a point of labeling their fuels as "non-ethanol" etc, so that must imply that there is something bad about it....

Elie

[Todd!]

Come on Micky!?!

The important info! Where you can get it!

Victoria

Site Location
Coles Express Ashburton Cnr High St & Johnston St Ashburton VIC
Coles Express Burwood Cnr Burwood Hwy & Central Ave Burwood VIC
Coles Express Cheltenham Centre Dandenong Rd & Warrigal Rd Cheltenham VIC
Coles Express Ferntree Gully 1140 Burwood Hwy Ferntree Gully VIC
Coles Express Richmond 399–411 Punt Rd Richmond VIC
Coles Express St Albans Cnr Station Rd & Main Rd West St Albans VIC
Coles Express Vermont South 602–604 Burwood Hwy Vermont South VIC

New South Wales and ACT

Site Location
Coles Express Dickson Cnr Antill & Badham St Dickson ACT
*Coles Express Carlton 277–281 Princes Hwy Carlton NSW
*Coles Express Darlinghurst 47 Flinders St Darlinghurst NSW
*Coles Express Dundas Cnr Kissing Point Rd & Kirby St Dundas NSW
Coles Express Fairfield Cnr Polding St & The Horsley Drv Fairfield NSW
Coles Express Green Valley Cnr Cowpasture Rd & Green Valley Cartwright NSW
Coles Express Hurstville 39 Forest Rd Hurstville NSW
Coles Express Kingsford 48–56 Gardeners Rd Kingsford NSW
Coles Express Kirrawee Cnr Princes Hwy & The Boulevard Kirrawee NSW
Coles Express Lidcombe 18 Parramatta Rd Lidcombe NSW
*Coles Express Marsfield Cnr Epping Rd & Culloden Rd Marsfield NSW
Coles Express Neutral Bay Cnr Ben Boyd Rd & Ernest St Neutral Bay NSW
Coles Express North Ryde Wicks 96 Wicks Rd North Ryde NSW
* Shell Optimax Extreme will be available at these service stations by the end of 2005.

South East Queensland

Site Location
*Coles Express Albany Creek 171 Old Northern Rd Albany Creek QLD
*Coles Express Balmoral Cnr Oxford St & Hawthorne Rd Balmoral QLD
Coles Express Caloundra 69 Beerburrum St Caloundra QLD
Coles Express Kallangur Cnr Anzac Ave & Duffield Rd Kallangur QLD
Coles Express Kessels Rd 651 Kessels Rd Mount Gravatt QLD
Coles Express Milton 319 Coronation Drv Milton QLD
*Coles Express Runcorn 501 Compton Rd Runcorn QLD
*Coles Express Sherwood Cnr Sherwood & Oxley Rds Sherwood QLD
Coles Express Surfers Paradise 2824 Gold Coast Hwy Surfers Paradise QLD
Coles Express Virginia Cnr Sandgate & Robinson Rds Virginia QLD

[enzothemaddog]

Hurt my brain to think about reading all that.
Is it good for MCS and VW? As 100oct sounds like fun.

[Todd!]

Elie,

Basically if Shell are selling it, it is OK... simple story was that it was a scare tactic used to stop the smaller places from using it in their low end fuels to raise octane.

Todd

[enzothemaddog]

Quote: Originally Posted by Todd!

Come on Micky!?!

The important info! Where you can get it!
*Coles Express Darlinghurst 47 Flinders St Darlinghurst NSW

Excellent!.....

[Todd!]

Quote: Originally Posted by enzothemaddog

Hurt my brain to think about reading all that.
Is it good for MCS and VW? As 100oct sounds like fun.

All good sir!

Get it in ya! hahahah

[MickyD]

Quote: Originally Posted by Todd!

Coles Express Cheltenham Centre Dandenong Rd & Warrigal Rd Cheltenham VIC

that's sort of on the way home... I might try it at some stage.
but then, I might boycott it on principal since the biggest Ethanol producer in the country is Manildra, owned by John Howards best mate.... of course that's not why there is 0% excise on ethanol....

[Rampant Lion]

Due to the lack of excise then shouldn't we expect this fuel to be as cheap or cheaper than Normal 98 octane?

[Todd!]

Expect it to be 3c per litre dearer than standard Optimax apparantly... we will see though!

Whats with the freakin boycot of Geelong pumps!?! Gooooosh! The crap is made here too!

Todd

[St00ge]

Cheers Todd, might give it a shot soon. The punt rd shell is a 5 min drive from my restaurant. I don't mind paying 3c extra for some extra octane....Maybe we can get MTH to change our tuner files to run on Shell Optimax Extreme...

Elie

[Baker]

Not going to try it, Optimax is nasty fuel, and most of the Mobil you get is actually 99-100 octane anyways if you go to a busy servo.

[St00ge]

Quote: Originally Posted by Baker

Not going to try it, Optimax is nasty fuel, and most of the Mobil you get is actually 99-100 octane anyways if you go to a busy servo.

nasty? why nasty? cos it has lower octane than it should? If it says 100, that means its prob at least 98, right? or cos of something else?

Elie

[Baker]

I won't go too much into the details, can't remember them 100% to be perfectly honest, but Optimax contains more sulpher than Mobil 8000, and Shell 98 octane is an average value, compared to Mobil 98 octane being a minimum value.

[St00ge]

Quote: Originally Posted by Baker

I won't go too much into the details, can't remember them 100% to be perfectly honest, but Optimax contains more sulpher than Mobil 8000, and Shell 98 octane is an average value, compared to Mobil 98 octane being a minimum value.

hmm, ok. never did like the idea of ethanol anyway...

By the way, kev, i got an email back from ALTA, saying that USPS picked up the order today, saying it should arrive in 5-10 business days, which is probably wed-fri next week. Will you be free at all then? I don't care what time.

Elie

[St00ge]

they'll have the news of Shell Optimax Extreme on Channel 7 after Deal or No Deal (ie, in 10 mins or so)

Elie

[MickyD]

I think what Kev might be referring to is that Ultimate is an average of 98, and BP Ultimate is a minimum of 98, although this new Ultimate they are saying is a minimum of 100.

Optimax has something like 500 times the Sulphur of Ultimate too.

I used optimax in the mini for the first time a couple of weekends ago, and it ran like crap on it.

[KGB]

Sulphur = bad ?

I know it's bad in diesel....

[MickyD]

There are a number of compelling reasons to reduce fuel sulphur

In Australia today, the maximum amount of sulphur legally allowed in petrol is 150 parts per million (or 150 milligrammes per kilogramme). With less than 50 parts per million of sulphur, BP Ultimate contains 70% less sulphur than regular fuels. In fact, with BP Ultimate we are offering you a fuel today already meeting legislation that does not come into force until 2008.
So why do we consider that sulphur is important? There are a number of compelling reasons to reduce fuel sulphur.
Sulphur in fuel contributes directly to the emission of sulphur dioxide into the environment and while the majority of sulphur dioxide emissions are produced by industry and domestic heating, a significant amount is also emitted by motor vehicles. Sulphur dioxide, in turn, leads to the formation of sulphate particles which can be associated with a variety of health effects, and contribute to the visible haze familiar to anyone who has walked or cycled alongside traffic congested roads. Sulphur dioxide can also lead to the secondary formation of highly corrosive sulphuric acid which can lead to building damage.
Good news for your catalytic converter
And sulphur also has an indirect effect on exhaust emissions. The sulphur present in fuel reduces the efficiency of your car’s catalytic converter which means that over time it loses its ability to reduce the harmful emissions from your engine. So low sulphur fuels are clearly good news for your catalytic converter.
Furthermore, sulphur inhibits the use of advanced exhaust after-treatment technologies since these devices have an even lower sulphur tolerance than the catalytic converters widely present on gasoline vehicles today. Going forward, low sulphur fuels will enable the development and wider deployment of these technologies to further reduce vehicle emissions.