Some blurb from Shell belowl:
What is Shell Optimax?
Shell Optimax is a completely new, highly refined unleaded petrol which burns more cleanly to give you smooth power delivery and increased engine protection.
We went back to the drawing board to build the ultimate performance petrol and started by selecting the individual molecules which should go into the fuel. Using this approach and the same technology we use to develop petrol for the Ferrari F1 cars, we produced a unique formula: Shell Optimax - the best performance unleaded petrol in the UK.
Shell Optimax is an ultra low sulphur petrol which meets EU emissions standards which come into force in 2005.
What does Shell Optimax do?
Shell Optimax is designed to enable fuel and air to flow smoothly and quickly to your engine. This means that Optimax burns more cleanly and efficiently than regular petrols to give you increased performance and a quicker response.
It also protects your engine better than any other unleaded petrol.
How is Shell Optimax different to other unleaded petrols?
Shell Optimax is completely new and created specifically for UK motorists who want to get the most from their car and from driving
It has the highest octane rating of any petrol in the UK (98 ron)which enables advanced modern design engines to work more efficiently and deliver more power
It is free of the heavy constituents which are found in other petrols and which leave dirty residue in the engine
It also removes these performance sapping deposits from the airways of the engine, so it cleans your engine as you drive
It protects your engine better than any other unleaded petrol
When will I notice the difference?
Shell Optimax will give your car or motorbike maximum capacity to respond quickly, just when you need it to. You are most likely to feel the difference when you pull away at roundabouts or overtake. The more often you fill up with Shell Optimax, the better your engine will perform. And running exclusively on Shell Optimax will ensure you get optimum performance.
Can I use Optimax in my car or motorbike?
You can use Optimax in any engine which runs on super unleaded or unleaded. It is an ultra low sulphur petrol.
Can I mix Shell Optimax safely with other grades of fuel?
You can mix Optimax with all unleaded petrols but you'll get the full performance and protection benefits if you use it exclusively.
What is the Octane level of Shell Optimax?
Shell Optimax has the highest octane specification of any petrol in the UK. It is greater than 98 Research Octane Number (RON).
I use LRP (Lead Replacement Petrol) - can I use Optimax?
Optimax is not a substitute for LRP. However many cars which run on LRP could be simply and cheaply adjusted to run on unleaded petrol. Others could switch to unleaded fuel if they also use a bottled additive which provides additional protection to their valve seats. Ask your motor manufacturer or local dealer for advice.
Why is Shell launching a completely new fuel now?
Our research shows that many of our customers are enthusiastic drivers and the performance of their vehicles is particularly important to them. Shell Optimax has been developed with Ferrari specifically to offer these customers increased performance and engine protection.
What role has Ferrari played in developing Shell Optimax?
The day-to-day partnership our scientists have with the Ferrari F1 team has given them a unique understanding of engine performance. They have transferred the knowledge which helps Ferrari achieve optimum performance and reliability on the track, to develop Optimax for UK motorists.
How can you prove that Shell Optimax makes a vehicle more responsive?
Shell Optimax was formulated and tested at Shell's world leading research laboratories at the Cheshire Innovations Park. We have extensive engine test data showing that Optimax will enhance engine performance, improve responsiveness and give superior acceleration.
This has been rigorously tested and benchmarked against other petrols currently available in the UK.
Shell Optimax can help you manoeuvre safely by delivering a smooth burst of power, just when you need it most - when you're overtaking on a motorway, for example:
Stage One
The red car is running on Shell Optimax and the green one on standard unleaded petrol
Stage Two
Both cars accelerate from 55 mph to 70 mph during the overtaking manoeuvre. Optimax gives the Optimax driver a smooth burst of power
Stage Three
Which enables him to gain 1-3 car lengths of safety margin
How can you prove that Shell Optimax is better for engines?
Shell Optimax underwent rigorous engine testing, both on the road and on test bed engines. We have extensive test results which show how removing and preventing the build up of deposits in the engine improves engine performance, and data to prove that using Shell Optimax results in both these benefits.
In addition Shell Optimax does not contain the particles which are present in other petrols that form deposits in the engine. Since Optimax is intrinsically clean it is better for the engine as it burns more cleanly and efficiently. Shell Optimax also contains an anti corrosion additive for further protection.