Shell Helix unveils first synthetic motor oil from natural gas

MANILA, Philippines–Developments in engine technology have led to increasing demand for fully synthetic motor oils that deliver higher levels of engine protection, improved engine life and better fuel economy.

Shell, as the global leader in power, energy and gas technology, has developed an entirely new way to produce synthetic base oils from natural gas rather than crude oil. This gives the finished motor oil a number of important performance benefits, including improved viscosity control, lower volatility and fuel economy.

These are the advantages found in the new Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.

Shell PurePlus Technology is a revolutionary gas-to-liquid process that converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil. It is further combined with Active Cleansing Technology to create a motor oil that cleans as it protects the engine, helping prevent the buildup of dirt and aiming for a smoother, more responsive drive for everyday drivers.

“We designed Shell Helix Ultra’s performance such that no other motor oil cleans your engine better,” says Robert Sutherland, Shell Helix global technology manager.

The properties of a base oil produced from natural gas translate into important performance benefits for the engine, according to Sutherland. Base oil makes up approximately 75 to 90 percent of motor oil, so Shell PurePlus Technology is a significant step-up in the composition of Shell Helix Ultra motor oils, making it the company’s newest and most advanced motor oil ever.

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is synthetics reimagined and reinvented. Its superior performance is marked by reduced friction for better fuel economy. New viscosity grades such as SAE 0W-40 have been proven to deliver an improvement of up to 1.9 percent in fuel economy.

Enhanced viscosity also maintains the oil’s performance in extreme temperatures. Shell PurePlus Technology gives Shell Helix Ultra excellent low-temperature properties, which means it flows rapidly for easier engine startup and faster engine warm up.

Improved protection against the buildup of engine deposits as well as unsurpassed sludge protection provide better defense against wear and corrosion, helping to extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs. Increased savings for the consumer are also achieved because of less-frequent top-ups, owing to Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology’s lower volatility.

In the Philippines, Shell Helix Ultra 0w-40 comes in 1- and 4-liter packs, and the Shell Helix Ultra Diesel 5w-40 in 1- and 6-liter packs. Both are available in Shell retail stations and automotive supply shops nationwide starting October.

Learn more about Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology at www.shell.com/pureplus.