Manufacturers are increasingly looking to the modern engine as a way to help lower carbon footprints

It is a pivotal moment for manufacturers, with governments around the world pushing to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted by automotive vehicles.
As a result, the downsizing of engines to cut CO2 emissions through less fuel usage and the fitting of turbochargers to not compromise performance is on the increase.
However, the downsizing of engines has meant that they are operating in challenging environments like never before.
Extreme temperatures and high pressures mean that turbocharged compact engines are prone to problems including severe engine failure.
In response, Shell has created a low viscosity product range of Shell Helix Ultra 0W and 5W oils with these challenging conditions in mind, designed to protect engines and help OEMs, mechanics and everyday drivers meet the new emissions targets.
A turbocharger rotates with more than 150,000 RPM and can reach up to 1,000°C.
Through using a sophisticated scientific oil formulation, Shell Helix 0W not only ensures the engine stays cool, but importantly, it also lubricates the bearings of the turbocharger as these are prone to clogging which can lead to turbocharger damage.
In addition, Shell Helix Ultra’s 0W/ 5W’s low viscosity and low friction formulations reportedly lead up to three percent greater fuel economy(1), helping to reduce the carbon footprint.
By using the range, a car can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70 kilograms per year, based on an average annual distance of 14,500km per year (2).
To put this into perspective, that’s the same amount you would generate by brewing 7,000 cups of coffee (3).
Shell Helix Ultra 0W doesn’t just help with caring for the turbocharger, however.
With increasing levels of strict requirements, new engines require very specific oils that meet these industry approvals.
Low Speed Pre-Ignition is an abnormal combustion event caused by the higher in-cylinder pressures common in modern engines which can happen while operating under low speed, high torque conditions.
Prevention of uncontrolled misfire (LSPI) can be prevented by using specific oil compositions – and Shell Helix Ultra 0W – has crucial properties within its formulation required to comply with these new industry standards.
“Reduction of CO2 emissions is a significant turning point for the automotive industry, and we’re seeing a new generation of modern, powerful engines, designed to consume less fuel and therefore emit less CO2,” Viva Energy Product Support Engineer for the Shell Lubricants Technical Helpdesk, Silvana Farrugia, said.
“The number of cars sold in Australia fitted with a turbocharged engine is increasing every year, millions are at risk from severe failure without the correct care.
“Engine oils play an integral role in vehicle and engine performance, and we want to help workshops and drivers by taking the stress out of maintaining modern engines, while also improving the longevity of their vehicles.
“Aware of the changes in engine design, Shell have developed a premium Engine oil range, Shell Helix Ultra 0W, which is able to provide long lasting performance under these new challenging conditions.
“By providing up to three percent greater fuel savings and protection of up to 1000°C, it means motorists can always enjoy the drive, no matter how hot the engine gets.”
Shell Helix Ultra 0W is a premium, fully synthetic, motor oil range, which is made from natural gas.
Shell says the PurePlus Technology is a revolutionary process that converts natural gas into crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil.
Developed together with OEMs with the everyday motorist in mind, building on the insight and experience from Shell’s motorsport partnerships, the range plays a crucial role in cleaning, protecting, lubricating and cooling the engine in temperatures of up to 1000°c.

For more information, visit www.shell.com.au

1 Based on ACEA M 111 fuel economy results compared with the industry reference oil
2 Based on CO2 equivalent avoided per 1l fuel saved, not combusted in the engine
3 Deutsche Umwelthilfe 2015, Energy needed to brew per 2 cups consumes 0,21 gr CO²