Motor Oil Made From Natural Gas

Shell 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. Base oil makes up approximately 75-90% of motor oil and so this is a significant step-change in the composition.

Shell PurePlus Technology produces base oil that provides enhanced viscosity, friction and volatility performance compared to more prominently used traditional base oils. This means it helps extend engine life, reduce maintenance costs, reduce oil consumption, enhance fuel economy and enable better engine cleanliness.

Benefits of Shell Helix Ultra

Performance

Illustrating the faster flow of Shell Helix Ultra compared to Mineral oil

Exceptional extreme temperature performance

Shell Helix Ultra stays stronger for longer in extreme high temperatures to keep performing and protecting the engine. It provides superior resistance to oil degradation, up to 32% better than the latest industry standard*.

Thanks to its exceptional low-temperature performance, Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology Plus also provides up to three times faster oil flow at -40°C for easier starting and quicker engine warm up**.

*Compared with API SN specification and based on Sequence IIIG oxidation test

**Compared with API SN specification and based on ASTM D484

Engine Cleanliness

Illustrating the positive impact of Shell Helix Ultra oil on the engine

Unsurpassed sludge protection

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology helps to protect high-performance engines from harmful deposits that hinder power and performance.

It has proven performance on the road. In field tests, Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology demonstrated superb engine cleanliness. The result, our test vehicles maintained the same fuel economy and performance as they had the day they left the factory*.

No other motor oil cleans your engine better**.

*Based on 100,000 Km fleet trial

**Based on Sequence VG sludge test results using OW-40

Less Top Up

Illustrating the reduced usage of Shell Helix ultra oil compared to inferior oils

Low-evaporation formula helps save time and money

Up to 50% less evaporation loss compared to inferior engine oils.* Why does that matter? Because synthetic low-evaporation formulation means you don’t need to top up your oil as often, saving you time and money.

*Based on ASTM D5800 NOACK volatility test

Fuel Economy

Illustrating the reduced friction between parts when using Shell Helix Ultra Car Engine Oil

For better fuel economy

The less friction you have between the parts in your engine, the more easily the parts can work and move – and the less fuel you will burn. Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology has low-viscosity, low-friction formulations, which can result in up to 3% greater fuel economy.*

*Based on ACEA M 111 fuel economy results compared with the industry reference oil.

A revolutionary process

Turning Natural Gas into a crystal-clear base oil

1. Gasification 2. Synthesis 3. Hydrocracking 4. GTL Products
Methane from natural gas reacts with pure oxygen to produce synthesis gas Synthesis gas is fed through a reactor and converted to a liquid called syncrude Syncrude is fed into a hydrocracker to break down molecules and form new ones The new molecules are distilled into GTL products, including PurePlus base oils

How it works

Shell adds proprietary Active Cleansing Technology to the Shell PurePlus Technology base oil to create Shell Helix Ultra – our most advanced motor oil ever. This unique combination enables Shell Helix Ultra to provide even higher levels of cleansing and protection - meaning that no other motor oil keeps your engine closer to factory clean.

Why has Shell developed Pureplus technology?

Global engine technology has made huge advances in recent years and car manufacturers demand higher performance levels from motor oils. This has created a general market move towards synthetic premium oils (lower-viscosity oils of consistently high quality). These oils allow drivers to get the most from today’s high-performance engines.

Shell is always searching for ways to bring new and improved technology to its motor oil formulations. With a natural gas based technology, a clean and pure starting point, Shell has reimagined and reinvented our synthetic lubricants, and enhanced our products performance.

Recommended by the best

Ferrari

Ferrari F1 driver using Shell Helix Ultra oil to fill up car

Technical Partner

Shell’s relationship with Enzo Ferrari dates back to the 1930s. The very first Ferrari road car to drive out of the factory gates in Maranello, Italy, in 1947 used Shell lubricant. This is still the case today – the engine of every Ferrari leaving the production line in Maranello, from the 458 Italia to Ferrari’s latest innovations, is filled with Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.

Knowing that a product is good enough for a supercar like a Ferrari gives confidence to drivers of all cars that this is motor oil they can trust.

Formula One™ is also Shell Helix Ultra’s high-speed, high-pressure testing ground. Shell scientists go to great lengths to optimise the racing motor oils they supply Scuderia Ferrari to provide maximum power and performance on the track*

Our engines are among the most technologically advanced in the world. And they need the oil to match. This is why we choose Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.” – Scuderia Ferrari

“Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is the only motor oil I trust.” – Kimi Räikkönen, Scuderia Ferrari Driver

*While Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology motor oils for the racetrack and the road share the same technology platform, the racing formulation is customised to meet the extreme racing conditions.

BMW Motorsport

BMW motorsport driver leaning on a car which uses a bespoke Shell Helix oil formulation

Premium Technology Partner

BMW Motorsports and Shell Helix Ultra is a Technical Partnership - Shell scientists work in close collaboration with the BMW Motorsport engineers; lending in-depth Research & Development. All 8 BMW M4 DTM cars will race on a bespoke blend of Shell Helix Ultra which  is also made from Shell PurePlus Technology.  Ultimately to benefit the motorist on the road, because it enables Shell to test motor oils in extreme conditions, which helps steer the continual development of next generation motor oils like Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.

DTM is a demanding series. The tracks are challenging and competition is fierce. You can only win if the complete package is spot on – and this includes the motor oil. Shell Helix Ultra is designed to protect my engine. It helps me get the maximum out of my car at any time.” – Augusto Farfus, BMW Works Driver

*While Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology motor oils for the racetrack and the road share the same technology platform, the racing formulation is customised to meet the extreme racing conditions.

Maserati

Illustration of a Maserati engine which uses Shell Helix Ultra oil with PurePlus technology

Technical Partner

The engine of every Maserati leaving the production line is filled with Shell Helix Ultra with Shell PurePlus Technology. Shell Helix Ultra and Maserati share an ambitious vision for the future of the global luxury vehicle market, and a commitment to deliver the very best products to drivers worldwide – a high quality motor oil that will do more to improve engine performance, enabling Maserati drivers to relax and enjoy the drive. Shell Helix Ultra also proudly sponsors a car in the Maserati Trofeo World Series.

“The launch of the new revolutionary Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is an important step forward in terms of our motor oil offering for premium vehicle manufacturers like Maserati.” – Cara Tredget, Shell Auto OEM Technology Manager

Shell Helix Ultra 0W Fully Synthetic Motor Oil

Shell’s newest and most technologically-advanced formulation for the most demanding drivers. Shell Helix 0W formulation creates a self-healing anti-wear film which rejuvenates over time. Now your engine can perform better for longer than ever before.

Shell Helix Ultra 0W Fully Synthetic Motor Oil

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