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Helix pure plus molecules exemplify the Shell PurePlus Technology difference

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus technology

Today’s motor vehicles need oil that keeps pace with their changing demands and does more to improve performance and engine life. This is why Shell developed PurePlus Technology, an entirely new way – starting with natural gas – to produce base oils, the main component of motor oils. Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is the first synthetic motor oil designed from natural gas and gives you long lasting engine performance.

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

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

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.

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.

Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40

Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40

Experience PurePlus Technology with Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40, offering you maximum protection for your engine.

Find out more about Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40

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