A fuel’s paradise?
My BMW M4 CS feels noticeably different when using Shell V-power petrol versus regular 95 Ron or even premium grades from other retailers.
After a few cold starts, it’s definitely livelier on V-power, and this has got me thinking: does Autocar use the same fuel for all performance tests, and what would the real-world difference be between fuels?
I’ve seen rolling-road tests of BHP, but what about a standing quartermile or general drivability? In a world where car makers spend huge sums to shave fractions off 0-60mph times, I would expect more to be made of this. Ricky Woodward
Via email
Generally cars are tested on whatever they’re delivered with. In most cases, it’s regular 95; Super if that’s what the car specifies. Otherwise, we would have to drain the tank before putting in the control fuel, which isn’t practical – MS