Top tier (Shell V Power) Gasoline Question

[kthacher]

A while back I was at the dealership and they were recommending two "top tier" gasolines, including Shell V Power. I am on my third tank or so of the Shell product, and I think the car feels better. A little smoother power delivery and overall performance. Am I imagining things, or has anyone else noticed anything similar?

[smoothy]

I use Sunoco, it's the closest top-tier to my house and they are also the only chain in Ontario to carry 93 octane (for my Saleen). Never had any problems with them. If I had a Shell nearby, I'd give them a try to let you know if I felt different performance, but I'd think any of the chains registered with top-tier (Petro-Can, Shell Canada, Chevron Canada, Sunoco) will supply a decent product.

[swansailor]

Interesting that Sunoco Canada is listed as Top Tier but Sunoco USA is not! Anyone know why?

[kthacher]

At my dealership only Petro Canada and Shell were listed.

[swansailor]

At my dealership only Petro Canada and Shell were listed.

I was looking at the list on the top tier website: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html

[smoothy]

At my dealership only Petro Canada and Shell were listed.

Probably just a marketing deal, just like Mustang gas caps have the BP logo on them. The R8 manual just says top tier gas and refers you to the toptiergas.com site to see who the providers are. As for Sunoco US not being on the list, all their facilities must meet the top-tier standard, so if they have a few stations that are away from their supply lines and get supplied by a third-party refinery, the whole company won't qualify for the rating (an educated guess on my part).

[randombloke]

I always try to use shell vpower in the uk as the car definitely prefers this to the other super-unleadeds (as we call them over here) that I can get ready access to. From what I remember, unlike most of these high octane fuels, vpower isn't just normal gas with additives - it is made to be vpower from the getgo.