Which Fuel

[blueg33]

Quick question from a numpty.

 

I have a 2010 na Evora.

 

Lotus website says 95 ron fuel, sticker inside filler cap says premium.

 

I thought premium was 97 ron or higher?  Am I being a numpty?  I am using Shell v-power at the moment, but of it makes no difference then I will use standard 95 ron.

 

Also, do these engines have knock sensors and are they able to advance or retard the ignition depending on the octane level in the fuel?

 

Thanks in advance

[TomE]

I think the handbook covers this. The NA will happily run on standard 95 or premium 97/98 (or higher). You'll get some marginal benefits in performance and mpg on premium and the ECU will adjust accordingly - it takes roughly a tankful to take effect.

Forced induction engines are able to get more benefit from higher octane fuel, so the Evora S performance stats are stated using premium and there's a noticeable/measurable difference if you use standard.

[andydclements]

Try and work out what "premium" is and you'll realise it's not like Octane/ RON which is a true standard, it's just a way of marketing some above another.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating

[slewthy]

Why not check your mpg on each type you choose. Obviously this would need to be a long term experiment but it might galvanise your final decision.

I found that my Audi A6 (N/A) ran 10% better mpg on V-power than standard. Certainly at that time, V-power was less than 10% more expensive, so thats what it got.

Seems the manual says it doesn't matter so this might be a reasonable strategy?

[anubis1]

Remembring my almost 4 years driving with the NA. I tried different time to use 98 or 100 Octane.

Over all: there is no big difference to the 95 fuel. 

Maybee some savings, but really marginal. And: the engine "feels" a bit easier running. But in fact: 

stay on the 95 fuel and save the money for a ... carwash.

 

Now with the S and the Komotec tuning I have to use the 98 fuel. 

[KevCov]

I tend to use Shell V power - not only for the rating, but for the additives and consistence - remember the supermarket fuel crap issue.  I also seam to get a good mpg out of V+  i know it's pricey but it also gives me piece of mind

[TBD]

Rumour has it that the Lotus Driving Academy had engine issues running 95 octane. That doesn't mean its going to be an issue under normal road conditions, but be aware on track or (German) Autobahn.

[Bibs]

I'll ring the LDA tomorrow and ask...

Unless they're Supercharged cars I doubt there would be problems.

[auRouge]

95 is what I was advised when I bought her from B & C...

8,000 miles later and she's running better than ever. I'd be happy to put 99 in but to the best of my knowledge it's simply not required.

[blueg33]

Thanks folks.  I am trying 95 ron this week, so far it feels no different and mpg is much the same, but I have only done shortish trips.  Longer trips on thursday and friday.

[Bibs]

The LDA run Supercharged Evoras and they have their own in-house fuel pumps so run them on 98 RON fuel, no reported issues.

[Neal H]

Handbook says "premium" unleaded minimum 95RON, so normal unleaded is fine. I always run mine on Super unleaded when available as I just think the extra cleaning agents etc are worthwhile for the extra couple of quid per refill.

[Colin P]

Been running my N/A on regular for about 8000 miles. Started using V Power about 500 miles ago. Can't say I have noticed any difference in either performance or mpg, but as Neal says - for a couple of quid per tank....