Whether you call it "premium," "super unleaded," or even "high test," it all means the same thing -- the most expensive gasoline at the pump. In a somewhat counterproductive trend, the skyrocketing cost of fuel is forcing automobile manufacturers to use smaller and more powerful engines, often with forced-induction. Unfortunately, these engines require higher octane... the distinguishing feature of premium fuel.

Kelley Blue Book has been following the trend and according to their analysis, there were 166 vehicle models that required premium fuel in 2002. This year, that number is up to 282. While some automakers only require premium for their highest performing models, companies like BMW call for premium fuel across their model range.

While there is no advantage to running premium fuel in an engine that doesn't call for it, you should run the higher octane fuel in a powerplant designed for it (if in doubt, check the owner's manual, or the inside of the fuel filler door). While nearly every late-model high-performance engine on the road can handle a slightly lower octane rating without damage, don't skimp when filling up as your fuel economy and horsepower will suffer (yes, it will likely negate any savings at the pump).

[Source: USA Today]

More cars than ever require premium fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's easy to take gasoline prices for granted when it comes to NASCAR, but the high-octane fuel used by competitors burns quickly under race conditions, drawing on some 6,000 gallons of fuel in a weekend. Supposing gas is at $2.83 a gallon, which is about the going rate for regular in many U.S. cities, that means that gas for a race weekend comes out to about $17,000... and that's assuming pump gas - NASCAR motors run on far more exotic (and costly) 110-octane leave-in-the-lead hooch. Ouch. Good thing Sunoco and NASCAR have a deal going where the latter gets the gas for free in exchange for sponsorship recognition.

NASCAR says that this fuel doesn't come out of the public gas stash; however, the diesel fuel that goes into the haulers and various auxiliary vehicles does. Because budgets are worked out a year or more in advance, the volatility of fuel costs can make for a shaky bottom line, and teams are making tough choices to cope. One solution is to make like the IRL -- convert to using 100 percent ethanol, which is on for the 2007 racing season. NASCAR has yet to indicate any interest in such a change, and all eyes are likely on the IRL to see how it works out.

So how about it? Is NASCAR a waste of fuel, and should the cars switch to ethanol? Or is this just the way things are, and should always be?

[Source: Delaware Online]

NASCAR hit by high gas prices too originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.