May 8^th, 2000

Lubricant specialist Caltex has launched a new oil which it claims can achieve up to a six percent fuel saving.

Comparative fuel consumption tests recently conducted by an independent testing organisation at the Anglesea Proving Grounds in Victoria have confirmed the fuel economy claim.

During a live demonstration to media representatives, the new oil achieved a 6.02 percent fuel saving in a multi-valve four cylinder Toyota Corolla and a 4.1 percent saving in Ford’s overhead camshaft AU Falcon, at a constant speed of 80km/h.

Tests to the internationally recognised City Cycle standard showed a range of results including a 6.1 percent saving in the Toyota and a 7.0 percent improvement in the Ford when compared with commonly available engine oils.

The tests were conducted by independent engineering company, Gerotek.

Caltex believes new Havoline Energy has the potential to bring about a major change in Australians’ use of automotive engine oils.

Its lighter grade, 5W30 - coupled with the advanced formulation technology - produces potentially significant economy gains while its base formulation provides the essential benefits of fully synthetic oils.

"Havoline Energy is classified as a mineral oil, yet the refining process of its base oil has ensured it contains the useable properties of a synthetic," said Caltex Australia’s national sales and marketing manager - lubricants, Ray Merton.

The lighter 5W30 viscosity specification is likely to be the forerunner of a move to wean Australian motorists off a staple diet of 20W50 motor oils.

Ford has become the first of the major local manufacturers to specify an SAE 5W30 engine oil for its AU Falcon.

The new oil was developed in Europe in conjunction with Ford, Jaguar and Rover.

"The fuel economy gain is a by-product of an attempt to construct a more energy efficient oil formula," Mr Merton said.