Will BP’s expensive superfuel really make your car go faster?

Petrol prices may be at their highest level ever, but BP is gambling that a niche group of drivers will still be willing to pay more than twice as much.

Ultimate 102 has an octane rating of 102 RON, compared with 95 RON for standard unleaded petrol and 99 RON for the highest-rated super-unleaded. It is similar to the old five star petrol sold in the 1970s which cost only a few pence more than regular fuel.


Ultimate 102 has an octane rating of 102 RON, compared with 95 RON for standard unleaded petrol and 99 RON for the highest-rated super-unleaded. It is similar to the old five star petrol sold in the 1970s which cost only a few pence more than regular fuel.

BP’s target is the growing number of owners of top-end sports cars who want a little more power and performance from their tuned engines, especially on track days. The company claims it can add as much as 37bhp to a turbocharged vehicle.