Maintaining a high-performance vehicle like the 2021 Audi R8 requires meticulous attention to detail, and one of the most crucial aspects is selecting the right engine oil. For discerning owners, the debate around synthetic oils and their classifications can be complex, but understanding the nuances is key to ensuring your R8 operates at its peak.
When it comes to engine oils for your 2021 Audi R8, opting for a VW approved oil is generally recommended. While brands like Ravenol are known for their quality products, the cost can be a factor. However, in the context of R8 ownership, which involves considerable expenses like depreciation, investing in a premium oil might be a worthwhile consideration for some. Ultimately, using VW approved oils, often sourced through competitive bidding, has proven satisfactory for many, with used oil analysis showing no significant issues.
The discussion around “fully synthetic” oils is not always straightforward. Some argue that Shell’s “fully synthetic” oil, derived from gas to liquids (GTL) technology starting with methane, is not truly synthetic. This is often contrasted with PAO base oils, synthesized from ethylene, which also originate from hydrocracked crude products. Despite this, technically, Shell’s GTL base oil is considered synthetic, although legal challenges, particularly in Germany, have impacted labeling conventions.
German court rulings, such as the one involving Motul in Düsseldorf in 2008, highlighted the public perception of “vollsynthetisches” (fully synthetic) being exclusively associated with PAO Group IV base oils. This ruling, while not based on chemical composition, favored consumer understanding over technical definitions, preventing Motul from labeling certain products as “vollsynthetisches” in Germany, even after initially winning a case in a lower court in Cologne. A similar situation occurred in the USA in 1999, where Mobil challenged Castrol’s use of “fully synthetic” for Group III based engine oils. However, the National Advertising Division (NAD) sided with Castrol, acknowledging that Group III hydroisomerized base oil could be considered synthetic. Interestingly, Mobil themselves marketed hydroisomerized base oils as synthetic in Europe at the time.
Ultimately, for your 2021 Audi R8, choosing a high-quality synthetic oil, whether it’s GTL-based or PAO-based, and ensuring it meets VW specifications, is paramount. Understanding the “fully synthetic” debate provides context, but focusing on performance and protection for your R8’s engine should be the priority when selecting your oil.
