Last year, PETRONAS launched LIQUID & METAL, a new campaign that introduced the synergy between the national oil company (the “Liquid” in this case) and the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM (the “Metal”). The opening “The Ride” web film saw an alien, who, incredulous of the advanced performance-enhancing qualities of SYNTIUM engine oil, decides to steal the lubricant.
As it turns out, it was no mere marketing ploy, as PETRONAS and Mercedes-AMG – who create Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance models – have now broadened their scope of partnership.
One of the key developments of the collaboration was MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 Team driver Lewis Hamilton taking on the role of technical performance consultant for the PRIMAX line of fuels. The arrangement will see the former world champion providing skilled input honed through years of race-winning experience, working with PETRONAS’ engineers to further advance the development of PRIMAX fuels.
This follows his appointment to the same role for SYNTIUM lubricants last year, and will no doubt lead to an improvement in the performance and efficiency of NEW PRIMAX 95 and PRIMAX 97 used by the general public through Hamilton’s racing expertise.
PETRONAS has also scored a major coup with Mercedes-AMG through the latter’s use of SYNTIUM 7000 engine oil as the first fill oil for its M133 turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers the GLA 45 AMG, A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG. The little powerhouse measures a scant 2.0 litres, yet pumps out a massive 355 hp and 450 Nm, nabbing the record for the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine.
Mercedes-AMG is undoubtedly putting a lot of faith on SYNTIUM lubricants – with such a high specific output (178 hp per litre), the M133 engine is pushing the boundaries of performance, so it is of utmost importance for any engine oil put in it to be able to cool and lubricate the components effectively under such a highly-stressed environment.
The move is happening at a particularly opportune time – with Formula 1 having now switched to a turbocharged 1.6 litre V6 hybrid formula and putting its focus on fuel efficiency, the relevance of race car technology to road cars has been strengthened in a way not seen in a long time. The phrase “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” is now starting to come true again.
Thus, the development of PETRONAS racing fuels and lubricants for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM from this season onward will directly translate to better performance and savings for the average consumer. This ensures that PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions, including PRIMAX fuels and SYNTIUM lubricants will enable drivers to extract the maximum potential of their car’s engine, whether it’s cutting a few more seconds from their lap time or using a few less litres of fuel between trips to the pumps.
To tie this all together, PETRONAS has released a LIQUID & METAL short film, titled “The Chase”, which sees Lewis Hamilton outfoxing the paparazzi (who are trying to get more info on the partnership and the shared technology) en route to testing the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG topped up with PETRONAS SYNTIUM 7000. Do look out for a cameo by a certain local racing driver – don’t worry, he’s not easy to miss.
