In the News: PC-12 Engine Oil Development Nears Finish Line
Shell and other industry leaders shared a key update at the Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting: the next generation API PC-12 heavy duty engine oil category is now in its final stage, with first licensing expected on January 1, 2027.
Designed to support 2027 model year engines and evolving emissions requirements, PC-12 will replace current CK-4 and FA-4 oils and introduce two new subcategories: API CL-4 for backward compatibility and API FB-4 for newer, fuel efficient engines.
The new specification is the result of a multi year, industry wide effort involving OEMs, oil marketers, additive companies and testing labs. It is expected to deliver improved oxidation resistance, stronger wear protection and better compatibility with modern engine materials and aftertreatment systems.
Importantly for fleets, experts emphasized that PC-12 is being driven by advancing engine technology rather than regulatory uncertainty. While no immediate changes are required, fleets should begin thinking about how these new oils will fit into future maintenance strategies as 2027 engines begin entering service.
Bottom line: PC-12 is quickly moving from development to reality and will play a major role in how fleets plan for performance, protection and efficiency in the years ahead.
Read the full story here: https://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/pc-12-engine-oil-development-shell-tmc/
Shell Starship 3.0 Showcases Real World Efficiency at U.S. Shell Eco-marathon
As the transport vehicle for the INDYCAR Administrative Trailer, Shell Starship travels to nearly every race on the 2026 calendar, demonstrating how efficient technologies can perform under real operating conditions. It made a recent special stop at Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2026, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, demonstrating how cutting-edge efficiency concepts are being applied in real-world trucking for college and high school student teams from across the U.S. and the Americas.
During the Shell Eco-marathon Mileage Challenge, students pushed the boundaries of innovation as they competed with ultra-energy-efficient vehicles they designed and built. Amplifying their key learnings is the Shell Starship, which provided a powerful example of how those principles translate to commercial transportation today. Powered by a Cummins X15N™ natural gas engine and lubricated with Shell Rotella® natural gas engine oil, the Class 8 truck showcases advanced aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency and data-driven performance optimization.
During the primary on-track student competition, teams completed a fixed number of laps and were ranked based on energy efficiency. Vehicles spanned multiple energy types, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and internal combustion and competed across distinct classes designed to maximize innovation.
Connecting Classroom Innovation to Real-World Impact
Shell Starship served as an iconic symbol between student innovation and industry application. Students had the opportunity to experience Shell Starship up close, gaining insight into how engineering, fuel choice, lubrication and aerodynamics come together to improve freight efficiency.
Shell further reinforced this connection by hosting a panel discussion featuring leaders from the Shell Starship initiative, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and Penske Entertainment, which operates the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The session explored how efficiency is advancing across the trucking industry, from Shell Starship and NACFE’s Fuel Efficiency Demonstration Runs to INDYCAR’s sustainability initiatives. The discussion provided students with a real-world perspective on how collaboration and data are shaping the future of transportation.
Read the full story here: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/shell-starship-3-0-eco-marathon