Gasoline with a higher octane rating, typically 91 or 93 AKI in North America, formulated to resist detonation under high cylinder pressures. High-compression engines and forced-induction setups require this fuel to prevent knocking and allow the engine control unit to advance ignition timing for maximum power output.
If you run regular in that turbo motor instead of premium, the ECU will pull timing to save the pistons and it will feel sluggish.
Also heard as
- high-octane
Related terms
Anti-knock index
The standard numerical rating of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition.
RON
Research Octane Number, a standard rating of a fuel's resistance to engine knocking.
MON
A measure of a fuel's resistance to detonation under severe operating conditions.
Knock
An abnormal and damaging combustion event where the air-fuel mixture self-ignites prematurely.