In September, the UK introduced a new grade of standard petrol, called E10. The letter comes from the chemical blended into the fuel, called ethanol, and the number comes from the maximum amount added: 10%.
The idea is the bio-ethanol is derived from crops such as maize, sugar and wheat, then blended into the petrol. In growing those crops, the plant absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, then, as the fuel is burnt, it emits less CO2 – resulting in a reduction in motoring emissions across the board.
But, ethanol is a solvent and has been found to cause damage to rubber, plastic, fibreglass, solder and alloys: all materials common to 911 fuel systems. Because of this, Porsche has a publicised list of cars that are compatible with E10, and it…