The new multidimensional chromatographic instrument SFC-GC x GC enables the temporary storage of SFC fractions inside sampling loops for subsequent analyses by GC x GC. The interface was configured for the characterization of heavy petroleum fractions. The SFC dimension was adapted to perform a group type separation into saturated, unsaturated and polar fractions. The GC x GC dimension was set in order to realize high temperature separations with two sets of columns. In a heart-cutting approach, an extended quantitative characterization of hydrocarbons contained in vacuum gas oil (VGO) was performed in a single run. Subsequently, in a comprehensive approach, quantitative 3D contour plots were built for the same VGO sample. The described application of the SFC-x2GC x GC instrument represents an innovative, rapid and automatic way for obtaining extended quantitative characterizations of heavy petroleum fractions. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.