Green Machines: Hydrogen: Hydrogen Bombshell
April 1, 2007
Running seamlessly and quietly
with a nifty dual-powered drivetrain, BMW’s latest engineering feat is winning
well-deserved accolades for alternative fuel progressivism. Listen closely and
you may hear a faint click as you switch BMW’s new Hydrogen 7 engine from the
standard petrol power source to its liquid hydrogen auxiliary. You will not feel
a difference in output, however, because BMW engineers have restricted the V-12
engine from 438 hp to a mere 260 hp to achieve useful mileage while maintaining
continuity between fuel systems. This drop in power creates slower acceleration
(zero-to-62 mph in 9.5 seconds compared to 5.4 seconds in a 760Li), but the
addition of the 8-kilo hydrogen tank adds 125 miles to the 310-mile range
provided by the 19.5-gallon gas tank.
Although BMW was forced to make some performance compromises,
the car still feels and looks very much like a BMW. The only noticeable changes
to the interior are decreased legroom in the backseat (that 8-kilo tank has to
go somewhere) and a small gray button on the front of the steering wheel, marked
"H2," that switches fuel sources.
Externally, the Hydrogen 7 is easily distinguishable from the
standard gasoline-driven BMW 760Li; a horseshoe-shaped filling valve on the
right-side C-pillar makes the car undeniably different.
For now, the value of such engineering is priceless—the car is
not for sale to the general public. BMW instead plans to loan 100 Hydrogen 7s to
various individuals this year, with nearly half going to the United States. If
you are appropriately influential and extremely lucky, a leisurely drive in this
luxury hybrid vehicle may be in your future.
BMW
www.bmwusa.com
SPECIFICATIONS:
Price: N/A
Engine: 6.0- liter V-12 dual fuel gasoline/hydrogen
Transmission: 6 speed automatic
Power: 260 hp at 5,100 rpm
Torque: 287 ft Ibs at 4,300 rpm
Curb weight: 5,285 pounds
Zero-to-62 mph: 9.5 seconds
Top speed: 143 mph
Range: 435 miles
Average fuel consumption: 15 miles per kg (hydrogen)/ 20.6 mpg (petrol)
Pro: Start your own bottled water company using the exhaust from your engine.
Con: Has anyone seen the nearest hydrogen 76 station?
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