SPY SHOTS: Hydrogen powered BMW 7-Series spied
We've known for a while that BMW planned on outfitting its luxo-barge with a hydrogen fuel cell, but what we didn't expect was that it was already getting some drive time.Some clever photogs under the employ of AutoExpress took a few shots of a 7-Series undergoing testing and through their keen sense of detection were able to identify it was running on the big "H." The tank, according to the spies, takes up most of the trunk and has a dual fuel system that will switch between gas (hydrogen) and gas (as in gasoline) when one or the other runs out. The engine is the same one we reported on back in March of this year, namely a six-liter V12, producing 231 hp.
We have to hand it to BMW on this one, they said back in 2004 that they'll have a hydrogen vehicle in four years, and according to AutoExpress, BMW is looking to launch its hydrogen-powered sedan by 2008. Maybe there is something to that whole "German efficiency" shtick.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
pd 9:55AM (9/08/2006)
BMW has had a fleet of 7-series that were hydrogen powered since 99 or 2000, how is this news?
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Mike 10:15AM (9/08/2006)
The model's huge hydrogen tank fills the vast load area, and is the tell-tale sign that this is no ordinary 7. Under the bonnet, the clever V12 engine is able to run on both petrol and hydrogen, and switches automatically between tanks when one or other hits empty.
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Jeff 10:13AM (9/08/2006)
So this isn't a fuel cell powered 7 series but rather an H2 ICE, n'est ce pas? I also remember that first fleet from a couple years ago. But maybe this is a prototype for an actual production vehicle, rather than a dozen one-offs... or... dozen-offs..?
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Corey W. 10:57AM (9/08/2006)
Any advancement on the Hydrogen front is good, way to go BMW!!
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herbyccna 11:07AM (9/08/2006)
Wow! A whole 231 horses out of a 6.0 V12! Honda can do better with only 2.0 I4. This whole hydrogen thing is just plain stupid. Nothing like strapping a BOMB to your back and hitting the autobahn.
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Cap'n Jack 11:59AM (9/08/2006)
231hp is excellent since you are basically burning sunlight as fuel.
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gkz 12:01PM (9/08/2006)
#5 -
Your ignorance is astounding. Keep up the good work.
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Adrian 4:47AM (9/10/2006)
#5
Most idiots said that about the gasoline engine when it first appeared as opposed to the steam engine. Now look where it's gotten. The last days of old technology are always better then the first days of new technology. Just give it some time and let it grow from here.
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Dude 1:14PM (9/08/2006)
"luxo-barge"? Wow. That's the first time I've seen that term used in conjunction with a BMW. Usually the cars from Munich are praised for their power and handling, but now Damon has gone and compared it to a vessel without a motor and unable to steer itself. Good job Damon! Keep up the good work.
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jeff 1:43PM (12/03/2006)
the corvette could kick the beamers a*s
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jeff 1:45PM (12/03/2006)
the vett has a 505 hp and 0-60 im 3.7 pluss its only 80 grand
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