Autoblog

Note to all you celebs and journos driving around in BMW Hydrogen 7s: be careful where you go in New York and New Jersey. While taking the uber-clean car for a joyride, The New York Times was informed it was not to drive through either the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels or on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge. It seems that the Port Authority of the two states isn't thrilled with the idea of 17.5 pounds of liquid hydrogen moving about its crowded thoroughfares, fearing a disaster of Hindenburg-like proportions. It so happens that our own Alex Núñez also just had the Hydrogen7 recently, and he's provided us with a copy of the relevant bit of paperwork which the Times refers to. You can read about the Hydrogen7's visit to the AutoblogGreen Garage at our sister site on August 1.

Seriously though, BMW has done an excellent job of ensuring safety on the Hydrogen 7. There are numerous mechanical and electronic systems designed specifically to be sure that any hydrogen let loose is done so in a controlled manner. We're sure that the last thing the bosses in Munich want on their hands is the negative publicity associated with a mishap involving a celebrity, dignitary.... or innocent bystanders in the New York metropolitan area. (Or me, Jeremy -- AN)

[Source: The New York Times | Photos: Alex Núñez]

The race is on to build an uncompromised example of sustainable mobility, and BMW has thrown its hat into the ring with the new Hydrogen 7 set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Based on the BMW 7-Series, the Hydrogen 7 features a dual-mode drive that allows its 12-cylinder engine to run on either hydrogen or conventional premium gasoline. On either fuel the motor produces 260 horsepower, which provides a decent 0-62 mph time of 9.5 seconds. While your standard 7-Series owner would scoff at these numbers, environmentalists used to a passing at a glacial pace in their EV kit cars should be thrilled.

Recognizing that a true hydrogen infrastructure is decades off, BMW decided to go with this unique dual-mode drive system that increases the car's range to a combined 400 miles. There are two fuel storage tanks on board, a 19.5-gallon reservoir for gasoline that lasts for about 300 miles, and another tank that stores 17.6 lbs. of liquid hydrogen. On hydrogen alone the Hydrogen 7 can travel 125 miles, and will then switch automatically over to gasoline. The driver also has the ability to switch between fuels via a button on the steering wheel, but the car itself will give priority to the hydrogen until it's gone.

(More info, high resolution pics and BMW's complete press release after the jump)

[Source: BMW, Winding Road]