Autoblog

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]