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BMW
Hybrid Cars
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The first and only BMW
hybrid car happens to be a hydrogen car as well. Though
not like other hydrogen fuel cell cars, the BMW HR2 gasoline-hydrogen
hybrid car has set 9 land speed records for hydrogen cars.
The hybrid HR2 uses BMW's
top of the line 6.0-liter V12 gasoline engine modified
to run on either gasoline or hydrogen (with the flip of
a switch). For the land speed records only hydrogen fuel
was used as its gasoline counterpart was disabled.
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In regards to the HR2 hybrid, BMW says, "The main modifications
to the engine involve the fuel injection system adapted by BMW
to the special attributes and requirements of hydrogen. The
H2R Record Car benefits from the results gained in series development
of BMW's future hydrogen engine for the world's first premium
sedan built for dual-mode operation."
BMW
HR2 hydrogen hybrid race car. |
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The BMW
HR2 hybrid car performs with an output of 285 hp
and with a top speed on 185 mph. Acceleration from zero to 60
mph takes approximately six seconds. The land speed records
involve a list of eight other flying start and standing start
categories. Based on technology used in the BMW 760i vehicle,
the HR2 also uses the fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive.
The BMW HR2 hybrid car is a prototype racecar only and will
not be hitting the showrooms. The technology learned by creating
the HR2 will be used on upcoming production models, though.
According to BMW, "BMW will launch a dual-mode version
of the current 7 Series during the production cycle of the present
model, thus introducing the first car of its kind able to run
on both hydrogen and gasoline."
For some reason the makers of hydrogen vehicles usually choose
blue
cars for their color of choice. The decision,
I believe has to do the environment and that blue evokes images
of blue skies and blue water (steam is the only byproduct),
so you mostly see these alternative fuel vehicles in this color.
BMW had better hope that the hydrogen highway happens sooner
rather than later, so that it doesn't miss sales from the
gasoline-electric hybrid market that will be blooming over
the next 5 or so years. BMW is banking on hydrogen, though,
so when H2 does start fueling the economy, the HR2 will
be ready.
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