BMW has announced the production of its new BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. Based on the existing 7 Series, it comes with an internal combustion engine capable of running on liquid hydrogen or gasoline, selected by a steering wheel-mounted button. In hydrogen mode, the car emits nothing more than water vapor. Powered by a 260-hp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 9.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited 143 mph top speed.
The dual-power technology means the car has a cruising range in excess of 125 miles in hydrogen mode with a further 300 miles under gas power. The H7 comes with an additional hydrogen fuel tank holding up to 17.6 pounds of liquid hydrogen. The driver is able to use the vehicle at all times, even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is out of range. Engine power and torque remain the same, regardless of which fuel is in use. A total of 100 will be built in 2007. Prices to be announced at a later date. www.bmw.com