What We Know
BMW has announced it will begin trials of a new 6.0-liter V12 gasoline-hydrogen-powered version of the 7 Series next year. This is a continuation of the automaker's CleanEnergy program that aims at widespread sales of hydrogen-powered BMW models by the start of the next decade. The new car, dubbed "Hydrogen 7" and set for public debut at the Los Angeles auto show in late November, will be available to selected customers in North America, Europe and Japan on a rental basis. The Hydrogen 7 will get a price comparable to that of today's 760iL, on which is it based, according to officials from the German carmaker. Initial volumes will be limited to about 100 cars, although BMW executives are not counting out the possibility of more if demand should outstrip supply. Previous trials of hydrogen-powered BMW models have all been carried out in-house. The Hydrogen 7 is powered by a reworked version of BMW's 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 260 hp and 288 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to provide 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 9.5 seconds and a 143-mph top speed on both hydrogen and gasoline. The cruising range is put at 125 miles in hydrogen mode, with a further 300 miles in gasoline guise. In hydrogen mode, the reworked 7 Series is emissions-free, producing nothing more than water vapor from its tailpipe. The hydrogen is stored in a 2.1-gallon tank with a double-wall structure consisting of stainless-steel plates and a vacuum layer to address safety fears. The Hydrogen 7 will be produced alongside other BMW 5, 6 and 7 Series models at the company's Dingolfing plant in Munich.
FEATURES
Mechanical Features
- Engine : 6.0L displacementdouble overhead cam (DOHC)V12 cylinder configurationvariable valve timing
- DriveTrain : rear wheel drive
- Suspension : four-wheel independent suspensionfront and rear stabilizer baractive suspensionself leveling suspensionMacPherson strut front suspensionmulti-link rear suspension
- Instrumentation : night vision enhancement system
Safety Features
- Safety
electronic brakeforce distributionfront and rear ventilated disc brakes4-wheel ABSemergency braking assisttraction controlstability controldual front side-mounted airbagsfront and rear head airbagspassenger airbag occupant sensing deactivationrear door child safety lockschild seat anchorsemergency interior trunk release2 front headrestsremote anti-theft alarm systemengine immobilizerxenon high intensity discharge headlampsadaptive headlightsrear view cameratire pressure monitoringdriver head restraint whiplash protection systempassenger head restraint whiplash protection systemfront and rear parking sensorspower adjustable headrests
Comfort and Convenience Features
- Front Seats : 4 person total seating capacityleather upholsterydriver seat with power adjustable lumbar supportmulti-level heating driver seatventilated driver seatpassenger seat with power adjustable lumbar supportmulti-level heating passenger seatventilated passenger seat
- Rear Seats : bench rear seatheated rear seatrear ventilation ducts
- Power Features : remote power door locks
- Convenience : speed-proportional power steeringkeyless ignition
- Comfort : extended cabin heatinginterior active charcoal air filter
- Memorized settings : memorized settings for 2 driversmemorized settings includes driver seatmemorized settings for passenger seat settings
Entertainment and Telematics
- Telematics : DVD navigation system w/voice activationBMW Assist telecommunications service
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions
Interior : luggage Capacity: 8.0 cu. ft.maximum seating: 4 maximum cargo capacity: 8 ft.
Performance Data
drive type: RWD
base number of cylinders: 12
base engine size: 6.0 liters
horsepower: 256 hp Labels: BMW Series |
