BMW has been active in the development of hydrogen as an automotive fuel for many years but they have taken a distinctly different path from virtually every other automaker. Instead of fuel cells, BMW has stuck to internal combustion engines and, rather than compressed gas, it has used liquified hydrogen. The problem with the former is that gasoline and hydrogen have very different combustion characteristics and engines designed primarily for gasoline operation lose a lot of power and efficiency when running on hydrogen.
Researchers from BMW have collaborated with colleagues from HOERBIGER, the Graz University of Technology, and HyCentA to develop an engine optimized for hydrogen operation. The cylinder head is based on one from a diesel engine using similar geometry. The injection system has been replaced with a high pressure direct injection setup. The engine uses a combination of spark ignition and compression ignition to match the 42 percent efficiency of the best current turbodiesel engines. BMW plans to further improve the overall efficiency of future iterations, by utilizing the waste heat from the exhaust.
Engines based on this technology will likely appear in future hydrogen-fueled vehicles from BMW.
Last summer we had a ball driving the MINI Cooper D in the ABG Garage. The torquey little 1.6-liter diesel proved to be a willing yet thrifty performer in the engine bay. While we still can’t get the MINI D in the U.S. market, BMW is reportedly considering building a high performance version of the diesel. On the gasoline-fueled side of the family, the 208 hp John Cooper Works model heads the lineup. A MINI senior engineer told AutoExpress in Geneva last week that a diesel-powered version of the JCW MINI would be a “good idea” but didn’t actually confirming anything.
Of course, we’ve heard similar claims from automaker officials many times over the years and then waited fruitlessly as nothing happened. If MINI does indeed produce a JCW diesel it would likely bump power from the current 110 hp to something in the region of 150-160 hp. Even at that level, real world mileage would likely remain somewhere in the mid-40 to 50 mpg (U.S.) range.
The BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible ranges have a new flagship model. The M Sport specification level is now the most dynamic and sporting incarnation currently available for the recently launched Coupe and Convertible ranges.
Offered on all engine variants, M Sport cars come with a raft of additional equipment as standard compared to an SE model. An M Aerodynamic body styling package gives the cars a sporting look and Sport suspension provides a more focussed ride. All models come with 18-inch M star-spoke light alloy wheels as standard.
High-gloss Shadow line exterior finishes to the window surrounds is also a standard feature. Inside, all M Sport models feature Sports seats upholstered in Blue Shadow cloth Alcantara, Individual anthracite headlining, M designation doorsill finishers and a short-shift M gearlever with a perforated leather gaiter and handbrake lever. A Brushed Aluminium interior trim and M leather steering wheel complete the package.
M Sport model cars are only available in a choice of four metallic colours (Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Le Mans Blue, Sparkling Graphite) and two non-metallic colours (Alpine White, Crimson Red).
The new BMW 1 Series goes on sale in Spring 2007 and it features a model line up that includes the most fuel efficient production vehicle the marque has ever produced. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel saving innovations are rolled out across the range.
Highlights include:
New three-door arrives.
Revised five-door revealed.
New technology cuts emissions by up to 21 per cent and improves fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent.
Tax busting 60.1 mpg 118d is BMW’s most economical production car.
BMW has announced the start of production of the new BMW Hydrogen 7, the world’s first hydrogen-powered luxury saloon car. Destined to make its first public appearance on 28 November at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Hydrogen 7 will be built in limited numbers and offered to selected users in 2007.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is based on the existing 7 Series and comes equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running on liquid hydrogen or petrol. In hydrogen mode the car emits nothing more than water vapour. Powered by a 260hp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from zero to 62mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically limited 143mph top speed.
BMW’s all-new X5 will go on sale in the UK in the spring of 2007, a prestige SUV that is bigger, better equipped and powered by cleaner and more fuel-efficient engines. An increase in length and width has enabled BMW to offer an optional third row of seats in the new model, taking passenger capacity up to seven.
Replacing the original X5, launched in 1999, the American-built 4×4 is adopting more hi-tech features, including a head-up display, projecting key vehicle data on to the windscreen in front the driver; a rear parking camera with colour monitor; and run-flat tyres.
In the UK three engines will be available: six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol and diesel units with 272 and 231hp respectively; and the established 355hp 4.8-litre V8 petrol. These will be matched to a new s
BMW will start building its new Z4 Coupe at its South Carolina factory in April, with first customer deliveries following in August. The hard-top version of its two-seat Z4 roadster has a contoured roof that helps provide adequate headroom. The sloping rear has a hatchback, opening to reveal a generous 300-litre load area.
Standard and high performance M versions will be offered. The regular 3.0si is equipped with an ultra-lightweight 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, developing 265hp for 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with an option six-speed automatic with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. The Z4 M Coupe uses the 3.2-litre straight-six power unit and a short-shift six-speed manual ‘box. Top speed is limited to 155mph, with 0-62mph despatched in 5.0 seconds. Prices will start at £31,375 on-the-road.
BMW has been active in the development of hydrogen as an automotive fuel for many years but they have taken a distinctly different path from virtually every other automaker. Instead of fuel cells, BMW has stuck to internal combustion engines and, rather than compressed gas, it has used liquified hydrogen. The problem with the former is that gasoline and hydrogen have very different combustion characteristics and engines designed primarily for gasoline operation lose a lot of power and efficiency when running on hydrogen. 
BMW UK have today announced that the new BMW M3 Coupé (E92) will be launched in September 2007. The car follows the M3 Concept Car which was previewed at the International Motorshow in Geneva at the beginning of March with the World premier is scheduled for the IAA Frankfurt Motorshow in September. The production car closely follows the design of the M3 Concept Car and is powered by a new 4.0-litre V8 naturally aspirated high-revving engine producing 420bhp.
and it features a model line up that includes the most fuel efficient production vehicle the marque has ever produced. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel saving innovations are rolled out across the range.
BMW’s all-new X5 will go on sale in the UK in the spring of 2007, a prestige SUV that is bigger, better equipped and powered by cleaner and more fuel-efficient engines. An increase in length and width has enabled BMW to offer an optional third row of seats in the new model, taking passenger capacity up to seven.
BMW will start building its new Z4 Coupe at its South Carolina factory in April, with first customer deliveries following in August. The hard-top version of its two-seat Z4 roadster has a contoured roof that helps provide adequate headroom. The sloping rear has a hatchback, opening to reveal a generous 300-litre load area.