November 26, 2004

Hydrogen-powered BMW H2R prototype to be shown at Los Angeles Auto Show

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Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey - BMW's hydrogen-powered H2R Record Car will be shown for the first time in the United States at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January. The hydrogen powered car set nine records for cars powered by a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine.

The BMW H2R Record Car was conceived, designed and developed in just 10 months by BMW engineers. The expressive exterior design was created by DesignworksUSA, which is a design consultancy owned by BMW Group and based in Newbury Park, California.

For the specific speed record requirements, the hydrogen combustion engine was designed and built to run exclusively on hydrogen. The records, set at the high-speed Miramas Proving Grounds in France, are proof that hydrogen is able to replace conventional fuel without requiring the driver to compromise dynamic performance, said the company.

The heart of the H2R Record Car is based primarily on BMW's top-of-the-line 6-litre V12. It is able to run on hydrogen fuel through the adjustment of engine management as well as the fuel/air mixture formation components. The engine develops an output of more than 285 horsepower. This engine propels the BMW prototype to 60 mph in approximately six seconds and gives it a top speed of more than 185 mph.

The H2R prototype set the following nine records:

	Time in seconds	Speed in mph
Flying-start kilometre:	11.993	300.190
Flying-start mile:	19.912	290.962
Standing-start 1/8 mile:	9.921	72.997
Standing-start 1/4 mile:	14.933	96.994
Standing-start 1/2 kilometre:	17.269	104.233
Standing-start mile:	36.725	157.757
Standing-start 10 miles:	221.052	262.094
Standing-start kilometre:	26.557	135.557
Standing-start 10 kilometres:	146.406	245.892

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