2004 BMW H2R Concept

Knowledge Gained from H2R Project to be used in Upcoming Production Cars

With its H2R Record Car, BMW has recently entered a new phase in the race to refine hydrogen-powered vehicles. Developed in just ten months, the H2R is an astounding success for BMW and its CleanEnergy program. It has already set nine world speed records, and spurred development at BMW of crucial components for its upcoming hydrogen-powered production vehicles. Although BMW had already created several different hydrogen-fueled motors, including those in its fleet of bi-fuel hydrogen and gasoline powered 7-Series sedans, the H2R concept has improved on the formula and pushed the boundaries of current technology even farther.

BMWs starting point for the H2Rs powerplant was the 6.0-liter V12, fitted to the top-of-the-line 7-Series executive sedans. In order for the conventional gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) to accept hydrogen as a fuel source, the scientists and engineers at BMW had to revamp the majority of its components. The 6.0-liter V12, as seen in the 760Li, features direct fuel injection, a process by which a fine mist of gasoline is injected into the combustion chamber. Because hydrogen combustion characteristics are different than those of standard gasoline, an alternative system was called for. With the H2Rs bi-fuel motor, the injection system is integrated into the intake manifold, while special valves help to optimize power. BMW has also added an air-cooling process for each cylinder, to prevent the hydrogen-air mixture from pre-igniting in the motor.

Aside from these changes, most of the V12 remains intact. Trademark features, such as the Bi-Vanos variable valve timing system, as well as the advanced throttleless Valvetronic system, are still present, aiding the complex hydrogen combustion process and ensuring maximum motor efficiency. Unlike most hydrogen-fuelled prototypes created by rival manufacturers, the BMW H2R V12 runs equally well on gasoline or hydrogen. When operating on hydrogen fuel, the H2Rs engine generates an impressive 285 horsepower, which propels the record-setting vehicle to 60 mph in just under six seconds. Incredibly, it can also reach a world-record top speed, for a hydrogen-powered vehicle, of 188 mph.

Assisting the H-ICE V12 in its nine record run is a purpose-built chassis and a sleek, aerodynamically-honed body. The H2R has been styled in the image of the popular Z4, yet it has been elongated and slimmed down from the conventional two-seat roadster. Its instantly recognizable twin-kidney grille, contorted headlamps, flaming surfaces and defiant creases have all been integrated into the sleek and slippery carbon fiber shell. In addition to these modifications, BMW has incorporated a tapered, narrowing rear end and enclosed wheel wells to achieve superb speed and performance.

Piloted by Alfred Hilger, Jörg Weidinger and Günther Weber, the H2R took on previous world records and set a few of its own at the Miramas Proving Grounds in the South of France, including the following flying start records: 1 kilometer in 11.993 seconds at 300.190 km/h; 1 mile in 19.912 seconds at 290.962 km/h; 1/8th mile from a standing start at 9.921 seconds at 72.997 km/h; 1/4 mile from a standing start at 14.933 seconds at 96.994 km/h; and 1/2 mile from a standing start at 17.269 seconds at 104.233 km/h. Slightly longer distance records were also set: 1 mile from a standing start at 36.725 seconds at 157.757 km/h; 10 miles from a standing start at 221.052 seconds at 262.094 km/h; 1 kilometer from a standing start at 26.557 seconds at 135.557 km/h; and 10 kilometers from a standing start at 146.406 seconds at 245.892 km/h.

H2R project manager Jurgen Jubler, delighted by the vehicles progress and achievements, said: "The great results have now proved the level of performance possible from a hydrogen-powered car." While the H2R will never be produced, BMW has every intention of utilizing the technology developed in the test car program. The success of the critical components featured in the H2R, including both the injection system and the cylinder cooling system, ensures that a production version of the 7-Series bi-fuel hydrogen vehicle will be on the road in just a few short years.