In a move to bolster the image of alternative fuels in the German company's line-up, BMW have designed and developed the H2R Record Car with the intention of setting new records in hydrogen performance. The vehicle is comprised of a bespoke chassis with carbon fibre body combining the necessary aerodynamic characteristics with a brutal application of BMW's 'flame-surfacing'; the engine is a modified version of the 6.0-litre 12-cylinder unit found in the 760i. Performance testing took place at the Miramas Proving Ground in the south of France
BMW has heralded the age of the hydrogen-powered production car by setting nine world records with its groundbreaking H2R Record Car. Using an adapted version of the 6.0-litre 12-cylinder engine taken from the BMW 760i, the aerodynamically efficient carbon fibre-bodied H2R posted the results following one intensive day of testing at the Miramas Proving Ground in the south of France.
This is not the first venture into hydrogen propulsion by BMW, they have been examining the possible use of hydrogen-powered vehicles since 1978. In May 2000, BMW became the first carmaker to run a demonstration fleet of 15 hydrogen-powered 750iL's and in 2001 BMW started the CleanEnergy WorldTour aimed at raising awareness of the technology.
The H2R's record-breaking success is a major boost to the technical viability and overall credibility of the hydrogen system - essential for the transition to production. The H2R attained world best times and speeds for a hydrogen-powered car in the flying-start kilometre, flying-start mile, standing-start 1/8 mile, standing-start 1/4 mile, standing-start 1/2 kilometre, standing-start mile, standing-start 10 miles, standing-start kilometre and standing-start 10 kilometres. To comply with the regulations of the record attempts, the H2R remained in hydrogen-only mode for the duration.
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