The BMW Hydrogen 7 is the first virtually emission-free hydrogen-powered luxury saloon in the world suitable for everyday use.
The Hydrogen 7 is a revolutionary development within the BMW 7 Series as a whole: The engine, suspension and body of this new model are based on the overall vehicle concept carried over from the BMW 760i and BMW 760Li Saloons. At the same time BMW Hydrogen 7 features a dual-mode twelve-cylinder combustion power unit able to run on both hydrogen and conventional gasoline. Maximum output is 191 kW/260 hp, accelerating BMW's Hydrogen Saloon to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. Top speed of BMW Hydrogen 7, in turn, is limited electronically to 230 km/h or 143 mph.
• Direct fuel injection in the gasoline mode, external mixture formation with intake manifold injection in the hybrid mode, same engine output in both operating modes, smooth and consistent switchover with no time-lag from one operating mode to another, flexible engine management with VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS, innovative injection valves as key technology for hydrogen drive.
• Hydrogen tank accommodating approx 8 kilos of liquid hydrogen, gasoline tank with a capacity of 74 litres or 16.3 Imp gals, liquid hydrogen as drive energy for a long cruising range and a high standard of everyday use, more than 200 kilometres/125 miles cruising range on hydrogen plus 500 kilometres/310 miles on gasoline.
• Engine emits virtually nothing but vapour in the hydrogen mode, practical solution for rapid reduction of CO2 emissions and changeover to drive energy independent of fossil fuels, pacemaker for ongoing progress.
• Vacuum super-insulation for the hydrogen tank, liquid hydrogen consistently and for a long time remaining at a temperature of - 253 °Celsius, same insulating effect as with a 17-metre-thick layer of styrofoam.
• Simple, clean and risk-free tank-filling process, tank filler manifold connected to liquid hydrogen filler pipe in the same way as with a conventional fuel pump, tank manifold and filling process locked in position and conducted by system control.
• High powerdome as a clear sign of distinction highlighting BMW Hydrogen 7, clear reference to the high-rising engine modified in its dimensions on account of hydrogen injection valves, weight- and crash-optimised combination of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) and steel body components.
• Modifications inside the car: rear seat bench moved 115 millimetres/4.5´´ further to the front than in the BMW 760Li due to the arrangement of the hydrogen tank and 25 millimetres/1.0´´ further to the rear than in the BMW 760i, centre console fitted firmly on the rear seat bench on account of the car's package, four seats, special hydrogen function displays in the cockpit.
• Independent, non-partisan safety certification, successful completion of comprehensive test series conducted by the South German Technical Inspection Authority (TÜV South Germany), sensor-based control system operating independently of the engine, hydrogen components with multiple redundancy/back-up.
• Chassis and suspension with double-joint tiebar spring strut axle at the front and integral-IV multi-arm axle at the rear, BMW AdaptiveDrive
with anti-roll stabilisation and electronic damper control, telemetric TPC Tyre Pressure Control system.
• Innovative remote diagnosis system, direct dialogue with driver/vehicle user.
• First series production car based on decades of BMW experience in testing hydrogen as a drive technology, development and examination of hydrogen engines since the 1980s.
• Promotion of nationwide hydrogen supply infrastructure by the BMW Group in close cooperation with the Clean Energy Partnership Berlin, BMW Hydrogen 7 acting as a series production hydrogen car for everyday use and establishing new momentum for ongoing development and expansion of a complete, all-round network of filling stations.
Siemens VDO has had a successful start to the testing phase of its Electronic Wedge Brake (EWB) innovation. The braking concept was officially introduced by Siemens VDO in 2005 and internationally renowned brake experts are in the process of confirming the EWB for series production suitability. Targeted for series-production readiness by the end of the decade, the brake-by-wire technology's mechanical brake components are undergoing further optimization. The EWB is the brainchild of Bernd Gombert, who will travel to Munich to accept the Rudolf Diesel Medal for his scientific and business accomplishments to date.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., held a ceremony to inaugurate the completion of its second engine facility at Iwaki Plant (Izumi-cho, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture).
The second engine facility covers an area of 14,700m2 and is adjacent to the existing casting facility at Iwaki Plant. Construction begun in January 2005 with an investment of approximately 10 billion yen, and the facility was completed in December 2005.
Peterbilt will display a production-representative, hybrid-electric medium duty truck – outfitted with a fully integrated bucket lift body – at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum National Meeting in San Diego.
The Class 7 Model 335 is ideal for municipal and utility applications and features advanced technologies that provide improved fuel economy while reducing noise and emissions. The hybrid Model 335 will be in limited production in 2007.
Volvo Cars is launching FlexiFuel models powered by renewable bioethanol on several European markets this autumn. The green model range is also being extended and even Volvo’s new C30 will be offered with eco-optimised FlexiFuel power.
Three of Volvo’s nine models – the C30, S40 and V50 – are now available in an environmentally optimised FlexiFuel alternative. They are powered by a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine producing 125 hp. Bioethanol and petrol are both filled in the same 55 litre tank. The fuel hoses, valves and gaskets have all been modified to withstand the more corrosive properties of ethanol. The injection valves have been reinforced and are also larger, since more fuel is injected into the engine because of the lower energy content of E85 compared with petrol. Moreover, the software calibration is updated for ethanol power. The engine management system precisely monitors the fuel mixture in the fuel tank and automatically adjusts both injection and ignition to suit.
Research by a Sandia National Laboratories engineer and a University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center neurologist shows that brain injury may occur within one millisecond after a human head is thrust into a windshield as a result of a car accident.
This happens prior to any overall motion of the head following impact with the windshield and is a new concept to consider for doctors interested in traumatic brain injury (TBI).