Hydrogen 7-Series launched

Think of hydrogen as a fuel, and images of the Hindenburg going down in a torrent of flames fill the mind.

However, this has not deterred the Germans, and BMW is about to launch a hydrogen-powered 7-Series.

The eco-friendly Hydrogen 7 saloon will be fitted with the 6.0-litre V12 engine from the current 760i.

It won't have quite the blistering performance of its petrol-powered sibling, though, because its 0-60mph time has been toned down to a sedate 9.5 seconds. Top speed will be electronically limited to 143mph.

BMW says the Hydrogen 7 will be fitted with all the usual 7-Series gubbins, and will flip between standard unleaded petrol and hydrogen at the touch of a button on the steering wheel.

Sufficient hydrogen is stored to drive the car for 125 miles before resorting back to petrol for a further 300 miles.

The car makes its first appearance at this weekend's Ryder Cup golf tournament in Ireland before its official unveiling at the Los Angeles motor show in November.

BMW says it will build 100 Hydrogen 7s in 2007 and supply them to selected customers in the hope they don't go down like, er, lead balloons.

© Source: original article on topgear

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Tuner Makes the Arden Range Rover Sport AR6 Stronger

KREFELD, Germany — German tuner Arden Automobilbau adds to its awesome arsenal with an even higher-powered edition of the mighty Range Rover Sport.

Dubbed AR6 Stronger, this potent SUV starts with a huge dose of adrenaline under the hood, where Arden has hiked the supercharged V8's displacement to 4.8 liters, increasing output to 520 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Despite the vehicle's considerable mass, 0-60-mph acceleration takes a mere 5.9 seconds.
The Arden body kit includes front and rear spoilers, the latter with an integral diffuser. The rear fascia shrouds a stainless-steel exhaust system with sport catalytic converter.
Arden also has fitted 22-inch light alloy wheels and low-profile performance tires, so don't try to take this puppy off-road.
Uprated brakes and a modified and lowered electronic air suspension system are part of the package.Arden's in-house saddlery provides customized upholstery and trim for the cabin, tailored to the customer's request.For more information, see the Arden Web site.

© Source: original article on site.com

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Lamborghini Gallardo Nera

SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — Automobili Lamborghini will unveil a limited edition of its 2007 Gallardo called the Nera that will serve as a showcase for the company's Ad Personam personalization service.

The program provides a wide range of choices in customizing the cabin and exterior to individual customers' tastes.

Production of the Gallardo Nera will be limited to 185 cars, available in two shades — Nero Serapis and Nero Noctis — with matte black mirrors, spoiler, roof section, side sills and rear apron. Even the custom Callisto wheels are painted matte black.

The duochromatic interior is done in black and white — actually, Nero Perseus and Bianco Polar — with the opportunity for each customer to personalize their car down to the smallest detail. The black leather seats are trimmed in white piping and feature a unique stitching pattern. There is also hand-stitched leather trim on the doors, steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift levers.

Standard features include a navigation system, rearview camera and on-board computer. Among the options are an automatic transmission, carbon ceramic brakes and a transparent engine cover.

© Source: original article on insideline

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