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