The time was August 2007. The place is Cape Canaveral Florida.
An historic event took place on this date and time. The problem is that very few people realize that it even happened. And fewer people still understand the importance of this meeting of the minds between NASA engineers and the engineers at BMW.
But one day you will benefit from this union.
As NASA engineers were preparing to launch the Space Shuttle Endeavour, BMW of North America and NASA announced that together they had successfully completed an eight week test for the BMW Hydrogen 7 Luxury Sedan. And because this was the first hydrogen powered luxury sedan, their joint success brought a smile even to the faces of normally non-emotional engineers.
This was like getting s smile out of Mr. Spock on Star Trek. It was that important.
Both BMW and NASA are committed to hydrogen technologies research, innovative transportation systems and alternate energy sources. Fortunately, this program was made possible under a Space Act Agreement between NASA and BMW. I don’t know about you, but for me, I could feel the excitement of our tax dollars at work. Both you and I will someday benefit from this cutting edge research.
In simple terms, this is why BMW and NASA worked together. Because of the high density of liquid hydrogen the space shuttle is propelled at high speeds into space. This same concept is used by BMW to power the BMW Hydrogen 7. So BMW and NASA working together on this project was a perfect match. Also, this project is BMW’s way of showing that hydrogen drive vehicles are a viable option for your future and mine.
This test project was a huge success for BMW.
Not only did this prove that BMW could make a dual combustion engine that can switch from gasoline to liquid hydrogen seamlessly, but also as a far reaching model vehicle for the future. But the major drawback right now is that there are very few places where a driver can stop and fuel up on liquid hydrogen. But that isn’t going to stop BMW from pushing ahead with development of the Hydrogen 7.
So what’s the answer to all driver’s question, “Where do I get the liquid hydrogen?”
Another goal of this joint project was to make the public more aware of the great possibilities offered by a hydrogen driven car. And just as importantly, BMW is helping to stimulate the demand for a workable hydrogen infrastructure---that is---building hydrogen filling stations for your car and mine. This will one day make hydrogen for cars readily available and affordable.
For those of you looking just for the “specs” of the BMW Hydrogen 7, here is a little taste just to keep you going until you can get your hands on one at your local dealership. It’s being developed from the BMW 760Li , 260 horsepower V12 cylinder engine. Top speed for this baby is 143 mph as it quietly accelerates from 0 to 60 in 9.2 seconds.
One hundred of the Hydrogen 7 models have been build and are being tested in various markets around the world. In fact, the cars have already completed over 1.3 million miles during this testing phase.
Don’t expect to see Captain James T. Kirk from the Starship Enterprise driving one of these any time soon in your neighborhood. But, it sure would be a great promo for BMW and NASA.
Don’t you agree?
Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At The Price You Can Afford. Go To:
http://www.bmwsauctions.com
An historic event took place on this date and time. The problem is that very few people realize that it even happened. And fewer people still understand the importance of this meeting of the minds between NASA engineers and the engineers at BMW.
But one day you will benefit from this union.
As NASA engineers were preparing to launch the Space Shuttle Endeavour, BMW of North America and NASA announced that together they had successfully completed an eight week test for the BMW Hydrogen 7 Luxury Sedan. And because this was the first hydrogen powered luxury sedan, their joint success brought a smile even to the faces of normally non-emotional engineers.
This was like getting s smile out of Mr. Spock on Star Trek. It was that important.
Both BMW and NASA are committed to hydrogen technologies research, innovative transportation systems and alternate energy sources. Fortunately, this program was made possible under a Space Act Agreement between NASA and BMW. I don’t know about you, but for me, I could feel the excitement of our tax dollars at work. Both you and I will someday benefit from this cutting edge research.
In simple terms, this is why BMW and NASA worked together. Because of the high density of liquid hydrogen the space shuttle is propelled at high speeds into space. This same concept is used by BMW to power the BMW Hydrogen 7. So BMW and NASA working together on this project was a perfect match. Also, this project is BMW’s way of showing that hydrogen drive vehicles are a viable option for your future and mine.
This test project was a huge success for BMW.
Not only did this prove that BMW could make a dual combustion engine that can switch from gasoline to liquid hydrogen seamlessly, but also as a far reaching model vehicle for the future. But the major drawback right now is that there are very few places where a driver can stop and fuel up on liquid hydrogen. But that isn’t going to stop BMW from pushing ahead with development of the Hydrogen 7.
So what’s the answer to all driver’s question, “Where do I get the liquid hydrogen?”
Another goal of this joint project was to make the public more aware of the great possibilities offered by a hydrogen driven car. And just as importantly, BMW is helping to stimulate the demand for a workable hydrogen infrastructure---that is---building hydrogen filling stations for your car and mine. This will one day make hydrogen for cars readily available and affordable.
For those of you looking just for the “specs” of the BMW Hydrogen 7, here is a little taste just to keep you going until you can get your hands on one at your local dealership. It’s being developed from the BMW 760Li , 260 horsepower V12 cylinder engine. Top speed for this baby is 143 mph as it quietly accelerates from 0 to 60 in 9.2 seconds.
One hundred of the Hydrogen 7 models have been build and are being tested in various markets around the world. In fact, the cars have already completed over 1.3 million miles during this testing phase.
Don’t expect to see Captain James T. Kirk from the Starship Enterprise driving one of these any time soon in your neighborhood. But, it sure would be a great promo for BMW and NASA.
Don’t you agree?
Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At The Price You Can Afford. Go To:
http://www.bmwsauctions.com
(ArticlesBase SC #395334)
