BMW Record Car H2R at the High-Speed Miramas Proving Grounds

BMW Record Car H2R at the High-Speed Miramas Proving Grounds

The specifications of the H2R Record Car are a testament to this possibility. The 6-liter V12 engine develops an output of 285 horsepower. This engine propels the BMW prototype to 100 km/h (62 mph) in approximately 6 seconds and gives it a top speed of more than 186 mph, in excess of 300 km/h. Based on the gasoline engine featured in the BMW 760i, BMW's hydrogen combustion engine boasts advanced technologies such as BMW's fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive.The main modifications to the engine involve the fuel injection system adapted by BMW to the special attributes and requirements of hydrogen. The H2R Record Car benefits from the results gained in series development of BMW's future hydrogen engine for the world's first premium sedan built for dual-mode operation.BMW will launch a dual-mode version of the current 7 Series during the production cycle of the present model, thus introducing the first car of its kind able to run on both hydrogen and gasoline.The H2R prototype set the following records shown here in terms of times measured and speed achieved:time in sec speed in mph- Flying-start kilometer: 11.993 186.520- Flying-start mile: 19.999 180.014- Standing-start 1/8 mile: 9.937 45.285- Standing-start ¼ mile: 14.967 60.132- Standing-start ½ kilometer: 17.342 64.495- Standing-start mile: 36.850 97.693- Standing-start 10 miles: 221.773 162.328- Standing-start kilometer: 26.749 83.627- Standing-start 10 kilometers: 146.409 152.787These results have been certified by the FIA. BMW works drivers Alfred Hilger, Jörg Weidinger and Günther Weber took turns at the wheel of the Record Car during their record-breaking session.The BMW H2R Record Car was conceived, designed and developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH, the legendary subsidiary of BMW AG. The expressive, purposeful exterior design was created by DesignworksUSA, the California-based strategic design consultancy owned by BMW Group. The name "H2R" stands for "Hydrogen Record Car".BMW's motive in setting these records was not only to prove the power and performance of the hydrogen engine. In addition, the reliability and durability of the technology used clearly demonstrates BMW's leadership in developing the hydrogen engine to production standards. In this process BMW is concentrating on the combustion engine, simply because the combustion power unit, given the sum total of all its features and characteristics, still offers the largest number of advantages and benefits all in one.The M3 Competition Package - for the discerning driver who seeks the ultimate in handling and responsiveness.Already renowned for its performance and handling, the Competition Package takes M3 performance to the razor's edge. Every aspect of the M3's handling has been tweaked resulting in the best-handling M3 ever.The wheels are 19-inch forged-alloys with high-performance tires. They connect to a suspension that has been tuned specifically for the Competition Package. Turn-in is quicker with a more direct steering ratio which goes from 15.4:1 to 14.5:1.M Track mode and brake system taken from the BMW M3 CSLThe Dynamic Stability Control system includes a less intrusive M track mode, as on the M3 CSL, ensuring the security of DSC and spirited driving too. For inclement conditions the regular DSC mode remains. The brakes, also adopted from the M3 CSL, include compound and cross-drilled rotors. The front rotors have also been enlarged from12.8 to13.6 inches.As the serious enthusiast would expect, the Competition Package is available in combination with the standard six-speed manual or the optional Sequential Manual Gearbox.The interior enhancements of the package are subtle but purposeful. The Alcantara steering wheel and handbrake grip feel good to the touch. The addition of the steering wheel-mounted button for the DSC M track mode requires the deletion of the multi-function controls and cruise control. The Competition Package is available with all M3 Coupe interior and exterior color combinations. Two trim items are exclusive to the Competition Package. Special Competition Package aluminum trim is included on the interior. A new exterior color, Interlagos Blue, is offered only with this package.The Competition Package will be available for 2005 M3 Coupes beginning with December 2004 production. The price for the package will be $4,000.