BMW has been developing some of the world’s best-performing automobile engines for decades now. They’re definitely not finished either. Modern enhancements to the famous M3 and a new emission-free internal-combustion hydrogen engine have the automotive industry buzzing with both excitement and envy. Let’s examine these two powerful miracles a little closer:
The 4th-generation BMW M3
On March 6, 2007 at the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland, the new version of the M3 was introduced. Its engine was a completely redesigned power monster, the BMW S65B40. It is a 4.0L 414hp V8 that redlines at 8400 rpm and cranks out 295 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. It was designed after the S85B50, a 5.0L V10 used in the BMW M5. Its predecessor was a 3.2L I6 that weighed 33 pounds more than it does. The V8 design was decided upon because of the competition faced by the M3: the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and the Audi RS 4.
It aspirates naturally and comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that features a fresh M-DKG Double VANOS gearbox and variable valve timing system. 90-degree bank angles, 92.0 mm bores, and a 75.2mm stroke characterize the aluminum block as do the electronic-controlled butterfly valves. As with the S85B50, the S65B40 engine from BMW is setting performance standards industry wide.
The Mono-Fuel Hydrogen 7 Saloon
This carbon-free hydrogen-powered engine from BMW may be the most exciting automotive development ever in history. With the intercontinental shift to embrace the Green philosophy, the world has been waiting for the technology used to propel rockets in space to be utilized in our cars as well. In development for over 25 years now, this 6.0L V12 hydrogen-injected engine from BMW shoots the car from 0 to 62 mph in just under 6 seconds and reaches speeds of up to 174 mph.
BMW states that hydrogen is the fuel of the future for all vehicles for three very good reasons:
- Because there is no carbon involved in the process, there is zero release of CO2 generated by hydrogen combustion.
- Green energy sources like hydro, solar and wind turbine, as well as bio-fuels can be employed for the manufacturing process.
- Energy security can be increased as the engine is able to be produced in stable global regions.
The Hydrogen 7 Saloon not only produces no CO2 or hydrocarbons, it actually cleans the surrounding air around it. In fact, the exhaust from the tailpipe is cleaner than the atmosphere. Additionally, Non-Methane Organic Gases (NMOGs) and Carbon Monoxides (COs) in emission levels are also less than those in the ambient atmosphere. In a report from Science Daily on March 31, 2008, the US Department of Energy (DOE) stated that the engine emitted only a small fraction of the Super-Ultra Low-Emission Vehicle level (SULEV) for automobiles. In exacting tests, it was found to have “near-zero” emissions.
BMW continues to lead the world in clean and sensible technologies to fuel our vehicles and reduce the planetary carbon footprint. Many unexpected benefits are in store for owners of pollution-free vehicles in the future, such as low cost car insurance, lower maintenance costs, and access to HOV lanes. As we advance into the future, there will be considerably more attention given to alternative fuels and power sources worldwide. The planet has been devastated for decades from non-caring governments and corporate structures. Hopefully, other automobile manufacturers will invest similar resources for the research and development of hydrogen engines as is BMW.
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