SMALL, COMPACT AND FAST - RECORD-BREAKING BMW HYDROGEN VEHICLE IN MODEL FORMAT

Project group at Ingolstadt UAS works with BMW engineers to build model vehicle
- including the powerful hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Munich. The hydrogen internal combustion engine is not only suitable for cars
the size of the BMW 7 Series - it is efficient on a small scale, too. Proof of
this has been provided by a project group at the Ingolstadt University of
Applied Sciences. A remote-controlled model of the record-breaking BMW H2R - 70
centimeters (27.6 inches) long, 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) wide - designed by
undergraduates and doctoral students can reach a top speed of 80 km/h (49.7
mph). Last year, with the full-size BMW H2R, BMW achieved nine international
records recognized by the FIA. The hydrogen-powered racing vehicle achieved a
maximum speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph).

"Our model shows that hydrogen drive also works on a small scale", says
Professor Jörg Wellnitz, who led the project in his department. Wellnitz
continues: "The project aims to make students more familiar with hydrogen
technology. The hydrogen internal combustion engine will also play a dominant
role in the future. The over 1500 working hours invested in the project show
that the participants really enjoyed themselves and were totally committed."

Four undergraduates and two doctoral students at the UAS designed the chassis
in the summer semester of 2004. The plans for the engine, hydrogen tank and all
remaining parts were designed using simulation software and then implemented by
the students. The finished model, ready for driving, needed only a suitable
body. The record-breaking BMW H2R vehicle was ideal for this. With the support
of BMW, the appropriate outer skin was produced on the basis of the original
plans for the full-scale BMW H2R using the Rapid Prototyping process.
Assembled, the chassis with hydrogen engine and H2R outer skin are an accurate
imitation of the BMW record-breaker. Both vehicles - the original and the model
- are totally unique. The model was successfully realized together with the
model maker Graupner.

Important facts about the model
The model of the record-breaking hydrogen car is built to a scale of 1:8; it is
70 centimeters (27.6 inches) long, 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) wide and 15
centimeters (5.9 inches) high. The chassis was produced using aluminium and
carbon fiber. Excellent propulsion is provided by the 2.2 HP, supercharged,
water-cooled four-stroke engine with a capacity of 11.5 cc. There are two
storage variants available for the hydrogen fuel supply: two high-pressure
tanks store the equivalent of 60 litres of hydrogen under standard conditions.
Alternatively, two metal hydride containers can be installed in the H2R model,
containing the equivalent of 300 standard litres of fuel. This is sufficient to
operate the vehicle for approx. 25 minutes.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Daniel Kammerer, AK-21, Head of CleanEnergy Department
Telephone: +49-89-382-25506, fax: +49-89-382-27563

Michael Blabst, AK-21, Head of Technology Communication
Telephone: +49-89-382-24697, fax: +49-89-382-27563

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com
e-mail: presse@bmw.de

U.S. contact:

William Scully
BMW Product Communications Specialist
201-307-3790 / william.scully@bmwna.com