BMW's clean energy programme H2R set nine international speed records for internal combustion powered vehicles using hydrogen as a fuel at the weekend at the Miramas high-speed proving grounds in France.

BMW is committed to launching a dual-fuel version of the current 7 Series during the production cycle of the present model, which will be the world's first premium saloon built for dual-fuel petrol/hydrogen operation. BMW is the only manufacturer to consider using hydrogen in a conventional combustion engine, as distinct from in fuel cells.

The H2R record car, using a version of BMW's 12-cylinder 6-litre engine, develops 232bhp using liquid hydrogen. This translates into a 0-60 mph acceleration in under 6 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.