Hartge to build 550hp LP gas powered 1 series

[Kirby]

SAARBRUECKEN: A German research and development team is planning to build a record-breaking car based on the BMW 1 Series car using an engine which runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Tuning firm Hartge in Saarbruecken says the car at the centre of the project "V300+" will be able to top 300 km an hour, making it the fastest LPG-driven car to date.

The liquefied gas-engine is set to develop 550 brake horsepower. Engines fuelled on LPG burn much cleaner and in many cases they produce more power and torque than petrol-driven engines of a similar capacity.

Along with the engineers from the tuning company, the team includes experts from the University of Technology and Economics in Saarbruecken, the German environment ministry, state economics department officials and automotive and energy specialists.

 

[Big Daddy]

My father had an LPG fueled truck in the early 70's the issues than were burnt valves and it required the installation of "Stellite" valves (a hardened valve). I would assume that technology is so advanced today that an LPG powered car is feasible.

 

[gpiron]

LPG:
Although as Big Daddy mentioned, that technology has advanced in 30+ years, and Kirby citing that new 1 serie development, the main issue I remember with the LPG was it always was an addition to the existing system which required not only injection and valves modifications, but the biggest headacke was the storage of that big monster LPG tank and the danger associated with its position - a lot of the car had it added into the truck...
I guess, ther also, more compact and armored LPG tank have been deveolped...?[driving2]

I would support LPG as a substitude for regular petrol, if those issued were addressed properly and LPG was rather available anywhere..., which is not the case in the US!

 

[Kirby]

I think a lot of the latest tank technology includes the use of composites to reduce the safety hazard associated with LP and Hydrogen fuels.

 

[tool fan]

Y'all know that one Volcano spews more harmful toxins and other crap into the atmosphere than all the cars ever created throughout history. I am all about finding another fuel source because it is CHEAPER, not cleaner. I do not plan on getting rid of my gus guzzling V8 Mustang anytime soon. So Michael Moore and Al Gore can go take a long walk off a short pier.

 

[Big Daddy]

So Michael Moore and Al Gore can go take a long walk off a short pier

I could not agree more...

 

[echothreezero]

Again, like most things, its different over here. Due to the high price of fuel in NZ, LPG vehicles are common (there was quite a trend to convert in the late 80's early 90's) and there is a pump at most gas stations.

Yes the cars that use it a converted to run on both, yes there is a cost to convert, and yes the tank takes up most of the boot (trunk). However, the cost is offset by the super cheap price of LPG (less than half that of petrol). It is not as good in the performance department, but you just run around town/commute on LPG, and you flick a switch on the dash to change to petrol (you can do this at any speed) and then you're off on petrol again.

Not many people do the conversion anymore, but it is still very popular with commercial vehilces - vans, light trucks, etc that do high miles on petrol engines and it is a commercial decision.