Frankfurt Preview: The AC Schnitzer GP3.10 runs on LPG
We're not so sure that we like the name of this car, but we like the fact that it can run on alternative fuels. The AC Schnitzer GP3.10 is capable of running on standard gasoline or liquidified petroleum gas (LPG). The aforementioned name translates this way: GP stands for Gas Powered, the 3 is 'cause it's based on the BMW 3-Series and the 10 stands for the number of cylinders. That 10-cylinder engine is borrowed from the BMW M5/M6. After AC Schnitzer's modifications, the engine pumps out 552 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This leads to performance credentials including a 4.5 second 0-62 blast, on up to the 198 mph top speed.
Let's concentrate on using LPG as an alternative fuel for a moment. Commonly referred to as Autogas (or propane, even though it may not be 100 percent propane), LPG does indeed reduce CO2 emissions by 15-20 percent. The octane rating of the gas is pretty much equivalent to our normal gasoline grades. Because the gas is produced using crude oil, though, it is still a fossil fuel. This means that the carbon that is released was previously sequestered underground. Being cheaper than gasoline, though, it makes for an attractive alternative in many countries. Obviously, we'd prefer that advances be made in using carbon neutral fuels, but the reduction in CO2 is certainly reason enough to consider this as a gasoline replacement.
Gallery: AC Schnitzer GP3.10 Concept
[Source: AC Schnitzer, Autoblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TDIMeister 5:34PM (9/08/2007)
Actually, LPG (and its other name derivatives) has a slightly higher octane rating than high-test gasoline.
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Paul 11:50PM (9/09/2007)
LPG is widely used in Australia where it is an abundant by-product of Bass Strait gas and oil production. It is typically 50-60% cheaper than gasoline, although the consumption of LPG is about 10% higher than gasoline. Most taxis and many private cars (usually the thirsty ones) are either LPG only or dual fuel LPG/gasoline. When I lived there, I looked into it but my relatively frugal Camry would have needed to be driven about 4-5 years before I recouped the cost of the conversion. Since I only lived there for 2 years, it did not make alot of sense at the time.
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