When will all this tech translate to a good hydrogen fuel-cell production car I can actually buy?

Yes that's nice. Ok, now lets focus on
a practical fuel cell car please. And while
your at it, lets get it priced in around $22,000
so the average Joe can pick one up.

Why not put some of all this new fangled tech into making the current cars actually better. We've rarely seen proto anything from the big three make it into production. You'd think with all that money going into research, 200hp cars that get 40 mpg would be easy, and done years ago. Instead, we make the fastest H car and sell a bigger excursion to the public. Eco Friendly. What a joke.

Never, because nobody would be able to really afford it. Not for a lonnnnng time.

That the car has a major crash during speed testing and DOESN'T explode.

It seems Ford is worried about EVERYTHING except making better cars.
I actually heard J.D. Power named Buick reliable. That got my attention more than a 300 mph car.
A 70 mpg/ 80 mph small car will also get my attention.

well, unlike everyone else apparently i think this is great, they are improving on hydrogen fuel cell cars and u need to remember a car that can go that fast would probly have a decent fuel rating at low speeds, the technology is reletively new and speed tests are the best way to improve on it, just like how a new technology for a I.C.E. engine is first tested on the race trace e.g formula1 does alot of testing to bring technology to the mass market, sure it will be a while untill these prototypes will be brought to the mass market, but it will also be a while until we need these cars, its better now that we get this technology perfected before there brought to market

You're kidding right? Formula 1 brought us magnesium shifters. Millions in research in who can go fastest in big circles for magnesium shifters.The problem isn't that the tech isn't there, it's that it doesn't make it to the consumer, and when it does, the consumer tends to spend dearly for it.

Except the Bugatti Veyron went even faster than 207 MPH. So I guess this Ford only broke the speed record for a fuel-cell car.

Unlike most of the cars that set records at Bonneville the 999 does not look a two-wheeled missile. It roughly resembles a Fusion. Now if only it had a street chassis, 5 seats, a/c and a radio, that would be truely impressive.

this isn't nearly as bad as NASCAR, people say oh NASCAR gives us all kinds of technology that trickles into the consumer market... like carburators...

Cut the crap of beating speed records. Get the H cars on the production line. Let us start using these high tech cars . I'm 21 and I'm really into having an H car as my first brand new car.

I am an American guy... looking at buying a Prius in 2009 (I hear that they are coming out with a new version by then). I would love to see and American car that would work consistently, efficiently, and look cool.... AND be cutting edge. I traded my SUV for an Accord. I want an American alternative, Make a solid vehicle that doesn't drop dead after 5 years. I recently bought a 2002 Accord because I KNOW they are reliable. FORD.. Please make something that will kick a$$!

It's nice to know what they can do to set speed records... but all I've wanted for years is the *timely* release of an efficient, reliable, American car (without the cheap hard plastic interior parts ala GM) that can compete price-wise and appearance-wise with foreign cars. Why do American car companies have to tank every so often before they innovate? It's as if nothing has been learned from the decades of the Big Three being second, if not later, to market EVERY TIME. When home grown companies can't keep market share, they better start looking inward for solutions. I want to buy American, but American doesn't do anything to be compelling or relevant until it's too late. America's answer to the Civic in the 70's? A friggin' Chevette!

Talk is cheap. Keep buying those "better made" Japanese cars and let's see how well the American car makers can do while they are going bankrupt, and we loose one of the last bastions of manufacturing that the USA has. Brilliant... no brains no headaches, idiot. And don't bother to give me the same old crap about how the Japanese are making their cars in the US, it's a BS argument that I don't have the space, time and energy to smash. So try and stop bitching and start supporting. And that goes for almost all of the previous posts as well. A bunch of selfish pansies.

This is how all things go. If you look back to the first cars and planes, it was the same thing. Small groups pushing the limits. The push for records, going faster, longer, better will always be a good drive for innovation. This will then translate over time to the consumer market.

You want my money? Then make a car worth buying...I own VW Jetta 1.8T and a Suburu WRX...niether cost me more the $22K loaded...there is nothing similar made by any of the Big 3 for anything close to the money.

Like several people have said here pushing the limits is a very valuable excersize. And I cant believe so many people are writing complaining messages. It was a university project. What is there to bitch about. Well done guys and girls.

Most foreign cars are made in America. Please, take the time and space to argue the facts. I'll keep spending more on an import because it's worth it in the long run. On a side note, go Buckeyes, for being a part of this. Too bad they didn't team up with Toyota.

I sold VWs years ago and I can tell you that they are no better. But if the car makes you happy then enjoy. When the US economy collapses, from the destruction of the auto industry and may other causes combined, remember I told you so. Maybe you could move to Germany.

What these kids designed and built in two years is amazing. We are talking about 12 dedicated kids who instead of boozing it up every night, spent 20-40 hours a week (on top of a full course load and many with part time jobs) building a dream and proving that the technology is viable.

Shame on all of you with negative comments. Thank goodness there are some young, passionate Americans who thrive on pushing the limit. What do you think has driven ASIA-PAC companies for so long to their edge in the marketplace?

Saturn Ion Redline or Cobalt SS Supercharged? Both in the same price range you mentioned. And I know the WRX brand new isn't $22,000. Especially not fully loaded. More like $25,000.

I don't hate the WRX, I just know its not that cheap. I looked at buying one but was out of my price range. The SRT-4 was also a great bargain while it was made.

Don't feel bad about the WRX SI. They just got nailed a little while back for lying about their ~300HP car. Everyone was seriously pissed off. So either SIl Crno bought the cheap one or he/she got screwed. Ha Ha.

No Brains no headaches. Continue on your merry way, you are not alone.

Wow, you know what congrats to the university and Ford. While we're all complaining about econo-cars and greener options, some people are actually getting together and attempting something that could indeed provide valuable information. For those of your who think that testing the land speed records, for this fuel cell car, is useless think about the all testing and improvements that went into basically everything we use in everyday life. Many products have been tested, with tests people think are stupid, but look what it's given all of us.

Yes I realize Americans are stereotypically in love with their country to the point where every other country sucks. But the American economy is not going to crash because the auto-industry fails in comparison to superior, and foreign, products. It will fall to stupid ass presidents and their wars.

While it may be some time before Hydrogen cars are a realistic car option for consumers please pull the stick out of your ass and give it some time. The fact that we're even developing this technology is amazing. On top of that while it's possible we've messed up the earth at least we're in a stage where we're attempting to correct our errors and help out future times. The technology will come out because people car about it. Relax and just help out where you can if you're so concerned with the environment.

Every step is a step in the right direction.

And your economic credentials are?

I think it is both nerdy and macho at the same time. It shows that helping the enviroment can also be very macho. :)

Zorg, Clearly neither one of us has provided any sort of information to support either one of our arguments. While you say that people are stupid for buying superior and foreign vehicles I say kudos. Really though, while we voice our opinions chances are the States would suffer a blow from a loss of support for American made vehicles but, the numbers are already low, According to Gore in his documentary. With that in mind, the States have other means of income if they didn't how would could they afford to invade other countries ;) I promise you this though, the American economy will not collapse due to the auto industry, think about it. It just wouldn't. It might just make a dent.

the reason they do this is simple. no average joe will want to buy a car that can only make 60mph maximum. so they make the fuel cells more efficient, and produce more power. it all relates to getting the hydrogen technology to a state where the car is
a) efficient
b) powerful (i.e. fast as a a normal car)
c) cheap

2 years ago fuel cells would of struggled to get a car past 50mph, now it can push it past 200mph. thats big progress, and once fuels cells this powerful fall in price (once they become "normal" technology and not cutting edge), we will see them being commercialised. 2010 is my guess.

If you are quoting Gore this discussion is over. Ha Ha Ha.

There is way to much negativity here. For one this is great showing the durability of the fuel cell. And Ford has been working on alternative based cars for some time just read about it, this includes hydrogen and their new Flex Fule vehicles, which is available in the F-150.

David Sibley, you are right to defend this but man keep your political needs at bay. I for one am sick of people in other countries trash talking America and their problems. Just pay attention to your country.

And the American economy is actually running quite well. Our car companies are getting better, especially Ford who has been rated pretty much as an equal to Toyota. Hell Ford still has the #1 selling car(F-Series).

I for one am anxious to see how they get it to run without the threat of an explosion, although they would make for an awesome movie explosion.

One would think GM'S Autonoma (their fuel cell 'skateboard') concept vehicle would be ideal for this sort of 'going fast' since they could just 'snap' on a sporty body to the fuel cell chasis.

Jimmy,

I was not explicitly putting down the United States. In fact for most things I'm fairly supportive. What the previous post was trying to discuss with Zorg was that the economy would not collapse solely to the fall of the auto industry. The post before that one I agree may have come off strongly. Personally I own both a dodge and a ford. Both of which I thoroughly enjoy to drive. I also think that it's good that the American auto companies are attempting to make a greener world. The whole point of this land speed test, other than being neat, is to produce results. They may not be results people care about or understand the point of but none the less they're results which mean something to someone who knows what they're doing. Really the H car could be quite amazing once everything has been worked out.

Don't listen to anything David Sibley - Canadian says, he is quoting Gore.

To "ZORG",

Is it Master Zorg or Mister Zorg or what? Who are you? Al Gore, despite certain inaccuracies finally did what your Bush Master never did- exposed the addiction of too many of us (virtually all Americans) to big gas-sucking monster cars, and big living, big houses, big cooling and heating bi business etc. whose practices are rapidly wrecking the entire earth environment!
This is happening NOW- completely ignoring for the last 20 years the ineveitable consumption by "advanced nations" all within about a century, ALL easily accessed crude oil on earth. Zorg, do you have a CLUE where oil comes from? Make that 'came from' as most of it is now gone! Don't beleive it do you Zorg? Well this "Canadian" merely tells you to check the price on a barrel of crude compared with 20 years ago. There is an "inversely proportional" at work here. Don't know what that means? Something tells me the answer is not hidden in the Bush. Ask Al Gore !
PS... This Canadian back How dare you

To Master Zorg or Mister Zorg or whoever you are. You are dumping on David Sibley... because he is Canadian? ? Your comments seem definitely zenophobic! Or are you nuts? Why do you find it necessary (unlike full name Canadian- David Sibley), you hide behind a pseudonym? Diatribes from non-entities are worth precisely zero.

Al Gore, despite certain inaccuracies finally did what your Bush Master never did- exposed the addiction of too many of us (virtually most Americans) to big gas-sucking cars, and big heat-cool houses, big energy sucking everthing.

This is happening NOW- completely ignoring for the last 20 years the ineveitable consumption by so called "advanced nations" of ALL easily accessed crude oil on earth. And, Zorg, all this all within about a century! Do you have a CLUE where oil comes from? Make that 'came from' as most of it is now gone! Don't beleive it do you? Well take if from one more angry "Canadian" why not check the price on a barrel of crude compared with 20 years ago. There is an "inversely proportional" at work here. If you don't know what that means, the answer is not hidden in the Bush. Ask Al Gore !

If Ford or ANY other company improves fuel-cell or alternative fuels or ANY technology that reduces the 'carbon footprint' of us humans, then it is a step forward, that will allow the lucky among us to continue to enjoy our world a few years more.
Nuff said....... from another "Canadian".

I was just cutting and pasting his name, just like I did yours. Gore is an idiot and anyone that quotes him is... well... you figure it out.

With the right gearing a geo metro could go 300 mph, or even a school bus. Doah! Oh and at 300 mph the car gets 20 gallons per mile. Lets focus on better fuel economy and lower polluting cars.

Are you kidding me? This 200mph fuel cell car is a waste of time. Some are saying this is an accomplishment? You have to realize that this fuel cell is nothing more that an advanced electric source, let call it a battery if you will. If this was the very first car to brake the 200 mph barrier then maybe yes. But electric cars have been braking the 200mph barrier for quite some time. This fuel cell uses hydrogen and converts to electricity. Why didnt they just take an existing 200mph electric car, remove the batteries and strap on a fuel cell? That would reduce 90% on research/design costs from building the car from scratch. What they should be doing is making an efficient long lasting fuel cell. Not a car that will deplete its fuel cell in a few minute just to achieve 200mph. What useful or practical use is that? How about a fuel cell car that will make 1000 miles with 1 pound of hydrogen. Now that would be an accomplishment.

Sadly, Ford is not so out of touch with American consumers. American consumers prefer big, roomy, inefficient SUV's and trucks. They have demonstrated that desire over and over again. Even a cursory look at American sales figures makes this fact obvious. This is, of course, incredibly stupid and short-sighted but it is also reality. Until American consumers really understand how stupid this is, little will change. I am convinced that this will not happen until gas prices are MUCH higher than they are now.

And I love how Zorg is completely unable to make a coherent argument so he simply resorts to name-calling. Apparently he does he not understand that he hurts his own case with that.

There are many people who buys sedans/trucks. Last time I checked the F150, Silverado, Accord, Civic, Corrola and Camry were the best selling vehicles. I doubt that there is an SUV in the top 10.

I have said it before. The american companies are all into the "retro" designs. They need to stop this backward thinking and start building cars of the future. New fresh designs. Take a look at the Chevy Challenger, Ford Mustang, PT Cruizer. They might as well bring back the Model T while there at it. Yes they are improved designs, but at an automobile evolutionary standpoint, 30-40 years and that is all that has changed. I love the Mustang brand but enough is enough with the retro look. I personally think the current style takes away from the classic 1970's mustang. They should have just had that design 1 year, some sort of special edition anniversary mustang and them move on with a new fresh design.

Tchober wrote:
"And I love how Zorg is completely unable to make a coherent argument so he simply resorts to name-calling. Apparently he does he not understand that he hurts his own case with that."

What you don't understand is that the "case" as you put it has been put forward for the last 30 years by people far far more influential than me. It is, and has been, dead in the water. And I would hope that you could see, based on the responses, why this is the case. As far as name calling, I was just responding to John Doak the self professed angry Canadian. Apparently he is more than a little paranoid. As far as name calling I just calls 'em as I sees 'em. Gore is a complete imbecile and there is no other way to address that issue. I am sorry if I have offended your sensibilities.

With the soler batteries used in space, why don't we have have something like that in our cars. We should have battery power only for cars. Recharging can be done with the alternator system that we have today. The only reason that we don't, is because of the greed of the oil company's. The auto, and oil company's work together for there profits. A sientist sat before the CONGRESS, and said that we have the knoledge to have 70-80 mpg today. That is at hyway speed. Battery cars were being built back in the 1900's.

So, who's planning on developing airbags for a car that can go 300mph?