BMW working on steam-gas hybrid engine

The last time steam-powered autos were a major force on the roads, they were sharing the highways not just with gasoline-powered cars but with horses, wagons and various jury-rigged forms of transportation (sounds like what New York might look like if the subway strike goes through tomorrow). Now steam cars may be making a comeback, thanks to BMW, which is working on a hybrid engine that will reclaim excess heat from burning oil and convert it to steam. The turbosteamer (can we call it the steamer Beemer?) may be able to capture up to 80% of waste heat and increase fuel efficiency by up to 15%. Unlike electric hybrid engines, it could also be retro-fitted into existing cars. Sure beats burning coal, which is how earlier steamers got their juice.