Video: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Geneva Show Unveiling

Not even 24 hours before the Geneva Motor Show opens up its gates, Saab gave journalists an exclusive preview of its 9-X BioHybrid Concept (pics and details here) that foretells the upcoming 9-1 premium hatch. The concept is equipped with a 200hp1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine that can run on bioethanol E85 fuel. With a solar cell panel on its roof, the 3-door sporty hatch also runs on energy extracted from sun and used to charge the hybrid’s battery pack both when the vehicle is in motion and when it is stationary. –Video after the jump

Geneva Show: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Previews BMW 1-Series Adversary

While Saab supports that the 9-X BioHybrid is a “vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like”, we’ll just bluntly say that the Geneva Show concept previews the shape of the forthcoming 9-1 premium hatch that will enter the market in 2010. The 9-X BioHybrid’s design is clearly inspired from Saab’s earlier Aero-X and 9X concept cars and although its rear-end sort of reminds us of a bread-van, overall, we like it. The interior looks like it came straight from a sci-fi movie, so there’s no point of making any comments as it will never find its way into production.

Underneath its sleek body, Saab’s concept hides a 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine partnered by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. The 1.4-liter engine generates 200 hp on E85 and an even more impressive 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) of torque. The new hybrid system features a lithium-ion battery and a significantly higher power capability to capture more energy and more electric boost than the current GM Hybrid system.

According to Saab, the 9-X BioHybrid can go from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 sec on E85 and 8.3 sec when using regular gasoline. As for fuel consumption, the concepts need a mere 4.9 lt of gasoline or 6.4 lt of E85 for every 100 km (48 and 36.8 MPG respectively). –More details and pictures after the jump

Press Release

Saab 9-X BioHybrid:

Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.

“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.

The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front, “says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”

Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

“This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” adds Anthony Lo. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”

Technical Specifications

BioPower Engine:

Transversely-mounted, front wheel drive

1398 cc. Four cylinders Bore/stroke: 73.4/ 82.6 mm. Aluminum cylinder head, cast iron block

DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder.

Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminum pistons, oil spray cooled.

Direct Injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust

Sodium-filled exhaust valves

Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1

Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar

Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management

Max power (E85):......... 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm.

Max.torque (E85):........ 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) @ 1750-5000 rpm

Max power (gasoline):... 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm.

Max.torque (gasoline):.. 230 Nm (170 lb.ft) @ 1500-5200 rpm

Hybrid System

Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack.

Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start

Transmission:

6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls

Suspension:

Front: Damper/coil struts, aluminum lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar.

Rear: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar

Steering:

Rack and pinion, Electrical power assistance.

Wheels, Tires:

21inch, 245/35R21

Brakes:

Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 345 mm (all ventilated)

Performance Data

(projected figures)

0 - 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.9 secs (E85)

8.3 secs (gasoline)

80 -120 km/h (50-75 mph), 5^th gear: 8.8 secs (E85)

11.2 secs (gasoline)

Top Speed, 6^th gear: 216 km/h /134 mph (E85)

192 km/h / 119 mph (gasoline)

Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.4 l/100km (E85)

4.9 l/100km (gasoline)

CO₂ emissions 105 g/km (E85)

117 g/km (gasoline)

Saab 9-X BioHybrid: New Details on Saab’s Geneva Show Concept

Our buddies over at the recently launched WCF Finnish site have obtained some inside information concerning the upcoming Saab Concept that will premiere in Geneva next week. First of all, the concept will be called “9-X BioHybrid” and not 9-1X as we initially thought. In terms of design, exterior styling is said to be based on the Aero X and 9X concepts. Finally, Saab’s concept will be powered by a 1.4-liter 200 Hp BioPower engine combined with an electric motor.

Via: WFC

Video: Saab’s Icy Aero-X Concept at the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

In this video, Saab gives a tour of the its “Move your mind-room” at the spectacular ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, which is located far above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. The entire installation is made of ice and features, among many other things, a full scale replica of the Saab Aero X made from –what else, ice (see details and pics here). –Video after the jump

Saab Aero-X Concept On The Rocks

GM’s Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has created a real-life sized replica of the Aero-X Coupe Concept made entirely from ice. The icy concept is housed within the unique ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden that is located approx 200 km or 124 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

The entire hotel is made completely out of ice blocks taken from the Torne River - even the glasses in the bar are made of ice. The ICEHOTEL, which has more than 80 rooms and suites, only exists between December and April and it is rebuilt from scratch every year. -Continued

The icy Aero-X was wesigned and created by Simon Padian, chief designer for Saab and Tjåsa Gusfors – a leading designer at the ICEHOTEL, specializing in ice and snow sculpture. The car is located in a special room called “Move Your Mind” and it will allow the public to experience Saab – the brand, its spirit, tonality and core values through innovative design installations made wholly from ice.

Simon Padian: ”The Move Your Mind room is designed to be a journey, a flow, a pulse which aims to disrupt and challenge the visitors perceptions of what is normal or expected. The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and leave feeling more engaged with the Saab brand.”

Detroit Show: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept Officially Unveiled

Following an earlier leak today, the Swedes decided to officially release details and images of their 9-4X BioPower compact SUV -slash- crossover concept that will make its worldwide premier at the Detroit Show next week. As with the Mercedes-Benz Freeside GLK Vision, don't be fooled by the word concept; the 9-4X BioPower is virtually a pre-production version that previews the road-going model which is expected in 2009.

The 9-4X BioPower features a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that runs on E85 bio-ethanol (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) producing 300 HP and 295 lb/ft (400 Nm) of torque and it is mated to Saab's XWD ("cross-wheel-drive") system. -Images and details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: INNOVATIVE 9-4X BIOPOWER CROSSOVER CONCEPT
SIGNALS SAAB PRODUCT EXPANSION

DETROIT- The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show, confirms Saab's plans to enter the growing crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian design values and respect for the environment.

The concept's progressive design features are combined with a responsible, fun-to-drive appeal based on BioPower engine technology and a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system.

"This concept is a clear statement of what our brand is about," said Jan Ake Jonsson, Saab Automobile Managing Director. "It is also an important next step in our plans to enter new market segments with distinctive product offerings."

The design of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept reflects a Scandinavian principle of simplicity of form, with clean and uncluttered lines, free of any cladding, moldings or roof bars, and defining "ice-block" surface and lighting themes. The progressive frontal styling and interior design elements also draw inspiration from Saab's widely acclaimed Aero X concept. Innovative load-carrying solutions include a unique ski equipment stowage system, developed with mountain sports specialists Salomon. (Please see accompanying Salomon release.)

Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, the four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab's commitment to "rightsizing" achieving sufficient levels of performance with a smaller, more efficient engine by delivering 300 horsepower (221 kW) and strong torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm), together with substantially reduced CO 2 emissions on a source-to-wheel basis. The key enabler for rightsizing is turbocharging technology, which Saab pioneered 30 years ago.

Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD ("cross-wheel-drive") system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to a destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept was developed by a team headed by Anthony Lo, GM Europe's Director of Advanced Design, in cooperation with designers and engineers from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. "We focused on incorporating design themes from the Aero X in a crossover execution, adding functional, lifestyle features to support the activities of customers using this type of vehicle," Lo said.

The driver-focused cockpit in the sporty, four-seater cabin features an Aero X-inspired "clear zone," with a flush-mounted starter button and infotainment controls, that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. Signature green lighting is used for all instrument illumination, while other subtle references to Saab's aviation heritage include the "altimeter" speed read-out scale and aircraft-shaped trim on the steering wheel. The panoramic glass roof is in harmony with a car designed to deliver the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.

Saab designers worked with top Saab Salomon Big Mountain skiers to devise an innovative storage system for stowing skis and equipment inside the car. The rear cargo deck features a sliding floor with a fold-out aluminum ski holder, through which up to three pairs of skis and poles can be slotted. Boots are stowed in an underfloor, heated compartment and, for maximum practicality, the entire rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof and scratch-resistant rubber skin.

The compact, all-aluminum, four-cylinder BioPower engine combines the benefits of turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing for the first time with high-octane E85 fuel (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). It's a green, rightsizing formula that gives strong power (300 horsepower [221 kW] and 295 lb.-ft. [400 Nm] of torque without the additional weight, size, fuel consumption and higher emissions of a larger, naturally aspirated engine offering similar performance.

Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, already available in the 9-3 range. Active management splits torque delivery between both the axles and the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). This responsive system rewards the driver by giving an enhanced, "positive force" chassis balance. Overall, the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept is a vivid demonstration of Saab's commitment to customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience that is in harmony with nature.


Saab 9-4X Concept: Technical Specifications

BioPower engine

1998 cc; four cylinders; 86.0 / 86.0 mm bore / stroke; aluminium cylinder head and block; DOHC, chain-driven. four valves per cylinder; twin counter-rotating balancer shafts; forged steel crankshaft; steel connecting rods; aluminium pistons; oil spray cooled; direct injection; VVT; inlet and exhaust sodium-filled exhaust valves; Saab engine management system; twin-scroll turbocharger; intercooled

BioPower engine data

Max. Boost pressure at maximum torque: 1.2 bar
Compression ratio: 10.5: 1
Max power (E85): 300 hp (221kW) @ 5400 rpm.
Max. Torque (E85): 400Nm (295 lb.-ft) @ 2600-5100 rpm
Max power (gasoline): 245 hp (180 kW) @ 5300 rpm
Max. torque (gasoline): 353 Nm (261 lb.-ft.) @ 2500- 5250 rpm
Fuel consumption (combined): 10.5L /100km (22.4 mpg) on gasoline

Transmission

Saab XWD ("cross wheel drive") all-wheel-drive system, electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
Six-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel controls

Suspension

Front: MacPherson struts, aluminum control arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar
Rear: Multi-link, aluminum H-arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar

Steering

Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance

Wheels, tires

21inch, 245/55R21

Brakes

Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster
Discs front / rear: 378 mm / 378 mm (all ventilated)

Performance data (preliminary)

0 - 100 kph: 8.0 sec
0 - 60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top speed: 235 kph ( 146 mph)