At this year’s Geneva Show, Saab presented two concept cars as part of a commitment to expand its product portfolio by entering all major segments of the car market. Both concepts share distinctive Scandinavian styling themes and feature further developments in the rightsizing appeal of turbocharging with Saab BioPower.
World premiere: Saab 9-X BioHybrid
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.
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.
European premiere: Saab 9-4X BioPower
The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept confirms Saab’s plans to enter the growing Crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian values in design and respect for the environment.
Leveraging an unrivalled 30 years experience in turbo technology, Saab leads the automotive industry in exploiting the performance and environmental benefits of bioethanol fuel. Its current BioPower models are the top-selling flex-fuel vehicles in Europe, especially appreciated for offering both more power and producing less CO2 emissions when operating on E85 fuel compared to when fuelled by only gasoline.
Optimised for bioethanol (E85) fuel, the four-cylinder, 2.0-litre BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab’s commitment to rightsizing by delivering an exceptional level of power efficiency – 300 hp and strong torque of 400 Nm. Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD (cross-wheel-drive) system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to your destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.
Saab is increasing its leadership of Europe’s emerging flex-fuel car segment, posting a near 50 per cent annual increase in BioPower sales last year. Saab now offers BioPower variants for all its core models sold in Europe.