Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept: Efficient Design & Performance

Motoring Channel Staff - 5/March/2008

Geneva, Switzerland — Could this be the Saab 9-1 compact car that fans have been waiting for?

Before the Geneva Auto Show commenced there were rumours that an all-new Saab would be unveiled. 

An all-new Saab was unveiled, but it wasn't the model everyone was hoping for.

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid is another 'X' concept from the Swedish car maker and though impressive in its design and function, fans will be sorely disappointed that no production model has surfaced.

However, General Motor's Anthony Lo said, "This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format," which is the strongest suggestion thus far that such a concept could be developed into an all-new small car from Saab.

Saab says the 9-X BioHybrid concept is a "vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like" and is ostensibly the precursor to a new compact model, the Saab 9-1, that would exist in the same market as vehicles like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

The design was inspired by Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago, and also features a 'wraparound' window graphic and deep front grille.

"You could say we designed this car from back to front," continued Lo. "The shape of the 9-X 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.

This Scandinavian concept also makes use of various moving aerodynamic aids. 

Above 70km/h (43mph), Saab says the "upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line."

Furthermore, an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper to also increase aero efficiency.

Boasting an elegant new design, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid is powered by a 1.4-litre BioPower turbo 4-cylinder engine that develops 147kW (200hp), which is a lot of power for an engine of this size. 

Saab says the new BioHybrid system offers "responsible performance".

The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds when fuelled with ethanol, and takes a bit longer (8.3 secs) when fuelled with petrol. Top speeds are 216 and 193km/h respectively.

The new hybrid engine will is one General Motor's most advanced propulsion systems, delivering 280Nm of torque thanks to the addition of the turbocharger and an electric hybrid motor. 

It burns 4.9 litres of fuel per 100km on petrol and 6.4L/100km using E85 ethanol blend fuel.

Saab claims the combined cycle CO2 emissions will total just 105g/km on E85 fuel, which is very low.

The electric motor that augments the turbo petrol/ethanol powerplant is connected to the engine's crankshaft via a belt, and can power the cars wheels or feed energy back into the lithium ion battery pack located in the rear of the car, depending on whether the car is accelerating, decelerating or stopped.

"This car is all about efficiency in design and performance," says Anthony Lo, the 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.

The concept car features 'turbine' alloy wheels to highlight its turbocharging heritage, while short overhangs and that extended roof line give the vehicle sporty proportions, which then adds a "new dimension to conventional compact 'hatchback' looks" says Saab.

Inside the Saab concept car, there is a 2+2 seat layout (not unlike the new Volkswagen Scirocco) and the driver gets a new take on Saab's driver-focused cockpit design. 

Saab says the new 9-X BioHybrid reflects the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car. 

As such, Saab co-operated with Sony Ericsson to deliver a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions that are expected to adopted in a few years time on production vehicles.

"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," concluded Mr Lo.

Related articles:
- Saab 9-4X Concept (2008)
- Saab 9-3 BioPower (2007)
- Saab 9-3 Aero (Road Test)
- Saab 9-5 BioPower (2008)
- Saab 9-3 (2008)
- Saab 9-3 SportCombi (2008)
- Saab 9-5 Linear (Road Test)
- Saab 9-5 (2006)