Mar 19, 2008

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Comes to America

Saab says the 9-X BioHybrid, which is scheduled to make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show this week, is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful (at least in spirit) customers who seek leading-edge design, “responsible” performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

While the concept’s exterior design captures your attention, it is really what is under the skin that is the big news. The 9-X BioHybrid offers ultra-efficient power from a 1.4-liter, 200-horsepower BioPower turbo engine, which is hooked up to General Motor’s next-generation hybrid system. Just how ultra-efficient the powertrain is, Saab was not yet willing to say, but it did note that combined-cycle carbon dioxide emissions are projected to be just 105 grams/kilometer for those of you who might want to watch your “greenhouse gas” output these days.

Reflecting Saab’s roots in aircraft manufacture, the 9-X BioHybrid explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag and, potentially, fuel consumption at cruising speeds. Above 43 mph (that’s 70 kilometers/hour in dog years), the upper and lower bodywork reshapes itself as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roofline and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.