HybridSaab9x

Mark Adams, Vice President, Design, General Motors Europe
talks to Greg Strange about the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept
revealed today at the Geneva Motor Show

An expressive vision of what a future compact car from Saab
could look like, the 9-X BioHybrid majors on progressive design,
efficient performance and 'high-tech' features that appeal to
typically youthful buyers. It is equipped with the next-generation
GM Hybrid system, which 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.

The new 9-X is a premium compact intended to compete against cars like the MINI. When this car does go on sale in the next couple of years the name
will probably change to 9-1 in keeping with brands nomenclature where X typically describes an all wheel drive model and the second digit indicates the
place in the size pecking order. As the concept's BioHybrid name implies, the little Saab carries forward the ethanol flex-fuel capability of most recent
vehicles from the Swedish brand and adds hybrid functionality as well. The engine in the 9-X is a 1.4L turbo four cylinder that puts out 200hp. In a first for
Saab, the engine is paired up with the next-generation GM Hybrid system which we'll have more about tomorrow. Efficiency is further enhanced by solar
power and active aerodynamics. A photovoltaic panel embedded in the roof provides extra charging capability for the hybrid battery. Aerodynamics on
small cars is always tricky as the airflow falls off the trailing edge of the roof. The 9-X tries to address this with active aerodynamics. A spoiler that wraps
over the rearmost pillar and roof extends backwards when speeds get over 70km/h. The effect is further enhanced by a diffuser that comes out below the
rear bumper. The two components increase the effective length of the car and help improve the airflow off the rear. The 9-X can accelerate from 0-100kph
in 7.9 sec on E85 and 8.3 sec on gasoline. Carbon dioxide emissions come in at a low 105g/km on ethanol and 117g/km on gasoline. Fuel efficiency is
36.8mpg (US) on biofuels while each gallon of gasoline will take the 9-X 48 miles. [autobloggreen.com]

GM unveiled its Saab 9-X BioHybrid during the Geneva Motor
Show 2008. The vehicle is equipped with a 200hp (147 kW),
1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine that can run on bioethanol E85
fuel. With a solar cell panel on its roof, the 3-door car 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.