The new concept gives a view of the future of Saab on two fronts, both in design as well as in powertrain. Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman of Product Development, referred to this concept as “signaling the resurgence of Saab.”Derived from the Aero-X concept that was the hit of the Geneva show a few years ago, the 9-X utilizes all the expected styling cues now associated with Saab and is an example of how the automaker could enter the premium compact segment.
We spoke with Ed Welburn, vice president of Global Design for GM, and he expressed the importance of having the designs for Saab reflect its aircraft heritage. This was evident in the wrap-around windshield, the sloped roof line as well as the turbine-style 21-inch alloy wheels.
With six different Saab concepts shown during the past four years, we asked Welburn when we would start to see these styling exercises become production models. He reminded us of the several Cadillac concepts that were shown before the new designs went into production, and while he wouldn’t confirm, he implied that the production Saabs would be coming soon.
But the 9-X concept was more than just an indication of upcoming Saab design — under its bold exterior styling is an innovative 1.4-liter turbocharged flex-fuel engine that produces an impressive 200 horsepower using E85 — a fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
This is combined with GM’s next-generation hybrid system utilizing an electric motor powered by advanced li-ion batteries. A solar panel is built into the roof to help keep the batteries at full charge.
Fuel economy is estimated at 48 mpg using gasoline while with E85, CO2 emissions are reduced and fuel economy is still a respectable 37 mpg.To further increase the efficiency, designers added a retractable rear spoiler and lower diffuser which extend at speeds above 45 mph. These are designed to make the car more aerodynamic.
Also on display was the Saab 9-4X that debuted earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show.
Like the 9-X Concept, the 9-4X represents a move by Saab into a new segment with distinct Saab styling as well as an innovative BioPower powerplant.
