Saab 9-4X Crossover Runs on Alcohol and Gas
By Todd Kaho
Few cars stop you in your tracks like the E100 fueled Saab Aero X concept we featured nearly two years ago. Aero X made a bold design statement that is now filtering down through the Saab model line as new products roll out. Saab’s latest 9-4X BioPower concept – which is likely very close to their coming production crossover entry – also offers clear Aero X inspired cues.
“This concept is more than a statement of our intent to enter the crossover segment. It also represents our commitment to take the Saab brand to new customer groups, offering a premium alternative choice they have never had before,” shares Jan ?ke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s managing director. “While we have come a long way in the last five years, I can say that the next five years will see the rate of new product development accelerate. Our target is to have the Saab brand represented in all major segments of the market.” He points out that the global crossover segment has tripled in size over the last seven years, but buyers have not been given a Saab alternative. “That will now change and the same will apply to other growing segments where we see potential for our brand,” says Jonsson.
As the name implies, the 9-4X BioPower’s green credentials come from its ability to be optimized to run on E85 ethanol. But that’s not all: This crossover will also employ engine downsizing to deliver above average fuel economy and lower emissions. Saab prefers the term “rightsizing” when discussing the higher power, smaller displacement technique. While most crossover vehicles this size require V-6 engines to deliver respectable performance, the 9-4X BioPower is propelled by a mere 2.0-liter four cylinder powerplant.
With the higher octane performance of E85 along with direct injection, variable valve timing, and an intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger, Saab’s 2.0-liter four will put most V-6 engines to shame in the performance department. Maximum power on E85 is an impressive 300 horsepower at 5,400 rpm with 295 lbs-ft of torque between 2,600 and 5,400 rpm. That translates to 150 horsepower per liter of displacement. Running straight pump gasoline, those numbers drop to 245 horsepower and 260 lbs-ft of torque. Flex-fuel capability is made possible by seamless adjustments in the 9-4X BioPower’s engine management system that varies ignition timing and turbo boost pressure, which prevent ignition predetonation when running gasoline.
The 9-4X BioPower transfers power to all four wheels through a six speed automatic transmission and Saab’s XWD cross wheel drive system. This system feeds power to the wheel with the best traction – both side-to-side and front-to-back – for superior road holding and traction on wet or wintry roads. Fueled with E85, Saab lists a 7.9 second 0-60 time and top speed of 146 mph. The tradeoff when running higher octane E85 ethanol is a 20 to 30 percent reduction in fuel economy. When mileage is critical, the 9-4X BioPower is said to achieve 22.4 mpg on gasoline.
A crossover vehicle bridges the gap between truck based SUVs and traditional passenger cars. The 9-4X BioPower aims at this sweet spot in the market in a straightforward manner that places an emphasis on utility and performance. The 9-4X BioPower concept was developed by a team led by Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design and Engineers from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.
For this concept, Saab designers partnered with long time associate Salomon to bring an active living/outdoor theme to the 9-4X BioPower. The rear of the vehicle is fitted with a sliding rear floor that carries a U-shaped framework, offering mounts for skis and poles. When this structure slides back into the rear cargo hold, skis slip cleanly between the rear seats without intruding on passenger space. Under the sliding floor is a ventilated boot compartment for stowing bulky ski boots and keeping them warm and dry.
Saab’s “born from jets” theme is evident throughout the cockpit of the 9-4X BioPower concept. This is very much a driver oriented environment, with no-nonsense controls that yield the look and feel of a jet fighter cockpit. Just for fun when climbing those mountain passes to the slopes, Saab included an altimeter speed read-out scale with a fighter style information display.
The overall exterior shape is similar to other crossover entries but with distinctive Saab styling touches. Scandinavian design extols simplicity of form, which the 9-4X BioPower carries well. It is very clean, and from every angle offers a classic Saab look. Up front is found a variation on the classic Saab three hole grille treatment, an element that blends with performance headlamps inspired by those found on the Aero X concept. One of the most obvious design elements inherited from Aero X is the use of 21-inch alloy wheels that resemble the vanes of a jet engine turbine.
With a “right-sized” engine delivering clean, renewable alternative fuel power, cross wheel drive traction, and a very utilitarian interior designed for outdoor adventures, the Saab 9-4X BioPower concept is another head turner from Saab. We can’t wait to see the production version.
Want to know more about ethanol fueled cars? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
Saab Aero X E100 Bioethanol-Powered Supercar
Ethanol and Biodiesel in the United States
The Top New Flex-Fueled Autos of 2008
Green Cars on Yahoo! Autos
Ethanol technology on Yahoo! Autos
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