NAIAS 08: Saab 9-4X Biopower

[asrapid]

Official: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
www.gminsidenews.com

DETROIT – The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show, confirms Saab’s plans to enter the growing crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian design values and respect for the environment.


The concept’s progressive design features are combined with a responsible, fun-to-drive appeal based on BioPower engine technology and a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system.


“This concept is a clear statement of what our brand is about,” said Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile Managing Director. “It is also an important next step in our plans to enter new market segments with distinctive product offerings.”


The design of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept reflects a Scandinavian principle of simplicity of form, with clean and uncluttered lines, free of any cladding, moldings or roof bars, and defining “ice-block” surface and lighting themes. The progressive frontal styling and interior design elements also draw inspiration from Saab’s widely acclaimed Aero X concept. Innovative load-carrying solutions include a unique ski equipment stowage system, developed with mountain sports specialists Salomon. (Please see accompanying Salomon release.)


Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, t he four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab’s commitment to “rightsizing” – achieving sufficient levels of performance with a smaller, more efficient engine – by delivering 300 horsepower (221 kW) and strong torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm), together with substantially reduced CO 2 emissions on a source-to-wheel basis. (Please see accompanying Powertrain release). The key enabler for rightsizing is turbocharging technology, which Saab pioneered 30 years ago.


Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD (“cross-wheel-drive”) system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to a destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.


The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept was developed by a team headed by Anthony Lo, GM Europe’s Director of Advanced Design, in cooperation with designers and engineers from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. “We focused on incorporating design themes from the Aero X in a crossover execution, adding functional, lifestyle features to support the activities of customers using this type of vehicle,” Lo said.


The driver-focused cockpit in the sporty, four-seater cabin features an Aero X-inspired “clear zone,” with a flush-mounted starter button and infotainment controls, that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. Signature green lighting is used for all instrument illumination, while other subtle references to Saab’s aviation heritage include the “altimeter” speed read-out scale and aircraft-shaped trim on the steering wheel. The panoramic glass roof is in harmony with a car designed to deliver the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.


Saab designers worked with top Saab Salomon Big Mountain skiers to devise an innovative storage system for stowing skis and equipment inside the car. The rear cargo deck features a sliding floor with a fold-out aluminum ski holder, through which up to three pairs of skis and poles can be slotted. Boots are stowed in an underfloor, heated compartment and, for maximum practicality, the entire rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof and scratch-resistant rubber skin.


The compact, all-aluminum, four-cylinder BioPower engine combines the benefits of turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing for the first time with high-octane E85 fuel (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). It’s a green, rightsizing formula that gives strong power (300 horsepower [221 kW] and 295 lb.-ft. [400 Nm] of torque without the additional weight, size, fuel consumption and higher emissions of a larger, naturally aspirated engine offering similar performance.


Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, already available in the 9-3 range. Active management splits torque delivery between both the axles and the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). This responsive system rewards the driver by giving an enhanced, “positive force” chassis balance. Overall, the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept is a vivid demonstration of Saab’s commitment to customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience that is in harmony with nature.

High-Resolution 9-4x Images

[Andonis]

well....some aero x cues here, some 9 7x there...not bad. But i guess they could've done better. Definately a SAAB
Maybe its just me, but i wished a little more avantgarde style. The overall design language is contemporary...probably this is the right word.

[civilzues]

looks better than the Caddy Vue rebadge we just saw.

[dratnol]

I like the view from the front, but not really digging the rear. Nice to see that the Saab does not have the fender vents, something that is getting a little over done in my opinion.

So this is running the turbo/DI 2.0l I4. 295 ft lbs on E85 is nice, looks like there has been a fair amount of tuning between regular gasoline and E85.

[Lichtronamo]

The Cadillac and Saab look too much a like, especially in the greenhouse. If GM is intent on pushing Cadillac into segments below the CTS, why does Saab continue to exist?

[CamaroCrazy]

Oooo I like that. Saab is definitely growing on me. I love the new 9-3 (loved the 07 with the 2.8L V6 turbo) and I would buy a 9-7x if I needed that much vehicle.

This I would definitely buy. My Dutch(?) isn't that good, but it looks like the 9-4x has the 2.0L turbo? When is the 9-4x scheduled to start production?

[osv_alero]

I hope they stick with the high output 4-cyl when they bring the car to market.

[mbukukanyau]

Originally Posted by Lichtronamo

The Cadillac and Saab look too much a like, especially in the greenhouse. If GM is intent on pushing Cadillac into segments below the CTS, why does Saab continue to exist?

This Saab does not look anything like the cadillac, inside out...

[Ambalanche]

Originally Posted by civilzues

looks better than the Caddy Vue rebadge we just saw.

I disagree, I like the Caddy better. This is actually kind of bland, or maybe soft is a better word. I like it, but I guess I'm expecting more avantgaurd from Saab. This definately looks production-ready though.

[megeebee]

Originally Posted by civilzues

looks better than the Caddy Vue rebadge we just saw.

So you prefer this SAAB Vue rebadge?

[OrlandoGuy80]

Originally Posted by dratnol

I like the view from the front, but not really digging the rear. Nice to see that the Saab does not have the fender vents, something that is getting a little over done in my opinion.

I absolutely agree on the fender vents. The ones on the Provoq concept look like they were ripped right off a Ford Focus. If GM is absolutely intent on keeping them on a production vehicle, I hope they make them a bit more CTS-like.

As for the rear of the 9-4x concept, I don't dislike it; it seems to be a nice evolution of current Saab rear ends. It is slightly similar to the butt on the new Subaru Impreza, though, mostly in the taillights.

[91 s-10baja]

I don't like the overhand from the profile, and I also dislike how the grille raises ever so slightly in the center. Both VERY little details, overall, not horrible

[CADILLACSIXTEEN]

Originally Posted by Lichtronamo

The Cadillac and Saab look too much a like, especially in the greenhouse. If GM is intent on pushing Cadillac into segments below the CTS, why does Saab continue to exist?

I dont agree.... I do not think the BRX looks much like the 9-4 at all...

I mean, I think the BRX looks more like the Acura RDX than any other GM crossover....

How differentiated can you really get with crossovers.... I think the 9-4 AND the BRX look good

[zete]

To my eyes, totally different.

I prefer the Cadillac. But then, I've never liked Saabs.

And, honestly, the Provoq is not a rebadge. Side-by-side the Vue and Provoq look nothing alike. It's just a bias in folks who know it's on the Premium Theta platform that are seeing similarities when none exist.






The Saab looks squatter and shorter. The Caddy has a higher front fender and sharper lines. Both are different and do not look like they're on the same platform. However, any car in this class will look very similar. Just look at how close the BMW and Lexus look!




You can only do so much within the limitations the vehicle type allows.

[zete]

BTW, most of us here remember this as rebadging:




That's pretty blatant and not what GM is doing now. They're really trying to ensure each vehicle is sufficiently differentiated.