At the
Geneva Motor Show in March, Saab unveiled the superb 9-X BioHybrid concept, a study into how a Saab coupé of the future could look. Supporting theories of that car's styling influencing the next generation of new Saabs is a further iteration of the design, called the 9-X Air, which will make its debut at the
Paris Motor Show next month.
Featuring the same distinctively Saab looks, the new concept takes the form of a four-seat roadster, though the roof is of an unconventional shape. Saab hopes to patent the 'Canopy Top', which is completely flat and stores away in the boot at the touch of a button, as does the rear window.
At the front of the car sits a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine that can run on either E85 bio-ethanol, petrol or any combination of the two. Maximum power of nearly 200bhp is achieved by using E85 fuel and though fuel consumption is higher (bio-ethanol contains less energy per unit than petrol), the all-important CO
2 emissions are less. Furthering the 9-X's range is the fitment of a mild hybrid system that provides extra boost when required, recovers brake energy and works as a start-stop system for the engine.
We can only hope that GM allows Saab to create a production car as good looking as the 9-X concept.
Shane O' Donoghue - 19 Sep 2008