Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

[B] INNOVATIVE 9-4X BIOPOWER CROSSOVER CONCEPT
SIGNALS SAAB PRODUCT EXPANSION[/B]

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.

[B]SAAB CROSSOVER TO LEAD NEW-PRODUCT OFFENSIVE[/B]

DETROIT – Saab’s entry into the growing crossover segment is a vital next step in an accelerating new-product offensive that will see the Swedish premium brand represented in all major segments of the market, said Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director.

Speaking at the launch of the innovative Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept at the North American International Auto Show, Jonsson said: “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.

“These are exciting times at Saab. We are a brand on the move, with a clear product growth strategy that will take global sales volumes to a new level.”

Jonsson said that during the past five years alone, Saab has launched four new models and shown four concept cars, including the award-winning Aero X as a signpost for future Saab design. It has also introduced industry-leading BioPower flex-fuel engines with E85 and advanced all-wheel-drive technology (Saab XWD).

“While we have come a long way in five years, I can say that the next five years will see the rate of new-product development accelerate,” he added. “Our target is to have the Saab brand represented in all major segments of the market.

“For example, the global crossover segment has trebled in size in the past seven years, but we have not been able to offer customers a Saab alternative. That will now change, and the same will apply to other growing segments where we see potential for our brand.”

Jonsson said that each new Saab product, such as its upcoming crossover vehicle, will draw inspiration from the brand’s strong Scandinavian roots in the areas of progressive design, driver focus and responsible performance with concern for the environment.

“Our brand values have never been more relevant than they are today,” he said. “Customers increasingly want premium vehicles that meet their particular lifestyle needs, and that are sporty and environmentally responsible. It is our intention to offer them Saab products as a fresh and distinctive alternative choice.”

[B] SAAB 9-4X: RIGHTSIZING AND BIOETHANOL
FOR RESPONSIBLE PERFORMANCE[/B]

DETROIT – The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept demonstrates the potential of “rightsizing” – achieving sufficient levels of performance with a smaller, more efficient engine – by showcasing a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel. The BioPower engine delivers 300 horsepower (221 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of torque.

With 30 years of experience in turbo technology, Saab leads the automotive industry in leveraging the performance and environmental benefits of bioethanol fuel. Its current BioPower models are the top-selling flex-fuel vehicles in Europe and the only products in this emerging segment to offer more power from E85 fuel, in conjunction with substantially reduced CO 2 emissions on a source-to-wheel basis, compared to gasoline-only operation.

With the announcement of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, Saab takes a next step in the development of responsible performance by partnering BioPower technology with all-wheel drive (Saab XWD) for the first time in the crossover segment.

The lightweight, all-aluminum, four-cylinder engine is optimized for E85 fuel (85 percent bioethanol and15 percent gasoline) to give an exceptionally high specific power output of 150 horsepower per liter cylinder volume, together with an equally impressive 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of torque, versus 245 horsepower (180 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) on gasoline).

E85 has a higher octane rating (104 RON) than gasoline, making it more resistant to harmful pre-detonation, or “knocking,” when the fuel/air mixture is compressed in the cylinder. To fully exploit this advantage, the engine has a raised compression ratio, 10.5:1, instead of 9.2:1 for a gasoline-only application. It retains its flex-fuel capability because the Saab engine management system adjusts the ignition timing and turbo boost pressure to ensure there is no pre-detonation with gasoline.

Engine efficiency is also improved by the use of direct injection (DI) and continuously variable valve timing (VVT) on both the inlet and exhaust sides. DI delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber, providing a more complete burn of the fuel/air mixture to give more power with reduced fuel consumption.

VVT enhances turbo response at low engine speeds, as well as contributing to an even wider spread of torque. On E85 fuel, that impressive 295 lb.-ft. ( 400 Nm) of torque is generated all the way from 2,600 to 5,100 rpm, with 85 percent available from just 2,000 rpm. While these figures may be matched by a much larger, naturally aspirated engine, the characteristic “tidal wave” of low-end torque is unique to the turbocharged power delivery.

The cutting-edge Saab XWD all-wheel-drive system, recently launched in the 9-3, is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. It features active management that not only splits torque delivery between the axles, but also between the rear wheels via an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). This can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the rear drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. Such active drive torque management improves both cornering and stability by making the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

This responsive system allows a higher level of driver involvement through positive force chassis control before any electronic stability aids are deployed.

Driving enjoyment can be further enhanced by the selection of “Sport” or “Comfort” modes as an alternative to the vehicle’s standard chassis settings. Sport mode stiffens the action of the dampers for greater body and wheel control; sets the gearshift points of the automatic transmission at higher engine speeds for sportier driving; sends more torque to the rear axle for greater agility; increases the sensitivity of the electronic throttle; and reduces the power assistance for greater steering feel at speed.
Responsible performance also means including important safety features. In addition to a full arsenal of electronic stability and braking systems, the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept features rollover sensing for deployment of the side curtain air bags. The front seats are also fitted with new, Generation III Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), including a revised head restraint movement to help reduce the risk of severe neck injury to front-seat passengers.

[B] SAAB AND SALOMON: PARTNERS IN AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
FOR ACTIVE LIVING[/B]

DETROIT – The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept extends a long-standing partnership between Saab and Salomon. Both brands share a passion for progressive design and technical innovation, so it was a natural next step to take the relationship into the field of automotive design.

Leading Saab Salomon Big Mountain skiers Kaj Zachrisson, from Sweden; and Frenchman Enak Gavaggio, met with the designers to share their activities and what practical features they would most like to see in a car.

“It was fascinating talking to Kaj and Enak,” said Andrew Dyson, a senior member of the advanced design team. “They spend a lot of time outdoors in all sorts of conditions. Their cars and how they carry their equipment are an essential part of what they do. They came up with plenty of ideas and suggestions for us to work with.

“They made it very clear that carrying valuable skis in a roof box is far from ideal. They were concerned about security and did not want to have to keep taking a box on and off the car. When the snow conditions are right, they need to move quickly and do not want to lose time kitting the car out.”

Dyson’s team devised a neat, easy-to-use means of stowing up to three pairs of skis and poles inside the car. For easy loading, the 9-4X BioPower Concept has a sliding rear floor, from which a sturdy, U-shaped aluminum frame can be folded out. Each leg of the frame carries a pair of clips, through which the skis and poles slot. They thread through the cabin, between the two rear seats, holding the skis firmly in place while also allowing passengers to sit in the rear.

Talking to the skiers, Dyson and the team realized that safe stowage for helmets would be another useful feature, so two expanding pouches, each designed to carry up to two helmets, are fixed on either side of the load area. A separate compartment under the sliding floor, large enough to accommodate up to three pairs of ski boots, was another feature the skiers appreciated. The compartment, with a shelf for smaller items, is heated via the car’s air conditioning system, which helps the kit to dry out and prevents wet boots from becoming hard and stiff.

After a challenging day off-piste, a skier’s kit can become wet and grimy, so the entire rear cargo area, including the underfloor compartment and folding seatbacks, is covered in a waterproof, rubber “skin.” A vent in the bottom of the underfloor compartment allows water the drain away, and the rubber skin is easy to keep clean.

“It was a great opportunity to talk with Saab about designing such practical features,” said Kaj Zachrisson. “A car like this would be an active partner, just like the rest of my equipment, in helping me enjoy what I love to do.”

“Our cooperation with the skiers is a good example of how we can develop smart features to meet specific customer needs,” added Dyson. “It would be possible to have different design elements in a car to support a whole range of outdoor sports and activities.”

The Saab/Salmon partnership in mountain sports includes joint sponsorship of teams and events in multisport, mountain biking and Big Mountain skiing. “Both brands share common values and customers who have an independent mindset,” said Knut Simonsson, Saab’s Executive Director, Global Brand and Sales Operations.

“We’re passionate about the idea of progressive product design for improved performance that’s one with nature. It was a logical for us to work together on this concept, showing how the car can become part of the adventure.”

Something about the front of this car is not quite right. the main grille i think it too square.

Other than that, dynamic, cool and with the wraparound glass design. much win.