click above for more high-res images of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
The doors have been unofficially thrown wide open on the Saab 9-4x BioPower concept after a Dutch media outlet spilled the beans earlier today. The 9-4x is badged as a concept, but the reality is that we will see new CUV probably sometime in 2009. The 9-4x and a new Cadillac that will likely look almost exactly like the Provoq Concept and
During the preview of the 9-4x, it was stated that Saab has tremendous support from the corporate overlords to be stewards of a niche brand. Saab has avoided the quirky aspects of its heritage while bringing forward elements like the shape of the forward sloping D-pillar, which reflects the contours of the classic Saabs like the 99 and 900. Similarly, the blacked out A-pillars recall the wrap-around windscreens of those classic Swedes and the Aero X concept. They've focused on the clean, crisp aspects of Scandinavian design while eliminating any fru-fru like cladding or imitation fender vents. When GM Design VP Brian Nesbitt talked about the 9-4x, he spoke of the design language being the look of Saab going forward. Read on after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]
click any image to enlarge
One of the most important elements that Nesbitt highlighted was the face. Most of the great brands have a distinctive face that immediately identifies them as what they are. Think Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Rolls-Royce. Saab wants to do the same with the three-port grille as seen previously on the new 9-3 and Aero X concept. The ducts below the front bumper reflect some of Saab's aviation heritage invoking images of the air intakes on fighter jets.
On the inside, Saab has kept the usual cockpit design going with all the gauges and controls tilted toward the driver. While the flush mounted controls on the center stack look cool, clean and uncluttered, it looks like it has the potential to be really difficult to use while driving.
Mechanically the new cross-over retains the Haldex designed Cross-Wheel-Drive setup that's available on the 9-3. It's a torque vectoring system that works in conjunction with the stability control to send drive torque to wheels that have traction, but also biases the distribution to help the vehicle follow the course requested by the driver. The drive torque is provided by the latest version of Saab's BioPower engine.
Saab has been a major proponent of ethanol, particularly in its home base of Sweden where two thirds of all sales are now flex-fuel engines. It makes sense for Saab to promote ethanol since it can help enhance the performance of its predominantly turbocharged engines. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in this new CUV is optimized for use with E85 and gets 300 hp from it's 2.0L displacement along with 295 lb-ft of torque from 2,600-5,100 rpm. Truly impressive numbers for such a small motor. The aluminum block engine also has direct injection and variable valve timing, all helping it get the most out of every drop of alcohol.
PRESS RELEASE:
INNOVATIVE 9-4X BIOPOWER CROSSOVER CONCEPT
SIGNALS SAAB PRODUCT EXPANSION
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.
Saab 9-4X Concept: Technical Specifications
BioPower engine
1998 cc; four cylinders; 86.0 / 86.0 mm bore / stroke; aluminum cylinder head and block; DOHC, chain-driven. four valves per cylinder; twin counter-rotating balancer shafts; forged steel crankshaft; steel connecting rods; aluminum pistons; oil spray cooled; direct injection; VVT; inlet and exhaust sodium-filled exhaust valves; Saab engine management system; twin-scroll turbocharger; intercooled
BioPower engine data
* Max. boost pressure at maximum torque: 1.2 bar
* Compression ratio: 10.5: 1
* Max power (E85): 300 hp (221kW) @ 5400 rpm.
* Max. torque (E85): 400Nm (295 lb.-ft) @ 2600-5100 rpm
* Max power (gasoline): 245 hp (180 kW) @ 5300 rpm
* Max. torque (gasoline): 353 Nm (261 lb.-ft.) @ 2500- 5250 rpm
* Fuel consumption (combined): 10.5L /100km (22.4 mpg) on gasoline
Transmission
* Saab XWD ("cross wheel drive") all-wheel-drive system, electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
* Six-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel controls
Suspension
* Front: MacPherson struts, aluminum control arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar
* Rear: Multi-link, aluminum H-arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar
Steering
* Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance
Wheels, tires
* 21inch, 245/55R21
Brakes
* Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster
* Discs front / rear: 378 mm / 378 mm (all ventilated)
Performance data (preliminary)
* 0 - 100 kph: 8.0 sec
* 0 – 60 mph: 7.9 sec
* Top speed: 235 kph ( 146 mph)
* O 2 51 g / km (gasoline)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Norcal @ Jan 8th 2008 1:36PM
The overall shape of the interior -the flush-mounted controls especially, reminds me a lot of the xc60 concept.
Harajoshi @ Jan 8th 2008 1:48PM
The headlamps are stolen from the veedub Phaeton, and inside those headlamps you can see the shape of the headlamps from the tiguan. BOOOH!
psarhjinian @ Jan 8th 2008 2:28PM
Everybody steals from everybody else. Get over it.
The reason cars look like other cars is that:
* People have common preferences, especially in a common time period. This is called "fashion": it's why every pant maker in the 70s made bellbottoms, and why many cars made today have multi-lens headlight clusters.
* Break out too much and you get slapped with the ugly label. Remember the homebrew aero Civic from a few days ago? Or the Aztek? Or, heck, the original Saab 99?
I have to say I'm getting really tired of the "xxxx looks like they ripped yyyy from zzzz!" posts. Yes, some cars look like other cars. When there are functional requirements of a design there's really very little you can do to differentiate the end-product and, at some point, you're going to end up resembling something else. Anything that's truly unique usually has functional reasons for being so (like a supercar or uiltramini) or is a blue-sky concept that will never see production.
Harajoshi @ Jan 8th 2008 2:58PM
dude, they copied it, this is not fashion, its buisness, companies pay for design a lot of money, so when GM steals the design they should pay for it or it is a crime.
Ligor @ Jan 8th 2008 2:59PM
yeah, why don't you just look at he 2008 Sabb 9-3, these headlights and grill are on that car
Guenther @ Jan 8th 2008 4:43PM
Dude- look at a Phaeton- the lamps have a nearly horizontal lower edge, in stark contrast to the sloped edge seen here. The Phaeton's are also much wider-typical 3-projector layout.
Austin @ Jan 8th 2008 1:50PM
dont like how the dash swings over to the center consule, its to 90's for me
psarhjinian @ Jan 8th 2008 2:42PM
That's a Saab thing--they all do that.
Eleventeen @ Jan 8th 2008 1:53PM
How come Saab's (and Caddy's) treatment of the Theta platform looks ten times better than the Vue?
psarhjinian @ Jan 8th 2008 2:20PM
Needs:
* A slightly less racy windshield angle
* A little more bulk off of the rear and (especially) the front.
Otherwise this is nicely done. I especially like the front grille's airplane look, especially in light of the travesty of the first B9 Tribeca's attempt at the same.
I can't say I think it's a good thing if Cadillac is going to sell essentially the same vehicle. I think the luxury truck (Escalade) should be the domain of Cadillac (and possibly Buick) and crossover of Saab and Saturn. If they must sell it under both brands, at least drop the Saab's ride height an inch or more.
In2uition @ Jan 8th 2008 2:23PM
That looks sharp, I hope this improves sales for Saab. I also wish the design of their was more aggressive (yet sharp).
dantzig @ Jan 8th 2008 2:52PM
mostly love it, but from head on, it looks like a next gen nissan frontier/titan/pathfinder. should've just copied and pasted the new 9-3 face (it's similar, but all the differences are bad ones).
tbyron @ Jan 8th 2008 3:25PM
Am glad to see that finally we're maybe going to get an engine that leverages its turbo to optimize the additional power available from E85 fuel. They've had these in Europe, at smaller output levels for a a couple of years.
Its smart. I would drive a bit out of my way to fill up with a fuel that gave me an extra 40hp.
Throwback @ Jan 8th 2008 3:26PM
This and the Caddy version both look good. Pricing will be interesting, but I don't think most people will cross shop them. The Caddy is more in your face this is much lower key. I think the interior is very well done. GM has done a 180 on their interiors, every car in the last year has an exceptionally well done interior. What a turn around! Hopefully this will translate into more sales. A profitable GM, not matter their size, is good for consumers and our economy. Kudos to Ed Welburn, another good design from his team.
Mi key @ Jan 8th 2008 3:38PM
It looks nice, I just hope it gets better fuel economy than other GM Triplets.
adam @ Jan 8th 2008 3:49PM
Let's hope they finally get this right for Saab. While I love Saab's exterior and interior design themes, the underpinnings have always been subpar compared to their European brethren. They have great powertrains, but their chassis can never quite back them up.
The 9-3 should really be on a RWD platform or only be offered in AWD in my opinion. Who knows, maybe Saab will get a version of the new Alpha platform? A 9-5 based on Zeta platform would be awesome...
Hopefully this marks a much needed full-line revision for Saab.
Chopper Dave @ Jan 8th 2008 4:47PM
Make a RWD Saab, and you might as well make the Griffin a Screaming Chicken.
psarhjinian @ Jan 8th 2008 5:33PM
Sorry, but no. Saab should stay front-drive, with AWD as an option. Most of it's European rivals (excluding BMW and MB) are front-drivers, and there's very good reasons (packaging efficiency and weight being two; poor weather traction being a lesser one) to use front-drive.
I happen to like the massive trunk space and lack of a fat transmission tunnel that you get in a front-drive car. I also like the lack of weight and driveline loss. GM has Cadillac for fighting BMW, MB, Lexus and Infiniti; Saab's better equipped to go up against VW/Audi, Volvo, Acura and perhaps Mazda.
I can see Saab and Saturn being a two-pronged answer to Audi and VW, or Acura and Honda. They need to make a better TSX or RDX than Honda could, not a better 3 Series or G35, which is more Cadillac's job.
viggo @ Jan 8th 2008 4:01PM
looks like a lexus RX from the side.
sophie @ Jan 8th 2008 4:44PM
you must mean from the rear quarter angle ...
from the SIDE, it's not at all RX. it is, however, very LRX (the land rover concept).