REPORT: Saab developing hybrid powertrain for upcoming 9-5
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Sep 11th 2009 at 8:29AM 
2010 Saab 9-5 sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've already heard about the five engine options slated for the Saab 9-5 upon its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Apparently, there's plenty more on the horizon in the coming years, including Saab's first production hybrid powertrain. According to Autocar, the hybrid system will match diesel fuel economy numbers while providing lower emissions and competitive performance.
It seems Saab will pair an electric motor with excellent torque characteristics right from idle with a highly-tuned 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 120 horsepower. That gasoline-fed powerplant should be able to manage good power at higher engine speeds, making for adequate overall acceleration across the rev range.
If there's any truth to this rumor, Saab is planning to use a relatively small battery pack that's not expected to power the car for long periods of time. Pricing information isn't yet known, but the Swedish automaker is said to want to undercut upcoming hybrids from its German competition.
Gallery: Saab 9-5 Sedan
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dsuupr 8:42AM (9/11/2009)
Could this be the same system being used in the LaCrosse and next generation Malibu?
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Mike 8:47AM (9/11/2009)
OK guys let me have it if I'm totally off my nut, but I think this is a good looking car. Maybe it's the artsy B&W images and I know that the design comes out of a wind tunnel or fluid dynamics program. The fit and integration of grill, mirrors, and the wheels look nice to me.
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216 8:59AM (9/11/2009)
you know i was gonna come in here and say this thing was ugly...but after looking at the pics, its actually quite nice
GML 9:02AM (9/11/2009)
Agreed... It's different without being downright ugly. It's evolutionary vs. revolutionary overall but the devil is in the details, and there are plenty of revolutionary details.
Alex 9:14AM (9/11/2009)
I think your nut is in check. I love the new 9-5. Especially compared to the current 9-5. I see a lot of details that were originally from the Aero-X concept. Saab has never had a shortage of great design concepts, only a shortage of support from GM to execute.
MixiM 9:46AM (9/11/2009)
Yeah, the Honda crosstourer has completly redefined ugly =). Seriously though, in Aero trim this car is looking very nice, and still adopts the characteristic saab lines. Good Job!
Viktor 9:22AM (9/11/2009)
It looks better in bronze: http://www.saabsverige.com
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Warroad 9:32AM (9/11/2009)
The new 9-5 will look spectacular in black with the Aero X-style rims.. Wow!
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Quattrofan 10:58AM (9/11/2009)
Wow, what a stunner!
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jinsei888 12:10PM (9/11/2009)
goodbye saab, this will be one of your many boring ends. simply IMO
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J.Crew 6:45PM (9/11/2009)
I always had a softspot for SAAB as a neighbor of mine had one when I was growing up. It was different which made me interested in the car at the time. This will be great to see in person. Personally, the hybrid system sounds like an advanced version of the BAS, but with Li-ion batteries and upgraded everything to make it more efficient. Hopefully the results will be better than the gen 1 set.
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P.V. 11:27PM (9/11/2009)
I like the car a lot anyway, so I think this would be a great addition to the SAAB lineup.
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P.V. 11:28PM (9/11/2009)
Another great addition to the Autoblog lineup is a FIX to the commenting system...!
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Rar 12:12AM (9/12/2009)
Is this new saab?
front looks like a 2004-2007 Hyundai sonata.
and They already chinese car. it bought by china maker.
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