Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of Saab 9-4X spy shots

What we have here are the first spy shots showing a production prototype of the upcoming Saab 9-4X crossover. This CUV was first revealed as the 9-4X BioPower Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and as you can see from the spy shots in our gallery, the production version will be very similar to what we saw on stage in January. The Swedish designers even retained the sloping roof that begins its descent all the way up front at the a-pillars.

The 9-4X is based on a heavily modified version of GM's Theta platform that also incorporates elements of the company's Epsilon 2 platform, effectively making it a unique chassis on which only this CUV and the upcoming Cadillac Provoq CUV will be based. We know the 9-4X will be offered with Saab's new XWD all-wheel-drive system, and engine choices should be similar to the rest of Saab's range and include turbocharged four- and six-cylinder motors. (Yes, the 9-7X SUV is offered with a naturally aspirated six- and eight-cylinder engine, but that doesn't count.) Since the 9-4X will also be sold globally, we're hoping the U.S. market gets a diesel version, as well. Brenda Priddy hints that a 250-horsepower diesel is in the works. Okay, Saab. Now you've got our attention.


[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]

As part of the press conference that also introduced the Hummer HX concept and the GM-Coskata partnership this morning, GM/Saab finally revealed the Saab 9-4X BioPower concept. The CUV drove onto the stage under a shake of fake snow and out popped two dolled up ski bunnies (well, one bunny and a hare, as it were).

We already know pretty much everything there is to know about this car, but it's worth repeating that this concept gets 245 hp and 353 Nm of torque (at 2500-5250 rpm) on gasoline versus 300 horses and 400 Nm (at 2600-5100 rpm) on delicious ethanol. Put gasoline in the tank and you can go 22.4 miles to the gallon (ethanol mpg was not disclosed, but it'll be less). A CUV very much like the 9-4X Concept, Saab's first, will likely be coming in 2009, so get ready to stick your skis into your biofuel car and hit the slopes. Video of the 9-4X unveiling is available after the jump.

Read more at AutoblogGreen.

click above for more images of the Saab 9-4X Concept

You're not supposed to see this vehicle yet, at least not until closer to the start of the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this Sunday. It's the Saab BioPower 9-4X, and a Dutch outlet has seen fit to release these lowish-res images of the CUV a bit early. We think it's a CUV because the popularity of the SUV is waning (Ford's switching the Explorer from its body-on-frame SUV roots to a CUV compliant unibody, for Pete's sake), and Saab's done the whole SUV thing already with its rebadged (although nicely) version of the Chevy Trailblazer called the 9-7X. Regardless, the 9-4X is destined for production probably later this year. The Concept is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder enginer, typical Saab fare, that produces 245 HP/260 ft. lb. of torque on gas and 300 HP/295 ft. lb. of torque on ethanol. There's also an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can split power between the front and rear axles, as well as between each side of the rear axle depending on which needs it most. Stay tuned this Sunday when the Detroit Auto Show officially begins for us and we'll find out more.

[Source: World Car Fans, Trollhattan Saab]