With GM
touting flex-fuel capable vehicles as being the true interim technology before hydrogen becomes a viable power source,
the 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept from Saab suddenly becomes very interesting. Joel and Stu both checked out the vehicle in
L.A. and sent us back a couple of pics.
The concept’s 2.3L turbo-four produces almost 20-percent more
power than its gasoline counterpart (310 hp vs. 260 hp and 325 lb-ft. or torque vs. 258 lb-ft.) and reaches 60 mph in
under 6 seconds, compared with 6.9 seconds for the gas engine. In addition to more power the vehicle also has
significantly reduced emissions of carbon dioxide.
Saab already offers the 9-5 2.0t BioPower in Sweden, and
the company’s USA arm plans to eventually debut BioPower models of the 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and
Convertible.