11/20/10

Detroit 2008: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

Cars Mania Blog
Auto Car | Detroit 2008: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept | You say you want an SUV that not only looks good but has loads of power and is environmentally conscious? Not possible, you say? Ah. Ah. Coming from the land of ice and snow, from the midnight sun where the hot springs blow is Saab’s 2008 9-4X BioPower Concept. Like the hammer of the gods, it’ll drive outdoor enthusiasts to new lands, to fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming! Uh…well, maybe not. Still, you have to admire Sweden-based Saab; their bioethanol- (E85) powered, four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine sweeps forward with threshing oar—actually, 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

Moreover, the design of the 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. Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, already available in the 9-3 range.

The 9-4X Concept boasts a 300-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that burns E85 ethanol. Interestingly, the flex-fuel engine generates less power when running on gasoline, an indication that Saab is taking advantage of the cooler burning characteristics of ethanol to increase the boost. Saab says the engine is “right sized” for the vehicle, delivering plenty of power but with reduced emissions thanks to the alcohol fuel. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system.

The 9-4X interior is inspired by the Aero-X, with a clear zone that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. Saab’s green lighting illuminates the instruments, while the steering wheel boasts aircraft-shaped trim, a nod to the company’s “born from jets” history. The interior is designed with just four seats, with a storage system fro skis and ski equipment inside the car. Boots have a special heated compartment under the floor, and the rear cargo deck features a sliding door with a fold-out ski holder big enough for three pairs of skis and poles.

Source : www.dubdaily.com

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