There’s a fair chance that this site might go off the air for a few hours on February 28.  If so, it’ll be back up on March 1st, EST in the US.  It’s just a bandwidth thing. That’s why I haven’t posted many Aero-X pictures since the release – big pics are bandwidth killers and I’ve only got about 2GB left to last the day.

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Most of you will probably have seen this by now.  It’s the Aero-X microsite.  There’s heaps of great info about there car there as well as a bunch of downloadables.  My broadband connection seems a little slow with it, so take your time.

Well worth the visit though.  Find it here: Saab Aero-X microsite. 

I’m still in love with those new lights.  Wow.  So cool.

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Autoblog are doing a test of the 2006 9-3 Aero Convertible.  It doesn’t exactly start in the classiest fashion, but that’s nothing to do with the car. 

The initial reports seem to be fairly favourable, though the comments less so.  Again, that’s only partly to do with the car (a lot of it concerns the rather substandard photography accompanying the story.)

I’ll be keeping an eye on it.

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Autoblog also have their coverage of the Aero-X up too.  Seems to be pretty garden variety though.  The comments on this story have started pretty well, with only 20% of them referring to getting in and out of the car in the rain (Ok, it’s one out of 5, but 20% makes it so much more substantial).

I like reading Autoblog comments as there’s so many meat-heads there that just reel off the same-old same-old.  It makes the gems really stand out. 

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It seems Jerry York’s not so keen on getting GM to sell off Saab after all.  You might remember that York, just prior to joining the GM board a few weeks ago, was saying that GM should focus on it’s core products, which in his mind meant that Saab and hummer would be ditched.

Bob Lutz, speaking at the Aero-X unveiling, indicated that Saab were pretty close to profitability and that Jerry’s come to see the error of his ways.  The Washington Post:

"Jerry made all those comments before he joined the board," he added. "He realizes that it was a suggestion he wouldn’t have made if he knew all the facts."

There’s no confirmation yet that knowing "all the facts" includes how much Bob can bench press when he’s angry. 

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I’m thinking about upgrading the Viggen.  BSR chip sounds nice.  Mmmmmm.  It’ll necessitate the Viggen Rescue Kit, but………Mmmmmmmm. 

Oh, and despite the "continue reading" bit directly below, there’s nothing there so please don’t click on it. 

[Read the rest of this entry →]

Now that some of the ice has melted, it’s interesting to see what the press and a lot of other pundits are writing about the Saab Aero-X concept: 

Edmunds: Saab Blows The Doors Off With Concept Debut in Geneva – "Saab’s "Born From Jets" marketing campaign appears to be more than just talk. Response to this concept will determine if we ever see any of this on the road."

Carpoint: Saab’s Geneva Stunner – "it was still the undoubted Swedish star of a show usually dominated by Italian or German concepts."

4Car: "One of the most-anticipated concept cars of the show, Saab’s Aero X isn’t, says the company, the precursor to a production model, but a pure for-show car, a brand-building exercise and an indication of a bolder future design direction."

Jalopnik: "Just got back from Saab’s unveiling of the Aero-X concept at the Chateau Parc des Eaux Vives near the Geneva waterfront. Swank digs for a truly hot piece of machinery. Must sleep now."

That Jalopnik piece is really well worth a look.  They were actually there at the unveiling and have some great photos.  For example, here’s some detail on the interior that we haven’t seen from Saab yet.  Go check out Jalopnik’s article by clicking here.

Whilst I’m thinking about the unveiling, here’s a few of my thoughts…..

I’m cognisant of the fact that a few of the bits of information I received about the car were wrong.  One can’t be perfect. 

First up, it seems like it was much more Anthony Lo’s baby rather than Brian Nesbitt’s.  I’m sure Brian oversaw the project, but getting Lo to speak at the gig seemed to be recognition for his hard work on the job.

Secondly, the car seems to be featuring the 2.8 litre engine rather than the 3.0 litre that was mentioned prior.

On the show itself:

• How about the opening dance act?  Mmmmm. 
• The car looks fantastic with the lights on.  Anyone who bags that headlight setup ought to have their heads read.  Bleedin magnificent. 
• And finally, scripted witty banter rarely works with actors, let alone car execs.

What a fantastic day for Saab.  A magnificent new concept.  Hope in the air.  Blah Blah Blah.

Please build it……..

The Aero-X has been unveiled in Geneva.  Some of you that relied on my advice as to timing may have missed the live feed.  I got up at 4.15 a.m and missed it myself.  Checking my inbox at 4.36 I found the following from GM Communications:

Steven,

Less than an hour before the scheduled start, I have now been informed that the Saab Aero X reveal event will begin "sometime between 11:05 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. EST."

The Video on demand link should be up and running soon. UPDATE: It is indeed up and running!!  Go check out the car for yourself – I dare say it’s about 10 times as impressive viewed live and in proportion.  Geez I hope they build something based on this.

About the live feed – My apologies folks, but it’s a classic case of GIGO – Garbage In Garbage Out.  Someone in Europe shifted the goalposts at the last minute.  At least you folks in Europe and the US didn’t have to get up at 4a.m to find out.

All your Aero-X information is below.  Pictures to follow soon.

Saab Aero X Concept Showcases Future Design Themes

•    Inspired by aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage
•    Previews more progressive design language
•    Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars
•    ’Green Power’ from 400 bhp BioPower engine using 100% bioethanol fuel

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab’s aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As you would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupé breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.

First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That’s because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The ‘green power’ of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase ‘performance with responsibility’.

Inside, the Saab Aero X’s cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic ‘clear zones’ in graphic 3-D images.
[Read the rest of this entry →]

 
Chassis:
Sports Coupé two-seater format, monocoque steel construction
Rear opening cockpit canopy, carbon fiber bodywork

Engine:
Front, longitudinally-mounted behind front axle
Saab BioPower 2.8-litre V6 turbo. 24-valve, four OHC.
All aluminium construction. E100 fuel. 12:1 compression ratio.
VVT, exhaust and inlet. SIDI (Spark Ignited Direct Injection).
Twin VGT (Variable Geometry Turbine) turbochargers. 1.0 bar max. boost
Dry sump lubrication.
Max. power: 400 bhp @ 5,000 rpm (EEC)
Max. torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 – 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Engine management:
32-bit, ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass measurement, throttle setting. Secondary air injection for quick catalysts warm up

Transmission:
Seven-speed, automated manual transmission with double clutch system.
Sequential gear changes via the steering wheel paddles.
All-wheel-drive through multi-plate clutch, variable front/rear torque split.

Suspension:
Front: Double wishbones, coil springs, elec.adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.
Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, elec. adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.
Saab Active Chassis: continuously adjustable damping control.

Steering:
Rack and pinion, hydraulic power-assisted.

Brakes:
380 mm ventilated discs front/rear
ABS, MBA, EBD, electronic stability control.

Wheels/Tires:
Front: 22 x 9.0 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 265/30 mm
Rear: 23 x 11.5 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 325/25 mm

Kerb weight:
1,500 kilos (projected). F/R distribution: 50/50 %

External dimensions:
Length:        4675 mm
Width:        1918 mm
Height:        1276 mm
Track:        1599 mm (f), 1579 mm (r)
Wheelbase:    2795 mm

Performance (projected):
0 – 100 kph:    4.9 secs
Top Speed:      250 kph (limited)

Brand Building Role

The Saab Aero X is a radical demonstration of the power of the Saab brand to inspire design themes and features that could appear in the Saab cars of tomorrow. It is the latest in a series of concepts from Saab.

The Aero X was created as a graphic answer to a simple question: What would happen if an entire car was dedicated to expressing Saab’s heritage in a new way?  The question was posed just over a year ago by Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director of Design for GME. He wanted to explore the potential for developing a bolder, more distinctive design language for Saab products.

Saab designers in Sweden drew up a number of outline proposals. An exciting sports concept that would bring Saab’s aviation and Scandinavian roots into sharper focus was quickly chosen.

The Aero X shows how deep roots can inspire new design directions that remain faithful to the brand’s core values.  It is the latest step in a series of concepts that have each highlighted different facets of the brand.

The Saab 9X, exhibited at the IAA Frankfurt Show in 2001, demonstrated the multi-dynamic, versatile qualities of the Saab brand.  Its innovative, ‘four dimensional’ format incorporated features typical of a coupe, roadster, wagon and even a pick-up.  It was followed at the 2002 Detroit Show by the 9-3X ‘cross-over coupe’ concept, which combined four-wheel-drive, off-road capabilities with a sporty, three-door body format.

At the 2003 Frankfurt show, Saab then revealed the 9-3 Sport-Hatch concept, previewing its move last year into the medium-size, premium wagon segment with the 9-3 SportCombi.

Now, with the Aero X, Saab has turned the dial marked ‘performance’ right up for the first time. And it does so in a way only Saab can – by leveraging the potential of a turbocharged BioPower engine and its own aviation heritage.

By using BioPower, the Saab Aero X gives an environmental dimension to the phrase ‘performance with responsibility’ and expresses a strong Scandinavian tradition of respect for the environment. And it would not be a Saab without using turbocharging to maximize the performance potential of bio-ethanol fuel.

In looks, the Aero X is focused outside and inside on echoing the performance-driven character of a jet aircraft. In being devoted to expressing this theme, it is the most visually committed design to be shown by Saab.

"The Aero X is an extreme brand statement," says Knut Simonsson, Saab’s Executive Director of Global Brand and Sales Operations. "It puts a clear emphasis on using Saab’s aviation heritage to express sporty design.

"All our concept cars share the core values of the brand: progressive design, sporty driving and surprising functionality.  These are the results of Saab’s heritage, its story, which is about roots in aviation, Scandinavian culture and innovative thinking.

"The Aero X clearly emphasizes sportiness more than previous concepts, but it does so in a Saabish way, drawing on the potential of the brand’s story. However, even in such a focused car as this, there is an element of surprising functionality with the twin storage facility.

"The Aero name itself, which we also use for our high performance production cars, shows how much we value the brand’s aviation roots in expressing sporty performance. The Aero X opens up new possibilities for doing this with future products in an even more exciting way."

# # #

Wingsuits for Saab Aero X Drivers

Saab is utilising the power of its aircraft heritage to inspire the design of the Aero X concept. And in imagining the Aero X driver and passenger during their recreational time, it has equipped the show car with Salomon Wingsuits destined for ‘free flyers’.

Saab and Salomon, the leading sports equipment supplier, have already created a global partnership in the fast-growing field of action and outdoor sports, sponsoring international championships and teams in the Raid Series, Crossmax skiing, In-line skating and Freeriding. Now they are backing the exhilarating new genre of’ ‘free-flying’, a development of sky diving in which Wingsuits are worn to enable participants to soar and manoeuvre in the air.

The four-strong Salomon Soul Flyers team are the leading exponents of this exciting new sport. Their Wingsuits feature extending gussets between the legs and the arms and body that are designed to harness the power of the wind during freefall, allowing the Soul Flyers to glide around in the sky as they descend.  Whereas a skilled sky diver can achieve only half a meter of lateral movement for every meter of descent, a Wingsuited-Soul Flyer can challenge gravity by soaring three meters laterally for every meter of downward travel. "It’s like flying by using your own body," says team member Loic Jean-Albert.

To achieve such a remarkable performance, Salomon has developed strong, lightweight materials for its Wingsuit, with special seams and stitching to withstand immense air pressures as the wearer descends at speeds up to 180 kph.  Techniques derived from meeting such an extreme design challenge are being used by Salomon to innovate in other sportswear products in their range.  In a similar way, Saab anticipates adopting technical solutions and design themes from the Aero X in future products.

The Saab and Salomon brands share a natural synergy in delivering premium quality, innovative products for individualistic customers .In taking inspiration from the world of flight, the Salomon Wingsuit and Saab Aero X take this synergy to a new level.

Saab BioPower for ‘Green Performance’

On the ground and in the air, the Aero X promises exceptional levels of performance. The BioPower V6 twin-turbo engine not only delivers impressive power, it also offers the prospect of zero fossil CO2 emissions.

•    Next step in Saab BioPower technology
•    400 bhp, 2.8-liter V6 engine
•    100% bioethanol for zero fossil CO2 emissions
•    Saab Active Chassis for greater driving safety
•    All-wheel-drive with variable front/rear torque split
•    Seven-speed, double clutch automated manual transmission

The Aero X concept showcases the potential of Saab BioPower to offer drivers ‘green performance’: increased engine power with a greater regard for the environment.

Running on 100% bioethanol, a renewable and sustainable fuel, its advanced 2.8V6 BioPower engine delivers 400 bhp maximum power at 5,000 rpm and massive torque of 500 Nm between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kph acceleration in just 4.9 seconds and a 250 kph (limited) top speed.

For optimum handling, the powertrain is mounted entirely behind the front axle line, giving the Aero X a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution. All-wheel-drive, with a variable torque split between the front and rear axles, provides superb traction and Saab Active Chassis, with continuously variable damping, gives excellent real-life driving safety and control.
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Shedding New Light on Interior Design

The cockpit of the Saab Aero X reflects the aircraft metaphor of its exterior, blending Scandinavian design traditions with an uncompromising interpretation of how the interior of a high performance car from Saab should look.

•    Pillar-less windshield for optimum vision
•    ’Clear zone’ fascia design replaces stylized detailing  
•    Innovative 3-D instrument and information displays
•    Illumination techniques inspired by Scandinavian glass industry
•    Aircraft cockpit ambience with exposed interior surfaces
•    Surprising practicality with rear twin stowage facility

For the Saab Aero X, principle interior designer Erik Rokke has created a cabin like no other, taking the opportunity to extend the limits of design in new directions. They focused on producing a new expression of form and functionality.

"As a concept, we are creating an interior for the fuselage of a jet aircraft, rather than the body of car," explains Rokke. "You could almost say this is an interior without styling. We wanted to convey the beauty of functionality, balancing an element of rawness with decent comfort.

"Overall, the cabin is designed to look very clean and sleek, without fussy detailing or distracting features. The use of smooth, glass-like surfaces on the fascia and central console is an important means of achieving this. The simplicity of this approach is also very much part of the Scandinavian design tradition."

In form, the interior features the elimination of windshield A-pillars and even doors. In functionality, it breaks away from having conventional panels of dials, buttons and information displays that commonly adorn the interior of a high performance car. There are no ‘cut-outs’ for recessed dials or any protruding buttons and switches. Instead, smooth, glass-like translucent surfaces cover the main driver display, front fascia and central console. These ‘clear zones’ are used as screens through which information is projected in an innovative way with LED detailing, using surface treatment techniques derived from Scandinavian glass and precision instrument making.   
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