Monthly Archives: September 2006

Kirk lines his ducks in a row….

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1) The media goes all speculative that there’s nothing in the GM-Renault-Nissan talks that would benefit GM to the point of making it worthwhile.

2) GM seek to quiet the speculation by announcing that they’ll see the talks through to the end.

3) At the same time, Carlos Bonaparte starts muttering about taking his talks to another part of Detroit

4) Ageing grouchy shareholder Kirk Kirkorian threatens to cry and stamp his feet even more. Via Automotive News email alert:


WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Investor Kirk Kerkorian said he may consider buying up to 12 million additional shares of General Motors common stock, according to a filing today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Kerkorian said his Tracinda investment vehicle, which currently owns 9.9 percent of GM, would need regulatory approval if it sought to own 10 percent or more of GM common stock.

“Tracinda continues to believe that a strong opportunity exists in a potential alliance between General Motors, Renault and Nissan and that there should be strong General Motors board involvement in the analysis of such a potential alliance, including the utilization of independent advisors,” it said in the filing.

Ah, where’s a good heart attack when you need one?

C&D and the 47-Letter Convertible*

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Car and Driver are improving their coverage of Saab with every review they do.

Their last Saab review of the 9-3 SportCombi was very engouraging and this quick writeup of the 9-3 Convertible is just as good.

I’ve had a quick look at their website but I don’t think it’s been posted there yet. This transcript has been emailed to me from Saab.

Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible: Better in Every Way – Car and Driver
By Barry Winfield, November 2006

The 9-3 Aero is a huge improvement over previous Saab ragtops in every way imaginable.

Power from the 2.8-liter Australian-sourced V-6 is smooth, sophisticated and abundant, thrusting the 9-3 Aero to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, making it a bunch faster than the last Saab convertible we tested, back in December 1998. That car, with a turbo four-banger, needed 7.8 seconds to reach 60.

The torque steer and fairly vicious wheel fight that plagued older Aeros have been largely dispelled, replaced by a helm that is pleasingly devoid of driveline vibrations and course deviations in all but full throttle, when slight corrections are still necessary.

But since the turbocharged V-6 engine is so flexible and responsive in use, excursions to the power peak are seldom likely to occur, and the steering is mostly calm and accurate.

With a body structure that is claimed to be three times stiffer than the 9-3’s predecessor, improvements in perceived solidity are significant, with no discernible windshield or cowl shake and only the slightest steering-column quiver over bad surface breaks.

Much of this is due to a supplementary reinforcement that links the front, rear and side structures for better support and crash protection. Rear hoops pop up automatically in the event of a rollover accident.

The softtop is a one-touch, fully automatic mechanism that takes about 20 seconds to deploy, and it seems a thoroughly developed system in use.

All in all, the 9-3 Aero strikes an intelligent balance between luxury and high performance.

20thAnnivConvTiD.jpg
Yeah, I know it’s the diesel, but it still looks nice!

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* 2006 Saab 9-3 Convertible 20th Anniversary Limited Edition – Hmmm. Seems like 50 letters now, and I haven’t included “Aero” or “2.8l V6″.

Saab at the Paris Motor Show

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The Paris Motor Show is now all-systems go and Saab are presenting their full Biopower concept car arsenal to the LeCrowd.

The Aero-X will be presented unchanged from it’s debut at Geneva earlier in the year. It’s continuing to make impressions wherever it goes and after it’s Paris adventure it’ll be coming down here to Australia for an appearance at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The other Biopower concept that’ll be shown in Paris is the Hybrid Biopower Convertible. This was first shown in Stockholm back in March 2006 but has been further modified since it’s initial debut.

bb_41546.jpg

Now, think about this for a second……

You want to go green and buy a hybrid. You can choose between a Toyota Prius, a Honda whatever-it’s-called…..or a Saab Convertible capable of 0-100 in under 7 seconds.

If only Saab could bring this to market some time. It’d turn the California greenies in no time.

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Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept Adds Two-Mode Hybrid Transmission

• World´s first hybrid capable of running on pure renewable fuel
• State-of-the-art two-mode hybrid transmission
• 260 hp Saab BioPower engine
• Retains full ‘flex-fuel’ capability – gasoline and/or bioethanol
• Zero fossil fuel emissions when running on E100
• Increased performance from torque boosting electric motors
• Fuel saving ‘Zero Mode’ for city driving on electric power only
• Energy saving features include regenerative braking, engine stop/start
• All-wheel-drive capability for improved traction

The latest development of the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is presented in Paris (September 28 – October 15) following its world premiere at the British International Motor Show in London.

This unique concept, showcased in a Saab 9-3 Convertible, is the first vehicle to combine a fossil-free bioethanol fuel (E100) capability with electric-only propulsion by utilizing the advanced two-mode hybrid system which General Motors Corp. is co-developing with DaimlerChrysler and BMW Group. The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is capable of zero fossil fuel CO2 emissions while also enhancing performance and reducing energy consumption.

Packing 260 hp (191 kW) from the 2.0-liter turbo BioPower engine and a total of 148 kW from its three electric motors, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept provides significantly greater torque than its gasoline-only equivalent.

Although it has the potential to run on E100, the all-aluminum 2.0-liter BioPower engine retains a ‘flex-fuel’ capability and can use any combination of gasoline and bioethanol.

The BioPower engine operates in tandem with a sophisticated electric power system, comprised of the two-mode hybrid transmission, a rear-drive unit (RDU), a 300-volt battery and sophisticated electronic control. It offers torque boosting electric power assistance on demand, fuel-saving stop/start functionality, regenerative braking, seamless gear changing from the continuously variable transmission modes and an electric-only ‘Zero Mode’ option for city driving.

Projected performance for the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept indicates acceleration from zero to 100 kph in just 6.8 seconds, a substantial improvement compared to 9.5 seconds for the equivalent 210 hp gasoline model with a conventional automatic transmission.

“This concept allows us to evaluate and explore the potential of hybrid technology in combination with BioPower,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “As part of this process, we are now developing our expertise further by introducing the two-mode hybrid technology. It shows how we can continue to express the sporty performance associated with Saab while using renewable resources and saving energy overall.”

Two-Mode hybrid technology
The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept showcases the state-of-the-art two-mode hybrid transmission. This sophisticated technology represents a major industry milestone, achieving an unprecedented level of integration by combining two electric motors and four fixed gears within a single transmission housing.

Commonly described as a two-mode hybrid due to the low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the fuel-saving technology also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for a total of six operating functions. The result is trend-setting hybrid technology that provides superior fuel economy, performance and load carrying potential.

The two-mode hybrid’s electric motors can be used for electric-only propulsion, boosting the internal combustion engine and providing regenerative braking.

Additional fuel-saving efforts include removing auxiliary functions, such as the water pump, air conditioning and power steering systems, from the engine’s belt drive and transferring them to electric power through the hybrid system.

The two-mode hybrid transmission is similar in size to a conventional automatic transmission. Its adaptable design allows it to be scaled to the size, mass and performance needs of various engines and vehicles.

BioPower propulsion
The Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower, which is capable of using E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/
15% gasoline), is an outstanding success in Sweden, where it is currently the best selling flex-fuel vehicle.

The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept now advances Saab’s alternative fuel technology by adding an E100 capability. The engine is a BioPower evolution of the current all-aluminum, 16-valve 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Saab 9-3 range. Utilizing the higher octane ratings offered by E100, it develops 260 hp and an impressive 375 Nm maximum torque, an increase of 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively, compared to its gasoline-only equivalent.

A Spark Ignited Direct Injection (SIDI) system provides optimum combustion with E100, ensuring the same cold starting performance as a gasoline engine. Variable inlet and exhaust cam phasing is used for optimum air flow and more durable valves and valve seats are fitted, together with bioethanol-compatible materials for the fuel system.

Hybrid architecture
An integrated hybrid operating system has been adopted, where the control strategy is based on efficient ‘energy management’ – recovering and storing energy that is otherwise lost in a conventionally powered vehicle. Apart from converters to manage AC/DC and 12 and 300-volt interfaces, there are three core components: the two-mode hybrid transmission, with two electric motors (described above), an electric Rear Drive Unit (RDU) with a third motor, and a 300-volt battery.

The RDU features a 38 kW motor, located between the rear wheels, which powers a transmission differential and drive shafts. Under acceleration at low speeds, the RDU is able to briefly generate 665 Nm of additional torque. The motor is also configured to provide regenerative braking and energy recovery from the rotating drive shafts during deceleration.

Energy storage for all three electric motors is provided by a high capacity 300-volt lithium-ion battery with fan cooling. This is neatly packaged under the floor of the trunk, without eliminating storage space. Battery performance is carefully monitored and governed by a dedicated electronic control unit.

Driving Benefits
The sophisticated electronic control of the hybrid system is matched to the operating parameters of the BioPower engine to provide performance enhancing power assistance, useful power saving functionality and seamless gear changing.

Under transient driving conditions, a combination of all three electric motors may be activated to augment the power of the engine, increasing standing start acceleration and in-gear performance for safe overtaking – without raising fuel consumption. The driver will also immediately appreciate the smooth operation of the two-mode hybrid transmission.
At take off, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept exploits the instant torque of its electric motors, smoothly adding strong, accelerative power during the engine’s pick-up, from tick-over to about 1,500 rpm. During this phase the available pulling power, or torque, of the combustion engine is supplemented by the electric motors of the hybrid system.

Whenever the vehicle is stationary, the engine is immediately shut-off to save fuel. To move off, it is then almost silently restarted by a motor in the two-mode hybrid transmission.

In congested driving conditions, fuel saving is taken a step further by the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept’s ‘Zero Mode’ option, resulting in zero fuel consumption and zero emissions. It can be selected by the driver via a button in the central console. At speeds below 50 kph, ‘Zero Mode’ will shut off the engine and switch the car over to electric power only from the RDU. In this mode, the battery bank provides a range of between 10 and 20 kilometers. The engine is smoothly re-engaged whenever the battery status approaches a low charge level or the electronic throttle opening requires acceleration beyond the 50 kph operating limit.

Whenever the engine is shut down, auxiliary functions, such as the power steering, air conditioning and lighting, remain unaffected because these are electrically powered by the battery. The removal of unnecessary loadings on the engine further contributes to fuel economy and an extended driving range.

Finally, in low grip road conditions, traction can be optimized by the addition of rear-wheel-drive for improved handling and safety. For example, when the electronic traction control system (TCS) is activated at the front wheels, the car can be balanced by the application of rear drive.

Driver instrumentation for the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is as discreet as the installation of its hybrid engineering. In the main instrument cluster, icons are illuminated to indicate when the car is running on engine and/or electric power. An additional gauge shows the power status of the battery. The turbo boost gauge is calibrated by tree icons, a playful reminder of the car’s renewable energy source.

In overall operation, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is designed to deliver enhanced performance and valuable energy savings. The concept enriches driving appeal while also moving further towards the goal of sustainable mobility.

Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept Technical Data:

Vehicle type:
Passenger car concept based on Saab 9-3 Convertible

Configuration:
Transverse engine, front-wheel-drive, electric rear-wheel drive

Two-mode hybrid transmission:
Electric CVT, mechanical lock-up. Two integrated motors, 55 kW/55 kW

2.0 BioPower turbo engine:
Max. power (E100 fuel) 260 hp (191 kW), 375 Nm. Flex-fuel capability

Rear Drive Unit (RDU):
38 kW motor with drive differential to rear wheels

Battery:
300-volt, lithium-ion, fan cooling

Performance:
0-100 kph / 62 mph (simulated): 6.8 secs

AutoExtremist on GMRN

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Anyone following the GM-Renault-Nissan issue should head on over to AutoExtremist.


If anything of substance comes out of the meeting when Ghosn and Wagoner sit down face-to-face in Paris, I will be shocked. Ghosn wants answers now, or he is threatening to take his considerably inflated reputation and walk away. I don’t think GM will tell him, “Don’t let the screen door hit your ass on the way out” – but they won’t buy his wild estimates of how much money will be saved in an alliance, either. In short, stick a fork in it, this alliance talk is over.

I’m convinced Pete D lives his whole life between the lines. Great stuff.

9-4x: latest info to hand

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UPDATE: this has been moved back to the top for the convenience of all those visiting from Edmunds Inside Line. For your info, everything we currently know about the upcoming 9-4x is available at this link.

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Following Ryan’s lead over at Saab Videos, I’ve also taken a screenshot of the 9-4x sketch shown by Jay Spenchian at the Saab Owner’s Convention last month. Ryan’s gone for size and I’ve gone for clarity. Unfortunately what you get in either instance is rather second-rate, but it’s as much as we can put our hands on at the moment.

I requested a copy of the original photo (which I thought was fair as it’s been shown to the public at the conference) but Saab USA want to play it close to their chest at this point. Fair enough.

Here’s what I’ve been able to lift and clean up slightly….

SOC picture9-4x.jpg

Now, I haven’t been able to confirm any of this or verify the source, but ‘Patric95′ left the following information in comments:


The 9-4X will be on sale in the spring of 2008 as a 2009. Around march or april of 2008. This comes from an extremely reliable source. Some specs are as follows: the 2 engines – the 2.8v6 250hp and a new 300 hp turbo. The vehicle will be produced in Mexico for all markets. And the design is something of a cross between FX45 and a Land Rover Discovery but with the AeroX front end design language. The platform being a modified Epsilon 2.

UPDATE: This is still hearsay at this point, but ‘Patric95′ assures me that the source is rock solid.

For those of you outside the US, click here to see the infiniti FX45. I’m sure glad the 9-4x will have Aero-X styling as the Infiniti’s been beaten senseless with the ugly stick in the front! It’s just design cues he’s hinting at here anyway, but sheesh!

The revelation of a 300hp turbocharged engine is a new one. I wonder if that’s a ramped up 2.8 or some other size?

The Epsilon2 construction confirms other things I’ve heard mentioned, including the very first 9-4x revelation from the original Djup Strupe. Previous info has made mention of an Epsilon-Theta mixed platform, though that seems to defeat the purpose of having a platform, doesn’t it?

Mexico’s also been mentioned previously, too.

The northern spring of 2008 seems a little early to be a MY2009 though.

Thursday Snippets

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It was interesting, after writing my own GMRN update yesterday, to see GM actually issue a press release about the talks:


General Motors, Renault and Nissan today said that a meeting was held between Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Renault, SAS and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Rick Wagoner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, Corp., regarding ongoing discussions concerning the possibility of creating an industrial alliance among these three companies.

Through the work of the three study teams, our companies continue to explore the potential opportunities of an industrial alliance. The teams are conducting a thorough and objective analysis of potential synergies between all three companies with a focus on how an alliance could generate significant shareholder value for each company. Following today’s meeting, it has been confirmed that the teams will continue the studies through to the planned mid-October completion date.

No further information will be provided at this time.

Many automotive news services have been speculating about the Paris meeting, how it’ll go, what’s in it for GM, what’s in it for R-N, exactly how tall is Carlos Bonaparte?

GM’s response to this speculation, reading between the lines of this press release seems to be “Stop speculating. We’re going to do what we said we were going to do and that is talk until mid-October. Now shut the hell up”

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Autoblog Green are doing an overview of all the alternative fuel sources out there in the US.

Part 1 (today) includes a look at E85 and Conpressed Natural Gas. It’s a good piece that gives some background on each of the fuels as well as a fair look at the arguments for and against. Future editions will look at Biodiesel, Electricity and Straight Vegetable Oil.

There’s some fairly good coverage of the Biopower 9-5 in the article, illustrating how turbocharging is a better use of E85 – a benefit that Saab USA will need to be all over when they finally get the Biopower car to the US market.

TS software update

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Hi all,

Just to let you know that entries here at Trollhattan Saab could be a little erratic over the next few days.

Owing to a software vulnerability I’m being forced to upgrade to a new version of Movable Type. Most plugins have been disabled (which is why there’s no entries in the “Links” section of the right sidebar) but service should continue with minimal disruption.

Thanks for your patience. Go take the long road home.

Swade.