Here’s the official press release from GM announcing Saab’s 9-4x concept vehicle:
-
Innovative Crossover Signals Saab Product Expansion
The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, confirms Saab’s plans to enter the growing Crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian values in design and respect for the environment.
The Concept’s progressive design features are combined with a responsible, fun-to-drive appeal based on BioPower engine technology and a cutting edge all-wheel-drive system. “This concept is a clear statement of what our brand is about,” said Saab Automobile Managing Director, Jan Åke Jonsson. “It is also an important next step in our plans to enter new market segments with distinctive product offerings.”
The design of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept reflects a Scandinavian principle of simplicity of form, with clean and uncluttered lines, free of any cladding, mouldings 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. Innovative load-carrying solutions include a unique ski equipment stowage system, developed in co-operation with mountain sports specialists Salomon.
Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, the four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab’s commitment to rightsizing by delivering an exceptional level of power efficiency – 300 hp and strong torque of 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.). Compared with gasoline, driving on E85 produces less CO2 emissions (see separate Powertrain release). Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD (’cross wheel drive’) system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to your destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.
The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept has been developed by a team under Anthony Lo, GME’s Director of Advanced Design, in co-operation with designers and engineers from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. “We focused on incorporating design themes from the Aero X in a Crossover execution, adding functional, lifestyle features to support the activities of customers using this type of vehicle,” he said.
The driver-focused cockpit in the sporty, four-seater cabin features an Aero X-inspired ‘clear zone’, with a flush-mounted starter button and ‘infotainment’ controls, that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. Signature green lighting is used for all instrument illumination, while other subtle references to Saab’s aviation heritage include the ‘altimeter’ speed read-out scale and aircraft-shaped trim on the steering wheel. The panorama glass roof is in harmony with a car designed to deliver the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.
Saab designers worked with top Saab Salomon ‘Big Mountain’ skiers to devise an innovative storage system for stowing skis and equipment inside the car (see separate Saab Salomon release). The rear cargo deck features a sliding floor with a fold-out aluminum ski-holder, through which up to three pairs of skis and poles can be slotted. Boots are stowed in an underfloor, heated compartment and, for maximum practicality, the entire rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof and scratch resistant rubber ‘skin’.
The compact, aluminum, four cylinder BioPower engine combines the benefits of turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing for the first time with high-octane E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline).
Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD. Active management splits torque delivery between both the axles and the rear wheels, via an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). Overall, Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept is a vivid demonstration of Saab’s commitment to customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience that is more in harmony with nature.
Does anyone know where Saab’s new 2.0 Biopower engine will be produced, just out of curiosity? I’m happy to see Saab take its 2-liter to the next level. I recently found an article (in my archives….) from a 1991 Boston Globe review of the 9000. The writer compared the 9000 4-cylinder turbo to a Caddy with the “Northstar” V8, and makes mention of Saab’s unique ability to best its competitors with smaller, more efficient engine designs. I’d like to see that continue! GM-you bought the right car company…please run it wisely!!
Am I missing something? Please tell me I am.
I saw an Opel/Vauxhall Antara parked outside of our local Saab dealer and I thought it was a 9-4x. Impossible, of course, as this is just a concept car. It made me wonder, though – why are we getting excited about something which is clearly based on the same car as something that’s already on the road? It doesn’t look particularly Saab-like IMHO (where’s the clam-shell bonnet?) and appears to the lay person to be based on something we could no-doubt buy for 10k less than the Saab price.
But then, maybe I have missed something along the way.
Alan: I can understand that point of view. I think that you are seeing the glass-half-full reaction. We were expecting less, but we got something pretty good.
I’m still missing an essential information:
What kind of engine options will be available for the production 9-4x?
I wonder if they can sell it with 2.0 L4 engine in North America.
For Europe it’s ok, but the real big thing should be a good diesel engine. 1.9 TTiD could be the base but I really eager to know if it will be available with 2.9 V6 TD from VM Motori?
The 2.8V6 gasoline engine is also welcome, of course…
Ivan: if Saab puts the V6 in the 9-4X when it hits production it’s going to make them look foolish with all this “rightsizing” they’re preaching nowadays. A 9-4X with a gasoline-powered V6 is no more efficient than any of its competitors.
I think you can pretty much bet your firstborn, right arm and the family farm on the 9-4x having a V6 at least as an option. But that’s just me. This is a reasonably large vehicle and many customers will expect it. – SW
Gripen,
Ok, me (and I think many european) have no problem with the rightsizing – but could it be acceptable for the US customers?
Morevover, it’s a concept car with concept engine.
I’m just speculating what could be the engine option from the current production engines knowing that the 9-4X will be available only for the US and Canada in the first year.
There is still no signs that the concept engine will be produced as is (actually, I have doubt about the reliability, it feels a bit “overpowered” for me for long term use).
The TTiD could not be an option for the US because of the regulations so what choice they can offer?
Only the smaller L4 (which would be ridicoulos for this category) and the 2.8V6 turbo. Actually, it seems the only logical choice at the moment.
Or they will put in some other avareage GM engine, definitely not concerned to the “rightsizing”…
No children yet, but here I am placing a bet on the Saab 9-4X with a V6 turbo in Aero trim!
Ivan: I agree. The inline-4 would not go over well in the North American market, I don’t think. It’ll probably be the V6. I just think it’s funny how Saab says one thing and then does another. “Rightsizing” is great on concept cars, but in reality?
There’s a chance the 9-4X could get the 2.9-liter VM Motori V6 diesel found in the European Cadillac CTS. There was word Saab would be getting this engine and further word that Cadillac would get this engine in the States, though I don’t see how it would pass emissions regulations.
Just read today that Subaru joins the wave of diesels coming to the U.S. That boxer four-cylinder diesel that GM was supposed to design along with Porsche and Fuji Heavy Industries for the Tribeca and the 9⁶X is headed to North America to be used in the next-gen Forrester and Impreza.
Maybe Saab should name the 2.0T highoutput as 2.8T-DI. DI as pre direct injection and 2.8 comes from it being as powerful as typical 2.8 liter engines? WOuld that make North Americans happy and buying the car
I´m only Joking!
Remember that they´re selling 1.8t engine in europe which is actually the same as 2.0t but different software. Mechanically there´s not many differencies betw 1.8t and 2.0T. The engine block is same for all three.
eggs:
I think you’re right, but I can’t help wondering if we’re kidding ourselves here that this is any more of a Saab than the 9-7. What’s next – a dressed up Vectra called a 9-5?
The dressing up of GM clones will erode the respect Saab has in the market. I know Saab/GM are not the only ones doing it, but the cannibalisation of Saab for Cadillac and other brands is really depressing! (sorry, rant over).
BTW, I have seen a new Caddy (brother of 9-3 SportCombi) here in Seoul where I’m working right now. It was terrible ugly…
And yesterday evening I saw a 2008 9-3… wow, it looked impressive with the light pipes on!