Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept Vehicle - all the details and images
The initial images got out last night and the inevitable happened - Saab threw open the doors on the 9-4x concept vehicle. All this happened while I was sleeping, of course, so you’ve most likely seen all these already at other sites, but I had to get a record of them here.
Below is the press release with all the details. Enlargeable photos are at the end.
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INNOVATIVE 9-4X BIOPOWER CROSSOVER CONCEPT SIGNALS SAAB PRODUCT EXPANSION
DETROIT – The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show, confirms Saab’s plans to enter the growing crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian design values 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 Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile Managing Director. “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, 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. Innovative load-carrying solutions include a unique ski equipment stowage system, developed with mountain sports specialists Salomon.
Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, t he four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab’s commitment to “rightsizing” – achieving sufficient levels of performance with a smaller, more efficient engine – by delivering 300 horsepower (221 kW) and strong torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm), together with substantially reduced CO 2 emissions on a source-to-wheel basis. (Please see accompanying Powertrain release). The key enabler for rightsizing is turbocharging technology, which Saab pioneered 30 years ago.
Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD (”cross-wheel-drive”) system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to a destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.
The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept was developed by a team headed by Anthony Lo, GM Europe’s Director of Advanced Design, in cooperation 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,” Lo 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 panoramic 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. 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, all-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 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). It’s a green, rightsizing formula that gives strong power (300 horsepower [221 kW] and 295 lb.-ft. [400 Nm] of torque without the additional weight, size, fuel consumption and higher emissions of a larger, naturally aspirated engine offering similar performance.
Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, already available in the 9-3 range. Active management splits torque delivery between both the axles and the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). This responsive system rewards the driver by giving an enhanced, “positive force” chassis balance. Overall, the 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 in harmony with nature.
Saab 9-4X Concept: Technical Specifications
BioPower engine
1998 cc; four cylinders; 86.0 / 86.0 mm bore / stroke; aluminum cylinder head and block; DOHC, chain-driven. four valves per cylinder; twin counter-rotating balancer shafts; forged steel crankshaft; steel connecting rods; aluminum pistons; oil spray cooled; direct injection; VVT; inlet and exhaust sodium-filled exhaust valves; Saab engine management system; twin-scroll turbocharger; intercooled
BioPower engine data
* Max. boost pressure at maximum torque: 1.2 bar
* Compression ratio: 10.5: 1
* Max power (E85): 300 hp (221kW) @ 5400 rpm.
* Max. torque (E85): 400Nm (295 lb.-ft) @ 2600-5100 rpm
* Max power (gasoline): 245 hp (180 kW) @ 5300 rpm
* Max. torque (gasoline): 353 Nm (261 lb.-ft.) @ 2500- 5250 rpm
* Fuel consumption (combined): 10.5L /100km (22.4 mpg) on gasoline
Transmission
* Saab XWD (”cross wheel drive”) all-wheel-drive system, electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
* Six-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel controls
Suspension
* Front: MacPherson struts, aluminum control arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar
* Rear: Multi-link, aluminum H-arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar
Steering
* Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance
Wheels, tires
* 21inch, 245/55R21
Brakes
* Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster
* Discs front / rear: 378 mm / 378 mm (all ventilated)
Performance data (preliminary)
* 0 - 100 kph: 8.0 sec
* 0 – 60 mph: 7.9 sec
* Top speed: 235 kph ( 146 mph)
* O 2 51 g / km (gasoline)
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And here’s all the enlargeable images……
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Pictures?
http://jalopnik.com/342078/go-dutch-saab-9+4x-biopower-concept-leaked-ahead-of-detroit-intro
Apart from the front of the bonnet I’m likeing this new Saab more and more. It’s great to think Saab will soon have a 3 car line up.
i finally know what the front looks like.
it looks like the new jaguar xf sedan.
That is really impressive. And look at that – it has all the hardware to match. The 2.0 liter direct injected turbo has migrated to Saab (finally). And that version of the engine is E85 compatible – very exciting. And Saab cross wheel drive!
Might have to consider one for the wife once the 9-3 is paid off.
Aha, it took me some time to study the picts but i think i’ve found the saab-design-dna: it must be the two-tone-underside of the car in resemblance with the almighty old 900 aero-kit …
And somehow they managed to morph the (uncluttered) 9-3 (1st gen) shape in the hatch (well done, if they didn’t add this ‘double-hockey-stick’ in the side view … suppose that’s a typical suv-ingredient).
Hope it comes also without this all-too-trendy privacy glass.
Anyone ideas about the weight of this car?
it remembers me the Lexus RX
regards
The interior design is superb……..but I hope the quality it won’t be like the American cars, with those rubbish materials and finish.
regards
Its time that Saab show for its models the evolution of the 2.0Turbo. We saw that evolution developed by Saab, thanks to its experience with the SCC system in the Saturn/Pontiac/Opel roadster. Its time that Saab take all the knowhow that delivers to GM, for its own models.
The performance parameters are brilliant for a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine, so the CO2 emission.
It’s the same level, or better than the 3 or 3,5l V6 engines in BMW X3/X5, Mercedes M series, VW Touareg, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Murano.
However, based on the experiences with my tuned-up L4 engines it could not be a very long lasting and durable engine.
By the time it goes into production, it will lose the ski rack feature (will be an accessory to purchase).
I really hope they offer other engine variants for the US as well. If only diesel could be one of them!
Still though, this will grow on people with time. It’ll wear well.
For the production model, they absolutely have to move the starter button somewhere between the front seats… Seriously.
My initial reaction - eh - its okay and looks a bit too much like a Ford Edge! The back lights are cheesy but then again they are on the current 9-3 and I wish the back end were more like the 9-3SC which, IMHO, is a helluva goodlooking rump! The fact it will be fitted with “XWD on LSD”(
cont’d
is a definite plus and I actually like the interior which is a modern interpretation of the 9000 interior but I hope to god it has the same quality! Must agree Swade, the front end that Joti ‘redesigned’ looks better than the front on the concept car.
Im gonna trademark that ‘tagline’
Overall, its OK for an SUV.
Saab must play up their heritage of good power from small displacement — starting now. What better way than to take a stand with a (relatively) heavy crossover that can perform responsibly behind 4 cylinders? I love the idea of this turbo 4 standard (with a V6 option for light towing? Maybe diesel???).
I hope nobody makes a big deal over the 0-60 time. It’s a crossover. We all know why turbos are great for real world driving.
With oil the price it is, Saab needs to be THE brand known for “right-sizing” and they need a line up of cars that backs up what will inevitably underly most automotive ad campaigns over the next few years.
Nissan is currently running a commercial in the US, saying their Altima can do 600 miles to a tank (highway). My Viggen sold 6 years ago can nearly do the same while passing said 4cyl Altima all. day. long.
If Saab stay true to their heritage I believe it will begin paying dividends quickly.
Where do i sign the papers to buy them. I have an 06 ML-Class and when my kid starts driving (who loves Saabs just as much as his dad) I’m going to get two leases for us. When he saw these pics he almost cried. He can’t wait until the 9-1 is released.
Well I think it shows that good design takes time to get used to, and it somewhat provoces people, which I think is true in this case.
Looks good to me and I think that time will do it good
Seriously, this is a four seater (!?!?). Isn’t that a liability in a market where more and more people are looking for seven-seaters? I mean, I really wasn’t expecting it to hold seven, but at least five. I’m very surprised.
If what we’ve read rumored is true, VW will have the fourth-gen Haldex system (Saab trademarked “XWD”) on a vehicle before the 9-4X hits production.
After the mention of a lack of cladding, molding, or roof bars being emblematic of clean Scandinavian design I guess we can mark those off the features list of the 9³X.
Wouldn’t this also be Saab’s first implementation of the dual-scroll turbocharger on a four-cylinder gasoline engine? I think it’s only been available on the V6 and TTiD before, right?
You know what I just realized? The 9-4X will get more horsepower output from its 2.0-liter inline 4 than the Turbo-X gets out of its 2.8-liter V6 and equal torque. Added bonus is that the four-cylinder engine weighs less as well.
Then again, that’s when running on E85, which the V6 is incapable of. I guess direct injection, VVT, and E85 are the way to go. Is there an evolution of the Holden V6 with these technologies on the way?
Gripen I don’t think they’d build this large of a vehicle and not make it a 5-seater. Clearly, that would be a poor choice. I think what you’re seeing is part of the “concept factor” that won’t get through to production.
jeff k: I was thinking the same thing (about many of the concept features being left out of the final product).
I can see the rolling trunk floor, ski rack, and green “glass” in the cockpit either not making the transition to production or becoming pricey options. I would also be surprised if they don’t offer roof rails. The 9-3 and 9-5 combis both have roof rails at least as an option and the 9-5 looks downright wrong w/o them (whereas the 9-3 combi looks downright wrong WITH them, IMHO).
In fact, while the green glass in the cockpit does look very Aero-X-esque (just try saying that) I don’t personally find it very “Saaby”. What it its functional purpose? Is there one? If not it’s simply decor. As we know Saabs traditionally value function over form. However, look at what their traditional values have done to sales so maybe it’s not a bad idea to add some decor…
If think we are seeing some purely concept flourishes on this vehicle, which is okay. That’s what a concept is for, to gauge public interest and input.
wow, this concept is so beautiful. hopefully it will come to europe….
So what is the E85 fuel consumption? It is gonna take a beating when it comes out that E85 drops it down to 18 or so combined. Heck, that could go down to 12-13 city!!! Saab needs to take better advantage of the turbo and smaller i-4’s to get that E85 mileage up to where folks won’t care about staying with gas (or E10 as we have here on the right coast.) and maybe not worry about 300HP. I know this is a crossover, but the real world E85 mileage will end the discussion.
Steven: as with the other BioPower vehicles, we just won’t know the consumption numbers but they are typically estimated to be 30% fewer miles-per-gallon (or 30% more liters-per-100km) than on gasoline alone.
Calculating that would mean that the 9-4X would likely get 16 mpg (or 13.7 l/100km) combined on E85. Worse for “city” and better for “highway”.
The problem with this vehicle is not the “rightsizing”, it’s the fact that such a small engine is driving such a large and heavy vehicle. It’s a weight thing.
I suspect that most owners will look at the big sign at the fuel station and pump whatever fuel their car can run which is cheaper, not justifying the “cost-per-mile”. If gasohol (we have E10 here on the left coast of the U.S. too) costs $3.30 per gallon and E85 costs $2.99 per gallon how much money do you want to bet more people opt for the E85, not recognizing that the gasoline is a “better deal”? It works with diesel as well. If I had a dime for each time I heard “diesel costs more”…
Love the sideview mirrors… looks like wings.
Love the interior… perfect
Love the rear lights… very different
The side view is ok… kinda bland but ok
The front bumper looks very Aero X… nice
The grille…???… I don’t know what they were thinking. The grille should not be lifted higher in the middle the way it is.
My overall impression… I would probably buy it but, I am a Saab nut.
I don’t know if this would draw non Saab nuts. The front overall is just not really spectacular. it doesn’t make you say wow what’s that and that may be the problem with this vehicle.
I will wait to see it in the flesh.
Nice design though as mentioned before somewhat like the Ford Edge. My question is what value is this vehicle for the family driver for which most SUV/CUV’s are oriented. A tall 9-5 wagon is not what I am looking for. I would rather get a lower, wider, longer, sleeker 9-5 Aero wagon. I still think Saab should have a Outlook, Acadia sized vehicle for 6 or 7 people. I am surprised how many Enclaves, Acadias and Outlooks I see in So. Cal
Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Range Rover Sport from the side?
That is a GOOD thing
Without a doubt, I’m buying one!! maby two!! =)
I did`nt find any remarks concerning length, breadth, heigth.
It´s looking like the concept car of the Land-Rover LRX. Both stydies seem to show the current styling of such SUVs.
Where is the special Saab mind?
Ground clearance seams ridiculous for a suv.
So it’s a proper raod car without the aerodynamics.
yeah. i like it. i will buy one. nice front. perfect rear. i hope saab will build the rear as he shows us on these 9-4 concept. but i dont need and dont like 300 hp and more. i want the 180 hp TTID. thats enough for me ….