Saab Intros 9-X BioHybrid
Saab’s 9-X BioHybrid concept vehicle was voted “Best Concept” at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The 9-X BioHybrid borrows its outward design from the Aero X and 9-X concept vehicles, but the inner workings of the 9-X BioHybrid have been updated and extended to appeal to a younger buying audience.
The 9-X BioHybrid features a 1.4L, four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid power train with an intercooled turbocharger and a six-speed manual transmission. The hybrid system is a GM-built electric motor/generator with a Li-ion battery pack. The hybrid system incorporates regenerative braking and a roof-mounted solar cell to charge the batteries. The battery pack provides additional torque to the vehicle for acceleration and passing, supplemental power for the vehicle’s accessories, and powers a fuel cutoff/restart system to limit idling and reduce CO2 emissions.
The engine is designed to run on gasoline or E85. When operating on gasoline, the 9-X BioHybrid can achieve a fuel economy of 57.6 mpg. Using E85, the car’s average mileage per gallon drops to 44.1. T
The 9-X BioHybrid also packs several interesting safety features, including Lane Departure Warning, which alerts the driver when the car drifts out of a marked lane. The 9-X BioHybrid also incorporates front- and rear-cameras that detect oncoming traffic and automatically dim the headlights. The rear cameras deliver visual assistance when the vehicle is in reverse gear. Both camera systems are also tied into the Lane Departure Warning system.
Saab has indicated that it will most likely put the 9-X BioHybrid into production sometime after 2010. Saab is considering it as a potential for the North American market, which has typically been cool to premium hatchback models. The production model will not likely be called the 9-X BioHybrid, however. Instead, the company is more likely to market the vehicle as the 9-1. Additionally, the new model is expected to carry entry-level pricing.
March 10, 2008 - by Hybrid Car Chat · Filed Under Hybrid Cars |
