Following an earlier leak today, the Swedes decided to officially release details and images of their 9-4X BioPower compact SUV -slash- crossover concept that will make its worldwide premier at the Detroit Show next week. As with the Mercedes-Benz Freeside GLK Vision, don't be fooled by the word concept; the 9-4X BioPower is virtually a pre-production version that previews the road-going model which is expected in 2009. The 9-4X BioPower features a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that runs on E85 bio-ethanol (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline) producing 300 HP and 295 lb/ft (400 Nm) of torque and it is mated to Saab's XWD ("cross-wheel-drive") system. -Images and details after the jump
PRESS RELEASE: 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 Ake 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. (Please see accompanying Salomon release.)
Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, the 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. 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; aluminium cylinder head and block; DOHC, chain-driven. four valves per cylinder; twin counter-rotating balancer shafts; forged steel crankshaft; steel connecting rods; aluminium 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)
It's been a rough ride for Saab's 9-4X, but the very first production model has now rolled off the assembly line at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, just three months after the compact crossover was unveiled last November at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. 
