Saab 9-4x

[SJ_GTI]

Haven't seen it posted yet, so here you go:

2008 NAIAS: Saab 9-4X BioPower

Saab has this fantastic history of showing off a new model as a "BioPower" concept. Based off the same corporate GM "Theta" platform as the Saturn Vue and the Cadillac BRX (see below), the 9-4X is resplendent in its Scandinavian simplicity, with clean lines and slab sides devoid of any surface gingerbread. It's certainly a more wholehearted attempt at giving Saab a unique portfolio than the Trailblazer-cum-Bravada known as the 9-7X.

The 9-4X uses Saab's new XWD all-wheel-drive system that can actively split torque latitudinally and longitudinally through an electronically-controlled LSD.

There's also some environmentally friendly stuff in the 9-4X that plays second fiddle to the revealing of the 9-4X's styling, such as a E85-powered two-liter turbo engine that makes 300 horsepower, but as this is the eleventy-billionth BioPower concept that Saab's introduced, we'll forgive you for glossing over that part. The full press release is available after the jump.




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). Compared to gasoline, driving on E85 produces less CO 2 emissions. (Please see accompanying Powertrain release).

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 awaterproof 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).

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, 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.

I like it better then the Cadillac version.

[ifcar]

Interior looks very nice, but I don't care for the rest. Looks like a boxier Ford Edge.

[gasoline]

Kind of off.

It's not ugly.

I would like to see real-world pictures. I think I would like it more after that.

[TheIntrepid]

I don't like it. The taillights scream Impreza though.

[the Teuton]

I like the Cadillac version more.  Maybe it's just all of the wheel arches.

[Raghavan]

Bleh, pretty uninteresting.

[TheIntrepid]

I also don't like how the hood doesn't line up with the grille. Looks like an afterthought, IMO.

[Galaxy]

Looks good.

[Champ]

I'm very interested in the available engines.

I just wish they'd let me buy the stupid 300hp biopower engine here in MN because we have E85 all over the place.  I understand it would be a tough sell in 90% of the rest of the country though.

[omicron]

I love the white on black colour palette of the interior, and the green hue of the dashboard is intriguing.

[Catman]

I like the Cadillac version more.  Maybe it's just all of the wheel arches.

Yeah, same here.

[Tave]

Colonel: I...I don't know if I like the word 'resplendent'... I don't know if that's a fitting word to describe a soldier.........Mm...what about 'contained: In him were contained the honor....' That's much better....Don't you think so Elwood?

Elwood: Ah yes sir, much better

Colonel: Scratch the word 'respendent." Don't let it leave this base.

[cozmik]

I like it, with some tweaks, like with the grille, it will be great. The interior looks brilliant, but I would be shocked if it made it to production. Maybe the general interior layout, but most of the flash will probably be lost.

[ifcar]

I like it, with some tweaks, like with the grille, it will be great. The interior looks brilliant, but I would be shocked if it made it to production. Maybe the general interior layout, but most of the flash will probably be lost.

What flash? There are many production vehicles at that price with even spiffier interiors. That interior would be unacceptable at anything less than it is right now.

[SJ_GTI]

What flash? There are many production vehicles at that price with even spiffier interiors. That interior would be unacceptable at anything less than it is right now.

The whole center console looks like a display screen (the green area). No way that is production.



The overall vehicle is probably 90-05% production ready, but I agree it would have to lose the obviously concept touches.

I haven't seen a "Real Life" shot of the interior yet so maybe I am misinterpretting the construction of that section...but I don't think so.

[ifcar]

I'm not seeing it. It looks like a normal touch-screen nav setup to me.

[heelntoe]

doesn't the camry interior looks a bit like that?

[SJ_GTI]

I'm not seeing it. It looks like a normal touch-screen nav setup to me.

There is no "break" between the nav screen from the rest of the console from what I can tell.

And for reference, here is the camry interior:



I'm not seeing much similarity. The Saab looks like a standard "Saabish" layout from what I can tell, except for the one-piece center console decoration thingie.

[ifcar]

It's flush, but it's definitely just filling a hole in a plastic trim piece.

[SJ_GTI]

It's flush, but it's definitely just filling a hole in a plastic trim piece.

You could be right, its kind of a cartoonish picture. I guess we'll see for sure when we see "real" pictures of it.

[Champ]

In the Saab picture it looks like the shifter would get in the way of several of those knobs, unless in D.  Still not the best design, hoping that changes.

[heelntoe]

There is no "break" between the nav screen from the rest of the console from what I can tell.

And for reference, here is the camry interior:



I'm not seeing much similarity. The Saab looks like a standard "Saabish" layout from what I can tell, except for the one-piece center console decoration thingie.

the material looks like that green plastic around the nav.