2006 Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept
But enough about performance; hybrids are supposed to be green, especially those touting an ethanol-fueled engine. The BioPower Hybrid is a full hybrid, which can function on pure electricity, as opposed to a constant mix of gasoline and electric, like GM’s Tahoe/Yukon and VUE Green Line hybrids. ‘Zero Mode’, where the car runs solely off its electrical power supply can be selected by driver, forcing the car to function without the aid of the gasoline motor, effectively turning the 9-3 into a rear-wheel drive zero consumption, zero emission car. Yes, that’s right, a rear wheel drive Saab. Of course, there are limitations on the mode - it lasts on average between 10 to 20 km (6 to 12 miles), and only at speeds under 50 km/h (30 mph). If exceeded, or the charge on the battery drops to a low level, the car automatically starts the internal combustion engine to replenish the supplies. This operation is essentially the same as Toyota’s hybrids, as well as Ford’s Escape Hybrid and Honda’s new Civic Hybrid.
Like most modern luxury-minded hybrids, many of the 9-3’s ancillary systems, such as the stereo, air conditioner and power steering are supplied the necessary energy directly from the battery, allowing the car to shut off when idling, saving gas and reducing emissions. While Saab hasn’t given any direct figures as to how much in the way of savings one might get by opting for this performance ethanol hybrid car, the brand commented on how it’s able to travel upwards of 800 km (500 mi) on a single 62-litre tank of ethanol fuel, which works out to achieving roughly 7.8 L/100 km. But, the BioPower Hybrid is also more environmentally sound than the average gasoline-electric hybrid; when burned, ethanol is said to be completely carbon neutral, emitting no more CO2 gas than what was taken in by the crops used for fuel. That’s equal to an 80-percent drop overall.
While the BioPower Hybrid concept is a fully functioning automobile, it’s going to be at least a few years before we see anything like it on the road. Insiders suggest that Saab’s course to achieving production vehicles like this car will incorporate small baby steps, starting with things like SIDI direct injection and ethanol capability being added to the regular 9-3, and perhaps, even to the convertible model. Eventually, once parent company GM is ready to introduce full hybrid vehicles, which will take place later this year, ethanol and hybrid technologies will truly unite.
Specifications:
- Body Type: 2-door convertible
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Gasoline Engine: 260 hp, 277 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, 16-valve DOHC I-4 turbocharged, direct injection, E100
- Electric Motor (front): 6.7 hp, 89 lb-ft of torque, 5 kW DC Brushless
- Electric Motor (rear): 51 hp, 490 lb-ft of torque, 38 kW DC Brushless
- Transmission: 5-spd auto w/Sentronic
- Performance (0-100 km/h): 6.9 seconds
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 328 L (11.6 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (combined): 7.8 L/100 km
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
April 5th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
nice, hopefully people will start buying these cars so we dont have to depend on oil.
August 1st, 2006 at 1:49 pm
This is the one that Saab should be focusing on getting to market. Their 9-5 BioPower is only half the solution. We need the hybrid to make the most of the domestic E85 (or E100) production capability.