Saab 9-X BioHybrid

The 9-X BioHybrid is a vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

The 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200-horsepower (147 kW), 1.4L BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO 2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package.

With its turbine-style wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact hatchback looks.

Saab's latest car, the 9-X BioHybrid concept was named ''Best Concept''

With this award, the General Motors owned Saab 9-X BioHybrid premium compact joins the successful Saab Aero X coupe concept which also received AutoWeek's "Best in Show" honours in Geneva, two years ago.

The 9-X BioHybrid is powered by a a 200bhp (147 kW), 1.4-litre BioPower turbo engine backed by GM's next-generation hybrid system. The development team explored design themes from Saab's award winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts to design the new ultra-efficient powerful car.

Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden, stated, ''This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,''

Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105g/km on E85 fuel (ethanol blended, where which contains 85 per cent ethanol by volume) are testimony to the promise of this package.

Saab concept is look at premium compact

The 9-X BioHybrid concept's aircraft-inspired looks build on the styling theme for Saab's upcoming production cars, including a crossover similar to the 9-4X concept from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Mark Adams, vice president of design for GM Europe, said the concept shows what Saab wants to make its premium compact car look like.

"We are determined to grow the brand by expanding our global product portfolio into every major luxury segment. The small vehicle segment is growing. We think it is the right time for Saab to enter it," said Jan-Ake Jonsson, managing director of Saab.

Saab 9-1x is not GM's Mini-fighter

A Saab official made it clear that the 9-1X is not the Mini-fighter I wrote about here and in the May issue of Motor Trend. I knew that, already. First, the c-segment 9-1X is a larger car than a Mini-fighter, as it's based on the Opel/Saturn Astra platform. More importantly, the drawings I saw on the boards at GM were clearly of a car early in its development. I'm sure this Mini-fighter, which would be on a b-car platform, perhaps from Daewoo, hasn't been approved for production yet, nor has it been assigned a specific division.

If GM chooses the design with the Nomad-style profile, it almost certainly would have to be a Chevy (although Pontiac briefly sold a two-door wagon with a similar body in the mid-'50s). That would be a hard sell for a division designed to sell basic small cars like the Chevrolet Aveo.

So, the first thing is that I never expected to see the Mini-fighter as early as the Geneva show. If it appears as a concept, it could be built in time for the Paris show this fall, but it doesn't seem likely to make it to any show earlier than Detroit in January '09. Second, while it could morph into a kind of modern Saab 96-like car, it seems the best fit would be as an Opel/Saturn/Vauxhall.