GM has thrown the doors wide open on the Saab 9-4x BioPower concept after a Dutch media outlet spilled the beans earlier today. The 9-4x is badged as a concept, but the reality is that we will see new CUV probably sometime in 2009. The 9-4x and a new Cadillac that will likely look almost exactly like the Provoq Concept are expected to be based off an updated version of the Theta platform that's also used for the Saturn Vue. Unlike the Trailblazer-based Saab 9-7x, the 9-4x actually has some real Saab styling cues that tie it to the rest of the lineup as well as the heritage of the brand.
During the preview of the 9-4x, it was stated that Saab has tremendous support from the corporate overlords to be stewards of a niche brand. Saab has avoided the quirky aspects of its heritage while bringing forward elements like the shape of the forward sloping D-pillar, which reflects the contours of the classic Saabs like the 99 and 900. Similarly, the blacked out A-pillars recall the wrap-around windscreens of those classic Swedes and the Aero X concept. They've focused on the clean, crisp aspects of Scandinavian design while eliminating any fru-fru like cladding or imitation fender vents. When GM Design VP Brian Nesbitt talked about the 9-4x, he spoke of the design language being the look of Saab going forward.
One of the most important elements that Nesbitt highlighted was the face. Most of the great brands have a distinctive face that immediately identifies them as what they are. Think Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Rolls-Royce. Saab wants to do the same with the three-port grille as seen previously on the new 9-3 and Aero X concept. The ducts below the front bumper reflect some of Saab's aviation heritage invoking images of the air intakes on fighter jets.
On the inside, Saab has kept the usual cockpit design going with all the gauges and controls tilted toward the driver. While the flush mounted controls on the center stack look cool, clean and uncluttered, it looks like it has the potential to be really difficult to use while driving.
Mechanically the new cross-over retains the Haldex designed Cross-Wheel-Drive setup that's available on the 9-3. It's a torque vectoring system that works in conjunction with the stability control to send drive torque to wheels that have traction, but also biases the distribution to help the vehicle follow the course requested by the driver. The drive torque is provided by the latest version of Saab's BioPower engine.
Saab has been a major proponent of ethanol, particularly in its home base of Sweden where two thirds of all sales are now flex-fuel engines. It makes sense for Saab to promote ethanol since it can help enhance the performance of its predominantly turbocharged engines. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in this new CUV is optimized for use with E85 and
gets 300 hp from it's 2.0L displacement along with 295 lb-ft of torque from 2,600-5,100 rpm. Truly impressive numbers for such a small motor. The aluminum block engine also has direct injection and variable valve timing, all helping it get the most out of every drop of alcohol.
She was impossible. After I overloaded her brain, I went to drool over the Cayman they had in the showroom.
