Saab will give green motoring a performance boost at next month’s Geneva Motor Show when it unveils its latest BioPower development.

The Saab BioPower 100 Concept showcases the first production-based engine to be optimized for pure bioethanol (E100) fuel. The result is a level of performance never seen before from a road car using this fuel.

To be shown as an exciting evolution of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi, this latest BioPower concept demonstrates the great performance potential of bioethanol. In combining Saab turbocharging expertise with the use of high octane E100 fuel, the optimized 2.0-liter engine from the 9-5 range develops 300hp. This has been possible through modifications to the engine management system and internal components, allowing the use of greater boost pressure with a raised compression ratio. That exceptionally high specific power output of 150 hp per liter demonstrates scope for future ‘rightsizing’, using smaller, high output engines that also deliver energy savings.

The Saab 9-5 BioPower 100 Concept achievies zero to 62 mph acceleration in just 6.6 seconds, extending its leadership position in the development of bioethanol technology.

“Bioethanol is a potent, high quality fuel which opens up exciting possibilities in helping to meet the environmental challenges that face us,” says Kjell ac Bergström, President and CEO at GM Powertrain - Sweden.

“As the need to reduce energy consumption increases, we are exploring ways to run smaller engines that give relatively high power, with and without hybrid technology. This concept car shows that bioethanol can play a key role in this ‘rightsizing’ process, while also minimizing fossil fuel emissions.”