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Saab comes to the 2008 Sexy Green Car
Show at the Eden Project with its ground-breaking vision of what the
future compact car could look like – the Saab 9-X BioHybrid. First seen
at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show in March, where it won ‘Best Concept’, the
Saab 9-X BioHybrid is making its UK debut at the show.
Saab continues to lead Europe’s drive
on the adoption of biofuels as they can make a significant contribution
to reducing the CO2 impact of road transport, particularly in
the short to medium term, as we continue to work on making hydrogen fuel
cell and plug in electric technologies a realistic proposition for the
mass market.
One of Saab’s clear messages at the
Sexy Green Car Show is that more prominence must be given to the
opportunities being generated by second generation biofuels. David
Pugh, General Manager, Sales & Marketing Strategy, Saab Great Britain
Ltd, is adamant: ‘We cannot give up the challenge of making biofuels a
viable alternative to fossil fuels just because there is a whole lot of
confusion around about the alleged conflicts with food production. For
example, one of the main contributors to the increased demand for grain
is not biofuels but an increased trend towards a more protein-rich diet
in Asia.’
Saab believes that the move towards
second generation biofuels should continue at full pace. These fuels can
use, for example, waste by-products from agricultural production rather
than the main crop. ‘Over 5 years, enough bioethanol could be produced
from 50% of waste straw from UK cereal production to achieve 10%
blending with all petrol supplied in the UK and sufficient to power an
additional 10% of new car sales on E85 from domestic sources,’ said
Pugh.
The 9-X BioHybrid
The 9-X BioHybrid’s expressive looks, responsible performance and high
tech communications, wrapped in a sporty, fun-to-drive package reflect
the uncompromising needs of today’s consumer. Incorporating Saab’s
innovative BioPower technology, with an in-built solar cell and design
features such as camera-enhanced mirrors, 3-D graphics cockpit and a
4-point seatbelt, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid is a true fusion of sexy design
and responsible performance.
Optimised for E85 fuel, the Saab 9-X is intelligently powered:
running on E85, the small 1.4 litre BioPower turbo engine generates an
astonishing 200hp and 280Nm of torque, as well as reduced emissions
compared to petrol. With a full flex-fuel capability, it is a
rightsizing formula backed by GM's next generation hybrid technology,
combining electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off and
automatic engine re-start. On petrol, over the combined cycle, this
means CO2 emissions of 117g/km and fuel consumption at
57.6mpg, while CO2 emissions on E85 are projected to be even
lower, at just 105g/km. The 9-X BioHybrid also harnesses power from the
sun. The solar cell in the glass roof uses this free energy by adding
charge to the battery pack whether the vehicle is parked or being
driven. |
