Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
Saab unveiled its 9-4X BioPower Concept at the North American International Auto Show. It is a sleek Scandinavian-styled crossover sport ute with a 4-seat interior design reminiscent of the company's pervious aviation heritage. The sport ute is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The direct-injection, variable-valve-timing powerplant sips E85 bioethanol fuel and produces 300 bhp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque can be achieved at 2600 rpm and all the way up to 5100 rpm. When run on conventional gasoline, the 2.0-liter engine is good for 245 bhp and 261 lb.-ft. of torque. The suspension up front is by MacPherson struts, with a multilink setup at the rear. According to the factory, 0-60 mph can be accomplished in 7.9 seconds.
Power is transmitted to the asphalt via Saab's XWD (cross-wheel-drive) all-wheel-drive system with eLSD electronic rear limited-slip differential. Not only can torque be split between the front and the rear axle depending on road conditions, up to 40 percent of torque can also be apportioned between the two rear wheels.
A special utility feature on the BioPower Concept is the waterproof, scratch-resistant rear cargo area complete with a Saloman-designed ski equipment stowage system. It will accommodate up to three pairs of skis and poles, with boots stored in a heated, under-floor compartment.
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Slideshow: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
Slideshow: Best of Detroit 2008
