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Saab will give green motoring a performance boost at next month’s Geneva Motor Show when it unveils its latest BioPower development.  To be shown as an exciting evolution of the Saab 9-5 SportEstate, 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 optimised 2.0-litre engine from the 9-5 range develops 300hp (224kW) maximum power. 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 150hp (112kW) per litre demonstrates scope for future ‘rightsizing’, using smaller, high output engines that also deliver energy savings. Peak power is complemented by a substantial 400 Nm of torque, giving the engine the power characteristics of a naturally-aspirated 4.0-litre engine. This is reflected in strong performance, the Saab 9-5 BioPower 100 Concept achieving zero to 100 km/hour acceleration in just 6.6 seconds and 80 to 120 km/hour (fifth gear) in an even more impressive 8.2 seconds. The Saab BioPower 100 Concept being shown at Geneva features exterior and interior styling elements supervised by GME Director of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo, who penned Saab’s award-winning Aero X Concept, which was also premiered at Geneva last year. Saab already markets Europe’s best selling flex-fuel vehicle, the Saab 9-5 BioPower, and the Saab BioPower 100 Concept will extend 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, who has led the Saab BioPower 100 engine development team. “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.” |
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