Thinking about tomorrow 

Concern about global warming and other environmental issues is increasing around the world. So is the debate about the future of our fuel resources.

We know that so called greenhouse gases, which include carbon dioxide, are thought to contribute to climate change. We also know that oil and other fossil fuels will not last forever. The question is, what can be done to provide fuel for the future while safeguarding the environment?

One step in the right direction is bioethanol. It's a sustainable, renewable energy source that reduces our dependance on fossil fuels. What's more, it's already being used by Saab drivers.

Taking steps today

Scandinavia is a region famed for its nature and cleanliness, so it's hardly surprising that Saab takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.

Saab is pioneering the use of bioethanol fuels in premium and luxury cars. Because it is made from plant materials, such as sugar cane or wood chips, bioethanol fuel reduces our dependance on fossil fuels. The carbon dioxide it releases is absorbed again by the photosynthesis of the plants used to make more bioethanol. Pure bioethanol therefore doesn't add to the overall level of CO2 in the atmosphere.

By driving a car with E85 (a fuel made from 85% bioethanol and 15% petrol) you will reduce fossil fuel-based emissions of CO2 by up to 80%. With no loss of driving enjoyment.

No more sacrifices

Several technologies are being developed to offer alternatives to conventional petrol engines. Some are unproven, some are expensive, and some require changes to the fuel supply structure.

Saab BioPower, on the other hand, is an affordable technology that's already in use in Saab cars. Bioethanol is increasingly available at service stations. Because it can be handled just like petrol, they don't need major infrastructural alterations to supply it.

From a driver's perspective, filling up with bioethanol is as easy as filling up with petrol. If bioethanol isn't available, then a car can just as easily run on petrol. The engine automatically adjusts to use either fuel.

And you get exactly the same degree of comfort, safety, versatility and responsive handling that you expect from a Saab.

Swedish Success Story

Scandinavians are proud of the natural beauty of the region and pride themselves on their environmental record. Which might explain why Sweden is at the forefront of pioneering schemes to encourage people to drive bioethanol cars.

In Stockholm and other larger cities there are pioneering schemes that offer free parking or an exemption from congestion charges. Company cars can qualify for a tax reduction. No wonder that by the end of 2005, every tenth car sold was an environmentally-friendly vehicle. The majority, of course, were Saab 9-5 BioPower vehicles that sold 80% of the totally sold Saab cars in the year 2006.

Innovative Thinking

Saab BioPower is the world's first turbocharged bioethanol engine. It is unique in that it delivers significant extra power and torque when running on bioethanol compared to petrol.

This is because Saab's Trionic engine management system and turbo technology take advantage of the fact that bioethanol has a higher octane-rating than petrol. Running on E85, maximum power increases from 136 kW to 154 kW, on the Saab 9-5 BioPower 2.3t. Torque rises from 240 to 280 Nm.

The result is a win-win situation: Choosing a fuel that is more environmentally-friendly and at the same time also results in performance that is more driver friendly.

Fuelling the Future

Saab BioPower isn't the only alternative to a conventional petrol engine, but it's one of the smartest.

Saab BioPower is a flexi-fuel engine. It can run on E85 or petrol - or any mixture of the two. The engine automatically detects what's in the tank and adjusts accordingly. So, compared to a petrol equivalent, the only difference a driver will notice is the extra horsepower you get when using bioethanol.

Click here for Saab BioPower FAQs