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(Mon 14 Jan 08) The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, which has just gone on display at the Detroit Show, demonstrates the company's determination to move into sectors of the markets it has so far left unexplored.
Almost inevitably, this means that the 9-4X is a crossover model which attempts to bridge the gap between an SUV and a sports saloon. Saab is making no outlandish claims about offroad performance, but the car has that SUV look about it, and it also has an actively four-wheel drive system and an electronically-controlled rear limited slip differential. The power unit is a two-litre turbocharged engine, basically of the petrol type but optimised to run on the E85 mix of 85% bioethanol and 15% fossil juice. Maximum power output is said to be 300bhp, which is pretty sturdy for a two-litre engine whether it has a turbo or not. The cabin, derived from that of the Aero X concept displayed at Geneva in 2006, is firmly biased towards the driver. If other occupants start to feel huffy about this, they can relax by looking through the panoramic glass sunroof.
Since the 9-4X is to some extent an SUV, there's the issue of practicality. Saab has an association with ski equipment manufacturer Salomon, and Saab Salomon Big Mountain skiers Kaj Zachrisson and Enak Gavaggio were brought in to offer helpful advice. Zachrisson and Gavaggio made it clear that they don't like storing valuable skis in a roof-mounted box - too much hassle, not enough security - so instead the 9-4X has a fold-out aluminium holder which can carry up to three pairs of skis and poles. There's a heated underfloor compartment for ski boots, and for more general reasons the rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof, scratch-resistant rubber "skin". Previous: Land Rover LRX Concept Launched Next: Chrysler's Green Concepts |
