Saab will give green motoring a
performance boost at next month’s Geneva Motor Show when it
unveils its latest BioPower development.
The Saab BioPower 100 Concept
showcases the first production-based engine to be optimized for
pure bioethanol (E100) fuel. The result is a level of
performance never seen before from a road car using this fuel.
To be shown as an exciting
evolution of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi, 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 optimized 2.0-liter engine
from the 9-5 rangedevelops 300 hp 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 150 hp per liter demonstrates
scope for future ‘rightsizing’, using smaller, high output
engines that also deliver energy savings.
.
Peak power is complemented by a
substantial 295 lb. ft. of torque, giving this optimized engine
the power characteristics of a naturally-aspirated engine of
4.0-liters displacement. This is reflected in strong
performance, the Saab 9-5 BioPower 100 Concept achieving zero to
62 mph acceleration in just 6.6 seconds and 50 – 75 mph (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 Advanced Design Director Anthony Lo,
who oversaw 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.”
