This could be the most important new Saab in decades! Just unveiled here at Geneva, the 9X concept gives the strongest hint yet of the quirky Swedish firm's forthcoming premium compact hatch.Set to go head-to-head with the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the rakish 9X could revive the struggling company's fortunes. It's also packed with hi-tech features and will be able to lay claim to the title of most efficient car in the class.There's no doubting the Saab's style. At the front is a larger version of the familiar family grille, neat swept back headlamps and a distinctive wraparound windscreen. Smooth flanks with hidden door handles and mirrors replaced by rear-view cameras create what the designers call the 'fuselage look'. At the rear there's real innovation thanks to active aerodynamics. The upright tail features a roof mounted spoiler and rear diffuser that extend above 43mph and help to reduce drag and fuel consumption.Efficiency is further boosted by a turbocharged ethanol-powered 1.4-litre motor connected to a semi-auto six speed gearbox. This combination produces just 105g/km of CO2 and will return 57mpg when running on standard unleaded. Better still, it will still accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 134mph.Inside, the cabin will seat four and, while the dashboard is angled towards the driver in traditional Saab style. The company has also worked with electronics experts Sony Ericsson to create a hi-tech multi-media system.Practicality is taken care of courtesy of a split tailgate. Drop down the lower hatch and an electric tray slides put to take the strain out of loading heavy or awkward objects.No production plans have yet been announced, but expect to see a showroom ready version in late 2009.Source
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Saab 9X unveiled at Geneva Motor Show 2008
This could be the most important new Saab in decades! Just unveiled here at Geneva, the 9X concept gives the strongest hint yet of the quirky Swedish firm's forthcoming premium compact hatch.Set to go head-to-head with the BMW 1-Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the rakish 9X could revive the struggling company's fortunes. It's also packed with hi-tech features and will be able to lay claim to the title of most efficient car in the class.There's no doubting the Saab's style. At the front is a larger version of the familiar family grille, neat swept back headlamps and a distinctive wraparound windscreen. Smooth flanks with hidden door handles and mirrors replaced by rear-view cameras create what the designers call the 'fuselage look'. At the rear there's real innovation thanks to active aerodynamics. The upright tail features a roof mounted spoiler and rear diffuser that extend above 43mph and help to reduce drag and fuel consumption.Efficiency is further boosted by a turbocharged ethanol-powered 1.4-litre motor connected to a semi-auto six speed gearbox. This combination produces just 105g/km of CO2 and will return 57mpg when running on standard unleaded. Better still, it will still accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 134mph.Inside, the cabin will seat four and, while the dashboard is angled towards the driver in traditional Saab style. The company has also worked with electronics experts Sony Ericsson to create a hi-tech multi-media system.Practicality is taken care of courtesy of a split tailgate. Drop down the lower hatch and an electric tray slides put to take the strain out of loading heavy or awkward objects.No production plans have yet been announced, but expect to see a showroom ready version in late 2009.Source
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