Saab Aero X Concept Press Release

Press Release: Saab Aero X Concept Showcases Future Design Themes

Inspired by aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage. Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars. 'Green Power' from 400 bhp BioPower engine using 100% bioethanol fuel

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As you would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupé breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.

First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'.

Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.

All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedoms to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products.

With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically-controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph (limited).

Despite being so tightly driver focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

Technical Specifications and Performance

Chassis:

Sports Coupé two-seater format, monocoque steel construction

Rear opening cockpit canopy, carbon fiber bodywork

Engine:

Front, longitudinally-mounted behind front axle

Saab BioPower 2.8-litre V6 turbo. 24-valve, four OHC.

All aluminium construction. E100 fuel. 12:1 compression ratio.

VVT, exhaust and inlet. SIDI (Spark Ignited Direct Injection).

Twin VGT (Variable Geometry Turbine) turbochargers. 1.0 bar max. boost

Dry sump lubrication.

Max. power: 400 bhp @ 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Max. torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 - 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Engine management:

32-bit, ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass measurement, throttle setting. Secondary air injection for quick catalysts warm up

Transmission:

Seven-speed, automated manual transmission with double clutch system.

Sequential gear changes via the steering wheel paddles.

All-wheel-drive through multi-plate clutch, variable front/rear torque split.

Suspension:

Front: Double wishbones, coil springs, elec.adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.

Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, elec. adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.

Saab Active Chassis: continuously adjustable damping control.

Steering:

Rack and pinion, hydraulic power-assisted.
Brakes:

380 mm ventilated discs front/rear

ABS, MBA, EBD, electronic stability control.

Wheels/Tires:

Front: 22 x 9.0 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 265/30 mm

Rear: 23 x 11.5 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 325/25 mm

Kerb weight:

1,500 kilos (projected). F/R distribution: 50/50 %

External dimensions:

Length: 4675 mm

Width: 1918 mm

Height: 1276 mm

Track: 1599 mm (f), 1579 mm (r)

Wheelbase: 2795 mm

Performance (projected):

0 - 100 kph: 4.9 secs

Top Speed: 250 kph (limited)