The new Saab 9-3: Clean diesel and Improved Biopower
The new Saab 9-3 is arriving at European dealers after the summer and it includes a couple of very interesting options for cleaner driving: an improved Ecopower and a powerful diesel.
The 2-liter Biopower, able to run with E85 has improved power to 200 HP (175 for the previous version) and torque gets a significant upgrade, 300Nm (221 lb/ft). The improvement in power is derived from a new engine management system which controls throttle position, injection and turbo pressure which optimises (or so it's claimed) the fuel mixture that arrives to the combustion chamber.
In the diesel field, Saab has created a new version of the 1.9 TTid with two turbos good for 180 HP. The first one boosts power in the lower rpm range whereas the second kicks in gradually from 1500 to 3000 rpm for higher performance (and less mpg). The announced torque between 1850 and 2750 rpm is 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) - It also makes 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Mileage is near 40 mpg (European combined cycle) and emissions are 159 CO2 g/km.
Will these options be available in the US? As always with European cars, it will depend on their sales previsions and emissions tests, which are different. But GM has good clean technology ready in Europe.
Related:
- Prince Charlie checks out the BioPower Saab 9-3
- GM of Europe video of the Saab BioPower 100 concept car
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
steve 10:26AM (1/31/2009)
When will the Saab TTiD come to Canada?
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ThwartedEfforts 10:09AM (6/20/2007)
The 173bhp Ford/PSA 2.2 litre twin-turbo diesel in the Citroen C5 and C6 -- and also due to make an appearance in the new Mondeo -- is a genuinely amazing lump, giving in excess of 40mpg and seriously punchy overtaking. The only complaint is that it's a bit rattly at idle when cold. I'd be interested to see how the Saab compares.
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Nils 10:37AM (6/20/2007)
There's no such thing as a clean diesel.
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MikeW 1:37PM (6/20/2007)
Anyone have the gear ratios of 2.5 & 3.5?
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Leopold Porkstacker 11:56AM (6/23/2007)
Hah! That picture was taken at the Alameda Air Base--the dead giveaway is the silhouette of the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline in the background.
Oh, and I might consider buying a Saab if they were RWD. Call me crazy (but don't call me Sally or Billy Ray) but I think that torque steer is just a completely silly invention.
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Mike 9:23AM (6/21/2007)
Nils-I don't care, I'm going to buy a diesel car anyway.
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Karl-Uwe Strunzen 2:44AM (12/09/2007)
"In the diesel field, Saab has created a new version of the 1.9 TTid with two turbos good for 180 HP."
This it the Fiat twin-stage turbo which is being produced in Italy and in two models
- a 180 hp model for external customers (such as SAAB)
- a 190 hp model for Fiats. Presumably the first 190 hp car will be a Lancia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JTD
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/06/fiat-19-jtd-m-new-twin-stage-turbo.html
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