As we announced a few months ago, Saab is finally offering its full range of 9-3 vehicles with E85 capability in all of Europe. Besides the improvements for the 2.0 turbo powerplant, Saab has tuned the base 1.8 liter engine to create an E85-capable version, which, according to the brand, outdoes the regular powerplant. When running on E85, the BioPower engine provides 17 percent more maximum power (175 hp v 150 hp) and 10 percent more torque (195 v 177 lb-ft) compared to running on straight gasoline.

With this new engine, all Saab 9-3 models: Sport Sedan, Sport Hatch and Cabrio can have two E85-capable engines, in both Linear and Vector trimming and either with manual or auto gearboxes. Prices aren't cheap, a Sport Sedan with the 1.8t engine starts at 32,245 EUR (in Spain) and the Cabrio 2.0t tops at 45,650 EUR. Bearing in mind the different taxing system and the conversion rates, Saab certainly thinks "cashed up greenies" will be ready to pay for biofueled power.

[Source: El Mundo]