Detroit 2008 leak: Saab's 9-4X BioPower CUV concept
It sure gets leaky before an auto show, doesn't it? While GM and Saab would like to keep a lid on the news of the Saab 9-4X BioPower concept CUV, the word is out, thanks to Automotive News (subs req'd). The full details of this eathnol-ready CUV will be coming on Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show, but we do know that the concept is powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo engine that, when burning E85, can produce 300hp at 5,400 rpm as well as 295 pounds-feet of torque at anywhere between 2,600 to 5,100 rpm. The 9-4X BioPower also features amenities like a place to store your skis (what, no Segway?), a panoramic glass roof and flush-mounted starter button. There will be more details on Sunday - at the latest.
[Source: Automotive News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
steven 1:46PM (1/08/2008)
Heaven for fend! A Saab without a center mount ignition key? It's going to take me 6 months to unlearn how to start it! Looks like they gave all the sexy duds to the Caddy version, with the exception of that overly clad Caddy grill!
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1985 Gripen 3:17PM (1/08/2008)
The final production vehicle is likely a year away, but it's expected that Europe will get the BioPower (we still haven't yet got Saab's other BioPower cars here in North America which have been selling in Europe for years now!) four-cylinder turbo-charged inline-4 engine as well as a rumored diesel powerplant (the 2.9-liter turbodiesel V6 found in the European 2008 Cadillac CTS) whereas we here in the States will be getting a turbocharged V6 non-flex-fuel version.
Because this vehicle is intended to replace Saab's 9-7X mid-size SUV (based on the GM360 truck-based SUV platform like siblings Chevy Trailblazer, et. al. and currently only sold in North America, whereas the 9-4X is intended for both Europe and N.A.) I think it makes sense in the U.S. to use the V6 rather than the I4. Why? Because many SUV owners do so because of towing capacity. SUV owners want to tow their trailer full of motorcycles or quads or snowmobiles or living space, or whatever.
If we get Saab's current V6 in the 9-4X as found in the 9-3 Aero here in the States, it's still more environmentally-friendly than most SUVs as it's a fairly small displacement V6 (2.8-liter port-injected V6 sourced from GM's Australian Holden subsidiary).
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