Rendered Speculation: Volt-based Saab Fashionista
Saab Fashionista concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
At this point, it's not a certainty that Saab or even parent company General Motors will still be in the car business in the year 2012, but let's not let that tidbit get in the way of an interesting concept car. Authored by Mayeul Walser, a 4th year design student at Creapole-ESDI, the Saab Fashionista is a 2+2 sport coupe that's inspired by the designs of Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel.
More importantly, this concept is based on the underpinnings of the Chevy Volt, which means there's a range-extended electric powertrain hiding under its shapely bodywork. Since it only exists on paper, Walser took some liberties by ditching the eco-friendly drivetrain's stock four cylinder engine and replacing it with a more powerful V6.
In reality, a more powerful internal combustion engine wouldn't make the Fashionista any faster than the Volt since the electric motor is the only power source driving the front wheels. No matter, it's an interesting concept nonetheless. We especially like the 9-spoke blade-like carbon fiber rims.
Gallery: Saab Fashionista concept
[Source: Mayeul Walser via Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 2:45PM (4/29/2009)
A V6 to recharge the battery? Or does the engine kick in when the battery is dead? Still, too much hood, proportions are off.
Reply
Chris M 9:47PM (4/29/2009)
The planned Volt power train starts the IC engine generator when the battery state-of-charge drops to about 30 to 35%, it provides power to the motor that drives the wheel. If extra power is required, the motor can draw power from both battery and generator. The only time the IC engine generator recharges the battery is when there is a surplus of power available to do so.
Rick 2:14PM (4/30/2009)
Ah, so there's a electric motor, generator (V6) and battery. So the V6 is a generator and not a stand along power source? Is a V6 really needed?
Efried 7:00AM (4/30/2009)
The willingness and frequency to disclose studies and mock-ups is positively correlated to the wealth of the company?
Reply
brn 7:45PM (4/29/2009)
The last paragraph sums it up. It's propelled by the electric motor. A bigger gas engine won't make it any more powerful, just heavier.
This car won't ever exist. It's a silly concept, riding on the coattails of the Volt. Move on, there's nothing to see here.
Reply
Chris M 9:58PM (4/29/2009)
I agree that as a concept, it probably won't go into production, at least not without extensive modifications.
But the larger engine could serve for greater performance if coupled with more powerful electric motor/generators. Combining the power from the IC generator with power from the battery for a more powerful motor (or motors!) could lead to stunning performance figures.
Ernie 12:09AM (4/30/2009)
Actually, yes it would. The more volts you put to the motor given the same amount of current, the faster it goes. As such, you can use a larger generator with the larger engine and make those volts.
At the same time, yes it would be heavier, possibly erasing any advantage you would have created. Or not.
Indi 8:30PM (4/29/2009)
Fareekin' hideous.
Reply