REPORT: Saab developing hybrid powertrain for upcoming 9-5
2010 Saab 9-5 sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've already heard about the five engine options slated for the Saab 9-5 upon its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Apparently, there's plenty more on the horizon in the coming years, including Saab's first production hybrid powertrain. According to Autocar, the hybrid system will match diesel fuel economy numbers while providing lower emissions and competitive performance.
It seems Saab will pair an electric motor with excellent torque characteristics right from idle with a highly-tuned 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 120 horsepower. That gasoline-fed powerplant should be able to manage good power at higher engine speeds, making for adequate overall acceleration across the rev range.
If there's any truth to this rumor, Saab is planning to use a relatively small battery pack that's not expected to power the car for long periods of time. Pricing information isn't yet known, but the Swedish automaker is said to want to undercut upcoming hybrids from its German competition.
Gallery: Saab 9-5 Sedan
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Oh4Sh0 8:31AM (9/11/2009)
Highly-tuned 1.4l should put out more than 120 ponies..? And even with a decent electric motor helping, this wouldn't put out more than 180-200hp total, if that.
I can see this working in Europe, but in America I don't think anyone's interested in paying 40k+ for a 9-5 with
Reply
Oh4Sh0 8:53AM (9/11/2009)
not sure where the rest of my text went -- but a 9-5 with
Oh4Sh0 8:55AM (9/11/2009)
Wow autoblog fails.. maybe the 'greater than' sign is killing my text.. but a 9-5 with less than 200 ponies in america. I like the idea of a hybrid power-train, but still it needs to have over 200 hp in a 40k automobile.
GoodCheer 9:30AM (9/11/2009)
This is a test. The following text will be [two is greater than 1]: 2 > 1
GoodCheer 9:31AM (9/11/2009)
How about [two is less than three]: 2 < 3
Reply
Oh4Sh0 3:50PM (9/11/2009)
hmm.. wonder why it was raping my comments :(