The Saab 9-X Biohybrid concept car was developed by Saab in 2008 and first shown on the Geneva Motor Show 2008. It is based on the GM Delta platform and is thought to give an idea of the upcoming Saab 9-1X.
It has keyless entry and small cameras instead of rear-view mirrors. On the roof there is a solar panel, like in the Saab EV-1, for charging the battery, both when driving and when parked. The headlights are automatic. A front-mounted camera detects if you meet another car. The front of the car follows the design of the Saab Aero-X while the rear has a cut-off look similar to the Saab 9-X.
Under the hood is a 200-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that, as the BioHybrid name implies, can run on E85 (a mix of 15-percent gasoline and 85-percent ethanol) while getting some juice from GM’s next-generation hybrid system.
Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.
Saab 9-X/1 should have been a capable competitor to the MINI in the premium compact segment that’s fiercely competitive in Europe, but… However, this concept will wait for better times.
Whoah… is there a way to get the rights to build that? That would be an excellently placed model to compete with things like the Skoda Fabia and other quirkier small cars.