2006 LAIAS: Saab 9-5 Aero Biopower Concept

[Guest Josh]

For release: Jan 2, 2006.

SAAB 9-5 AERO BIOPOWER CONCEPT: SPORTIER PERFORMANCE AND MORE ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

LOS ANGELES – The 310-horsepower Saab 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, demonstrates that Saab drivers can enjoy the benefits of increased power and performance while having a greater regard for the environment. In combining the enjoyment of sporty driving with innovative and rewarding technology, it builds on Saab's strong Scandinavian tradition of providing “performance with responsibility.”

Powered by bio-ethanol (E85), a renewable and sustainable fuel, the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine of the 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept delivers almost 20 percent more maximum power – 310 bhp (231.1 kw) vs. 260 bhp (193.4 kw) – and 25 percent more torque – 325 lb.-ft. (440 Nm) vs. 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) – than its gasoline equivalent. On the road, this is expected to translate to 0-to-60 mph acceleration in under six seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds with gasoline. This is in addition to a dramatic improvement in environmental performance, through reduced emissions of fossil carbon dioxide (CO2).

Saab already leads the European premium car segment in offering a BioPower model. Sales began in 2005 in Sweden, where the Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower's winning combination of enhanced engine and environmental performance – its power is raised from 150 bhp (111.9 kw) to 180 bhp (134.2 kw) when running on E85 – currently accounts for 70 percent of all 9-5 sales. The same model also recently earned Popular Science magazine’s Best of What’s New award, an annual selection of 100 breakthrough new products and technologies.

Now BioPower technology is being applied for the first time to Saab's top-of-the-line 9-5 Aero model, showcasing the potential of developing a version for the North American market.

Ethanol fuel is produced commercially from agricultural crops or forest residues and is already produced in the U.S. , usually from corn. Unlike gasoline, its consumption does not raise atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). This is because emissions during driving are balanced by the amount of CO2 that is removed from the atmosphere, through natural photosynthesis, when crops for conversion are grown. To ensure good cold starting performance, ethanol is usually blended (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline) and sold commercially as E85 fuel.

E85 is a high-quality fuel with a much higher octane rating (104 RON) than gasoline, allowing the engine's ignition timing to be advanced for more power without risk of harmful “knock.” Saab's powerful Trionic engine management system adapts to different ignition and fuel/air mixture requirements. The only hardware modifications needed for BioPower are more durable valves and valve seats and the use of ethanol-compatible materials in the fuel system, including the tank, pump, lines and connectors.

The Trionic system monitors fuel quality after every fill-up and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E85 and/or gasoline in any combination. That means Saab BioPower drivers can also use gasoline, should E85 not be available.

During the development of BioPower, Swedish engineers teamed up with their General Motors colleagues in Brazil , where 100-percent ethanol (E100), produced locally from sugar cane, is the dominant fuel on the market. Saab has found that turbocharged engines are particularly well-suited to exploiting the benefits of ethanol, allowing the possibility of introducing higher compression ratios for optimum power and efficiency, while also encouraging powertrain downsizing.

"We are delighted to be taking a lead in the development of BioPower, which expresses many of the traditional values of the Saab brand," said Jan-Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's managing director. "We are convinced alcohol fuels like ethanol can provide an effective short- to mid-term solution in our search for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based fuels for road transport.

"It is compatible with conventional gasoline engines and can be supplied through the existing fuel infrastructure, without the need for any major new investment. A transition toward ethanol can run in parallel with the development of other, longer-term energy solutions, which could also include ethanol as an energy-carrier for the introduction of fuel cell technology."



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[vineyard311]

Anyone know anything about the gas mileage when using bio-fuel? Better or worse?

[Clownzilla]

Anyone know anything about the gas mileage when using bio-fuel? Better or worse?

[post="66342"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I was reading in one of the mainstrem automobile magazines that this vehicle actually had better mileage when using Bio-Fuel. Apperently (according to the article) it is almost
always the other way around. I think SAAB might be on to something.

[mphmag]

From chevy's experience it equals about the same mileage. but remember this is high octane stuff! they use it in funny cars etc. plus in Illinois it is a bit cheaper than regular unleaded let alone mid to high octane unleaded. subsidies and tax credits i think lead to that price. 310 HP! though and all that torque. hmmmm torque. if you're in the midwest these make more sense.

[CSpec]

I still think ethanol is a pipe dream of overly subsidized farmers.

[gmhashope]

Hmm, sounds interesting. More horsepower and torque and hopefully better fuel economy.

[Clownzilla]

I still think ethanol is a pipe dream of overly subsidized farmers.

[post="66364"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Brazil has been doing E100 for a long time. Sure, they are a GIANT sugar cane producer (source of the ethenol), but they don't have to worry about the world oil economy when it comes to transportation. Now, I'm not a scientist, but I would think that we have enough farmers & farms (subsidized or not) that can grow enough corn to make a big dent in our world-wide oil independence. I think SAAB is looking into something different but promising for the luxury market.

[turbo200]

Brazil has been doing E100 for a long time. Sure, they are a GIANT sugar cane producer (source of the ethenol), but they don't have to worry about the world oil economy when it comes to transportation. Now, I'm not a scientist, but I would think that we have enough farmers & farms (subsidized or not) that can grow enough corn to make a big dent in our world-wide oil independence. I think SAAB is looking into something different but promising for the luxury market.

[post="66463"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Anything we can do to lower our dependence of the world oil supply is a good thing.