Saab Biopower 100 Concept
After its recent world premiere at the 77th annual International Motor Show in Geneva, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept is heading for U.S. shores for its North American debut at the forthcoming 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) that will take place at the Javits Convention Center early this April. The Saab BioPower 100 features the first production based turbo engine developed to run on pure bioethanol fuel.
Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile Managing Director commented:
“This exciting concept shows the tremendous potential of bioethanol, in terms of both performance and future opportunities to right-size engines. Bioethanol is already entering the market as E85 fuel, and we look forward to seeing further supply infrastructure developments that will make it more widely available in the future.”
“Saab is the sales leader in the flex-fuel car segment in Europe, and we are eager to extend that success to North America The BioPower 100 Concept shows the way to go. Beyond highlighting the first production-based turbo e ngine to be optimized for pure ethanol, this high-tech concept also foreshadows the arrival of Saab BioPower products in the United States in the near future.” said Jay Spenchian, Saab Automobile USA General Manager
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Saab’s latest development in alternative fuel technology is embarked in the Saab BioPower 100 Concept displaying the vehicle’s capability in combining turbo charging and sophisticated engine management with pure bioethanol fuel.
The Saab BioPower 100 Concept is aboard the 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine from the Saab 9-5 SportCombi models, developing 150 hp. When running on E100, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept delivers a maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft. rotating between engine speeds of 3,000 and 5,100 rpm. The engine is coupled with a manual gearbox and quality clutch parts like pressure plate similar to VW pressure plate found in the VW Phaeton, one of Saab 9-5′s competitors in the executive car segment. Compared to the standard gasoline engine installed on the Saab 9-5, the Saab BioPower 100 Concept offers more power and torque output, thanks to Saab’s turbo charging technology that gives greater combustion efficiency. It also comes with Saab’s new Trionic engine management system that controls the throttle setting, ignition timing, fuel injection and turbo boost pressure of the engine running on E100 fuel. As a result, Saab BioPower 100 Concept offers low fuel consumption and reduces the harmful CO2 emissions to enter the environment.
“Bioethanol is a potent, high-quality fuel that opens up exciting possibilities in helping to meet the environmental challenges that face us.” said Kjell ac Bergström, GM Powertrain – Sweden President and CEO and head of Saab BioPower 100 engine development team.
“As the need to reduce energy consumption increases, we are exploring ways to run smaller engines that give relatively high power, with and without hybrid technology. Bioethanol can play a key role in this right-sizing process, while also minimizing fossil fuel emissions.” he added.
The Saab 9-5 Aero SportCombi with BioPower 100 Concept drivetrain retains the standard features of the 9-5 base model, with new features like limited-slip differential, larger front brake discs and calipers, and a dual pipe rear exhaust system with tailpipes similar to Saab’s Aero X concept unveiled last year.
