The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept that debuted at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show is an indication of what a future small car from Saab could look like. When something derived from it reaches production - which is a near-certainty - it will likely be called the Saab 9-1 and it will compete with the new Volvo C30 coupe.
With its long, sloping roofline, smooth bodysides, and wraparound windows, the 9-X BioHybrid further explores design themes established by the breakthrough Aero X, which debuted at Geneva two years ago. The powertrain is a 200-hp, 1.4-liter BioPower turbocharged four-cylinder mated to GM's next-generation hybrid system. (GM announced at the Geneva show that it will have a new hybrid system using lithium-ion batteries, rather than nickel-metal-hydride batteries, for the U.S. market by 2010.) GM estimates that this powertrain could produce only 105 grams of CO2 per kilometer if run on E85 fuel and still provide 0-to-62-mph acceleration of 7.9 seconds and a 134-mph top speed.
The ultra-sleek, four-seat cabin features a driver control display that starts in the driver's door and sweeps across the dash, leaving what is usually a crowded center stack in most vehicles largely blank. What, then, will entertain one's passengers?
Click the link below for high-resolution 9-X images.