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2006 Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept

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Khatir Soltani
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Here's a small break from all the hype of this year's upcoming New
The stunning Aero X Concept may be the ultimate Saab concept, but the BioPower Hybrid is in close contention. (Photo: General Motors)
York International Auto Show; it comes in the form of a concept car that won't be shown in the Big Apple. The vehicle in question comes from Sweden, and is probably the most radical concept car ever produced by Saab. Well, it would've been, if it weren't for the recently unveiled Aero X. Anyway, what kind of car could contend with the inspired-by-jets look and form of the X? How about the world's first 100-percent ethanol-powered, hybrid, all-wheel drive convertible. That sounds like a worthy title, and it's exactly what the BioPower Hybrid Concept serves up.

As
What could be more awesome than a super-powerful 100-percent ethanol hybrid all-wheel drive convertible? Not a whole lot, for sure. (Photo: General Motors)
with the 9-5 BioPower concept car that was displayed at the LA and Detroit motor shows, the 9-3 Convertible-based BioPower Hybrid concept is more of a prototype than a full-out concept. All the technologies featured could be applied to today's production car without too many difficulties, making it a true demonstrator for environmental and performance-boosting aids that are just around the corner. Aside from the enormous fan-like alloy wheels wearing run-flat tires and the decals that adorn the doors, there's little aesthetical difference between it and the regular run of the mill 9-3 Convertible.

With so many different drive-line systems crammed into one car,
Ethanol-based flex-fuels have given new life to Saab's aged 9-5. It's Sweden's most popular E85-powered car. (Photo: General Motors)
where exactly does one start with the BioPower Hybrid? Saab is quickly moving up the ranks as one of the world's leaders in ethanol-powered vehicles, employing this alternative fuel as a power source in their past three concept cars; not to mention that it is available as a power-alternative in the production 9-5 sedan and SportCombi wagon. In Saab's home country of Sweden, the 9-5 is currently the best-selling flex-fuel powered vehicle, with over 5,000 ethanol-powered 9-5s being delivered in the past nine months. Buyers of flex-fuel cars in Sweden benefit from reduced company car tax, free inner-city parking, and are exempt from Stockholm's congestion charge (road toll).

The
260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. And that's without any hybrid assist. (Photo: General Motors)
BioPower Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter high-pressure turbocharged inline-four; the same basic engine you might find under the hood of the standard 9-3 Convertible, or the older 9-3 Aero. In non flex-fuel applications, the engine normally produces 210 horsepower, controlled by Saab's brilliant Trionic engine management system, but here, running on 100-percent ethanol alcohol, the engine is able to make a whopping 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque; a 24 percent improvement in horsepower and a 25 percent improvement in torque over the standard engine. It must be said that all gains aren't necessarily attributed to the new fuel; the engine also features GM's new direct injection fuel system (SIDI) which further helps to optimize the car's efficiency and boost power.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada