Remember those exaggerated, super-sleek and over-the-top concept cars from your childhood? The ones that sent imaginations on fire, brought awe to young minds and provided a glimpse into an exciting motoring future? From first glance, the Saab PhoeniX is one of those concepts.
Boasting tremendous technology and efficiency, the PhoeniX rides the same platform as the upcoming new 9-3 and introduces what the automaker calls an ‘aeromotional’ design, which amounts to a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles used in Saab’s first car. The teardrop-inspired, ‘liquid metal’ skin is worn tightly against the PhoeniX’s structure and generates a muscular, taut and aggressive character.
Though functionally sound and penned with an eye for efficiency, the outlandish look of this concept was a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
At the PhoeniX’s Geneva Motor Show launch, crowds noted the curious aerodynamic winglets, which amount to sculpted, body-mounted spoilers utilized for airflow management. The winglets work towards a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.25, while creating a unique styling element. Aside from the stand-out bodywork, the PhoeniX concept also boasted such styling elements as a low-profile, wraparound greenhouse and turbine-blade wheels that acknowledge the brand’s history in aviation.
On board, the PhoeniX’s 2+2 cabin is styled with a simple and understated look that hides numerous technologically advanced features. Taking cues from competition cars, PhoeniX boasts shell-like seats, exposed segments that mimic a roll cage and a focused environment that literally surrounds the driver’s seat. The uncluttered and minimalist approach also speaks to the model’s lightweight construction, which aids in fuel efficiency and performance.
Despite the modest cabin appearance, PhoeniX boasts an afterburner-inspired instrument cluster, jet-style head-up display and a unique IQon infotainment and communications system that’s mounted as close to the driver’s fingertips as the steering wheel. The Android-powered interface delivers easy access to numerous functions and works as its own unique styling element. It can even connect to the Internet.
Also futuristic is the PhoeniX’s drivetrain. In line with the automaker’s ‘rightsizing’ powertrain strategy, the model is motivated by a 1.6-litre turbo engine for maximum efficiency and on-demand performance. The 200-horsepower unit is optimized for minimal parasitic power loss, and includes start/stop functionality like a hybrid.
 |
| Photo: Saab |
Boasting tremendous technology and efficiency, the PhoeniX rides the same platform as the upcoming new 9-3 and introduces what the automaker calls an ‘aeromotional’ design, which amounts to a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles used in Saab’s first car. The teardrop-inspired, ‘liquid metal’ skin is worn tightly against the PhoeniX’s structure and generates a muscular, taut and aggressive character.
Though functionally sound and penned with an eye for efficiency, the outlandish look of this concept was a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
At the PhoeniX’s Geneva Motor Show launch, crowds noted the curious aerodynamic winglets, which amount to sculpted, body-mounted spoilers utilized for airflow management. The winglets work towards a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.25, while creating a unique styling element. Aside from the stand-out bodywork, the PhoeniX concept also boasted such styling elements as a low-profile, wraparound greenhouse and turbine-blade wheels that acknowledge the brand’s history in aviation.
On board, the PhoeniX’s 2+2 cabin is styled with a simple and understated look that hides numerous technologically advanced features. Taking cues from competition cars, PhoeniX boasts shell-like seats, exposed segments that mimic a roll cage and a focused environment that literally surrounds the driver’s seat. The uncluttered and minimalist approach also speaks to the model’s lightweight construction, which aids in fuel efficiency and performance.
Despite the modest cabin appearance, PhoeniX boasts an afterburner-inspired instrument cluster, jet-style head-up display and a unique IQon infotainment and communications system that’s mounted as close to the driver’s fingertips as the steering wheel. The Android-powered interface delivers easy access to numerous functions and works as its own unique styling element. It can even connect to the Internet.
Also futuristic is the PhoeniX’s drivetrain. In line with the automaker’s ‘rightsizing’ powertrain strategy, the model is motivated by a 1.6-litre turbo engine for maximum efficiency and on-demand performance. The 200-horsepower unit is optimized for minimal parasitic power loss, and includes start/stop functionality like a hybrid.
 |
| Photo: Saab |