Auto Channel

Ready for 2009

Again an embargo break, this time the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept falls victim to the ever-more cut-throat automotive industry. The Dutch AutoTelegraaf have either found these (low res) images on the net or have themselves broken the embargo.

The 9-4X BioPower concept looks production ready, and the newspaper claims that the Saab 9-4X BioPower will go into production this year at GM's plant in Mexico and should go on sale in the USA not much later, Europe will follow in the following months.

The 9-4X will have four-wheel-drive (hence the X) and the concept is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine producing 245 hp and 353 Nm torque. If the engine is fueled with E85 Ethanol power increases to 300 hp and 400 Nm torque. The 4WD uses a central placed differential which directs drive power to the front and rear axles, the rear axle also has an intelligent rear-differential to spread power to which ever wheel needs it most.

Stay tuned for official information from the showfloor late next week.