Saab Shows 310HP Flex-fuel Concept
05 January 2006
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| Saab 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept |
Saab unveiled a 310-horsepower 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept midsize wagon at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The flex-fuel vehicle, capable of running on gasoline or ethanol blends of up to 85% (E85) is a more powerful version than its European cousin. (Earlier post.)
The 2.3-liter turbocharged engine of the 9-5 Aero BioPower Concept delivers almost 20% more maximum power—310 hp (231 kW) vs. 260 hp (193 kW)—25% more torque—440 Nm vs. 350 Nm—than its gasoline equivalent.
This results in 0-to-60 mph acceleration in less than 6 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds with gasoline. GM has not yet released fuel consumption figures on the vehicle.
Although ethanol has lower energy content than gasoline (resulting in higher fuel consumption), E85 has a much higher octane rating (104 RON), allowing the engine’s ignition timing to be advanced for more power without risk of knock.
Saab’s Trionic engine management system adapts to different ignition and fuel/air mixture requirements. The only hardware modifications needed for BioPower are more durable valves and valve seats and the use of ethanol-compatible materials in the fuel system, including the tank, pump, lines and connectors.
The Trionic system monitors fuel quality after every fill-up and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E85 and/or gasoline in any combination.
Saab has found that turbocharged engines are particularly well-suited to exploiting the benefits of ethanol, allowing the possibility of introducing higher compression ratios for optimum power and efficiency, while also encouraging powertrain downsizing.
We are delighted to be taking a lead in the development of BioPower, which expresses many of the traditional values of the Saab brand. We are convinced alcohol fuels like ethanol can provide an effective short- to mid-term solution in our search for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based fuels for road transport.
It is compatible with conventional gasoline engines and can be supplied through the existing fuel infrastructure, without the need for any major new investment. A transition toward ethanol can run in parallel with the development of other, longer-term energy solutions, which could also include ethanol as an energy-carrier for the introduction of fuel cell technology.
—Jan-Åke Jonsson, managing director, Saab Automobile
Wouldn't the MPG be lower running e85? I still like the idea however.
Posted by: TDI_bio_dvr | 05 January 2006 at 12:23 PM
Yes, mpg is lower with E85.
Posted by: Mike | 05 January 2006 at 01:48 PM
I agree the idea is great. What if the gain in power is engineered/translated to better MPG (longer drive distance) rather than more speed (quicker driving time)? This should be the more practical goal. Although Saab cars are identified with performance driving, I hope they widen their niche by engineering balanced, real biofuel friendly automobiles!
Posted by: Victor Reyes | 05 January 2006 at 01:53 PM
...while also encouraging powertrain downsizing.
Right. A laudable goal. But 231 kW and 440 Nm doesn't exactly sound like they're putting their money where their mouth is. Sheesh, half of that would be plenty enough for normal driving.
Hell, my parents had a Saab with about 30 kW V-4 less than 20 years ago. ;-)
Posted by: joib | 05 January 2006 at 02:37 PM
If they can squezz out 231KW from a 2.3L engine, it wont be too hard to turbocharge a 1.0L engine and get acceptable performance with efficiency.
Posted by: rexis | 05 January 2006 at 04:10 PM
To Rexis,
I'm sure it is conceivable to have a 300cc twin turbo producing 30-50 kw and providing 200 mpg, then put it in a compact box.
But the point of small cars is that they offer a cost saving in not only fuel, but also the initial price of the car. VW made a 1 litre car that could do magikul mpg, but it was too expensive for the target market, so the project was scrapped.
This SAAB probably gets 30 mpg in daily driving, and this would be fine with me. Though I doubt it will ever cost less then $30,000 if produced, so in essence, it is a performance toy car for rich racing enthusiasts and SAAB fans. It was conceived to show people just what SAAB engineers are capable of designing.
Posted by: Adrian | 29 January 2006 at 09:20 AM