Saab 9-5 BioPower 100 Concept premieres at Geneva

Saab will give green motoring a performance boost at next month’s Geneva Motor Show when it unveils its latest BioPower technology – the first production-based engine to be optimised for pure bioethanol (E100) fuel.

The Saab BioPower 100 is an exciting evolution of the Saab 9-5 Estate car and demonstrates the great performance potential of bioethanol. Combining Saab’s turbocharging expertise with the use of high-octane E100 fuel, the 2.0-litre 9-5 engine produces an incredible 300 hp. This has been possible through modifications to the engine management system and internal components, allowing the use of greater boost pressure with a raised compression ratio. This exceptionally high specific power output of 150 bhp per litre demonstrates scope for future ‘rightsizing’ – using small high output engines that also deliver energy savings.

Peak power is complemented by a substantial 400 Nm of torque, giving the engine similar power to a naturally-aspirated 4.0 litre unit. Indeed the Saab 9-5 BioPower 100 Concept accelerates from 0 – 62 mph in just 6.6 seconds and 50 – 70 mph (fifth gear) in an even more impressive 8.2 seconds.

The Saab BioPower 100 Concept has the looks to match the performance, with new exterior and interior styling elements supervised by GME Director of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo, who penned Saab’s award-winning Aero X Concept.

Saab already markets Europe’s best selling flex-fuel vehicle, the 9-5 BioPower, and the Saab BioPower 100 Concept will extend the Swedish premium brand’s leadership position in the development of bioethanol technology.

“Bioethanol is a potent, high quality fuel which opens up exciting possibilities in helping to meet the environmental challenges that face us,” says Kjell ac Bergström, President and CEO at GM Powertrain – Sweden, who has led the Saab BioPower 100 engine development team.

“As the need to reduce energy consumption increases, we are exploring ways to run smaller engines that give relatively high power, with and without hybrid technology. This concept car shows that bioethanol can play a key role in this ‘rightsizing’ process, while also minimising fossil fuel emissions.”