Saab steps up green drive

By Mark Walton

Motor Shows

03 June 2007 01:58

Saab goes bio-power crazy

Saab is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a further push into the very topical biofuels arena, and Geneva showcases two new examples of the Swedes' growing green commitment. First is the new 9-3 Biopower, a full range of saloon, estate and convertible 9-3s, all powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that's been modified to run on both unleaded and E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent petrol). The mechanical changes include hardened valves and valve seats, and a new stainless steel fuel tank and ancilliaries, adding up to what's expected to be a £600 premium in the showroom over the standard 9-3. The benefits are twofold though - not only do you get a 17 percent increase in power and a 10 percent increase in torque, thanks to ethanol's higher octane rating, you also get to drive with a clear conscience, knowing your CO2 emissions are reduced by somewhere between 50 and 70 percent compared to petrol.

This 'flexfuel' 9-3 is joined on the Saab show stand by the new Biopower 100 Concept. Unlike last year's beautiful Aero X concept, this one isn't clothed in a futuristic sportscar body - instead it's a standard looking 9-5 estate with a white paint scheme and a name that sounds like a washing powder. Under the skin, however, the Bio 100 is a high-tech hint at where all this ethanol work could be leading. The concept is powered by the first production-based turbocharged engine to run on E100 - pure, 100 percent ethanol, with no fossil fuel added. The modified 2.0-litre turbo now puts out 300bhp, largely thanks to an increased compression ratio compared to the standard model, made possible by E100's high 106 RON octane rating.

By Mark Walton