The Saab BioPower Hybrid
Concept is a showcase of new technology that you may see in future Saab
cars. Everything is neatly packed into a Saab 9-3 Convertible.
hybrid concept is based on pure bioethanol and further
developments Saab's existing BioPower technology. By using 100% bioethanol the engine can produce even more power
due to its high octane rating. At the same time
fossil fuel emission is reduced to zero.
By coupling the turbo-charged engine with a
battery-charged full hybrid drive system the car can deliver stunning
performance and mileage.
Press the Zero Mode button and you can drive
fully electric at speeds below 50 km/h. The powerful batteries have
capacity enough for you to drive 10–20 km without using the combustion
Zero Mode is just perfect for commuting, or in
congested driving conditions at lower speed. The car automatically turns
to normal hybrid drive when you raise speed over 50 km/h, when you need
powerful acceleration, or if the battery charge should run low.
The turbocharging is tuned to take further
advantage of the higher octane rating of pure bioethanol(E100). So, the
engine can produce 260 bhp and a huge 375 Nm torque.
Acceleration is boosted by the electric motors
of the hybrid system. Helping to catapult you from zero to 100 km/h in
6.8 seconds. Faster than most diesel or petrol-powered cars, but with
zero fossil fuel emission.
However, as with all Saab
BioPower cars, the engine is immensely flexible and can run equally well
on fuels ranging from 100 % petrol to 100 % bioethanol or anything in
between. Which means you can keep driving while waiting for the world to
catch up with Saab BioPower technology by ensuring widespread
availability of E100.