The 9-X Air was developed by General Motors Europe under the supervision of Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design, and in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.
Designed in parallel with the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept, the 9-X Air shares its frontal styling and its efficient powertrain, with the small, 1.4-liter BioPower turbocharged engine featuring the use of biofuels and hybrid technology.
Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline), the engine delivers 200 hp (147 kW), giving zero to 100 kph acceleration in 8.1 seconds and CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle.
The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with an automatic clutch and steering wheel controls.
The bodywork of the 9-X Air incorporates prominent rear pillars which curve upwards to mount the flat folding Canopy Top. They also anchor a wraparound glasshouse, including a separate, recessed rear screen.
Top down or up, the 9-X Air cuts a distinctive silhouette. With the canopy stowed away and the rear screen up, occupants can enjoy open-top motoring free from buffeting. Top up, Saab 9-X Air assumes the appearance of a true coupé, with a cohesive design that eschews the looks of a conventional, four-seater convertible.
The clean, sculpted body contours of the 9-X Air give fresh expression to Saab’s Scandinavian-inspired design ethos and its aircraft heritage. The purposeful stance, with minimal overhangs front and rear, is complemented by a single, wraparound window graphic, smooth uncluttered body surfaces and ‘ice block’ lighting themes.
The exterior look is defined by the prominent C-pillars, or buttresses, that provide the rear mounting for the unique Canopy Top - a powered, flat-folding roof developed from a Targa top principle.
This innovation in convertible design, which distinguishes between a folding roof and a complete folding soft-top or hood assembly, is subject to a Saab patent application.
The Canopy Top is in fabric, rather than metal, to save weight and provide more efficient packaging. It is fully automatic in operation and folds neatly in three small sections under a rear tonneau cover in the trunk deck.
The rear screen between the buttresses retracts automatically into the underside of the raised tonneau cover to allow stowage of the Canopy Top. The screen then moves back into position to provide a complete glass surround for the cabin in open-top mode.
This ‘surround glass’ feature, together with an active wind deflector on top of the windshield header rail, provides enhanced occupant comfort. It minimizes buffeting, reduces back drafts and eliminates the need for a wind deflector net. Separating the rear screen from the folding top also enables a glass area larger than feasible with a soft top and integral screen.
In a further break with design convention, the 9-X Air dispenses with a trunk lid. Instead, a large storage compartment, big enough to accommodate two golf bags, slides out from underneath the rear light bar. To save weight, it is spring-loaded, without any power assistance, and slides effortlessly on rollers. Revealed underneath the sliding drawer is a separate compartment for stowing smaller items.
Inside, the 9-X Air features innovative developments in its driver-focused cockpit design and the provision of seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices, both first seen in the 9-X BioHybrid.
The driver information zone encompasses the top of the door moulding. It is a fresh execution of Saab’s traditional, driver-focused cockpit layout and dispenses with a central, floor-mounted console.
The zone is a flat, arc-shaped surface, within which a row of five display screens is embedded and illuminated in green 3-D graphics, including an ‘infotainment’ screen and control panel in the driver’s door.
In co-operation with Sony Ericsson, the 9-X Air and its hatchback sibling also showcase the potential for seamless, wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) with one or multiple nomadic devices (mobile phones, PDAs etc).
The in-car interface enables streaming of data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions, which are transferred automatically to the car while the device remains in the user’s pocket.
The smarter the device, the more functions in the car.
The same unit could also be programmed to remotely lock /unlock the car, raise or lower the Canopy Top, and even remotely change in-car pre-sets. The 9-X Air makes a separate car key fob or remote controller redundant .
Saab BioPower Engine:
* Transversely-mounted, front-wheel drive
* 1398 cc. Four cylinders. Bore/stroke: 73.4/ 82.6 mm. Aluminium cylinder head, cast iron block
* DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder
* Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminium pistons, oil spray cooled
* Direct injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust
* Sodium-filled exhaust valves
* Compression ratio: 10.2:1
* Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar
* Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management
* Max power (E85): 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm
* Max torque (E85): 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) @ 1750-5000 rpm
* Max power (petrol): 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm
* Max torque (petrol): 230 Nm (170 lb.ft) @ 1500-5200 rpm
Hybrid System:
* Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack
* Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start
Transmission:
* 6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls
Suspension, Wheels, Tyres:
* Front Suspension: Damper/coil struts, aluminium lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar
* Rear Suspension: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar
* Steering: Rack and pinion, electrical power assistance
* 21inch, 245/35R21
* Brakes: Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 345 mm (all ventilated)
Performance Data (projected figures)
* 0 - 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 8.1 secs (E85)
* 80 -120 km/h (50-75 mph), 5th gear: 8.9 secs (E85)
* Top Speed: 231 km/h / 144 mph (E85)
* Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.5 l/100 km (E85) / 5.0 l/100 km (petrol)
* CO2 emissions: 107 g/km (E85) /119 g/km (petrol)
Measurements and Weight:
* Length: 4427 mm
* Height: 1390 mm
* Width: 1826 mm
* Wheelbase: 2705 mm
* Weight: 1800 kg
Source: carbodydesign
Designed in parallel with the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept, the 9-X Air shares its frontal styling and its efficient powertrain, with the small, 1.4-liter BioPower turbocharged engine featuring the use of biofuels and hybrid technology.
Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline), the engine delivers 200 hp (147 kW), giving zero to 100 kph acceleration in 8.1 seconds and CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle.
The unit is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with an automatic clutch and steering wheel controls.
The bodywork of the 9-X Air incorporates prominent rear pillars which curve upwards to mount the flat folding Canopy Top. They also anchor a wraparound glasshouse, including a separate, recessed rear screen.
Top down or up, the 9-X Air cuts a distinctive silhouette. With the canopy stowed away and the rear screen up, occupants can enjoy open-top motoring free from buffeting. Top up, Saab 9-X Air assumes the appearance of a true coupé, with a cohesive design that eschews the looks of a conventional, four-seater convertible.
The clean, sculpted body contours of the 9-X Air give fresh expression to Saab’s Scandinavian-inspired design ethos and its aircraft heritage. The purposeful stance, with minimal overhangs front and rear, is complemented by a single, wraparound window graphic, smooth uncluttered body surfaces and ‘ice block’ lighting themes.
The exterior look is defined by the prominent C-pillars, or buttresses, that provide the rear mounting for the unique Canopy Top - a powered, flat-folding roof developed from a Targa top principle.
This innovation in convertible design, which distinguishes between a folding roof and a complete folding soft-top or hood assembly, is subject to a Saab patent application.
The Canopy Top is in fabric, rather than metal, to save weight and provide more efficient packaging. It is fully automatic in operation and folds neatly in three small sections under a rear tonneau cover in the trunk deck.
The rear screen between the buttresses retracts automatically into the underside of the raised tonneau cover to allow stowage of the Canopy Top. The screen then moves back into position to provide a complete glass surround for the cabin in open-top mode.
This ‘surround glass’ feature, together with an active wind deflector on top of the windshield header rail, provides enhanced occupant comfort. It minimizes buffeting, reduces back drafts and eliminates the need for a wind deflector net. Separating the rear screen from the folding top also enables a glass area larger than feasible with a soft top and integral screen.
In a further break with design convention, the 9-X Air dispenses with a trunk lid. Instead, a large storage compartment, big enough to accommodate two golf bags, slides out from underneath the rear light bar. To save weight, it is spring-loaded, without any power assistance, and slides effortlessly on rollers. Revealed underneath the sliding drawer is a separate compartment for stowing smaller items.
Inside, the 9-X Air features innovative developments in its driver-focused cockpit design and the provision of seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices, both first seen in the 9-X BioHybrid.
The driver information zone encompasses the top of the door moulding. It is a fresh execution of Saab’s traditional, driver-focused cockpit layout and dispenses with a central, floor-mounted console.
The zone is a flat, arc-shaped surface, within which a row of five display screens is embedded and illuminated in green 3-D graphics, including an ‘infotainment’ screen and control panel in the driver’s door.
In co-operation with Sony Ericsson, the 9-X Air and its hatchback sibling also showcase the potential for seamless, wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) with one or multiple nomadic devices (mobile phones, PDAs etc).
The in-car interface enables streaming of data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions, which are transferred automatically to the car while the device remains in the user’s pocket.
The smarter the device, the more functions in the car.
The same unit could also be programmed to remotely lock /unlock the car, raise or lower the Canopy Top, and even remotely change in-car pre-sets. The 9-X Air makes a separate car key fob or remote controller redundant .
Saab BioPower Engine:
* Transversely-mounted, front-wheel drive
* 1398 cc. Four cylinders. Bore/stroke: 73.4/ 82.6 mm. Aluminium cylinder head, cast iron block
* DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder
* Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminium pistons, oil spray cooled
* Direct injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust
* Sodium-filled exhaust valves
* Compression ratio: 10.2:1
* Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar
* Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management
* Max power (E85): 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm
* Max torque (E85): 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) @ 1750-5000 rpm
* Max power (petrol): 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm
* Max torque (petrol): 230 Nm (170 lb.ft) @ 1500-5200 rpm
Hybrid System:
* Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack
* Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start
Transmission:
* 6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls
Suspension, Wheels, Tyres:
* Front Suspension: Damper/coil struts, aluminium lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar
* Rear Suspension: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar
* Steering: Rack and pinion, electrical power assistance
* 21inch, 245/35R21
* Brakes: Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 345 mm (all ventilated)
Performance Data (projected figures)
* 0 - 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 8.1 secs (E85)
* 80 -120 km/h (50-75 mph), 5th gear: 8.9 secs (E85)
* Top Speed: 231 km/h / 144 mph (E85)
* Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.5 l/100 km (E85) / 5.0 l/100 km (petrol)
* CO2 emissions: 107 g/km (E85) /119 g/km (petrol)
Measurements and Weight:
* Length: 4427 mm
* Height: 1390 mm
* Width: 1826 mm
* Wheelbase: 2705 mm
* Weight: 1800 kg
Source: carbodydesign
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