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View: GM releases official details for Saab 9X Air Concept
Source: Motorauthority
posted with the TFP thread generator

GM releases official details for Saab 9X Air Concept
Posted on Tuesday 16 September 2008

Updated with official images and details.

In a surprise move General Motors has revealed details about its upcoming Paris Motor Show Saab concept at a media event held in Detroit yesterday, where the carmaker also showed off the production version of the new Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan as well as more images of the Orlando concept. The Saab concept is the new 9X Air – a convertible version of the previous 9X BioHybrid concept vehicle from March’s Geneva Motor Show.

The concept features a speedster-style chopped top with a fabric roof and a high-tech interior, and previews a future production model for Saab that is likely to be called the 9-1. The new model will be targeted as a premium hatchback alternative to BMW’s Mini and according to this latest Air study it will be available in both hatch and cabrio forms.

Despite its small proportions, measuring just 4.43m in length, 1.39m across and 1.83m high, the concept still manages to offer enough space for four adults and the folding mechanism for the roof structure. Interestingly, the rear window of the car is not integrated into the roof but arises out of the rear bulkhead at the push of a button. Other distinct styling features include LED lighting, quad exhaust pipes, and 21in wheels with 245mm rubber.

Under the hood sits a turbocharged 1.4L E85 flex-fuel engine mated to an electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries. Peak output stands at 200hp (147kW) and 200lb-ft (280Nm) of torque, which is enough to accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in just 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 231km/h. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 9-1 is expected to go into production next year with a range of powertrains including advanced diesels and flex-fuel engines, and even a possible hybrid option. There’s a strong chance the car could also be offered in North America.

This is probably one of the most interesting designs I've seen without being so over the top like the Mazda concepts. Oddly enough when I see the Mazda concepts I immediatly think of Kaiju (Japanese Monsters.)

It kind of reminds me of one of the Jeep concepts from around 5-8 years ago.

The biggest thing I do not like is the top. It's probably just a tonneau or some targa structure.