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Sleek, innovative and exceptionally efficient: the Saab PhoeniX Concept car showcases design features and technologies which will shape the next generation of cars from Saab.

Based on an new architecture which will empower the next Saab 9-3 model, the Saab PhoeniX Concept introduces aeromotional design: a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saabs first car, the iconic Ursaab.
The Saab PhoeniX Concept embraces teardrop, liquid metal forms and a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse that gives fresh expression to Saabs signature wraparound and translucent ice-block design themes.

The clean, muscular shape enables an exceptionally low drag co-efficient of just 0.25 and also explores the potential for airflow management through the use of distinctive, side-mounted winglets.
Butterfly opening doors give easy access to a 2+2 cabin that blends simplicity with technology. It has a minimalist, stripped out feel, including a new expression of Saabs driver-focused layout and a world debut for Saabs innovative IQon infotainment and communications system. In true Saab tradition, there is also a surprisingly versatile cargo deck.

Under its rippling bodywork, the Saab PhoeniX deploys an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle mated to a sophisticated 200 hp, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine. The result is an intelligent, hybrid all-wheel-drive capability that enhances driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption. Combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are projected to be just 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g/km.

Aeromotional design
The Saab PhoeniX Concepts aeromotional design theme is inspired by Saabs aviation roots and draws expression from Ursaab, the prototype designed by aircraft engineers that spawned Saabs first generation of cars.

The entire form of the Saab PhoeniX Concept is seemingly molded by the wind. Tightly-wrapped by a liquid-like skin, the teardrop cabin resembles a dark ice block and appears to erupt from the center of the muscular bodywork. Two prominent ripples flow along the hood into the disguised windshield pillars, as if barely able to contain a powerful structure underneath.

At the rear, the dark screen also bursts through the outer skin of the rear deck, The tapering form hints at the teardrop rear styling of Ursaab, while the sawn off, kamm tail echoes a form from Saabs first coupé, the Sonett.

The low, frontal styling features a stretched interpretation of Saabs signature three-port grille. A body-colored central wing is now dominant and, in keeping with the cars minimalist design, LED headlamps are almost invisibly located at its tips. The new grille and hood forms are among the styling themes likely to be seen in future Saab production cars.

Butterfly-opening doors provide enhanced access to the low-slung cabin. There are no visible door handles or mirrors to disrupt airflow, and small cameras on slim stalks provide rearward vision.
Roof-mounted winglets enable Saab PhoeniX Concept to cleave the air as efficiently as possible. They channel airflow from the side of the car and direct it across the rear deck, reducing lift forces for greater stability without increasing drag.

Minimalist interior
In true Scandinavian tradition, the 2+2 cabin adopts a clean, minimalist look. It has the stripped out feel of a competition car, with shell-like seats and metalized interior sections that mimic the exposed network of a rollover cage.

Fresh expression is given to Saabs traditional, driver-focused instrument layout. A circular pod in front of the driver, shaped like the afterburner of a jet engine, presents data in tandem with the head-up display.
Angled at 45º to the driver, a separate module accommodates Saabs advanced IQon infotainment and communications system. For good ergonomics, the 8-inch touch-screen is as close to the drivers finger tips as the steering wheel.

Saab IQon (see separate release for full details) is a ground-breaking car communications platform using Googles AndroidTM operating system. Based on pioneering open innovation with third-party service providers and applications developers, it comprises an embedded computer platform which seamlessly connects to the internet when the cars ignition is switched on. The touch-screen provides access to audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and smartphone-like downloading of applications.

Red illumination for all instrument and ambient cabin lighting brings warmth and emotion to the cabin. This includes the floor, where LED light tubes are exposed by perforations in the black carpeting. It is all part of the new aeromotional design strategy, incorporating fire and ice effects.
The Saab PhoeniX Concepts curvaceous rear deck disguises a deep-opening tailgate. It gives access to a flat cargo deck, including fold-flat rear seatbacks and a cargo track for adaptable load carrying.

Efficient propulsion
Under its sculpted hood and beneath its cargo deck, the Saab PhoeniX Concept advances Saabs rightsizing powertrain strategy. Its propulsion system combines a highly efficient, 1.6-liter turbo engine with innovative, electric rear wheel drive technology.

The compact, all-aluminum gasoline engine packs 200 hp (147 kW) and includes variable valve timing and lift control, as well as start/stop functionality, minimal parasitic losses and a fuel cut-off function. A stainless steel tank is fitted, which is lighter and less expensive than a conventional plastic design,

The engine is supported by Saabs innovative eXWD system. It comprises a rear drive unit housing a 25 kW (34 hp) electric motor/generator powered by a small battery pack. Regenerative braking is used to sustain the batterys charge.

Now under development for the next generation of Saab cars, this hybrid propulsion system enables the benefits of all-wheel-drive while also reducing fuel consumption. Using a six-speed manual transmission, projected combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are just 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g/km.

The driver can select one of three eXWD operating modes. The default Eco mode delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency with power assistance to reduce load on the gasoline engine at low speeds; Sport mode includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear axle for greater chassis control; and Traction mode enables optimal grip at take-off and in slippery conditions.

Inside and out, the Saab PhoeniX Concept showcases new design directions and technologies that will be part of forthcoming Saab products.

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