An all-wheel-drive hybrid Saab ragtop with 260 horsepower? Bring it on.
Saab claims its new BioPower Hybrid concept provides V-6 punch from a four-cylinder coupled with zero-emission electric power and the capability of running on bio-ethanol (E100) fuel.
The concept—being showcased at the Detroit show in a Saab 9-3 convertible—uses the two-mode hybrid system that GM is co-developing with DaimlerChrysler and BMW. The first confirmed manifestation of this two-mode system is the 2008 Chevy Tahoe hybrid, but this Saab concept gives us a glimpse of other potential future applications.
In the Saab, a 2.0-liter turbo four works with a trio of electric motors to provide a maximum of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That’s a useful step up from the 210-hp and 211 lb-ft delivered by the turbo-four alone. It’s also an improvement on the 250-horsepower and 258 lb-ft that comes from Saab’s 2.8-liter turbo V-6.
