2008 Saab 9-X "Air" BioHybrid Concept

Saab will unveil at the Paris Auto Show the 9-X "Air" BioHybrid, a concept that redefines the look of a four-seat convertible by exploiting the distinction between a folding roof and a folding soft-top.

The 9-X Air was conceived in parallel with its 9-X BioHybrid sibling and, as a result, it is a design free from compromise or adaptation. The shape of the windshield and frontal styling, for example, was designed to work in both applications. The two cars share a focus on efficiency, with a powertrain that uses engine rightsizing, turbocharging, biofuel and hybrid technology to deliver sporty performance together with a significantly reduced environmental impact.

Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline), the engine delivers a sporty 200 hp, giving 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds and projected CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle. Compared to gasoline, the overall environmental impact on a source-to-wheel basis of using E85 is even more beneficial.