Saab's New Range of Biofuel Cars

The Swedish-based subsidiary of General Motors, Saab (producer of high quality Saab components like Saab thermostat), has recently claimed leadership in the growing flex-fuel segment with the introduction of its unique BioPower concept. The system makes use of the combination of turbo-charging that utilizes E85 to increase engine power and performance.

CO2 emissions were also reduced by up to 80 percent. The Saab 9-5 BioPower has set the standard for biofuel cars in Ireland. The options are now made available to a broader range of customers especially with the new Saab 9-3 range that features a choice of two powerful BioPower engines—an innovative 180bhp (132kW), twin-turbo 1.9 diesel, an uprated 280bhp (206kW), 2.8V6 turbo petrol engine and an additional 175 bhp 2.0t Saab BioPower option that delivers 200bhp (147 kW) when operating on bioethanol E85 fuel.

The introduction of the Saab 9-5 BioPower was just perfect considering that the Government has released its support for flex-fuel vehicles by providing 50 percent rebate of VRT, vehicle registration tax and VAT refund on E85 fuel for company cars.

The new Saab 9-5 BioPower when running on E85 reduced CO2 emissions by 80 percent thereby protecting the environment and helping the economy especially since the bioethanol used is derived from whey which is a by-product of cheese production and distributed Maxol.

In addition, the new 9-3 BioPower 1.8t engine that also runs on E85 fuel delivers 16 percent more maximum power plus 10 percent more torque. Meanwhile, the Sport Saloon can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 8.4 seconds and reach 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 13.9 seconds, as compared to the 9.5 seconds and 15.0 seconds respectively, on petrol.

The 9-3 range presently features a potent new four cylinder diesel engine with a unique two-stage turbo charging system which is a world’s first in the premium car segment. The 1.9 liter, 16-valve engine that is badged with TTiD, revs up 180bhp (132kW) and 400Nm of maximum torque unmatched among competitive cars on the market. The combined fuel consumption for the Sport Saloon is projected at 5.91/100k. Its engine offers class-leading economy, coupled with in-gear performance on par with the 2.8V6 turbo petrol engine.

Both the Aero and Vector Sport specification levels are to be equipped with the Saab TTiD engine. Scheduled in the spring of 2008, the Saab TTiD engine will join the present lines of powerful engines offered by the Swedish automaker including the 120 bhp (88kW) and 150 bhp (110 kW) 1.9 TiD engines which are offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.