2011 Saab PhoeniX
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 a new architecture which will underpin the next Saab 9-3 model, the PhoeniX introduces โaeromotionalโ design: a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saabโs first car, the iconic Ursaab,
The PhoeniX embraces teardrop, โliquid metalโ forms and a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse that gives fresh expression to Saabโs signature โwraparoundโ and translucent ice-block design themes.
The clean, muscular shape enables an exceptionally low drag co-efficient of just 0.25cd and also explores the potential for airflow management through the use of distinctive, side-mounted โwingletsโ.
Butterfly opening doors give easy access to a 2+2 cabin that blends simplicity with technology. It has a minimalist, โstripped outโ feel, including a new expression of Saabโs driver-focused layout and a world debut for Saabโs innovative IQon infotainment and communications system. In true Saab tradition, there is also a surprisingly versatile cargo deck.
โThe PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design,โ says Jason Castriota, Saab Automobileโs Executive Design Director. โIt symbolises a renaissance of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab to build its first car. Weโre now taking the visual DNA forward with what we call โaeromotionalโ design, adding emotion, power and fluidity. This design aesthetic will shape and differentiate future models in the Saab portfolio.โ
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-litre petrol turbo engine driving the front wheels. 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 56.5 mpg and 119 g/km.
Aeromotional design
The PhoeniXโs โaeromotionalโ design theme is inspired by Saabโs aviation roots and draws expression from Ursaab, the prototype designed by aircraft engineers that spawned Saabโs first generation of cars.
The entire form of the PhoeniX is seemingly moulded 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 โsawn offโ, kamm tail echoes a form from Saabโs first coupรฉ, the Sonett.
The low, frontal styling features a stretched interpretation of Saabโs signature three-port grille. A body-colored central wing is now dominant and, in keeping with the carโs minimalist design, LED headlamps are almost invisibly located at its tips. The new grille and bonnet 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 โwingletsโ enable PhoeniX 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 โstripped outโ feel of a competition car, with shell-like seats and metalised interior sections that mimic the exposed network of a rollover cage.
Fresh expression is given to Saabโs 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 45ยบ to the driver, a separate module accommodates Saabโs advanced IQon infotainment and communications system. For good ergonomics, the 8-inch colour touch screen is as close to the driverโs finger tips as the steering wheel.
Saab IQon (see separate release for full details) is a ground-breaking car communications platform using Google’s AndroidTM operating system. Based on pioneering โopen innovationโ with third-party service providers and applications developers, it comprises an embedded computer platform which seamlessly connects to the internet when the carโs 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 โaeromotionalโ design strategy, incorporating โfire and iceโ effects.
The PhoeniXโs 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 bonnet and beneath its cargo deck, the PhoeniX advances Saabโs rightsizing powertrain strategy. Its propulsion system combines a highly efficient, 1.6-litre turbo engine driving the front wheels with innovative, electric rear wheel drive technology.
The compact, all-aluminum petrol engine produces 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 Saabโs 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 batteryโs charge.
Currently 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 56.5 mpg 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 petrol 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 showcases new design directions and technologies that will be part of forthcoming Saab products.
Story by Saab Automobile
In Detail
submitted by | admin |
type | Concept / Prototype Car |
released at | 2011 Geneva Motor Show |
body stylist | Jason Castriota |
engine | Hybrid Inline-4 w/Electric Motor |
position | Front, Transverse |
block material | Aluminum |
valvetrain | Chain-Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl w/VVT |
fuel feed | Direct Injection |
displacement | 1600 cc / 97.64 inยณ |
bore | 77 mm / 3.0 in |
stroke | 85.8 mm / 3.4 in |
compression | 10.5:1 |
power | 147 kw / 197.1 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
specific output | 123.19 bhp per litre |
torque | 250 nm / 184.4 ft lbs @ 2000 rpm |
driven wheels | 4WD, w/Electric power boost |
wheel type | Alloy, 20inch |
front tires | 245/40R20 |
rear tires | 245/40R20 |
front brakes | Discs w/6-Piston Calipers |
rear brakes | Discs w/4-Piston Calipers |
steering | Rack & Pinion |
f suspension | MacPherson struts |
r suspension | 5-link Independent |
wheelbase | 2555 mm / 100.6 in |
length | 4416 mm / 173.9 in |
width | 1868 mm / 73.5 in |
height | 1328 mm / 52.3 in |
transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
top speed | ~249.40 kph / 155 mph |
0 – 100 kph | ~5.9 seconds |
drag | 0.25 Cd |
combined fuel econ eu | 4.16 L/100 km or 56.5 mpg-us |
emission | 119 g/km |