Saab reveals 9-X Air convertible concept car
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 18 September 2008
Saab has released pictures and details of the new Saab 9-X Air concept car - a four-seater convertible due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show next month.
Previewing a possible new model based on the future 9-1 from the GM-owned Swedish manufacturer, the 9-X Air features front and read pillars that mount a flat folding roof. The Targa-like rear pillars allow the 9-X Air to maintain its coupe-like stance and outline, unlike current coupe-convertibles.
The 9-X Air is based on the 9-X hatchback that have been hinting at new Saab products. Currently Saab offers the 9-3 and 9-5 saloons and convertible and estate variations, but a 9-1 hatch is expected to follow in 2010. A potential 9-1 convertible would line up against the likes of the Volvo C70, Audi A3 convertible and BMW 1-Series Convertible.
The small, 1.4-litre Saab BioPower from the 9-X is carried over, offering a mic of biofuel and hybrid technology. Running on E85 fuel, the engine delivers 200bhp, sprinting to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and emitting 107g/km over the combined cycle.
Canopy top
Saab is rather pleased with itself over the 9-X Air's canopy roof, even going so far as to patent the design and invoking its aerospace heritage.
The canopy is made from fabric to save weight and is fully automatic in operation, folding in three small sections under a rear tonneau cover in the trunk deck. The rear screen between the buttresses retracts automatically into the underside of the raised tonneau cover to allow stowage of the Canopy Top. The screen then moves back into position to provide a complete glass surround for the cabin in open-top mode.
This ‘surround glass’ feature - in tandem with a deflector on top of the windshield header rail - minimises buffeting, reduces back drafts and enables a larger glass area than is feasible with a soft top and integral screen.
The 9-X Air dispenses with a boot lid, using instead a storage compartment that slides out from underneath the rear light bar.
A driver cockpit encompasses the top of the door moulding as well as the traditional dashboard, utilising a flat, arc-shaped surface, within which a row of five display screens is embedded and illuminated in green 3-D graphics, including an ‘infotainment’ screen and control panel in the driver’s door.
The 9-X Air and its hatchback sibling include wireless connectivity with one or multiple nomadic devices (mobile phones, PDAs etc).
Saab says the interface enables streaming of data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions, which are transferred automatically to the car while the device remains in the user’s pocket.
The same unit could also be programmed to remotely lock /unlock the car, raise or lower the Canopy Top, and even remotely change in-car pre-sets.
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