Saab PhoeniX Concept

Saab’s stand at the 2011 New York Auto Show contained all the products unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. At the heart of the display was the PhoeniX Concept, named for what company officials hope will be a rebirth of the brand.

The PhoeniX Concept is a 2-door, 4-passenger coupe. Powering the front wheels is a BMW-sourced 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. A 34-horsepower battery-powered electric motor drives the rear wheels, which creates a “hybrid” all-wheel drive setup that Saab calls eXWD. The battery pack also provides engine stop-start capability. Drivers can select from one of three modes. Eco employs the electric motor to reduce load on the gasoline engine, thereby cutting fuel consumption. Sport provides maximum power from both the gas and electric systems. Traction apportions power where needed to maximize grip on slippery surfaces.

Inside, Saab is using this concept to debut its new IQon infotainment system. Running a version of Google’s Android operating system, Saab claims IQon allows for a great deal of flexibility and customization. Sensors located throughout the vehicle can measure speed, location, direction of travel, torque, inside and outside temperature, and even barometric pressure. All that data is displayed on a central screen. Audio streaming and Internet access are available, and Saab plans to offer other applications people can download through a version of the Android Market.

CG Says:

Many of the PhoeniX Concept’s exterior and interior design elements will make their way into the next-generation 9-3. With the re-launch of the current Saab 9-3 as the 2012 9-3 Griffin, we wouldn’t expect the redesigned car to be available until 2013 at the earliest. That being said, the PhoeniX looks quite good, and the IQon infotainment system looks like it will offer more flexibility than Ford’s Sync or Kia’s UVO. Saab’s precarious financial position looms large, however. If the company can’t solve its liquidity problems, this PhoeniX will never rise.

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