Saab BioHybrid Air - Looking better than ever

Time to build it

The Saab 9-X Air Biohybrid is the latest iteration of the the 9-X Biohybrid concept.

"Featuring a unique Canopy Top and a wraparound glasshouse that includes the rear screen, the 9-X Air breaks the mould of conventional convertible design by offering four-seat accommodation within the close-coupled proportions of a sports car."

But the best thing about the Biohybrid is what powers it, a 1.4 liter turbo-charged, E85 bioethanol engine mated to a hybrid powertrain. This was a great concept before the Air and now its an even better concept. I guess the only reason they don't build it is because E85 isn't available in the right markets for this car?

Do biohybrids justify ethanol?

More ethanol in the states?

Yesterday, GM CEO Rick Wagoner called on the government to advance ethanol in the US because the "stakes" in the oil "poker game are getting higher and higher." Coincidentally (yeah right), GM announced its new lithium hybrid powertrain via the Saab BioHybrid, a new lithium hybrid optimized for biofuel.

Now, if all the biofuel was coming from something like the Coskata Project in which GM is investing - rather than corn - I could buy Wagoner's argument. However, earlier this week, the EIA already announced that cellulosic biofuels are significantly failing to meet the production standards set by the Renewable Fuel Standard. That's means even more corn, a lot more corn. That's just not acceptable.

Get the corn out, Mr. Wagoner. Get the corn out.

GM to make lithium standard in mild hybrids

Lithium-powered by 2010

With the launch of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid, GM has now demonstrated the future of its mild hybrid powertrain currently used in vehicles like the Chevy Malibu hybrid.

It's all lithium.

With lithium, the new hybrid powertrain will offer increased power and voltage, increased electric boost, increased regenerative braking, increased fuel economy, improved vehicle acceleration, and easier global integration for all of GM's mild hybrid vehicles.

In terms of global integration, the Next Generation GM Hybrid System can be combined with downsized turbo, biofuel and diesel engines. In fact, the new GM Hybrid System will help alleviate turbo lag and knock at the low end by utilizing electric boost, which should result in a nice combination of fuel economy and performance according to GM.

GM plans to offer the new GM hybrid system in as many models as possible - maybe even all models. By 2010, GM is hoping to make as many 100,000 next generation GM Hybrids, in addition to dual mode hybrids, the Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid, and even the Chevy Volt.

48 mpg: Saab 9-X E-85 BioHybrid Concept

GM's hot new biofuel hybrid concept

The Saab 9-X E-85 BioHybrid is GM's newest take on mild hybrid vehicles. However, like new mild hybrids coming from BMW and Mercedes, the 9-X hybrid will be lithium-powered, and these new mild hybrid vehicles just aren't very mild anymore.

The 200 hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine will help the Saab 9-X BioHybrid to achieve around 48 mpg according to Green Car Congress. While optimized for E85 use, the BioPower hybrid has full flex-fuel capabilities.

The mild hybrids are coming, and they are worthy.