Designed by the company's star talent man, Jason Castriota, to showcase what the auto maker calls Aeromotional lines, the PhoeniX is a 2+2 seater meant to preview, if we are to trust the guys from Trollhattan, the next generation 9-3.
The teardrop body of the model hides a new type of hybrid drive train, centered around a 1.6l gasoline turbo engine which develops 200 horsepower and an electrically-driven rear axle. Power to the rear wheels is generated by a a 25 kW (34 hp) electric motor/generator powered by a small battery pack and sustained by regenerative breaking.
This choice of a power train brings the emission levels of the car down to a remarkable level of 119 g/km and the fuel consumption to 5.0 l/100 km. The engine-motor combination can be made to work in one of three modes, Eco, Sport and Traction, each designed to tap into a different capability of the model.
The PhoeniX is the platform chosen by Saab to showcase its new IQon infotainment system concept, a technology based on Google’s Android operating system.
“The PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design,” said Jason Castriota. “It symbolizes a renaissance of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab to build its first car. We’re now taking the visual DNA forward with what we call ‘aeromotional’ design, adding emotion, power and fluidity. This design aesthetic will shape and differentiate future models in the Saab portfolio.”
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