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Saab Automobile is taking its first step towards developing an all-electric vehicle with the Saab 9-3 ePower.

•Saab 9-3 SportCombi with all-electric propulsion
•Projected driving range 200 km approx.
•Battery cells set benchmark for energy density
•User trials with 70-strong test fleet starting next year

Making its public debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month, the Saab 9-3 ePower is the prototype for a test fleet of 70 vehicles which will participate in extensive field trials in Sweden early next year.

The performance of the cars will be evaluated under a variety of real world driving conditions as part of the development process for a purpose-built, electric Saab vehicle. Targets to be verified include a projected driving range of approximately 200 kilometers through the use of high density energy storage in lithium-ion battery cells.

The Saab ePower is the first electric vehicle from Saab and is a result of a co-operation between Saab Automobile, Boston Power (batteries), Electroengine in Sweden AB (electric power trains), Innovatum (project management) and Power Circle (Sweden’s electric power industry trade organization).

Mid-sized sports combi with zero emissions

The Saab 9-3 ePower is the first all-electric car to offer its occupants the comfort and size of a wagon bodystyle. Saab engineers have integrated an electrical architecture within the shape and dimensions of a ‘conventional’ 9-3 SportCombi.

Under the hood is a 135 kW/184 hp electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. Instant torque enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration is just 8.5 seconds, together with a top speed of 150 km/h.

The compact yet powerful 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is accommodated in a modified floor-pan, mainly in space within the car’s wheelbase previously occupied by the exhaust system and fuel tank. This enables an optimum weight distribution and excellent driving dynamics similar to those of a standard SportCombi.

Inside the cabin, a conventional, automatic-style gearshift lever provides selection of ‘drive’, ‘neutral’, ‘park’ and ‘reverse’. The rev-counter, fuel and turbo boost displays in the main instrument cluster are replaced by read-outs for battery status, power consumption and driving range, all illuminated in green. To optimize space, an electric park brake is fitted.

Electro-hydraulic power steering is used and the cabin is equipped with full air conditioning, via a compressor powered by the battery pack. A separate 12-volt battery, for the lights and cabin ancillaries, is also charged from the battery pack via a current transformer

The operation of the vehicle’s powertrain is controlled by a version of Saab’s own in-house Trionic 8 engine management system, with new software written for an electric vehicle application.

Long driving range with excellent durability

The Saab 9-3 ePower’s projected driving range of approximately 200 kilometers pushes out the boundaries for current EV performance. Key to its long range are battery cells which have an energy storage density substantially greater than the best currently used in EV applications. High energy density also contributes to a lower battery weight.

The battery pack has a capacity of 35.5 kW/h and is designed to operate with full power in ambient temperatures as low as -30ºC, at least 10ºC below the operating level of other battery packs on the market today. Another key benefit is the use of air, instead of liquid, cooling which contributes to lower cost and further weight-saving in the pack’s design.

The pack is intended to support re-charge cycles equivalent to about ten years average use. It can be fully recharged from a domestic mains supply in about three to six hours, depending on depletion status. Charging times can be greatly reduced if the voltage of the electrical feed is raised, as there is no limitation on the battery’s input capacity.

Test driving experience is expected to validate the performance of this advanced battery pack, which is designed to operate reliably within a full depletion ‘buffer’ set at only 12 percent of total capacity, a much lower operating margin than used in the management of other packs.

Its lithium-ion battery cells are also the first to receive a Nordic Ecolabel accreditation for their environmental safety and sustainability, which includes manufacturing processes.

The 9-3 ePower meets the high crash worthiness standards that Saab applies to all its vehicles. The car’s power pack is located outside the occupant compartment in non-deformable structural zones, well protected and encapsulated. The battery management and monitoring system supports safe performance during normal driving and in crash conditions.

Extensive user trials

Hundreds of drivers and their families will be enlisted by Saab and its development partners during a extensive test driving and evaluation program involving a 70-strong fleet of Saab 9-3 ePowers in central, west and eastern Sweden during 2011-12.

The Saab ePower project team in Trollhättan will monitor the performance of the cars across a wide variety of usage patterns and driving conditions. To log essential component data, all vehicles will be equipped with aircraft-style, black box recorders.

“This program is designed to evaluate the potential for developing a high performance, zero emission electric vehicle and is an important next-step in the extension of our EcoPower propulsion strategy,” says Mats Fägerhag, Executive Director, Vehicle Engineering at Saab Automobile.

“This includes engine rightsizing, which exploits Saab expertise in turbocharging, as well as the use of alternative fuel, such as bio-ethanol through Saab BioPower technology.”

Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s CEO adds: “By 2015, annual global sales of electric vehicles are expected to reach 500,000 units and Saab is determined to be represented in this important, growing segment,

“The 9-3 ePower program is our first step towards developing a potential production vehicle that will deliver the sort of advanced performance our customers expect. We now look forward to working with our technical partners in developing such a product.”

Saab Cars North America announced pricing for its all-new 2010 model year 9-5 Aero Sedan launch package. The flagship vehicle will arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms in July.

Saab will lead the new 9-5 launch with its top-of-the line Aero Sedan model, priced at $49,990 MSRP. The Aero, featuring a 300 hp 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine, delivers uncompromised driving performance and is packed with advanced chassis, comfort and safety technologies.

Shortly following the 9-5 Aero introduction, a 2.0-litre turbo variant will be added to the 9-5 line-up. Pricing for these 2011 model year vehicles will start at under $40,000 MSRP.

“The new 9-5 Sedan stays true to its unique Swedish heritage and Saab DNA. The 9-5 showcases progressive Scandinavian design, an exhilarating driving experience and responsible performance with its all-turbo powertrain line-up,” said Mike Colleran, Saab Cars North America President and COO. “Saab’s distinctive new flagship brings a fresh, alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.”

The clean, ‘organic sculpture’ of the 9-5 bodywork, with elements inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept, heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language for the brand. The spacious, driver-focused cabin features a new iteration of Saab’s signature cockpit layout.

Staying true to its roots, the 9-5 family features an all-turbo powertain line-up. The Aero model, features a 2.8-litre V6 Turbo Engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm; a 24-valve, dual overhead camshaft valvetrain and a twin-scroll intercooled turbocharger and the Sentronic six-speed automatic with transmission with paddle shifting.

Performance is second to none with sophisticated electronic chassis systems such as electronic stability program, DriveSense adaptive chassis and Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, XWD. Additionally, the Aero features a new front and rear suspension design that provides a sporty driving experience without sacrificing on comfort.

Saab continues its commitment to safety with eight standard airbags in the new 9-5, including rear seat thorax protection side airbags. A lane departure warning system and head-up display are also available.

The refined interior of the 9-5 features leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, power front seats with memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a cooled glove box, front and rear interior reading lamps, and 12V outlets in the front console and trunk.

The standard audio system includes an AM/FM radio with CD player, XM? Satellite radio, USB and auxiliary connections for portable devices and steering wheel mounted controls. A Harman-Kardon surround sound system is also available.

Saab’s unique Night Panel feature continues in this new 9-5 and is enhanced by a new instrument cluster with a supplemental rolling speedometer display that hints at its aircraft heritage.

Saab’s new 9-5 enters the UK market priced at just £26,495 OTR for the 2.0TiD 160PS Vector SE model, making it a highly competitive proposition for buyers in the premium saloon sector. Cars are available to order from Saab dealerships today.

Positioned by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all-new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. In addition to owning a very well equipped vehicle, customers will gain a driving experience that matches the excitement of Saab’s bold Scandinavian design language.

The range of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft inspired head-up information display (HUD), adaptive headlights (Bi-xenon Smart Beam), MP3/iPod integration, Harman Kardon audio system, DAB radio, adaptive cruise control, DriveSense adaptive chassis with continuous damping control, keyless entry and starting, dual-zone climate control, adaptive parking assistance, and XWD with electronic LSD – the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and four cylinder turbo engines. Starting at 1.6-litres* (180PS) all transmissions are six speed and with diesel power, CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km are also on offer.

The new Saab 9-5 features a generous array of standard equipment across the range. There are two levels of specification:

Vector SE

The ‘Vector SE’ specification is the starting point for 9-5 ownership, and is available to order at launch with the 2.0-litre TiD diesel engine or the 2.0-litre petrol engine.

A 1.6T petrol and 2.0TTiD twin turbo diesel engine will be available to order from model year 2011 (mid-2010). Highlights include leather/textile comfort seats, auto dimming interior mirror, AUX & USB sockets with MP3/iPod integration, bluetooth phone integration system, heated front seats, keyless push button engine start/stop, park assist (front and rear), rain sensor windscreen wipers, 17” alloy wheels, electronic climate control (dual zone) and cruise control.

Aero

Saab customers can opt for the higher Aero specification with prices starting at £31,195 for the 2.0T petrol engine, alongside the flagship 2.8T petrol engine with XWD. The 2.0TTiD twin turbo diesel engine is available to order from model year 2011 (mid-2010). In addition to the Vector SE’s standard features, highlights include 19” alloy wheels, Aero front and rear bumpers, twin exposed tailpipes, bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, dual electric seats, leather sport seats, alloy pedals and sport chassis.

UK Managing Director Jonathan Nash said: “We are very excited about the new 9-5 and we are confident it will be a great success for our dealers in the UK. The new Saab 9-5 combines the emotional appeal of a contemporary, modern Saab with all the rational appeal of a spacious five-seater premium saloon, with high levels of standard equipment, innovative functional features and competitive pricing.”

The Saab 9-5 will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.

After the new acquisition of Saab by Spyker Cars NV, the North American department of the company has taken now the 1st step reviving the well known Swedish firm announcing the pricing this year for the 9-3 unit area.

Having the most amazing new entry here being the premium cross-over 9-3X, it will be the 1st 2010 unit year Saab car made for the market in America. The North American said for the press that the brand new autos will be in the showrooms in the middle of March, having a 4 to 12 % lowered MSRP (manufacturer-suggested retail price), if you compare it to the 2009 unit year range.

The 9-3X – all-new is one of the most anticipated cars nowadays, having the turbocharged 2.0-liter Saab engine fitted to a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox the vehicle offering its sportive performance featuring great gas mileage (29 mpg highway/ 20 mpg city for the manual mode and 27 mpg highway/ 17 mpg city for the automatic transmission). 9-3X has Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) as standard with slip differential (eLSD) electronic limited and raised chassis, good for off-road capable driving.

The 9-3 range pricing begins at:

Saab 9-3X – $37,800 MSRP
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan 2.0T – $29,725 MSRP
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero – $38,940 MSRP
Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0T – $31,155 MSRP
Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero – $37,845 MSRP
Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0T – $40,815 MSRP
Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero – $46,730 MSRP

The firm readied also a few optional Premium wraps for the 9-3 2010 range plus 2 new colors for all the body styles, arctic white and glacier silver metallic, namely.