(continued from the previous page)
"Aeromotional" Design
The PhoeniX's 'aeromotional' design theme
is inspired by Saab's aviation roots and draws expression from Ursaab, the
prototype designed by aircraft engineers that spawned Saab's first generation of
cars.
The entire form of the PhoeniX is seemingly moulded by the wind.
Tightly-wrapped by a liquid-like skin, the teardrop cabin resembles a dark ice
block and appears to erupt from the center of the muscular bodywork. Two
prominent ripples flow along the hood into the disguised windshield pillars, as
if barely able to contain a powerful structure underneath.
At the rear,
the dark screen also bursts through the outer skin of the rear deck. The
tapering form hints at the teardrop rear styling of Ursaab, while the 'sawn
off', kamm tail echoes a form from Saab's first coupé, the Sonett.
The
low, frontal styling features a stretched interpretation of Saab's signature
three-port grille. A body-colored central wing is now dominant and, in keeping
with the car's minimalist design, LED headlamps are almost invisibly located at
its tips. The new grille and bonnet forms are among the styling themes likely to
be seen in future Saab production cars.
Butterfly-opening doors provide
enhanced access to the low-slung cabin. There are no visible door handles or
mirrors to disrupt airflow, and small cameras on slim stalks provide rearward
vision.
Roof-mounted 'winglets' enable PhoeniX to cleave the air as
efficiently as possible. They channel airflow from the side of the car and
direct it across the rear deck, reducing lift forces for greater stability
without increasing drag.
Minimalist Interior
In true
Scandinavian tradition, the 2+2 cabin adopts a clean, minimalist look. It has
the 'stripped out' feel of a competition car, with shell-like seats and
metalized interior sections that mimic the exposed network of a rollover cage.
Fresh expression is given to Saab's traditional, driver-focused instrument
layout. A circular pod in front of the driver, shaped like the afterburner of a
jet engine, presents data in tandem with the head-up display.
Angled at
45o to the driver, a separate module accommodates Saab's advanced IQon
infotainment and communications system. For good ergonomics, the 8-inch color
touch screen is as close to the driver's finger tips as the steering wheel.
Saab IQon (see separate release for full details) is a ground-breaking car
communications platform using Google's Android operating system. Based on
pioneering 'open innovation' with third-party service providers and applications
developers, it comprises an embedded computer platform which seamlessly connects
to the internet when the car's ignition is switched on. The touch-screen
provides access to audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation,
on-board music storage and smartphone-like downloading of applications.
Red illumination for all instrument and ambient cabin lighting brings warmth and
emotion to the cabin. This includes the floor, where LED light tubes are exposed
by perforations in the black carpeting. It is all part of the new 'aeromotional'
design strategy, incorporating 'fire and ice' effects.
The PhoeniX's
curvaceous rear deck disguises a deep-opening tailgate. It gives access to a
flat cargo deck, including fold-flat rear seatbacks and a cargo track for
adaptable load carrying.
Efficient Propulsion
Under its
sculpted bonnet and beneath its cargo deck, the PhoeniX advances Saab's
rightsizing powertrain strategy. Its propulsion system combines a highly
efficient, 1.6-liter turbo engine driving the front wheels with innovative,
electric rear wheel drive technology.
The compact, all-aluminum petrol
engine produces 200 hp (147 kW) and includes variable valve timing and lift
control, as well as start/stop functionality, minimal parasitic losses and a
fuel cut-off function. A stainless steel tank is fitted, which is lighter and
less expensive than a conventional plastic design,
The engine is
supported by Saab's innovative eXWD system. It comprises a rear drive unit
housing a 25 kW (34 hp) electric motor/generator powered by a small battery
pack. Regenerative braking is used to sustain the battery's charge.
Currently under development for the next generation of Saab cars, this hybrid
propulsion system enables the benefits of all-wheel-drive while also reducing
fuel consumption. Using a six-speed manual transmission, projected combined
cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 56.5 mpg and 119 g/km.
The
driver can select one of three eXWD operating modes. The default Eco mode
delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency with power assistance to reduce load on
the petrol engine at low speeds; Sport mode includes maximum power assistance
with torque vectoring across the rear axle for greater chassis control; and
Traction mode enables optimal grip at take-off and in slippery conditions.
Inside and out, the Saab PhoeniX showcases new design directions and
technologies that will be part of forthcoming Saab products.
Saab PhoeniX Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications