The Aero X is designed to have an eco-friendly 400-bhp twin-turbo engine. The BioPower 2.8-liter V6 is fueled entirely by ethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil fuel emissions. This is what performance with responsibility is all about. Power is applied to all four wheels via a lightweight drivetrain and seven-speed sequential-manual gearbox. Large 22/23-inch turbine-inspired wheels appropriately fill the arches and also contribute to brake cooling.
Since the car is purely a concept show vehicle, our brief outing didn't consist of much. However, driving down the runway with a full panoramic view of the horizon was like being in a large fish bowl or watching a live Imax movie.
Saab says its computer simulations anticipate zero to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in a mere 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (limited). Nothing Ferrari needs to worry about, but impressive numbers nonetheless. Developing environmentally clean performance is what's important here.
Meanwhile, the Aero X was conceived as a study to explore future design directions and breathe new life into the Saab product line. Some design elements may trickle down into production models sooner than you think, such as the grille and headlight treatment, as well as the singular taillight and possibly its center-mounted exhaust. Using bits and pieces of the Aero X is fine, but if Saab really wants to make a statement, it needs not stop there.
It is said, if you build it, they will come.
Saab Aero X Concept
Chassis
Sport coupe two-seater format, monocoque steel construction
Rear opening cockpit canopy, carbon-fiber bodywork
Engine
Front, longitudinally-mounted behind front axleSaab BioPower 2.8-litre V6 turbo. 24-valve, four OHC.All aluminium construction. E100 fuel. 12:1 compression ratio.VVT, exhaust and inlet. SIDI (Spark Ignited Direct Injection).Twin VGT (Variable Geometry Turbine) turbochargers. 1.0 bar max. boostDry sump lubrication.
Peak Power: 400 bhp @ 5000 rpm (EEC)
Peak Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 2000 (EEC)
Engine Management
32-bit, ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass measurement, throttle setting, secondary air injection for quick catalysts warm up
Transmission
Seven-speed, automated manual transmission with double clutch system.Sequential gear changes via the steering wheel paddles.All-wheel drive, variable front/rear torque split.
Suspension
Saab Active Chassis continuously adjustable damping control
Front: Double wishbones, coil springs, elec.adj. dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, elec. adj. dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering
Rack and pinion, hydraulic power-assisted
Brakes
ABS, MBA, EBD, electronic stability control
14.9-inch ventilated discs front/rear
Wheels/Tires
Front: 9.0x22-inch multi-spoke alloys/ 265/30 mm
Rear: 23 x 11.5 inch, multi-spoke alloy/ 325/25 mm
Curb Weight
1,500 kilos (projected). F/R distribution: 50/50 %
External Dimensions
Length: 4675 mm
Width: 1918 mm
Height: 1276 mm
Track: 1599 mm (f), 1579 mm (r)
Wheelbase: 2795 mm
Performance:
0-62mph: 4.9 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)