Saab Official: Saab PhoeniX Concept

SHAAAIt thats hot..where did this come from..?

The Artist said:

SHAAAIt thats hot..where did this come from..?

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Do you mean the source? It's leaked by Car and Driver.

Saab PhoeniX Concept Official Photos and Info

Here's the article that comes with it the two photos.

For the better part of the last decade, Saab cranked out attractive—even occasionally sexy—concept cars with styling, features, layouts, and tech the company just couldn’t apply to production cars. So while the company is celebrating its liberation from General Motors with an Independence Edition 9-3 convertible—woo!—it also is putting a flag in the ground with a new concept sports coupe called the PhoeniX. (Don’t blame Saab’s bosses for the generic moniker—pickings were slim that Sunday at the Metaphors Galore outlet store.) The name, of course, refers to the mythical firebird that turns to ashes and reinvents itself every millennium or so, and that’s the company’s intended message with this hybrid-electric, turbocharged all-wheel-drive concept. It debuts at this year’s Geneva auto show.

Saabnitive Dissonance

First things first: The PhoeniX ain’t headed for production. But like any good lingonberry-tart-in-the-sky concept, it does two very important things. First, the PhoeniX represents the stylistic debut of new Saab pen-maestro Jason Castriota, whose name is attached to such stunners as the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and the Maserati GranTurismo. Yes, Saab’s honchos actually went and hired the former head of Ferrari’s special projects division—that’s the office responsible for building anything the world’s oligarch car fans want—to design the cars headed to a university parking lot near you.

Castriota calls the styling theme seen on the PhoeniX “Aeromotional Design.” Outside of that nonsensical jargon, you should know that this car’s schnoz previews the schnozes of future Saabs, and that not much else of the design will reach production. Take note of the big Saab logo on the grille, centered in a body-colored wing—one of a never-ending group of design tributes to the company’s aviation history. That grille is flanked with gun-slit LED headlamps, which have a fair chance of appearing on roadgoing models. Also contending for a shot at production is an active air shutter, which helps this concept achieve a claimed 0.25 coefficient of drag. Most definitely remaining on Mr. Castriota’s drafting table, however, are the “vestigial wings of an aircraft” atop each door, which are said to direct air onto the rear deck for high-speed stability, or, perhaps, to make the PhoeniX easier to carry. The doors are of the gullwing variety, and will join the Saab Aero X concept’s fighter jet canopy in the Swedish company’s Museum of Concept-Only Apertures.


At the rear, the PhoeniX features a Kamm tail—an alleged homage to the company’s old Sonett coupe. Unfortunately, with its matrix of red lighting, we think it’s more a reminder of Saab’s former sibling Pontiac, and its 1990s-era Firebird.

Indoors, the 2+2 PhoeniX gets the full concept treatment, with exposed metallic accents mimicking a roll cage, an afterburner-inspired gauge pod (don’t singe your eyebrows, please), and red LED accent lighting that “reminds occupants that a fiery heart lies at the center of the PhoeniX.” In the event that line fails to entertain passengers, there’s also a Google Android–powered, touch-screen-driven infotainment system, called IQon, which is a safe bet to make it into future production Saabs and infuriate linguists.

Buzzword Bingo: Hybrid-Electric, Turbo, Direct Injection

It would be unfair to criticize Saab for ticking every box on the buzzword bingo board, but when you’re cramming your concept with cutting-edge, production-ready tech, it’s inevitable.

Saab’s new all-wheel-drive system, which is dubbed eXWD—and which explains the capitalized X in the car’s name—was developed jointly with American Axle. Power for the front wheels comes from a transversely mounted, turbocharged and direct-injected 1.6-liter four-banger from the BMW/Mini cache. (This engine is the first fruit of the two firms’ agreement to exchange BMW’s mills for Saab’s money.) In this application, the little motor makes 200 hp, thanks to the aforementioned technologies, along with variable valve timing and lift control. It hooks to a six-speed manual. Torque is rated at 184 lb-ft, with another 15 lb-ft available with a temporary overboost function. But the rear wheels also put power to pavement, courtesy of a 34-hp electric motor and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; Saab claims this setup enables “a touch” of torque vectoring.


The PhoeniX rides on the platform that will underpin the next-gen 9-3 (perhaps called 93), although the company hasn’t disclosed whether it’s an evolution of the car’s current structure, a loaner from the BMW bin, or something else altogether.

Saab may not yet have risen from the ashes—January’s sales were dismal enough to make Jaguar look like a success story—but the PhoeniX shows us that with a passionate designer and smart tie-ups for powertrains, it could be on the right track. We’re just glad the Firebird cues and sippy-cup handles will stay on the shelf.

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WOW....Saab would be kept alive a lot longer if they built something even close to that.

This is quite a surprise.


M

A good looking Saab?...It must be the end of the world

^^ It is.

I'm excited to see if Spyker can do the impossible and turn Saab around. Let's hope they can pull it off!

This concept car will serve as an inspiration for the next Saab 9-3 to be launched in 2012.

Sleek, innovative and exceptionally efficient: the Saab PhoeniX Concept car showcases design features and technologies which will shape the next generation of cars from Saab.

Based on an new architecture which will empower the next Saab 9-3 model, the Saab PhoeniX Concept introduces 'aeromotional' design: a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saab's first car, the iconic Ursaab.

The Saab PhoeniX Concept embraces teardrop, 'liquid metal' forms and a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse that gives fresh expression to Saab's signature 'wraparound' and translucent ice-block design themes.

The clean, muscular shape enables an exceptionally low drag co-efficient of just 0.25 and also explores the potential for airflow management through the use of distinctive, side-mounted 'winglets'.

Butterfly opening doors give easy access to a 2+2 cabin that blends simplicity with technology. It has a minimalist, 'stripped out' feel, including a new expression of Saab's driver-focused layout and a world debut for Saab's innovative IQon infotainment and communications system. In true Saab tradition, there is also a surprisingly versatile cargo deck.

"The PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design," says Jason Castriota, Saab Automobile's Executive Design Director. "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."
Under its rippling bodywork, the Saab PhoeniX deploys an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle mated to a sophisticated 200 hp, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine. The result is an intelligent, hybrid all-wheel-drive capability that enhances driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption. Combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are projected to be just 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g/km.

Aeromotional design

The Saab PhoeniX Concept'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 Saab PhoeniX Concept is seemingly molded 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 hood 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 Saab PhoeniX Concept 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 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 AndroidTM 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 Saab PhoeniX Concept'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 hood and beneath its cargo deck, the Saab PhoeniX Concept advances Saab's rightsizing powertrain strategy. Its propulsion system combines a highly efficient, 1.6-liter turbo engine with innovative, electric rear wheel drive technology.

The compact, all-aluminum gasoline engine packs 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.

Now 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 just 5.0 l/100 km 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 gasoline 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 Concept showcases new design directions and technologies that will be part of forthcoming Saab products.

As a fan of Saab, this concept shows there are still some signs of life left, and it gives me renew hope that the brand might just be able to survive. Please just make this, give us something new.

Video interview with Jason Castriota (the man badly needs a nose job).

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Okay nevermind. It doesn't look as hot as it did initially. In those first few photos it seemed as though it had the proportions of the Ferrari 599...but the camera used for those real life shots added much more than 10 lbs. to the vehicle's appearance. Looks horribly bloated!

I know I've said before that I want Saab dead... and I still does
but design is the main reason why I once loved Saab, for their
superb design and this is truly a step further and I really like their new saloon.

Well well...

I know Saab is now a little bit Dutch with it's new owner......but DAMN!!!!

What an utter disaster!!





With a Mini Cooper S engine, no less. LMAO.

Beemer B773ER said:

It doesn't look as hot as it did initially.

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LMAO...Man I was about to say the same thing. Still looks better than their current line up.

Just when the world was expecting Saab to be history, they survive & come up with a beauty like that. Go Saab go, make it happen!!

Video: Chris Bangle asks Jason Castriota “Why is the PhoeniX a SAAB?”

interesting

What exactly was wrong with the Aero-X concept that they felt compelled to create this newer concept ?

Beemer B773ER said:

What exactly was wrong with the Aero-X concept that they felt compelled to create this newer concept ?

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That I would like to know as well, even after all these years the Aero-X still look absolutely fantastic, and Saab has only just begin to transfer the design elements onto their road cars.

Why is Castriota obsessed with those side extensions? I remember one his more recent concept (the Mantisse, I think?) had that and annoyed me.

I like the overall shape but the front makes me sleepy. I too was rather fond of the AeroX and had a new 9-3 come out a couple years after the concept, it would of looked great. However, now it's getting a bit old I guess. Also i figure the logic is that Spyker really wants to start anew.