What is it? The 9-3 BioPower hybrid is a trial balloon for a hybrid that can run on either 100 percent ethanol or gasoline. It is a Saab 9-3 convertible
that uses a compact version of GM's two-mode, full-hybrid system driving the
front wheels. There is also an electric motor that drives the rear wheels to
add four wheel drive capability. A lithium ion battery pack resides under
the trunk floor in the former spare tire well. It uses the standard 9-3's
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In the standard 9-3, it puts
out 210 hp. Tuned to run on ethanol and with electric assist, it puts out
260 hp. As a full-hybrid, the 9-3 BioPower can run for short distances on
battery power alone. Saab say the batteries needed to produce such a car
could be on the road by 2009.
What is new or notable: Saab's 9-5 BioPower, which runs on either gasoline or a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, has been selling well in Sweden where the government is pushing the consumption of cellulosic ethanol. If produced, this could be the first car to combine hybrid
technology with flexible fuel capability. It is also the first application
of the smaller front-wheel-drive version of GM's two-mode, full-hybrid
system.
