The all-new Saab 9-5 promises to take the Swedish automaker to a whole new level in terms of luxury and refinement, but the flagship sedan could also be one of the most fuel-efficient models to come from Trollhättan. According to the latest reports, Saab is readying a new hybrid system for the 9-5.
In order to compete with some of Europe’s ultra-efficient diesel offerings, Saab is reportedly developing a hybrid system for the new 9-5. According to Autocar, the hybrid system will use a turbocharged 1.4L gas engine – presumable the same powerplant that will see duty in the Chevy Cruze and Volt – mated to an electric motor.
The electric motor will primarily be used during acceleration, resulting in better performance and improved fuel economy. The 120 horsepower gas engine will take over at cruising speeds, with fuel economy figures expected to be similar to a comparable diesel engine.
Unlike typical hybrids, the 9-5 hybrid won’t be hit with a huge weight penalty. Because the system is only designed for short bursts of power, the 9-5 hybrid will only require a small battery pack. That design should also keep costs in check.
No word on when we might see a hybrid version of the 9-5, but the standard version of the sedan will make its world debut at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
09/11, 12:17 PM
posted by:
GT Pro
If not hydrogen, then full electrics – not half-caste hybrids. Although, one could say that with traditional petroleum and an emission-less (from the tail-pipe) battery that one has the best of both worlds. The alternative for petrol until hydrogen is viable still befuddles me.
09/11, 12:18 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Uh, just whose idea is this- GM’s or Koenigsegg’s? And like anyone’s going to fork out Saab 9-5 dollars for something with the engine from a Cruze.
09/11, 12:23 PM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
I would much rather see a diesel SAAB than a hybrid. I’m excited for the future of SAAB under the guidance of Koenigsegg
09/11, 12:29 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is…
Johnny, isn’t GM expecting people to fork out CADILLAC $$$’s for the Converj? (also with Cruze powertrain).
09/11, 12:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Yeah, I thought of the same thing after I’d hit submit! Hell, the Volt’s going to be bad enough.
09/11, 12:38 PM
posted by:
Go Saab
Saab is (among other things) the GM center for hybrids. The engineers in the US cant do ****. That is why GM kept Saab all those years and why they secured contracts with them for years to come.
09/11, 1:08 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
any other US bashing you’d like to get in on 9/11? might as well get it all out…
09/11, 2:26 PM
posted by:
JPizzzle
Full electric problem most people have = THERE IS A 500 LB 400KW BATTERY RIGHT UNDER YOU!!! if anything shorts to chassis, toast isn’t the word to describe what you will be. Hydrogen and electric are too new right now to consider safe. I’m sure it will be here in the near future but for right now hybrids are all you will find.
09/11, 3:27 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Safety is not the issue with full electrics. It is range and cost. Just not much possibility for a mainstream electric.
09/11, 3:47 PM
posted by:
andy
they should offer the hyrbid system on the 2.8L @250-280hp, atleast then it might compete with lexus between the HS and GS
09/11, 5:53 PM
posted by:
Borat
Thanks Lefty