Saab
9-X E85 BioHybrid
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
GM's
lithium-powered mild hybrid
Now that GM has unveiled
the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept car at the Geneva Motor
Show, it might be time to take the word mild out of
mild hybrid.
Featuring a downsized 1.4-liter, E85-optimized 200 hp BioPower turbo engine with the next-generation of the GM Hybrid System
- the system in the Malibu hybrid, rather than the dual
mode system in the Tahoe hybrid - the Saab BioHybrid
is expected to achieve 48 mpg when using gasoline and 37
mpg when using E85.
While the BioHybrid has been optimized for biofuel, the
new Saab Hybrid Concept is still fully flex-fuel
compliant.
The really interesting
thing about the BioHybrid is truly the battery. Like
recently announced Mercedes and BMW hybrid models, the
BioHybrid will utilize lithium, as will all future mild
hybrid vehicles from GM.
This will allow higher levels of electric assist, up to 3
times more electric boost, and increased regenerative
braking capabilities.
Recently, GM claimed the Next Generation GM Hybrid System
is the hybrid system of the Malibu hybrid on steroids.
The 9-X BioHybrid features a solar panel in the glass roof takes to
help charge the hybrid battery pack, and it will explore
the potential of aerodynamics to improve fuel economy.
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