It’s kind of an open secret that Saab have been studying hybrid technology alongside certain Swedish institutes of higher learning. I’d not heard that any hybid systems were ready for extremely near-term release, but perhaps Autocar have heard differently:
Saab is planning to introduce a hybrid assist system on its new 9-5, using a small petrol engine backed up by an electric motor in a bid to cut fuel consumption and emissions.
The Swedish company is developing a 9-5 with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine. This unit will be assisted during periods of acceleration by an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission…..
….The big advantage of an electric motor is that it offers high levels of torque from idle. In the Saab the electric motor will come on stream when the driver is pulling away or accelerating.
However, when the car is cruising the 120bhp 1.4-litre engine has more than adequate power on its own.
Saab’ previous release information about the 2010 Saab 9-5 did not include any information about this, nor even a hint that it might be coming. It may be something that they’re either keeping up their sleeve in order to make a bigger splash in Frankfurt, or it may be something for 2011 or 2012.
My own brief enquiries made prior to this posting received a brief “closer than you think” but that’s no definite timeframe either. Autocar give no time frame for their revelation, so I guess it’ll be a matter of wait and see.
I guess the good news about this is that it’s just a small indication of what Saab might be capable of doing once the clamps come off the engineering department. For so long, they were tied to GM projects that in Saab terms, possibly could be considered as ending up inconsequential.
With the shackles off and in partnerships with other lean organisations, I have a feeling they’ll be able to do much more significant things.
–
Thanks to ‘None’ for the link!
Related posts:
That Opel blurb...
{ 23 comments }
Admittedly, hearing “1.4 petrol engine” and “GM shackles” one thinks immediately of the GM Chevy Volt hybrid which has exactly such an engine…
This sounds like a great idea, would set Saab apart in the premium segment.
I’d still prefer the TTid but . . . brief stop at the dealer today to replace a lightbulb and they still did not know whether or not Canada will get any new SAABs (but the one remaining Saturn-SAAB salesperson and the head SAAB mechanic had heard from the media that K-segg had overcome the financing shortfall). I told them to watch THIS site for news! Swade, Any way of reaching the new SAAB-NA boss to ask if he will be working with Canadian as well as US dealers? Sales are dismally low here because there is virtually no inventory and no supply channel. Without dealers and a distributor, we might as well be discussing Studebakers.
Go Trolls!
The way it works — coming online only during acceleration — makes it sound like an electric turbo.
Power assistant (electric motor helping during accelerating) has been rumoured for NG9-5 years in british car mags. No smoke without fire… I cannot find article anymore but have seen it at least 4-5 years ago. Hope that this is what they are still keeping secret to reveal in Frankfurt.
Yes, somebody at SAAB has said this in the last weeks, and the “change perspective” campaign has also a hint on that.
But it is nice to hear that SAAB will use this technology sooner than later.
Sounds a bit like the “dynator” that I read about in NyTeknik a couple of years ago. The small electric motor was placed between the engine and the gearbox.
The advantage was that it also dubbled as a generator and as a starter motor.
Implementing a Start-Stop system with such a powerful electric motor placed along the driveshaft must be really ease!
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/carsandtheclimate/archive/2009/08/30/hybrid-assist-is-the-answer.aspx
what’s the news? send this link to Swade a week ago but no response..
so comments are closed on the Dragon/SAIC article, interesting move there Swade.. Maybe I should put my speculation about Mr. Dragon here? Or what are you up to? .-)
Maybe we should let the dragon sleep a bit, I think it will be revealed soon…
At least the starting delay of the start/stopp system should be no problem for the electric engine for it can react instantly.
Sounds very interesting though I’d prefer it to be combined with a diesel…
Interesting news http://www.reuters.com/article/americasDealsNews/idUSTRE5880UQ20090909
Hi Sven,
Seems like Autocar was doing some news reciclying, both textes read almost the same, but on the blog the engine has 130 bhp instead of 120 bhp
Till,
if you read the posting from Sven’s link you will see why diesel-hybrid is not the way to go.
But this is really the SAAB-way, more effective than the star/stop alternators from BMW and by far less expensive than the Prius/Insight.
http://www.dn.se/ekonomi/faw-uppges-vara-intresserat-av-saab-1.948356
Me, I know that it is hard to build a clean diesel. But I’m also asking for a 9-3 Convetible TTiD XWD. I’m a diesel guy. Just wishes…
Well the dragon has awaken
Sounds a bit like the Honda Civic hybrid system. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic_Hybrid
a 1.4 assisted by a electric engine. Sounds like the powertrain of the 9-x air concept.
I bet that SAAB has the technology ready to launch soon. Saab presented a Hybrid Convertible with a well-covered gizmo (electric engine) at the Stockholm Auto Show in 2006. Three years later now, is it ready one wonders.
I bet the 9-3 at least could be the car to get the electric engine. Or if SAAB thinks its a outdated model and they go 100% on the new 9-5.
If the 9-3 gets it should depend on how far the new one is. But I can imagine it could fit easy and it would make sense in these times.
I forwarded this article to my dealer and he just can’t wait to get such cars.
The power output seems a bit low. Chevrolet Cruze for instance is getting a 140 hp version of GM’s 1.4 litre family 0 engine (for 2011 I believe) and Saab had a 170 hp, 200 hp on E85, version of that same engine in 9-X BioHybrid, also with electric assist, using the next generation of GM’s belt driven starter alternator.
GM’s first generation BAS has been sold in USA for several years now. But aside from concepts they haven’t had a system with an electric motor between the engine and gearbox.
The FWD version of the advanced hybrid system must also be close to production ready, was originally going to be introduced for a Saturn for 2010 or so (but then Saturn was sold).
You know, this reads very similarly to the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) system they implemented in the F1, but a more practical and automated version.
In F1 they have to push a button to get the horsepower boost, but all we’d have to do is plant the right foot!
You would get a significant, and more importantly INSTANT, kick with this thing too, sounds awesome.
Comments on this entry are closed.