The e-AAM guys have posted three new videos on youtube demonstrating among other things torque vectoring and climbing a steep hill.
It looks like the new system is coming along nicely. I can see certain similarities with the 9-5 XWD navigating through those bends.
Videolist embedded after the jump.
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Interesting. It would be even more interesting if they’d film it from a follower car. Hopefully they’ll be able to sell this system to other manufacturers. The same goes for the PhoeniX platform. According to VM, today, they are looking for additional financing already for this year. And these systems obviously play a big part in that.
This is looking like a good substitute for XWD.
I just hope they figure out a hybrid mode that will help in the city.
That is a good question. I could not immediately find the answer among the information posted so far, but I would assume that given a big enough battery, the electrical motor should be able to propel the car ahead just fine on its own.
Eventually they’ll add bigger batteries and plug-in capabilities. Mats Fägerhag stated in some interview from Geneva that the system is designed for these additional improvements over time. Kind of a modular strategy like the Phoenix platform. Perhaps the first gen. will support some shorter only-electric drives in the city, but I think it will mainly be a hybrid (that is combustion & electric) at the beginning, and add all-electric possibilities later on
Yes, it depends on the concept.
If they sell it as an Hybrid, maybe it will be able to drive about 2-5 km on batteries like the Porsche Panamera. If they sell it as an Plug-In Hybrid, it will surely be able to run about 50km on e-power.
On any case, i think the concept can be used as a competitor for the Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, or a hi-performing e-XWD fun car, with high mileage (on the paper).
well, let’s hope so.
SAABs in the US sell well in metro areas and cities. Having better city MPG — although it is a number that is often ignored — will help.
Nissan Juke, for instance, gets about 25.
It’s amazing how if you add a plug to a car with a 4kW battery in the US, you get $2,500 back in taxes (16kW = $7,500). Hopefully that’s an incentive enough for Saab to include plans for a beefed up battery pack like Volvo. It nearly pays for itself over here.
THIS will cheer you all up! Is that a piece of the next 9-3 under the bonnet?
If you ask for that engine, yes it is a piece of the next 9-3.
Nice pictures.
That open bonnet seen from behind looks very familiar…
Great pictures. Clearly a BMW 1.6 in there.
http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/03/Countryman-engine-466×350.jpg
Are the strut towers the same a current 9-3?
the clamshell hood mechanism looks very robust, but does take up room. However, a power-operated hood good but a great dealer sales trick. People do love to focus on a few gimmicks like that.
Fantastic pictures! Thanks for the tip. So, did anyone read their story “Right car, Wrong car”? I cannot get CAR magazine here, so I was wondering what that story was all about?
On the 8 minute test track video, the driver gets a drift at 6:10, but just before he pulls the Pbrake???
Cool tech, really want to se this implemented…
Saab Up!
I think this hill ascent is the coolest and best demonstration of what the eXWD can do. For those doubting this relatively small electric motor – now is the time to change your mind 😉
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvrQmTvDd5w
video description:
“Both video clips feature the same car, at first with the eAWD system turned off running as a regular front wheel drive car and then with the eAWD system activated delivering up to 1200Nm/15kW at the rear axle depending on road surface grip.”
1200Nm/15kW!?!? That’s amazing. And electric motors do have the maximum torque from the lowest rpm’s upwards. By using this technology correctly Saab will do wonders! 🙂
1200 is a typo, 120 is correct.
It says:1200Nm Axle torque.
Not to be compared to ICE torque.
Amazing! Anyone who saw that slope IRL would agree with me. It’s murder :).
He’s shifting down to third. 🙂
Oops, yes, been driving auto way too long…. 🙂
I would love to know what type of tyres were used?
Why not ask in a comment on YouTube?
My next car will have eAWD!
That is one steep and slippery hill! If you don’t have experience from driving in these condition you don’t understand how good it is, most 4WD on the roads would not make it up that hill. This is what probably make me finally buy a brand new car. Suberb handling, performance AND better mileage, that’s sweet!
I’m starting to hear some very depressing news regarding SAABs survival…I’m reading reports that SAAB is not selling cars very well and the future looks bleak….the CEO is stepping down…I don’t know…Please Advise….
Calm down and read the rest of the articles and comments on the site 😛
Saab isn’t forecasted to be profitable anytime soon, so be patient. It’ll happen soon enough.
I drive a 2009 SAAB 9.3 XWD with every available option. It was originally a very pricey car about $39,800.00 USD. Got it brand new for $33,800.00 ($6,000 off GM discount). I love it! I just hope they survive…I don’t want to see anything happen to them.
That second video was very impressive indeed. The driver in the third video ran a stop sign at 0:09 (tut tut) and had I been a passenger in said car Id have needed clean underwear. Those test drivers are true pros as I would never even attempt to drive that fast in snow eXWD or not as Id be too scared Id dent my car.
This all looks very promising for the new 9-3. 🙂
The eAWD 30% Hill Ascent Demonstration video was indeed very impressive! I can’t wait to see this system in production Saabs! 😀
That ‘Forrest handling track’ is just extremely impressive If you’ve been driving this kind of road any time you know what it takes – its driving on a ball with wet soap and the guy who drives seems to be doing it without any effort at alll.
Think I know why Antonov wants to enter the WRC now.
I have to say-this is the most impressive thing I have seen in a car-I have shown everyone can this and am fairly certain I will go into Saab and buy a new 9-3 with this technology once it is “out there”