Future Saab 9-3: Hybrid and EV Models To Be Offered

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — Saab's new 9-3, due in the fall of 2012, is close to being finalized for production. The future 9-3 will ultimately be offered with both four-wheel-drive hybrid and full-electric drivetrains, as well as BMW's downsized 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine.

The new 9-3 uses a new platform architecture being developed by Saab called Phoenix, which utilizes some of the floorpan and crash structures of the existing 9-3, together with its suspension layouts, including the HiPer strut front and H-arm rear systems of the new 9-5. However, these assemblies will have to be redesigned, because the hardware used in the 9-5 is licensed from GM and cannot be employed in any other model without gaining approval and paying a license fee.

The hybrid all-wheel-drive 9-3 drivetrain is being co-developed with American Axle. It consists of a rear-mounted electric motor that doubles as a generator when the car is coasting and braking, the energy it collects being directed first to supercapacitors before being trickled into a lithium-ion battery pack. The supercapacitors, which are capable of storing and discharging electricity in short bursts, can power up the electric motor when four-wheel drive is required for traction reasons, and any surplus is sent to the lithium-ion battery for later use.

At other times, the electric motor either propels the car on its own or assists the gasoline engine. The system can also be used to vector torque across the rear axle to the wheel with the most grip, aiding the car's passage through a corner. Saab has done most of the development work on this system, but American Axle will co-fund the project, build components for Saab and eventually sell it to third parties.

The pure EV 9-3, expected within two years of the car's 2012 launch, will likely offer a superior range to most existing EVs. Saab is about to launch a 70-car field trial with an EV version of today's 9-3, which features a more energy-dense, lighter lithium-ion battery pack developed by Boston Power with a 125-mile range. Nissan's Leaf, by contrast, has a 100-mile range. Despite this improved range the 184-horsepower 9-3 ePower accelerates to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 93 mph.

The 2013 9-3 will be the first model developed under the company's new regime with the leadership of recently recruited American design chief Jason Castriota.

Inside Line says: Something new from Saab. — Richard Bremner, Correspondent