Saab X Concept Lands at Singapore

In line with its brand promise to "move your mind" and as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, Saab unveils its Aero X concept to the Singapore motoring public today. The Aero X, a concept of the future in motoring, is on display at the Paragon Main Atrium on 12 May from 5pm. It will then be at the Saab City showroom at 5 Leng Kee Road on 13 May from 10.30am to 6pm.

"The Saab Aero X Concept explores the potential signature cues for Saab's next generation product portfolio, and we are proud to be able to showcase it here in Singapore," says the Chief Exterior Designer of the Aero X, Mr Alex Daniel. "Singapore is concerned about safety, congestion, efficiency, vehicular reliability, environment protection, air pollution and energy usage. Saab Aero X is not just an exercise in design, it tests new technologies for sustainable motoring."

Besides its highly aerodynamic and futuristic look, the Aero X harnesses the power of Saab's aircraft and Scandinavian design roots, with a door-less and pillar-less aircraft-style cockpit canopy - the car tests solutions to meet the future details of motorists in the areas of handling, performance, practical storage and environment protection.

The cockpit canopy - as in a jet aircraft - is not for stylistic reasons, but for safety. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. Power comes from a V6 engine with a massive 400 bhp and still remains green: The twin-turbo BioPower engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source. "This is truly performance with responsibility," says Mr Daniel.

Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit brings "clean Scandinavian interior design" to a new level by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead the Aero X displays data on glass-like acrylic "clear zones" in graphic 3-D images.

All exterior and interior lighting is by light-emitting diode, LED, which has gives the design team new freedom to exploit the compact packaging benefits of this technology which will be featured more and more in future Saab products.

With weight-saving carbon-fibre bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically-controlled suspension and all-wheel-drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its racy looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph (limited).

Despite its driver-focused performance, the Aero X offers surprising practicality; again, quality Saab drivers have come to expect from all Saab designs. The dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer beneath.

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," says Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of the Eurokars Group of Companies, the importer for Saab.

Mr Daniel says: "As we move forward with new Saab products, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

The Saab Aero X is the latest in a series of concepts from Saab, each accentuating different brand qualities. These include the "four-dimensional" 9X (IAA Frankfurt 2001), the 9-3X Cross-over CoupÈ (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003). The Saab Aero X was first unveiled in February 2006.