VIDEO: SAAB Design Boss Jason Castriota Talks PhoeniX

We've already brought you the news on Saab's PhoeniX concept that's built on the underpinnings of the next 9-3 series and is on display at the Geneva Motor Show, but the Swedes have just released a video with the firm's new Design Director Jason Castriota giving us a tour of the 2+2 coupe.

In the video after the break, Castriota explains the PhoeniX's bespoke design features and its significance for the future of Saab product design starting off with the next generation of the 9-3 which is scheduled for release in 2012.

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Saab Reveals Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

The highlight of Saab's booth at the Geneva show is undoubtedly the PhoeniX concept car that previews design features and technologies that will be used by future Saab models. Based on the platform that will underpin the next-generation Saab 9-3, the PhoeniX was penned under the supervision of the firm's new design boss, Jason Castriota. According to Saab, it introduces an "aeromotional” design, which the company describes as the "the visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles".

The sports coupe features dramatic details such as the rear-lateral winglets reminding of Saab's aeronautical roots and the jet canopy-inspired glasshouse. The front includes a new interpretation of the brand's signature three-port grille which is likely to be seen on future models, as well as the muscular hood.

The teardrop shape of the rear window echoes the design of the very first Saab, the 92001 or Ursaab, while the “sawed-off” tail is a tribute to Saab's first coupe, the Sonett.

The shape of the concept and its aerodynamic treatment enable a drag co-efficient of just 0.25. The doors open upwards, like on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and offer access to the interior, which has a 2+2 layout. The PhoeniX features Saab's all-new IQon infotainment and communications system and a new expression of the driver-focused layout. The IQon uses Google's Android operating system and manages audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and downloading of applications.

The concept is powered by an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle combined with a 200HP 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine (most likely sourced from the BMW Group) that motivates the front wheels. The electric motor/generator develops 34 hp and is powered by a small battery pack, which uses regenerative braking to sustain the charge.

The eXWD hybrid all-wheel drive setup and the start-stop system allow for an average fuel consumption of only 5 liters/100 km (47 mpg) and a CO2 emissions level of 119 g/km. The eco-friendliness doesn't mean the PhoeniX is “soft”: it does 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The driver can choose between three eXWD operating modes: Eco, Sport and Traction. The first is set by default and delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency, the second includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear-axle and the third enables optimal grip in slippery conditions and at take-off.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Saab's Geneva Motor Show Surprise is Sports Car Concept Called the Phoenix

When Saab first revealed its plans to debut a new concept model at the Geneva Salon a couple of weeks ago, the Swedish company did not release any details whatsoever about the study. And while Saab is still keeping its cards close to its chest, we managed to find out that the study is called the Phoenix and that it's a sports car concept equipped with a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The Phoenix is the work of Saab's new design boss of former Bertone fame, Jason Castriota, and its main purpose is to preview the brand's next styling direction.

We'll have more on the Phoenix as well as Saab's other debuts such as the new 9-5-Sportcombi and the updated 9-3 range after their debuts in Geneva in less than 24 hours from now.

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Saab Shows More of the 9-5 SportCombi, Officially Confirms Concept Study for Geneva Salon

The rapidly approaching Geneva Motor Show is turning out to be a birthing room for Saab as the Swedish company is planning to launch two world premieres including the 9-5 SportCombi along with the unveiling of the modestly updated 9-3 Griffin range and the limited production 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition.

First teased on the Swedish firm's website last week, Saab today confirmed that one of the world premieres will be a never-before seen concept model conceived by a team under new design director, Jason Castriota, who is best known for his work at Pininfarina and for a short stint at Bertone where he penned the Corvette-based Mantide.

The Swedish automaker said the concept car will showcase design features and technologies to be seen in the next generation of products from Saab, adding that it introduces styling themes drawn from the company's Scandinavian and aircraft-inspired design heritage. Saab also noted that the design study will feature an all wheel drive system with an electrically powered rear axle, which most likely points to a hybrid model.

Along with the announcement on the concept car, Saab released a new gallery of photos of the all-important 9-5 SportCombi, which the company expect to sell in greater volumes than its four-door counterpart in many European markets. The more practical variant of the 9-5 series will be offered with a similar mix of turbocharged diesel and gasoline motors with sales scheduled to start in the Fall of 2011.

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Saab 9-6: Subaru-Based Crossover Prototype Comes out of the Closet

Back in the corporate heydays of GM, before the Detroit automaker went bust, the General would re-badge just about anything it could get its hands on if it were to make a fast buck without breaking a sweat.

This lazy corporate mentality was not only limited to GM’s American products but it spread throughout the entire company. Saab and even Subaru were subjected to this crude process, which was mostly limited to swapping badges and grilles.

When GM controlled the fate of Saab and held a 20 percent share of Subaru, the Detroit company's executive gurus came up with the bright idea of re-badging Subaru models as higher-end Saabs and selling them for a premium.

The first product of the Saabaru project was the Saab 9-2x, which was nothing more than a Subaru Impreza hatchback with a different nose job and a re-trimmed interior. It was also the last production model of the sort as the following year, GM sold its Subaru’s shares back to the Japanese carmaker’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries.

But not before it finished a prototype named the Saab 9-6 that was built on the Subaru B9 Tribeca crossover. And even though most of us had heard about the 9-6, no one outside of Saab and GM had ever actually seen the crossover model, up until now, that is.

The Swedes decided that it was time for the prototype model to come out of the darkness and into the light of Saab’s museum in Trollhättan, Sweden.

Discovered and photographed by Steven Wade, the man we came to know as the founder of the Saabsunited website and who is now part of the Swedish firm’s social media team, the 9-6 is a typical product of GM’s re-badging process.

And by that we mean a Saab nose plus some minor changes to the exterior and interior trim.

Wade also mentioned on the company’s website that GM also developed a three-door prototype of the Saab 9-6, but its whereabouts remain unknown.

Source: Inside Saab via Worldcarfans

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