Saab Aero-X

Infobox Automobile


name = Saab Aero-X
manufacturer = Saab Automobile
parent_company = General Motors
production = 2006
wheelbase = Auto mm|2795|1
length = Auto mm|4675|1
width = Auto mm|1918|1
height = Auto mm|1276|1
transmission = 7-speed manual
layout = Front engine, four-wheel drive
class = Concept
body_style = 2-door coupé
engine = 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6

Saab Aero-X is a concept car by Saab unveiled at the 2006 Salon International de l'Auto. It is powered by a 2.8 L twin-turbocharged V6 running on pure ethanol that produces 400 hp. 0 to convert|62|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on is predicted to be 4.9 s and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (150 mph). It has a 7-speed manual transmission controlled by paddles on the steering wheel.

Like the American-market Saab 9-2X, the Aero-X has four wheel drive. The doors and windscreen are connected, so instead of using conventional doors or even gullwing doors, it uses a cockpit canopy where the entire top section of the car is opened. This offered the Aero X's driver full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. The body is made of carbon fiber. The suspension is electronically-controlled. Even though it is a compact two-seat sports car, it has reasonable storage, as the rear features two storage facilities, with a conventional hatchback and sliding drawer underneath.

The interior offers "clean Scandinavian interior design". The car has no ordinary dials and buttons; instead, data is displayed on acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3D images. All interior and exterior lights utilize LEDs.

It is a concept car, but if it is well received, it may go into production, probably based on a shortened Epsilon 2 platform.Fact|date=July 2008

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," said Bryan Nesbitt, the Executive Director of GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the Saab brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

The Aero-X is rumored make its cinematic debut in , with fans speculating that it may be used for the Autobot Wheeljack. [cite news|url=http://www.saabhistory.com/2008/04/01/saab-aero-x-debuts-in-transformers-sequel-2009/|title=Saab Aero-X Debuts in Transformers Sequel - 2009|publisher=Saab History|date=2008-04-01]

Gallery

ee also

* Canopy door

References

External links

* [http://www.saab.com/microsites/aero_x/GLOBAL/en/index2.shtml AeroX] - official site
* [http://www.saabo.com/content/saab_aero-x.php Saab Aero-X]
* [http://www.saabphotos.com/gallery/aero-x_concept Saab Aero-X concept photos] - shows pictures of the car and how it was built