Saab Aero X Concept

Saab Aero X Concept

Inspired by Saab's aviation heritage and Scandinavian roots

• Previews more progressive design language
• Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars
• "Green Power" from 400 hp BioPower engine using 100 percent ethanol fuel
• All-wheel drive, carbon fiber bodywork

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As one would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupe breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.

First, there are no doors... or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400-hp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by ethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The "green power" of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase "performance with responsibility."

Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.
Saab Aero X Concept

With weight-saving carbon fiber 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 looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 60mph/100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph/250 kph (limited).

Despite being so tightly driver-focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.


"The concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile'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 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 Coupe (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003).

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Honda Shows New Accessories for European CR-Z 2+2 in Paris

The new Jazz (called Fit in the U.S. and other markets) Hybrid -see here- may have been the star attraction Honda's Paris Motor Show booth, but the Japanese automaker also premiered a new lineup of accessories for its European-spec CR-Z 2+2 hybrid. The range is split into four packages / themes with parts for the exterior and interior of the CR-Z.

First up is the Carbon theme that includes floor carpets and door-step garnishes, interior panels, body skirts and groovier-looking 17-inch alloy wheels.

Next is the Metallic theme that adds a front sports grille, door mirror covers, air-intake garnishes, pillar decorations and speaker rings, while the Illumination theme gives a blue luminescence to the interior of the CR-Z. Finally, the Coloured theme offers tailgate garnishes and body styling graphics.

Prices and availability have yet to be announced.

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Seat Altea XL, 2009

Seat Altea XL, 2009

The complete launch offer of the SEAT Altea and SEAT Altea XL 2009 range includes 35 different versions divided into two body styles, nine engine choices - five petrol and four Diesel, four gearboxes (5 and 6-speed manual, and 6 and 7-speed DSG), and three trim levels - Reference, Style and Sport. The offer is complete with a new entry-level version and the SEAT Altea Freetrack model, which is available with either two or four-wheel drive and the Sport trim level.

The new SEAT Altea 2009 range is available with a broad equipment list as standard. The entry-level version features the 85 hp 1.4 and 90 hp 1.9 TDI engines on the SEAT Altea and only the 90 hp 1.9 TDI on the SEAT Altea XL, with elements such as ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA, driver and passenger airbag, side airbags, head airbag, rear Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, remote controlled central locking, tinted glass, 15 inch steel rims, 195/65 tyres, double headlights, anti-theft roof aerial, sliding rear seats, storage compartments on the sides of the front and rear seats, central console storage compartment, storage hooks on the boot sides and rear parcel shelf with storage compartments, among others.

As with the SEAT León, the SEAT Altea range continues with the Reference version, which builds on the entry-level version with trip computer, CD radio + MP3 + 6 speakers + Aux in, low tyre pressure warning, air conditioning, body colour door mirrors and handles, front active headrests (on the SEAT Altea XL) and rear door folding shades (also on the SEAT Altea XL).

Style builds on Reference with several more elements, such as cornering foglights, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, leather gearknob, rear power windows, electric heated folding door mirrors, cruise control, Coming Home, chrome inside door handles, climate control, combined USB + Aux in connection, height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar control, 16" 'Enea' alloy rims, 205/55 tyres and visible twin tailpipe on versions with 140 hp or higher engines.
The top of the new SEAT Altea 2009 range is finished in Sport trim, which builds on Style with dark glass, sport seats with specific upholstery, 17" 'Aroa' alloy rims, 225/45 tyres and sports suspension.

Complete list of optional elements

The new SEAT Altea 2009 range features a long list of optional elements that significantly increase onboard comfort and safety.
The Lifestyle Plus package is available on the Reference trim level, which includes cornering foglights, 16 inch alloy rims, multi-function steering wheel and heated door mirrors.


As on the León, the Technology and Technology Plus packages are available on the Style and Sport versions. The Technology package includes rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and two extra speakers; while the Technology Plus package includes dual xenon headlights + AFS, the SEAT Mediasystem navigation system, Bluetooth and front parking sensors with parking optics. This package is exclusively associated to the Technology package.

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