2006 Saab Aero X Concept

The new Saab Aero X Concept reflects the aviation heritage and Scandinavian roots of the manufacturer, culminating in a uniquely designed performance vehicle. Its conception was intended as an indicator of design trends to come, and its myriad of features is a preview of the new design direction which future Saab models will showcase.

The Saab enthusiast will not be surprised to find that this 2-seater sports coupe boasts an innovative character and provides a break with both interior and exterior convention.

Design iniatives

The first striking feature is the Aero X Concept’s lack of doors and windshield pillars. Instead, Saab have equipped their concept model with a cockpit canopy which more closely resembles a jet aircraft than a road-going car. The driver is thus offered complete 180-degree visibility and makes entry and exit to the low-slung cockpit rather easier.

The radical cockpit design is further enhanced by the Saab Aero X Concept’s unconventional interior layout. Standard dials and buttons are dispensed with, replaced by Swedish glass and instrument-making techniques. All information and data is displayed in glass-like acrylic “clear zones” in 3-D graphics.

Illumination, both interior and exterior, is provided by LED units, allowing the design team the creative licence to make the most of the compact, lightweight benefits of such technology. Saab plans to use LED lighting more frequently in its future products.

Scandinavian engineering

The Aero X Concept’s lightweight credentials are enhanced by the carbon fibre bodywork and minimalist powertrain. It is an exhilarating car to drive, with electronically controlled suspension adding to the experience. Performance is impressive, with a projected 0-60 mph time of just 4.9 seconds and a limited maximum speed in the region of 155 mph.

The all-wheel-drive setup is powered by a remarkable engine – a 400 bhp, BioPower V6, twin turbo powerhouse which runs entirely on ethanol. This groundbreaking technology uses a sustainable energy source with significantly lower CO2 emissions than regular fossil fuel burners. The thinking behind such technology is accurately summed up by the phrase “performance with responsibility.”

In spite of the Aero X Concept’s undeniable driver focus, it is still able to the offer impressive practicality which has become a trademark of the Saab design. The dramatic sculpting of the tail section hides a handy dual storage space, featuring a conventional hatch underneath which is a sliding drawer.

Jan Ake Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director, explains the significance of the Aero X Concept to the brand’s future design direction: "This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand. 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."






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© 2006 Martin Hemmings and Karl C for www.sport-cars.org