Saab primed for Paris Air-play

Saab hasn't had much to shout about in recent years, but the Swedish carmaker plans to make some noise at the imminent Paris motor show, where it will whip the covers off its 9-X Air concept car.

The design study also chalks up a milestone of sorts as it comes just over 25 years after Saab revealed its first four-seater convertible to the world.

In case the new drop-top concept looks familiar, it's because it was derived from the 9-X Biohybrid, which debuted earlier this year at the Geneva motor show. The hatchback concept is based on the GM Delta platform (also used by the Holden Astra) and was conceived to preview Saab's new 9-1 hatchback family due in 2010.

It's shaping as a desperately awaited model range for languishing Saab, which currently has nothing in its line-up with which to combat the likes of the Volvo C30, Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

So take it as read that the 9-X Air isn't merely a flight-of-fancy exercise. A production version (which could simply be known as the 9-1 Convertible) will eventuate in due course, but expect its styling to be toned down from what you see here.

The concept features a novel targa-esque 'Canopy Top', which breaks the mould of conventional convertibles by incorporating flying buttress-style rear pillars that curve upwards to form the basis of the flat folding roof.  

"With the top down motorists can enjoy open-top motoring free from buffeting, and with the top up the 9-X Air assumes the appearance of a true coupe," boasts Saab.

Saab has already filed a patent for its new folding roof set-up whereby the powered Canopy Top folds away in the rear storage compartment.

The rear screen between the buttresses retracts automatically into the underside of the raised tonneau cover to allow stowage of the Canopy Top. The screen then moves back into position to provide a complete glass surround for the cabin in open-top mode.

This 'surround glass' feature, together with an active wind deflector on top of the windshield header rail, provides enhanced occupant comfort. Claims Saab: "It minimises buffeting, reduces back drafts and eliminates the need for a wind deflector net."

Separating the rear screen from the folding top also enables a larger glass area than is feasible with a soft top and integral screen.

In a further break with design convention, the 9-X Air dispenses with a boot lid. Instead, a large storage compartment, allegedly big enough to accommodate two golf bags, slides out from underneath the rear light bar. To save weight, it's spring-loaded, and slides effortlessly on rollers.

At the other end of the car lies a compact 1.4-litre BioPower engine that, according to Saab, combines a series of measures for more responsible performance. These include "engine rightsizing, turbocharging, the use of biofuels and hybrid technology".

Running on E85 fuel (a mix of 85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent petrol), the engine delivers a sporty 147kW, enabling the convertible to accelerate to 100km/h in a respectable 8.1sec.

What's more, Saab's projections suggest the car will spew CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107g/km over the combined cycle.

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