The Saab PhoeniX was a concept car unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Jason Castriota and inspired by the Ursaab, it was named at a time when Saab, recently sold to Spyker, hoped to rise again like the mythical bird.
Saab PhoeniX at a glance
| Unveiled | 2011 Geneva Motor Show |
|---|---|
| Designer | Jason Castriota |
| Inspiration | Saab 92001, with cues from many Saab models |
| Platform | intended for the planned 2013 Saab 9-3 replacement |
| Front suspension | HiPer Strut |
| Rear suspension | linked H-arm |
| Drive | hybrid all-wheel drive, developed with American Axle |
| Infotainment | IQon, based on Google Android |
| Award | 2011 Auto Express design award, 30% of votes |
| Platform rights | 100% Saab, under 10% GM parts |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the PhoeniX.
History of the Saab PhoeniX
The PhoeniX was shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Its name was chosen when Saab, recently sold by General Motors to Spyker, was preparing to rise again like the mythical Phoenix. At the moment the car was unveiled, Saab went formally bankrupt, unable to pay its bills.
The concept was designed by Jason Castriota as one of his first creations for Saab. Its design was inspired by the Saab 92001, the original Ursaab, but drew cues from almost every Saab model made. The car used the platform intended for the planned 2013 replacement of the Saab 9-3, a car that was never realised. The front suspension was by HiPer Strut and the rear used a linked H-arm layout.
The PhoeniX was equipped with a hybrid all-wheel-drive system being developed with the American supplier American Axle. It also carried IQon, an in-car information system running a customised version of Google Android, an unusual choice for a European car of 2011.
The concept was awarded the 2011 Auto Express design award by a landslide, taking 30 percent of the votes and beating the Alfa Romeo 4C and the Jaguar C-X75. The rights to the PhoeniX platform were entirely Saab’s, although it used fewer than 10 percent parts bought from General Motors. Elements of the design pointed to what a next-generation Saab might have looked like, but the company never built one.
Design and features
- Jason Castriota design: inspired by the 92001 prototype and by cues from across Saab’s history.
- Hybrid all-wheel drive: developed with the American supplier American Axle.
- IQon system: an infotainment package running a customised version of Google Android.
- Future 9-3 platform: the chassis intended for the 2013 replacement that was never built.
Saab PhoeniX versions
- PhoeniX (2011): the single concept car shown in Geneva.
The PhoeniX drew on the Saab Ursaab and was meant to preview a new Saab 9-3. It followed the earlier Saab Aero-X concept. More cars are in the Saab collection.
Video: Introducing the Saab PhoeniX Concept
Video by the uploader on YouTube.
Sources
- Saab PhoeniX, English Wikipedia: design, platform, systems, award
