Saab's new 1.9 TTiD diesel engine gives class leading economy combined with impressive driving performance.

Saab claims to lead the emerging flex-fuel segment with its unique BioPower concept. The system combines turbo-charging with the use of E85 fuel (85 per cent bioethanol/15per cent petrol) to deliver increased engine power and performance, as well as reducing fossil CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent. The Saab 9-5 BioPower set the standard for biofuel cars in Ireland and the option is now available to a broader audience with the new Saab 9-3 range which features a choice of two powerful BioPower engines.

The new 9-3 range engine line-up will ultimately include an innovative 180bhp (132 kW), twin-turbo 1.9 diesel, an uprated 280bhp (206 kW), 2.8V6 turbo petrol engine and an additional 175bhp 2.0t Saab BioPower option, delivering 200bhp (147 kW) when running on bio ethanol E85 fuel.

The success of the Saab 9-5 BioPower coupled with the Government's support for flex-fuel vehicles of a 50 per cent rebate of VRT, vehicle registration tax and VAT refund on E85 fuel for company cars, will ensure that the new Saab 9-3 BioPower models will be the most popular.

When running on E85 Bioethanol, a renewable fuel, fossil CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 80 per cent, helping the environment and also the economy, as the fuel is produced in Ireland by the Carbery Group from whey, a by-product of cheese production and distributed by Maxol.

Running on E85 fuel (85 per cent bioethanol/15 per cent petrol), the new 9-3 BioPower 1.8t engine delivers 16per cent more maximum power (175 hp/129kW v 150 hp/110 kW) and 10per cent more torque. In the Sport Saloon, this gives projected 0-100 kph acceleration in 8.4 sec and 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 13.9 sec, compared to 9.5 sec and 15.0 sec, respectively, on petrol.

The 9-3 range now features a powerful new four cylinder diesel engine with a unique two-stage turbo charging system, a world 'first' in the premium car segment, giving class-leading levels of efficiency. The 1.9-litre, 16-valve engine, badged TTiD, produces 180bhp (132 kW) and 400Nm of maximum torque, specific power outputs that are unmatched among competitive cars on the market. With combined fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100k projected for the Sport Saloon, this engine also offers class-leading economy, together with in-gear performance on a par with the 2.8V6 turbo petrol engine.

The Saab TTiD engine will be offered in Aero and Vector Sport specification levels. Available in spring 2008, it will join the current 120bhp (88 kW) and 150bhp (110 kW) 1.9 TiD engines, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

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