Saab Aero X 2006 Review

Aero X is a clear signpost for a future that will bring the car and the environment even closer. Clever Swedish innovation and Australian powertrain expertise combine in the Aero X, making it a must-see showpiece at the 2006 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

There is no shortage of sophistication in futuristic design. The 2.8-litre Aero X twin-turbocharged V6 engine is based on GM's "global V6" built by Holden at the Port Melbourne engine plant.

It is uniquely designed and calibrated to run on 100 percent bioethanol, meaning its tailpipe emissions are potentially carbon neutral.

The reason the bioethanol-powered Aero X engine does not increase greenhouse gas emissions is because its carbon dioxide emissions are balanced by the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere when growing the crops used to make bioethanol.

Bioethanol can – at least in theory – reuse greenhouse gases that are emitted over and over again in fully sustainable, carbon-neutral production cycles. It could also open up huge new markets for Australian farmers, effectively making Australian agribusiness the center of global fuel production. With amazing power - 298 kW of raw engine power and 500 Nm of torque - plus an ultra-light carbon fiber body and significant traction thanks to a high-tech all-wheel drive system, Aero X is capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds. It's up there with many supercars.

Drive is sent to the wheels via a seven-speed, fully automated dual-clutch manual transmission, while ride is controlled by a computerized suspension system with active damping.

Inspired by Saab's long-term collaboration with the aerospace industry, the Aero X features a fighter jet-style cockpit that renders conventional car doors obsolete, while the aerospace theme continues with jet turbine-style wheels.

In the cockpit of the Aero X, Saab has applied the latest technology from Swedish glass and precision instrumentation specialists to completely dispense with conventional dials and buttons.

So if you want a glimpse into the future of automotive display systems to get a glimpse of the medium-term outlook for production vehicles, the Saab Aero X will be first on your shopping list.

It's a high-performance supercar that even an environmentalist can enjoy.