THE Phoenix has risen from the ashes – and it’s about to shape the next generation of cars from Saab.
Based on a new styling which will underpin the next Saab 9-3 model, the PhoeniX concept heralds what the Dutch-owned company calls ‘aeromotional’ design.
Harking back to the principles that inspired the creators of Saab’s first car in 1947, the PhoeniX embraces teardrop liquid metal forms and a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse.
Butterfly opening doors give easy access to a 2+2 cabin that has a minimalist ‘stripped out’ feel, including a world debut for Saab’s IQon infotainment and communications system.
“The PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design,” says design director Jason Castriota.
“It symbolises a renaissance of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab to build its first car. We’re now taking the visual DNA forward with what we call ‘aeromotional’ design, adding emotion, power and fluidity.”
The PhoeniX concept boasts a 200bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine driving the front wheels and Combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are projected to be 56.5mpg and 119g/km.
The car’s design theme is inspired by Saab’s aviation roots and draws expression from Ursaab, the prototype designed by aircraft engineers that spawned Saab’s first generation of cars.
In true Scandinavian tradition, the 2+2 cabin adopts a clean, minimalist look with shell-like seats and metal interior sections that mimic the network of a rollover cage.
A circular pod in front of the driver, shaped like the afterburner of a jet engine, presents data in tandem with the head-up display.
And angled at 45 degrees to the driver, a separate module houses the IQon infotainment and communications set-up, which uses Google's Android system.