Saab leads the automotive sector in exploiting the environmental benefits of bioethanol as a renewable fuel for its BioPower flex-fuel engines, which also deliver more power when running on E85 (85% bioethanol,15% gasoline). Now this technology is available for the first time in Aero specification for both 9-3 and 9-5 product ranges.

The new 9-3 Aero BioPower, in Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible formats, has a 2.0-liter turbo engine delivering 14% more maximum power (200 hp/ 147 kW.v 175 hp/ 129 kW) and 13% more torque (300 v 265 Nm) when running on E85. In the Sport Sedan, this gives zero to 100 kph acceleration in 7.9 sec and 80 to 120 kph in fifth gear in 10.0sec, compared to 8.5 and 11.1 sec, respectively, on gasoline.

In the 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi line-up, the 2.3-turbo engine of the new Aero BioPower delivers maximum power of 210 hp/154 kW and 310 Nm of torque when running on E85, compared to 185 hp/136 kW and 280 Nm on gasoline. On the road, this gives the sedan zero to 100 kph acceleration in 7.9 sec and 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 11.0 sec, compared to 8.3 sec and 12.6 sec, respectively, on gasoline.

Saab Aero models are distinguished by exterior sports bodystyling, unique alloy wheels and a sports chassis with stiffer springs and dampers for sharper handling. Inside, the sports seating is complemented by metallic-effect trim and the option of a unique leather/aluminum steering wheel.

For model year 2009, the full Saab 9-3 Aero line-up now offers a choice of front or all-wheel-drive (Saab XWD) combined with 280 hp, 2.8V6 or 210 hp, 2.0-liter four- cylinder turbo power. In addition, the new Aero BioPower and current 180 hp, 1.9TTiD engines come with front wheel drive only.
In the 9-5 range, the new BioPower option joins the current 260 hp, 2.3-liter gasoline version, which includes an overboost function delivering an impressive 370 Nm of torque.