Pure ethanol power was unleashed by the Saab BioPower 100 concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Saab extends bioethanol engine technology by formulating the first-production-based turbo engine that runs on 100 percent bioethanol. It promises a never before seen performance from a car using similar fuel. The said concept boasts a peak output of 300 horsepower with remarkably reduced CO2 impact.

Saab’s new concept combined the capabilities of turbocharging and sophisticated engine management with pure bioethanol fuel. It is the proof that green cars could also be thrilling to drive. The automaker’s BioPower 100 concept is an addition to the growing ‘flex-fuel’ segment in Europe’s auto market. The said market is dominated by the brands Saab and Volvo. As a fact, both automakers have already contributed several green cars in the said territory. But they do not simply limit their contributions to engines. You see, their studies also extend to auto parts like Volvo coil springs, Saab brakes, and more. This is done to push efficiency to the maximum.

“This exciting concept shows the tremendous potential of bioethanol, in terms of both performance and future opportunities to ‘rightsize’ engines,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “Bioethanol is already entering the European market as E85 fuel and we look forward to seeing further supply infrastructure developments that will make it more widely available in the future.”

The concept is an evolution of the automaker’s 9-5 SportCombi. The 19-inch ‘turbine’ alloy wheels inspired by those of the award-winning Saab Aero X concept which has debuted at Geneva in 2006. The interior of the car delivers a luxurious feel that is bolstered by the unique white leather upholstery mated to the main fascia and door trims. These are finished in black leather overlaid with carbon fiber-effect. The car is also equipped with Saab’s innovative AlcoKey, a device that aids drivers steer clear of drinking and driving.

The Saab Biopower development is focused on the ethanol fuel. The first attempt was the E85 fuel which is 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The recent attempt is the BioPower 100 Concept which runs on 100 percent ethanol. The concept wanted to showcase how bioethanol could be extended to offer not just improved emissions potentials but dramatically enhanced performance as well.

The fuel is designed to resist harmful self-ignition, or ‘knocking’, as the fuel/air mixture is compressed in the cylinder. It is denoted by E100’s high 106 RON octane rating. The Concept operates with a compression ratio of 11.0:1, compared to 8.8:1 for the standard gasoline engine. This outstanding ratio has been yielded by altering the shape of the piston crowns to diminish the volume of the combustion chamber hence increasing the engine’s compression ratio.