Saab Reveals 9X Air Concept Ahead Of Paris Debut

Although its official unveiling is slated for next month's Paris Motor Show, General Motors has decided to go ahead and lift the covers on Saab's new 9X Air Concept, a two door roofless hybrid that many say previews an upcoming compact model from the Swedish automaker.

The 9X Air features a 1.4-litre turbocharged flex-fuel motor hooked up to a six-speed twin-clutch gearbox and an electric assistance motor, which serves up a 0-96kph time of around 8 seconds. Fuel consumption is estimated to be close to 5.9 litres per 100km, and the flex-fuel design of that blown four-pot means the Air can run on an 85 per cent ethanol blend.

Then again, who cares about environmental friendliness when the Air sports a body like that? While those rear buttresses probably look a bit weird with the windows rolled down, the rest of the 9X Air's bodywork looks fantastic - and futuristic. We'll have more information about the 9X Air Concept once the Paris Motor Show gets rolling. Until then, check out our image gallery below and let us know what you think of Saab's latest flight of fancy.