Saab 9-3 2008 News

Ageing designs and even older platforms have seen many prestige car buyers cross Saab off the shopping list before leaving home. The 9-3 sits on eight-year-old underpinnings, while the 9-5 is even older with its Epsilon platform approaching 12, a true geriatric in prestige automotive terms.“There is no doubt we have suffered because we spent a lot of time telling people what the price of the car was rather than what the brand was about,” says Saab Australia boss Parveen Batish.“That approach has a negative impact as far as your residual values are concerned and it takes a while to dig yourself out of that hole ... and we're not out of that hole yet.”Batish was on hand at the launch of the limited edition Turbo X and Aero fettle for the TTiD diesels. Saab hopes these will turn things around. Despite sales evidence to the contrary, Batish says the brand is heading in the right direction.To the end of May, Saab sales have dropped almost 27per cent over the same period last year, with just 592 cars registered.“We have been talking about the brand a lot more over the past 18 months. We've got to tell people what Saab's about if we're going to be sustainable in the future. We can't just go on price ... people are willing to pay as long as they know they are getting the performance and value they expect from the brand that they are buying.”The poster car for Batish's vision of a brave new future is one that will do little to improve the bottom line in raw figures but will provide a point of reference for what Saab is going to become.The Turbo X (just 30 examples will make their way to Australia) is a showcase of technology for future models. The all-wheel-drive (cross-wheel-drive in Saab speak) 2.8-litre V6 with active limited-slip rear differential is a clear signpost on the road to the all-new 9-5 due by early next year.“To have a hero car we can point to is hugely important for a couple of reasons,” Batish says. “Firstly it gives everyone a boost, a lift, and that will show in the marketing. More importantly it allows us to talk to the people we want. We can finally say to those people who have been scared to drive a front-wheel-drive car because , `You can't put that much power through the front wheels', try this.“It is true that 30 cars is not a lot of conquests, but from here AWD will flow to other models, at least as an option, in the very, very near future. That is what I mean about giving those people confidence. We can do one job at the moment in terms of lifting the brand with the Turbo-X and then with cross-wheel drive in the future we can bring those conquests to us.”Even before the flow down of the AWD and LSD technology, Saab is working to get its cars back on the consideration list.“The conversion rate when we get people into the cars is fantastic, something like 50 per cent,” Batish says. “That tells me we have a product people like but we have to get them into contact with it.”To that end Saab will be pushing what Batish believes is the brand's unique selling point.“As a brand what we're going to focus on is responsible performance. The fact we have excellent diesel engines with an Aero diesel, the fact we have enviro-power-flexible vehicles with E85, the fact we have four-cylinder engines with great performance and fuel economy. All of this leads to responsible performance.“Everyone wants performance. When people buy a premium car that's what they want.“We think we have great cars with great packages, especially the TTiD.”However, for all the “responsible” banter it is going to be, initially at least, the performance of the Turbo X that will grab buyers by the throttle.Saab has opened its AWD strategy with a car of which it has built only 2000 - all of which are black and which Saab Australia holds only four firm orders for the 30 examples it has been allocated. There is little argument that it deserves a better reception than that, and may well get one once those looking in from the sidelines at the $88,800 starting price get over the sticker shock.With 206kW and 400Nm the Turbo X, in six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, is open to some suspicion. The 9-3 Viggen (the car, not Saab's jet interceptor) is remembered for its audacious torque and atrocious manners.The Turbo X shares none of that. AWD and electronic LSD means the 400Nm of urge is delivered in a controlled manner. So much so that the Turbo X was at its best on a loose gravel road with the torque delivery switching from front to rear and side to side with effortless efficiency. 

The high-performance model, which has already attracted deposit-paid orders in Australia, will introduce the AWD system which will appear on the Aero model later this year.The Swedish carmaker says just 30 Turbo X vehicles (25 Sport Sedan and five SportCombi) will be released to customers in Australia and New Zealand from June, starting from $88,800 and rising to $93,800.The Turbo X is the first model to offer the XWD AWD system, which can put 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque (between 2150rpm and 4500rpm) from the 24-valve 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine to the bitumen.The Saab XWD system is an active AWD system that continuously distributes torque between the front and rear axles, and between the rear wheels.To optimise traction at take off, Saab XWD incorporates an innovative pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels, instead of waiting for slip.Saab believes the system sets a new benchmark. It also allows the Turbo X to hit 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.There's also an active rear limited-slip differential as standard on the Turbo X, set to appear on the Aero's options list. This can transfer up to 50 per cent of torque between the rear wheels, depending on grip. The ultimate Saab performance machine, the Turbo X will start at $88,800 for the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 manual Sport Sedan or $91,300 for the auto.Stepping up to the SportCombi pumps the price to $91,300 for the manual and $93,800 for the auto.Offered only in metallic black with some details in a grey titanium-like finish, the Turbo X gets the full aero body kit, making it the meanest-looking Saab in living memory. It sits on standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while optional 19-inch rims will add $2250 to the bottom line.The cabin has black leather-trimmed sports seats (or there's an optional premium, natural leather interior for an extra $4000), as well as a carbon-fibre finish to the fascia, door trims, glovebox and gear shift console.The driver gets a thick-rimmed, soft-grip leather steering wheel and an eyeful of a boost gauge that's a replica from the original 900 Turbo.Owners can also have a personalised greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. As well as a “Ready for take-off” message flashed on the main instrument display, the owner's name and personalised greeting also can be programmed by the dealer. 

The first all-paw performance car will be on the road in Australia by June and the 9-3 Turbo X will be followed by a full family of all-wheel-drive turbos. The upgrade to what Saab calls “cross-wheel-drive” promises an end to steering tug and torque steer, a negative for Saab since the 1970s, as well as opening a Subaru-style opportunity to re-position the brand as a performance and safety leader.The Turbo X is fitted with a 206kW turbocharged V6 performance engine, as well as a predictable range of body and cabin upgrades, and will be priced somewhere beyond $75,000. Only 30 cars will come to Australia, from a worldwide production run of 2000, with 25 sedans and five SportCombi wagons for local deliveries.The XWD system will be a key to Saab's future model development, once the outdated 9-3 and 9-5 are renewed and the all-new 9-1 compact and 9-4 crossover wagon join the line-up.“It's about performance. Bringing the Turbo X to life is about capturing the true spirit of Saab, which has a proud history of innovation and performance,” says Saab's spokeswoman in Australia, Emily Perry. “The original Saab turbo was the 99, which was first shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 1977. We want to get that spirit back into the brand.“Cross-wheel drive takes it to the next level. All-wheel-drive is used by different manufacturers for different reasons and for us it's all about performance.”The 9-3 Turbo X with XWD has just been previewed in Europe and Saab's rally drivers gave a wicked insight into its ability during an Australian passenger program beyond the Arctic Circle in the far north of Sweden. The Turbo X was impressive and even ordinary drivers coped handily with a first exposure to ice driving — with the help of studded tyres — during a variety of driving tests in a regular XWD Aero turbo wagon.The biggest difference between the Turbo X and the regular XWD cars is the high-tech E-differential in the back of the limited-edition car, although this is likely to be optional in Australia once the X cars are all sold.It gives the Turbo X a sportier balance and more driver feedback. Saab Australia is already planning for the arrival of the Turbo X — which will only be available with black bodywork — as part of the strategy for GM Premium Brands which includes Hummer and the introduction of Cadillac later this year.“We want to rejuvenate the Aero name, which happens when cross-wheel-drive is availableon the top-line Aero models. By the end of the year it will be available on the Aero, becausewe are expecting the Turbo X to sell-out pretty quickly,” Perry says.“So we will have the front-drive Aero with 188kW, or the cross-wheel-drive car at 206kW.”And Saab is thinking further down the track.“It will be available in the 9-4X, absolutely, and it has application for other new models as they come to life. But we cannot confirm any details around the new 9-5 or the 9-1X yet,” Perry says.“It is truly about the next generation of Saab. It's the first step. It's what you can't see that is driving the change within Saab.” 

The Turbo X limited edition unveiled at the show this morning pays homage to the first 900 Black Turbo, which marked the beginning of the blown Saab over 30 years ago.The Turbo X is supremely exclusive to Australia, with only 30 models coming to our shores in the first half of 2008.Both limited edition sports sedan and wagon are turbocharged, of course, pulling 206kW and 400Nm from a 2.8-litre V6.A mean set of 18-inch alloys wrapped around a sports brake package and suspension match the front grille and headlight surrounds, which is a darkened but recognisable new 9-3 face.It also features a number of innovative modifications that will make their way to the new 9-3, the most impressive being the XWD system.This on-demand all-wheel-drive system has not one, but two separate torque splits: one divides the twist between the front and the rear wheels, while the other doles out torque to individual rear wheels.Saab’s Parveen Batish also indicated that Saab will introduce a high performance diesel in 2008, and announced the official arrival of its 9-5 BioPower range.The renewable Ethanol/petrol powered cars are tuned to run on E85 flex-fuel, or a mix of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol. The mixture also increases power in the 9-5 by 20 per cent over the standard petrol variants.But unlike Saab’s Swedish home country, only a handful of bowsers in our metropolitan areas sell E85. Customers will have to run on E10 or 10 percent ethanol fuel; and standard power until it is embraced by the bowsers. 

The world's biggest motor show is weeks away, yet the car companies are already scrambling over each other to release clues about their exhibits.Among the highlights of the 62nd Frankfurt International Motor Show are cars made out of bamboo, a boxer diesel engine and yet more “urban crossover SUVs.”Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its Concept-cX compact SUV at the show.Concept-cX uses interior trim materials made from bamboo and other plant-based resins.The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8 litre diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter, and Mitsubishi's new twin clutch sport shift transmission.Dodge will also launch a crossover wagon, called Crew, which hits Australia late next year.The seven-seater is based on the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan platform but with all-wheel drive and powered by 2.4-litre petrol and 2-litre turbo-diesel engines.The Crew looks like a shrunken Chrysler Voyager people mover, but with a longer nose and higher ground clearance.It will be built at Chrysler's Toluca plant in Mexico with production due to start in December.Subaru will use the show for its biggest new model blitz yet.Leading the line-up will be the new Impreza five-door hatchback in its 1.5 and 2 litre naturally aspirated formats, which arrives in Australia the same month.Other Subarus on show include an Impreza-based World Rally Car Concept, facelifted Tribeca luxury SUV with more efficient 3.6-litre boxer engine and five-speed auto, new Justy one-litre supermini and the world's first horizontally opposed boxer turbo-diesel engine, due to be progressively installed in models from early in 2008.Mazda will debut its Mazda6, the second Mazda new generation product to evolve to the next stage following the new Mazda2.Although Australia is yet to see the Kia cee'd five-door, the Korean company will debut its new sporty three-door Pro-cee'd, the third model in the family of cars designed for Europe and made in Slovakia.Only the bonnet and the front wing panels are carried over from the five-door model.Volkswagen will revive the 'people's car' with a concept Beetle.It is called the City Expert because The Beetle name has been taken by the more expensive new-generation car.The City Expert goes back to Beetle roots with a rear-mounted, flat-four boxer engine and a cheap price tag.VW will also reveal six new models with BlueMotion diesel technology, including the new Golf BlueMotion claiming economy of 4.5 litres/100km down 0.6-litres from the previous model, and CO2 emissions down 16g/km to 119g/km.Range on a 55-litre tank is now more than 1200km.Peugeot's 308RCZ concept will give a big hint towards a future body style for the 308 family.The ultra-light 2+2 coupe uses aluminium, polycarbonate windows and carbon fibre body parts and is powered by a 160kW 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.Renault will show a wagon version of its Clio mini.The Clio Sport Tourer will go on sale in Europe early next year.Mini is also on the bandwagon with the return of the Clubman van.The five-door model has double rear doors and a suicide door on the driver's side.The suicide door, which opens the opposite way, is designed to allow passengers easier access to the back.It would make more sense on the other side, but clearly the former British car now owned by BMW is designed for left-hand-drive markets with the blinkers also on the left.Ford will show its Kuga crossover all-wheel-drive probably powered by a range of petrol and turbodiesel engines, including the 2-litre 100kW/320Nm TDCi that has just appeared in the Focus.The Kuga is based on the Iosis X concept unveiled at last year's Paris Motor Show.In a surprise move, Suzuki will show it's expanding from small cars and SUVs into the family market.Their Kizashi family car looks mean with a massive black grille, sloping lamp clusters and low-level fog lamps.Also looking mean is Saab's 9-3 Turbo X which will rekindle the spirit of the 1980s Saab 900 Black Turbo.It will feature Cross-Wheel Drive allowing torque to be split to either side of the rear axle via an electronically limited slip differential, based on information from the stability and traction control systems.However, the show-stealer is likely to be seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher when he unveils the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, a lighter and faster development of the existing 430 coupe and convertible.Power is up to 380kW, weight is down 100kg and the F1 transmission has new software that cuts shift times to 60 milliseconds. 

With almost two-thirds of its worldwide sales hinging on the new 9-3, Saab has made more than 2000 changes to the new model.The platform remains the same, but all-wheel-drive has been added.Due here early next year, the company hopes the XWD, Saab's designation for the latest-generation Haldex 4 system, which will make the model more popular with buyers.Australia's GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish wants sales improvements in 2007 and says the 9-3 will achieve that.“We did 1650 last year and this year we're tracking 16.5 per cent up on that. We're aiming for June 30 when we hope to be over 20 per cent up. It's been a great start,” he said.Saab's priorities are the new 9-5 and an SUV (which appears destined for a 9-4 badge) and a compact car built on the next-generation Astra platform, to transform its sales results.The new 9-3 range is expected to sell here in November. The flagship Aero XWD and TTiD will arrive in the first quarter of 2008.The base-model has the 1.8t 110kW/167Nm motor, with 129kW/265Nm and 155kW/300Nm options on offer.The Aero gets 188kW (up by 4kW) and 350Nm or 206kW and 400Nm in the XWD model. The current 110kW/320Nm diesel is joined by a 132kW/400Nm two-stage turbo.The XWD's Haldex system is also used by Audi and Volkswagen.Its biggest asset is a system that claims to provide a better response to a lack of traction. In-car electronics and traction aids determine which wheel is best served with drive torque. It also uses a rear, electronic, limited-slip diff for added traction and yaw control.The all-wheel-drive system is, for now, an Aero-only option, teamed with the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6.The other newcomer to Saab's 9-3 range is a second turbo-diesel, the TTiD two-stage turbo-diesel.Displacing just 1.9 litres, the turbocharger has two turbines, one small, one large which tag-team depending on engine revs.It produces 132kW and 400Nm, with an economy of under 6 litres/100km.Prices are still to be set, but Saab wants the new model's price to be close to the present range.The new 9-3 has been fitted with more engine-bay insulation so that the new turbo-diesel is much quieter, though you are still aware of it at idle.Power delivery has been improved considerably, offering a wide spread of torque and power delivery in the upper-rev ranges. 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

Saab this week released photos of the new 9-3 range with much of the styling cues from the Aero X concept car.Outside, it is a much shapelier and curvy character with a “face” up front and no ugly black rubber strips on the bumper or doors.The front grille has much more impact, being bigger and curvier with a three-piece air dam and fog lights, rather than one horizontal strip.The headlights now wrap around and slope up at the outside like cats' eyes.The new 9-3 also returns to the Saab tradition of a clamshell hood, a tradition that started with the '67 Saab 99.GM Premium Brands communications manager Emily Perry said Australia would get all three 9-3 models — Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible — all at the same time, in the last quarter of this year.“We will get petrol and diesel initially just as we have now,” she said.“We are interested in 9-3 BioPower for Australia, but we will launch BioPower in Australia in 9-5 this year and see how it goes.“So we don't have a 9-3 BioPower launch date just yet.”The new 9-3 range will come in three trim levels — Linear, Vector and Aero.“I don't have any further news on the interior at this stage,” she said.Although there are no details about the car's interior yet, it would be good if they broke away from the cliched fighter aeroplane cockpit theme.Perry doesn't hold out much hope for that: “It would be fair to assume that it would be very similar, or unchanged, to the current recently launched interior which is fresh into 9-3 this year,” she said.“Saab interiors still remain the `cockpit' styled interior and driving position but it has been simplified, giving it a clean modern look.”We hope so.

Where manufacturers have previously pursued one environmental solution, most are now embracing multiple strategies to the high-profile problem.GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner best summed up the industry's new multi-pronged environmental strategy as energy diversity.He referred to alternate energy sources such as electricity, ethanol, biofuels, compressed natural gas, hydrogen and combinations of these working happily together in the same vehicle.Wagoner says GM will also continue to seek improved efficiency from internal combustion petrol and diesel engines and expand its commitment to electric power.GM will introduce a test fleet of 100 hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicles in the US this year and 10 in Europe, he says.Other car companies working on alternate powertrain solutions, such as Kia, also pledged to introduce test fleets, particularly for government evaluation.The first of GM's new energy strategies to be introduced in Australia could be the extension of the Saab Biopower range from the 9-5 to the 9-3 model range, including vehicles running on 100 per cent biofuel.GM has also developed a new cleaner turbo diesel V6 engine which could power the new Holden VE Commodore.Wagoner confirmed that the 184kW 2.9-litre Italian-made engine would be compatible with the VE chassis, but he could not confirm its application in the Australian market. A GM Holden spokesman says the company will consider the engine.Mercedes-Benz has started its push to clean up diesel emissions with a detox system called BlueTec. It is claimed to reduce nitrous-oxides (NOX) from the exhaust by up to 90 per cent compared with previous diesels.The German firm has introduced BlueTec in its upper-luxury E320 sedan in the US market and will follow that up with three more models next year. The E320 and the follow-up R320 people mover, ML320 SUV and GL320 4WD will be released in Europe in 2008 and are expected here later in 2008 or early 2009.Volkswagen showed a Passat and a Polo with the technology, the latter capable of a low 102g of CO2 and greatly reduced NOX.Japanese makers are aggressively pushing hybrids. They are led in this by Lexus, which announced it is making more hybrids combining electric motors with petrol engine models than conventional petrol-fuelled vehicles.Geneva launched the Lexus LS600h luxury saloon that it claims has the power of a V12 with the economy of a V6. It has a V8 petrol engine combined with an electric motor to deliver 327kW. Yet Lexus claims the lavishly-equipped saloon will get an average fuel consumption of only 9.5-l/100km while having a CO2 emission level of less than 220g.Toyota showed a hybrid concept sedan, the Hybrid X, that is more a styling exercise than a mechanical marvel. Then there is the Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports car that combines a 3.5-litre petrol V6 with an electric motor; a car that doesn't ignore performance or style.But while Europe is going diesel and Japan is leaning towards hybrids, there is some blurring of technologies.Honda announced a NOX-depleting system similar to BlueTec and says it will be fitted to its diesel-powered cars. It plans to launch its new diesels within three years, first in the US and later in Europe and Australia.At the same time, Honda says it will make its fuel-cell electric car available to selected buyers by next year, making it likely to be the world's first car maker to make a production fuel cell passenger car.The new Honda, which uses hydrogen gas and air to produce electricity to power electric motors, is based on its long-standing FCX concept vehicle.To keep its feet in all camps, Honda plans to introduce a small-car hybrid that is currently in concept form.The Small Hybrid Sport shows that even hybrids can be fun and sexy.Subaru unveiled its 2-litre turbo-diesel engine that will go into European models later this year but won't come to Australia until at least late 2008. It is Subaru's first diesel and has been devised to improve sales in diesel-crazy Europe.Meanwhile, BMW and DaimlerChrysler have announced they will join forces to create a new hybrid system for the premium car segment.Both companies plan on introducing the new technology into rear-wheel-drive models within the next three years.A BMW spokesman says the technologies will be tailored to fit the specific character of the different vehicles.And, two battery city cars were among the show oddities, including the Zebra which was painted like animal fur.