2005 Saab 9-5 Ethanol Preview

A Cleaner, Greener and More Powerful 9-5

In the quest to find a greener and cleaner source of energy to power the future's automobiles, many of the world's manufacturers

Saab will be offering the option of a 'flex-fuel' 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four motor for its 9-5 FFV luxury car in European markets. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

have turned to electric-assist hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells or even pure electric power. Rather than putting precious dollars into research for a technology that won't be available to the public for several more years to come, Saab has devoted funds towards ethanol fuel, an clean alternative that makes the most of currently technologies.

For 2005, Saab will be offering the option of a 'flex-fuel' 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four motor for its 9-5 FFV (flexible fuel vehicle) luxury car in European markets. Vehicles that bear the FFV badge can run on either premium unleaded gasoline, ethanol (E85) fuel, or any percentage blend of the

Vehicles that bear the FFV badge can run on either premium unleaded gasoline, ethanol (E85) fuel, or any percentage blend of the two stored in a single fuel tank. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

two stored in a single fuel tank. This is a huge step forward from dual-fuel vehicles (natural gas / gasoline), which require separate storage tanks and the use of one combustion fuel at a time.

Ethanol is a truly unique fuel for its impacts on the environmental, engine performance and personal finances. Of the commonly available fuels, including gasoline, diesel and natural gas, it is the only one eligible for tax rebates. Why? It qualifies as a renewable resource. Like the alcohol that's found in alcoholic beverages, ethanol is commercially produced from grain crops.