Saab 9-3 eAWD Demo Vehicle to be Showcased at SAE All-Wheel Drive Symposium

At this week’s SEA All-Wheel Drive Symposium in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, OEM supplier BorgWarner will show off its next generation of AWD systems including a new hybrid-electric setup. The system, known as eAWD, will be fitted to a Saab 9-3 and BorgWarner claims it will offer, “superior stability and traction with lower emissions and up to 20 percent better fuel economy.”

Saab announced a similar system on its Phoenix Concept (above) at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year. Calling its version eXWD, the setup makes use of a 200-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and 34-hp hybrid system with power constantly going to the front wheels, while sending power to the rear wheels when necessary. Saab claims the setup would be able to deliver a 50-mpg rating.

In addition, BorgWarner will display new single and multi-gear eGearDrive transmissions for electric cars.

GALLERY: Saab Phoenix Concept