Saab PhoeniX concept previews future design themes for the brand

The rebirth of the Saab brand under Spyker Cars took a step forward on Tuesday with the reveal of the PhoeniX concept at the Geneva motor show

Saab

says the PhoeniX uses the platform for the next generation of the 9-3, as well as providing hints of the brand's future styling themes under design chief Jason Castroita. Saab calls the design "aeromotional."

The PhoeniX has a 0.25 coefficient of drag and uses winglets mounted on the sides to help manage airflow.

And it is just as radical under the skin. The PhoeniX uses a parallel hybrid setup, with an electrically driven rear axle and a 200-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine.

Butterfly doors open to reveal 2+2 seating. There are no exterior mirrors or door handles; that helps cut wind noise and resistance.

The instrument panel is fitted with Saab's IQon car communication setup, which runs the Google Android operating system used by smartphones. Saab says IQon connects to the Internet whenever the car is started.

"The PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design," Castroita said