New car news

15 February 2007 - 00:00

All-bio myself

Here's one in the eye for all those eco-whingers: a green car that also happens to have 300bhp.

The Saab BioPower 100 has the first production engine to do away with the need for any fossil fuels.

Instead, this 9-5 uses pure bioethanol (E100) and, thanks to bioethanol's higher octane rating, it also helps the engine generate more power.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged motor makes a very respectable 300bhp and 295lb ft of torque, whisking the Saab from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds.

Saab will unveil the BioPower 100 at the Geneva motor show next month and says the car is a concept for the time being, but expect to see vehicles with this engine on sale within the next two years.