Saab has confirmed its commitment to introduce a hybrid vehicle with the unveiling today of the striking 2011 Saab PhoeniX concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new concept is a preview of Saab’s future production models, both in terms of styling and technology.

It’s built around a new architecture that will underpin the next Saab 9-3 model and supports an innovative hybrid drivetrain known as a ‘through-the-road hybrid’. Such a design pairs an electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine. However, where most hybrid designs locate both powerplants on a common driveshaft, the through-the-road hybrid places the electric motor on one axle--usually the rear--and the internal combustion engine on the other.

Peugeot is one of the leaders in this field and is set to launch the technology, branded HYbrid4, in its 3008 diesel-electric hybrid later this year.  

As for the Saab PhoeniX, the concept features a 200 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo powering the front axle and a 34 horsepower electric motor manning the rear. The result is an intelligent, hybrid all-wheel drive capability, which Saab is calling eXWD.

The automaker claims the system is good for a fuel economy of 56.5 mpg on the European combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km. Saab also promises that the technology is currently under development for its next-generation of cars.

For more details on the Saab PhoeniX, follow the jump below. And for our complete coverage of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, click here.

[Saab via MotorAuthority]