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  • Report: Saab Working on Non-GM Replacement To 9-3, New Compact Car

    Report: Saab Working on Non-GM Replacement To 9-3, New Compact Car October 30th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 30th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 9 Comments

    Report: Saab Working on Non-GM Replacement To 9-3, New Compact Car

    It's only been a few months since GM first announced it might get rid of Saab along with Pontiac and Saturn as part of lightening its load post-bankruptcy, and the ink on the sale to the Koenigsegg Group is still wet, but already the new Saab is forging plans for the cars it will build in its post-GM era. One of the first of those will be the next-gen 9-3.

    The next-gen 9-3 won't be built around a GM platform, unlike the current car. What form that might take is still unknown, however, as the plan is in its nascent stages. Cars already planned under GM's management, including the new 9-5 and the Cadillac SRX-based 9-4X crossover, will emerge...

    It's only been a few months since GM first announced it might get rid of Saab along with Pontiac and Saturn as part of lightening its load post-bankruptcy, and the ink on the sale to the Koenigsegg Group is still wet, but already the new Saab is forging plans for the cars it will build in its post-GM era. One of the first of those will be the next-gen 9-3. The next-gen 9-3 won't be built around a GM platform, unlike the current car. What form that might take is still unknown, however, as the plan is in its nascent stages. Cars already planned under GM's management, including the new 9-5 and the Cadillac SRX-based 9-4X crossover, will emerge before the next 9-3 arrives. Also in the works is a new 9-1 or possibly 9-2--whatever its name, it will be a compact car, and will probably borrow styling and proportions from the 9-X BioHybrid concept shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The 9-5 is already on the way, with the production version having shown its decidedly Saab face at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show on the way to an early 2010 sales debut. Also due along in early 2010 is the final production version of the 9-4X crossover, possibly to come at the 2010 Geneva show. [Motor Trend] Read More

  • Saab buyer to be revealed this week, most likely Koenigsegg

    Saab buyer to be revealed this week, most likely Koenigsegg June 14th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, June 14th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 13 Comments

    Saab buyer to be revealed this week, most likely Koenigsegg The ongoing tale of Saab's sale may be drawing to a close, as early reports out of Sweden today have General Motors and Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg, along with a group of Norwegian investors, agreeing to the deal in a letter of intent. GM confirmed in its February viability plan that it would no longer supply Saab with funding and that the Swedish company would become an independent business as of January 1, 2010.

    An official announcement of the sale is expected this week, Saab officials revealed to Automotive News. In its own turnaround plan presented to creditors, Saab confirmed that it is seeking to write-off roughly three quarters... The ongoing tale of Saab's sale may be drawing to a close, as early reports out of Sweden today have General Motors and Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg, along with a group of Norwegian investors, agreeing to the deal in a letter of intent. GM confirmed in its February viability plan that it would no longer supply Saab with funding and that the Swedish company would become an independent business as of January 1, 2010. An official announcement of the sale is expected this week, Saab officials revealed to Automotive News. In its own turnaround plan presented to creditors, Saab confirmed that it is seeking to write-off roughly three quarters of its non-prioritized debt, aiming for positive cashflow by 2011. If the decision to sell to the Koenigsegg-led group goes through, don't expect final details to emerge for another month or more, however, as final negotiations on the details of the deal still have to be hammered out. Saab spokeswoman, Gunilla Gustavs, also revealed that there were three remaining bidders left for the company and the sale process would be completed soon. "I think that during this week, chances are good. It could be anytime now," she said. Koenigsegg, meanwhile, says it has what it takes to save Saab. Koenigsegg co-owner, Baard Eker, said over the weekend that his company has several good solutions to bring into Saab. Strong words coming from a man whose company has less than 50 employees and turns out only a handful of $1 million supercars each year. However, thanks to 28 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $3.23 billion) in loans and loan guarantees from the Swedish government, plus help from private investors, Saab will be able to operate as usual for the foreseeable future but the company is still predicting a loss of more than $300 million for the current year. Saab lost about $340 million in 2008, according to documents filed with the Swedish court that granted the company a stay of execution. The injection of funding will be used to help launch three new models over the next 18 months and hopefully see the company become an innovator of technology like it had been in the past. Some important automotive technologies pioneered by Saab include headlamp wipers and washers, impact-absorbing bumpers, wastegate-operated turbocharger systems, and one of the world’s first 16-valve turbocharged engines. The three new models planned include the recently revealed 9-3X as well as the new 9-4X and 9-5, all of which are desperately needed. Last year Saab saw its global sales drop 25.5% to just 93,338 units and 2009 is expected to be even lower.2010 Saab 9-3XSaab's Jan-Ake Jonsson talks about the company's reorganization Read More

  • GM ties with Saab will remain in future models

    GM ties with Saab will remain in future models May 19th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 19th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    GM ties with Saab will remain in future models The future of Saab is starting to look much brighter, thanks in part to important concessions from General Motors to help it build and design its own range of cars in the future, as well as a likely extension from Swedish courts for its restructuring deadline. For a while it looked as though Saab may go the same way as Pontiac, but its chief engineer is confident the brand will be able to survive without GM.

    The GM concessions being referred to is investment in the Saab brand over the past few years, which have led to the company today having the best equipment, tools and engineers that it has ever had. Speaking with Automotive News,... The future of Saab is starting to look much brighter, thanks in part to important concessions from General Motors to help it build and design its own range of cars in the future, as well as a likely extension from Swedish courts for its restructuring deadline. For a while it looked as though Saab may go the same way as Pontiac, but its chief engineer is confident the brand will be able to survive without GM. The GM concessions being referred to is investment in the Saab brand over the past few years, which have led to the company today having the best equipment, tools and engineers that it has ever had. Speaking with Automotive News, Saab’s Mats Fagerhag explained that GM has given the company “new architectures and lifetime licenses to use them”. Fagerhag went on to reveal that Saab also has the facilities to design and build its next generation of cars. The specific platforms Fagerhag is referring to include GM's global Epsilon II midsize architecture, the same architecture that the Opel Insignia sits on and soon the 2010 Saab 9-5, as well as the Delta FWD platform, which underpins the 2010 Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. On top of already having vehicle architectures in place, Saab also has some specific engineering skills that it can use to develop its own identity as a brand. Its experience with all-wheel-drive gives it the opportunity to become the Subaru of Europe, and aligning itself with brand values such as safety and offroad performance will only help develop a unique brand identity. However, not everything will be a smooth transition for the Swedish company. Saab will face trouble due to the smaller volumes it will be working with in the future, including higher prices for materials and parts. Additionally, Saab will have to source its engines from other companies in the future. Despite these disadvantages, separating from GM will allow Saab to make quick product decisions and to work in its own best interests, rather than the entire group's interest. Despite some hurdles Saab is expecting to come out of the crisis with a new, unique approach and a move away from its past with GM - only time will tell whether or not it will be a winning strategy.2008 Saab 9X Aero Concept2010 Saab 9-5 spy shots Read More

  • Saab 9-3X revealed ahead of Geneva Motor Show debut

    Saab 9-3X revealed ahead of Geneva Motor Show debut February 11th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, February 11th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 3 Comments

    Saab 9-3X revealed ahead of Geneva Motor Show debut Tapping into the burgeoning wagon-based crossover market, currently dominated by the likes of the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, Saab has released a new contender in the form of the 9-3X. Set to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the 9-3X is ideal for those looking for off-road capability without the drawbacks of a fuel-hungry SUV.

    As expected, the 9-3X is essentially the current-generation 9-3 SportCombi sitting on 35mm raised suspension (20mm higher on the FWD diesel model). New front and rear bumpers feature a dark grey, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as... Tapping into the burgeoning wagon-based crossover market, currently dominated by the likes of the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, Saab has released a new contender in the form of the 9-3X. Set to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the 9-3X is ideal for those looking for off-road capability without the drawbacks of a fuel-hungry SUV. As expected, the 9-3X is essentially the current-generation 9-3 SportCombi sitting on 35mm raised suspension (20mm higher on the FWD diesel model). New front and rear bumpers feature a dark grey, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering. This treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matt, aluminum-coloured lower door strips and roof rails with the same finish. Other details include twin exhaust tailpipes, new fog lights, and five-spoke 17in alloy wheels. Inside, the 9-3X interior features unique trim, adding a dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearbox surround. The unique sports seating features grey fabric inserts in the black leather upholstery. Split fold seating in the rear, meanwhile, offers up to 1,287L of storage. The 9-3X is available with either a 210hp (157kW) 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, combined with the technically advanced XWD Haldex-sourced AWD system, or a 280hp (134kW) 1.9L TTiD turbodiesel engine with FWD. Both a six speed manual and automatic transmission are available. This drive system includes an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD), which varies power delivery between the axles. A valve increases or reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to progressively engage or disengage the rear axle. The degree of ‘slip’ dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. Also included is a limited slip differential on the rear axle. The faster of the two models, the 2.0L petrol turbo, will accelerate from 0–60mph in 8.2 seconds. The first models should arrive in showrooms by the middle of the year.2010 Saab 9-3X2010 Saab 9-3X crossover Read More

  • Spy shots: 2010 Saab 9-3X crossover

    Spy shots: 2010 Saab 9-3X crossover February 4th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, February 4th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Spy shots: 2010 Saab 9-3X crossover The Saab 9-3X has been revealed. Click here for all the details.

    Due for its debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the Saab 9-3X was recently caught while undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden with barely a hint of camouflage material.

    As expected, the vehicle is essentially a current-generation 9-3 SportCombi sitting on raised suspension, and featuring protective body cladding and roof rails. Under the skin should be the latest version of the Haldex-sourced XWD four-wheel traction system.

    Power will likely be offered in a variety of petrol and diesel engines, though exactly which of General Motors' wide array of supplies will be... The Saab 9-3X has been revealed. Click here for all the details. Due for its debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the Saab 9-3X was recently caught while undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden with barely a hint of camouflage material. As expected, the vehicle is essentially a current-generation 9-3 SportCombi sitting on raised suspension, and featuring protective body cladding and roof rails. Under the skin should be the latest version of the Haldex-sourced XWD four-wheel traction system. Power will likely be offered in a variety of petrol and diesel engines, though exactly which of General Motors' wide array of supplies will be found when it goes on sale later this year is yet unknown. Expect to see most of the engines from the 9-3 family, except for the 2.8L V6 turbocharged engine from the Turbo X. The prototype seen here is said to be running a 210hp (154kW) 2.0L petrol engine. Otherwise the car is very similar to its 9-3 stablemates. Its likely target market will be the same buyers that are looking at Audi's Allroad and Volvo's XC70. The brand's somewhat up-market outfitting puts it above most of Subaru's offerings in terms of luxury, though the higher-end portion of the Outback range will also likely be on the list of those interested in this type of car.2010 Saab 9-3X crossover spy shots Read More

  • Saab 9-3 Special Edition commemorates 25 years of convertibles

    Saab 9-3 Special Edition commemorates 25 years of convertibles November 12th, 2008 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, November 12th, 2008 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Saab 9-3 Special Edition commemorates 25 years of convertibles General Motors' withdrawal from press activities at the Los Angeles Auto Show made waves yesterday, but it turns out the General won't be completely without new models out west. In addition to the production Volt and two-mode hybrids on display, Saab is planning a Special Edition 9-3 Convertible to commemorate the 25th year of the company's foray into soft-tops.

    While the show car will bear a celebratory bright champagne metallic color, the car will also be available in two other metallics: Jet Black and Carbon Grey. Under the hood will be the familiar 2.0L turbo four-cylinder rated at 210 hp (156kW), available with either a six-speed... General Motors' withdrawal from press activities at the Los Angeles Auto Show made waves yesterday, but it turns out the General won't be completely without new models out west. In addition to the production Volt and two-mode hybrids on display, Saab is planning a Special Edition 9-3 Convertible to commemorate the 25th year of the company's foray into soft-tops. While the show car will bear a celebratory bright champagne metallic color, the car will also be available in two other metallics: Jet Black and Carbon Grey. Under the hood will be the familiar 2.0L turbo four-cylinder rated at 210 hp (156kW), available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Special Edition features include some inspiration from the Turbo X, such as the front bumper design and steering wheel. Carbon fiber interior finishes and other subtle touches will be borrowed from the Turbo X as well. Five-spoke, 17" alloy wheels are standard, and the rear will feature the same dual exhaust tips and anthracite grey bumper insert as the Aero version. “Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the timeless design and responsible performance that Saab convertibles have always represented,” said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA. The rest of GM's product debuts have been bumped to the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Among the cars expected there are the Cadillac CTS Coupe and 2010 Buick LaCrosse, though the company admits the production versions have been delayed because of the company's financial woes. GM says it's also a matter of timing, and they want the best possible media atmosphere for the reveal of their important models.Saab 9-3 Special Edition Convertible Read More

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