Saab 9-3 Concept could appear at Paris Motor Show

Saab is set to present a new offroad version of its compact 9-3 model, dubbed the 9-3X, at this year’s Paris Motor Show but according to latest reports the car could be joined by a concept version of the next-generation model. The new show car will be the third concept car from the Swedish carmaker, and once again its styling will be influenced by the original 2006 Saab Aero X concept (pictured), although it will feature a convertible body.

Saab will gauge the public’s perception of the concept and then finalize the design for the production version which is due to hit the streets either late next year or in early 2010, reports AutoTelegraaf.

The car’s mechanical package has already been sorted, with the new FWD Delta platform chosen. Saab originally planned to use the new Epsilon II architecture, used in cars like the Opel Insignia and upcoming production Buick Invicta, but has since decided to use the lower-medium Delta architecture because of emissions and fuel-economy standards.

The decision to switch to Delta will also allow Saab to keep production of the new 9-3 in Sweden instead of Germany as original planned.