A new Saab 9-5 is in the design and development process, but while the existing model lives out the tail end of its product cycle, General Motors is updating it with a new special edition. Taking styling cues from the 9-3 range, the 9-5 Griffin Edition promises a "new altitude in terms of premium standard equipment and value."

While it may not be prepared to set the standard in the full-size luxury sedan segment, the 9-5 Griffin Edition does offer an attractive package in its own right. Powered by a 2.3L 260hp (194kW) four-cylinder engine with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Griffin will also be available in both sedan and SportCombi form.

The key features of the car include a unique exterior appearance package with dark chrome accents, 17in alloy wheels, a spoiler lip on the trunk of the sedan and frames around the Xenon headlamps.

Inside, the Griffien edition gets high-gloss interior trim, custom stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake plus leather-trimmed seats. Two different color schemes can be had: black with parchment inserts, or parchment with black inserts. These colors complement the six available metallic colors and Polar White paint options that can adorn the exterior.

Saab's Griffin-edition 9-5 will be on display at the Detroit Auto Show next month before going on sale in January at a starting price of $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the SportCombi wagon.

Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition