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

 
12 5,226 views Oct 30, 2009
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2009 Saab 9-3

HI-RES GALLERY: 2009 Saab 9-3

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]





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Comments (12)

  1. By adamk Posted: 10/30/2009 9:17am PDT

    A new 9-3 is an absolute necessity. The current version, launched in late 2002 as a 2003 model, is really long in the tooth despite a mild '08 update. The new owners will need to get this volume model to market quickly and competently if they're to have any hope of salvaging the brand. I considered a 9-3 back in '04, but wouldn't buy essentially the same car in '10. The big questions is, what platform will sire a new 9-3 and when?
     
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  2. By bepsf Posted: 10/30/2009 9:38am PDT

    "The next-gen 9-3 won't be built around a GM platform...
    ...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."
    My grandmother could have guessed that...
     
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  3. By tanooki2003 Posted: 10/30/2009 12:26pm PDT

    a Non-GM based Saab definitely scores high in my book. When that time comes I will definitely give Saab another look.
     
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  4. By mnewhall Posted: 10/30/2009 3:51pm PDT

    As a 2006 Saab 9-3 Sportscombi owner I love driving the car. I have over 72,000 miles on it and have only had to replace the oil and wipers. That's it! I would like to see them put a TURBO V8 in the 9-3 with AWD to compete with Audi. What do you think???
     
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  5. By davidturnedge Posted: 10/30/2009 4:17pm PDT

    Saab really needs to change design direction - ever since the UFO nose I absolutely HATE the Saab look.
    I think the company could survive on a kick-ass 9-3 range (only) comprising Sedan, Combi Coupe, Wagon and Convertible if they upsize it to BMW E90 size.
    I still miss my old 3-door 9-3: best car design, if not drive, I've ever owned.
     
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  6. By singforsupper Posted: 10/31/2009 4:47am PDT

    I agree with that I love my 2007 9-3. Drives very well. Problem free, but a cheap GM body component on the outside has been problematic.
    I would love to see new quality products ASAP especially a hard-top convertible 9-3. I will be SAAB customer for life if the build a car as good as BMW.
     
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  7. fb_100000275684479 avatar Michael Escobar Posted: 10/31/2009 9:19am PDT

    I've always looked at Saab as cars I like, but wouldn't necessarily own. They're good cars, just not exceptional ones. One that I would own is the old 9-3 Viggen, as well as the early 95s or 96s from the '60s. I think a good idea for the "new" Saab would be to re-kindle their rallying prowess. Surely with the performance guidance of Koenigsegg, plus the absence of major forces Subaru, etc in WRC, the time could be ripe for such a revival.
     
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  8. By  saabfan Posted: 11/2/2009 11:36am PST

    My 2004 9-3 aero is a piece of junk. interior panel comes loose, sunroof motor croaks, every month there's always something that need attention ($$$) left me stranded twice. What a piece of garbage.
     
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  9. By LS1RX7owen Posted: 11/3/2009 12:09pm PST

    great news from Saab, hope they can deliver some new style and updated looks with the quality they were (once) known for. my sister in law has an '08 9-3 sedan and its a great car but seems less than I expected imho. I had no idea Saab used to make beautiful coupes / verts back in the days, I hope they can revive that potential very soon!
     
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  10. By  usb flash drive Posted: 11/15/2009 1:13am PST

    All he’s saying is that he wants to build the new 9-5, and potentially other Saabs, even if GM sells the brand.
    I am sure that his dream scenario is to have the plant in Trollhattan shut down so that all Saabs are built by his union, and no Opels are built in Sweden.
    He is the union head, so his priorities are different from those of Saab and of GM. He’ll build anything as long as his people remain gainfully employed.
     
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  11. By  r4i Posted: 11/17/2009 10:45pm PST

    Hi Guy's,
    I think the company could survive on a kick-ass 9-3 range (only) comprising Sedan, Combi Coupe, Wagon and Convertible if they upsize it to BMW E90 size.and i still miss my old one...
     
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  12. By  David Posted: 1/9/2010 9:38am PST

    Saab is dead. They made some good cars, too bad.
     
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