2013 Audi A3

First Details On 2012 Saab 9-3

 
10 8,427 views Jun 22, 2010
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Now that the 2010 Saab 9-5 has finally made production and being delivered to showrooms all across the country, attention turns to Saab’s other models, all of which are crucial to the long-term viability of the brand.

Coming up on the horizon is the new 9-4X crossover, which is already in production and due on the market towards the end of the year. However, both it and the 9-5 are essentially warmed over GM models; in this case a rebadged Cadillac SRX and Opel Insignia.

The next-generation 9-3, on the other hand, arguably Saab’s most important model, will be almost all Saab. Due in late 2012, the new 9-3 will ride on a heavily modified version of GM’s original Epsilon platform, not the newer Epsilon II as previously thought.

The architecture will belong to Saab and will be renamed the I-P platform, and it will only be used by the Swedish automaker so there will be no restraints on its design. It will spawn the regular 9-3 Sedan, as well as a new Cabriolet and sporty three-door Hatchback. A long-wheelbase 9-3 Sport Wagon will also be offered.

Styling will be similar to the new 2010 Saab 9-5 but the automaker’s recent appointment of former Bertone designer Jason Castriota should see much needed excitement injected into the car’s design.

It’s still too early to determine what powertrains will feature in the next Saab 9-3 but expect to see a series of turbocharged four-cylinder mills, both gasoline and turbodiesel, as well as a possible V-6 engine for a high-performance model. There’s even talk that Saab may borrow engines from BMW, namely its four-cylinder range currently used by MINI. Saab’s Haldex XWD all-wheel drive system will also be offered.

[Autocar]





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Comments (10)

  1. By David Turnedge Posted: 6/22/2010 5:40am PDT

    Oh joy of joys! My last 9-3 3-door was a joy. Coupe looks, wagon carrying capacity and the unique Saab silhouette able to turn heads in the snow fields.
     
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  2. By  Jim Ellis Saab Posted: 6/22/2010 7:49am PDT

    Jason Castriota has done some fantastic work in his past endeavors! We look forward to seeing and driving what Saab produces in the future!
     
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  3. By Josh Posted: 6/22/2010 8:13am PDT

    Who ever wrote this article does not know the meaning of rebadge. The 9-5 and 9-4X are not rebadges. If they were they would look idenitcal to their platform mates. Platform sharing is not rebagding!!!!!! And oh yeah, i can't wait to see the new 9-3, or according to articles it will be stylized s just 93.
     
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  4. By Stan Posted: 6/22/2010 8:50am PDT

    I think that the SRX is really the re-badge. The drive-train is from the Aero-x of a couple years back, and concept 9-4X's were shown long ago. GM used Saab engineering and design heavily for the Cadillac and then determined which would be for sale first.
     
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  5. By Saabaru5 Posted: 6/22/2010 9:51am PDT

    @Josh
    I feel your pain, the term rebadge is thrown around, and abused all too often. I would definitely agree they they are platform mates, not rebadges, e.g. Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus & Plymouth Breeze..
    Either way, I am stoked that Saab is still alive and also for the new designer; very excited to see their future products! And if they need GM's help for the time being to bring vehicles like the 9-4X to market, then so be it, it's a good looking SUV anyways and I look forward to seeing them on the road.
     
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  6. By josh Posted: 6/22/2010 7:19pm PDT

    Saabaru, do you comment on LLN? Cause im iluvamcars
     
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  7. By Saabaru5 Posted: 6/23/2010 6:57am PDT

    @Josh
    Left Lane News? Not that I can recall. I actually forgot about that site - just went, looks like they've made many improvements since I last visited. I've been on Jalopnik a lot more lately since MA has somewhat fallen off, IMO. I've been on MA religiously for quite a while, but have been looking for new sites, since MA has been going downhill. Really not the same site since HGM and Marty came in.
     
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  8. By josh Posted: 6/23/2010 9:44am PDT

    Yeah i know what you mean. On the other note, there is a guy on LLN who goes by the screen name saabaru. He just commented two days ago on a Saab article if i recall. Not the most reasonable person. I guess it isn't you.
     
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  9. By Saabaru5 Posted: 6/23/2010 10:17am PDT

    @Josh
    Negative. I do love my Saabaru though! Need a new clutch now though.. ;)
     
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  10. By Steve Posted: 7/2/2010 8:21pm PDT

    I hope they break out the 1993 Saab 900 (the last 'real' Saab) brochure to use as a guide to designing the new 9-3 hatchback. Some things should never ever be messed with -- the Coca-Cola formula, the painting of the Mona Lisa, and the look and drive of a true classic Saab.
     
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