Posted on Sunday 24 February 2008
The Saab 9-5 is long overdue for an overhaul, with the current model first hitting streets as far back as 1997. A totally redesigned model was rumoured to make an appearance at next month’s Geneva Motor Show but its release has been pushed back to early next year, although it will still precede production versions of the 9-4X and baby 9-1X concept cars.
This latest rendering of the new 9-5 from Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport, shows designers are sticking with the avant-garde styling of the original Aero X concept car including the protruding nose, large vents and sculpted bodywork. The car will also sport a sleek coupe-like profile and hatchback rear end.
Underneath the new sheet metal will be a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, also shared by Opel and Saturn for the new Insignia and Aura models. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. Engine options will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel engines including a biofuel model and there will likely by an AWD flagship model with a turbocharged petrol V6 developing upwards of 350hp.
Keep cooling.
Come on Saab. Give us a nice looking / driving car. We have been waiting for so long.