2010 Saab 9-5, 24.03.2010

Heavy mix of GM-based vehicles

According to a recent report, Saab will launch five new models by the end of 2013.

On sale later this year, the redesigned 9-5 sedan will attempt to establish Saab as a legitimate player in the mid-size luxury segment. It faces an uphill battle, but has sleek styling, a long wheelbase, and a modern interior.

In 2011, Saab will launch the 9-5 Estate and the 9-4X crossover. The latter shares underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX and will be produced in Mexico. Unlike the 9-7X, the 9-4X will be available in Europe.

A year later, the company will introduce the redesigned 93. Expected to be offered as a three- and five-door hatchback, the 93 will ride on a modified version of the Epsilon I platform. Parts will be sourced from various automakers, so say goodbye to the GM parts bin.

Last but not least, Saab will introduce the highly-anticipated 92 in 2013. It will ride on another automaker’s platform and feature styling inspired by the original 92. Pricing will be 10% higher than the MINI Cooper and sales are expected to total 30,000 to 60,000 units annually.

Source: autocar

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Company aims to be profitable by 2012

[Disclaimer: Pictured here is the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept and Saab 9-X Air Concept.]

Victor Muller has revealed more details about Saab’s future product lineup.

Speaking with InsideLine, Muller stated the 2013 (or 2014) 9-2 will be “stunning to look at, ingenious and an outstanding premium product.” It will ride on a shortened version of the 9-3 platform or a platform from another automaker. Pricing will be 10% higher than the MINI Cooper and sales are expected to total 30,000 to 60,000 units annually.

Later this year, the company will introduce a facelifted 9-3. In 2011, Saab will launch the 9-4X crossover (April), the 9-5 Sport Combi (June), and a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. For 2012, the company will unveil a redesigned 9-3 which will ride on a modified version of the current Epsilon I platform. Further out, a 9-3 Hybrid will be introduced and an electric vehicle will be launched by 2016.

If everything goes according to plan, Muller expects Saab will be profitable in 2012 with sales totaling 120,000 to 125,000 units. 

Source: insideline

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Company aims to be profitable by 2012

[Disclaimer: Pictured here is the Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept and Saab 9-X Air Concept.]

Victor Muller has revealed more details about Saab’s future product lineup.

Speaking with InsideLine, Muller stated the 2013 (or 2014) 9-2 will be “stunning to look at, ingenious and an outstanding premium product.” It will ride on a shortened version of the 9-3 platform or a platform from another automaker. Pricing will be 10% higher than the MINI Cooper and sales are expected to total 30,000 to 60,000 units annually.

Later this year, the company will introduce a facelifted 9-3. In 2011, Saab will launch the 9-4X crossover (April), the 9-5 Sport Combi (June), and a new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. For 2012, the company will unveil a redesigned 9-3 which will ride on a modified version of the current Epsilon I platform. Further out, a 9-3 Hybrid will be introduced and an electric vehicle will be launched by 2016.

If everything goes according to plan, Muller expects Saab will be profitable in 2012 with sales totaling 120,000 to 125,000 units. 

Source: insideline

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

2012 9-3 Detailed

New details have emerged about Saab’s highly anticipated 9-2.

In an interview with MotorTrend, Spyker Saab CEO Victor Muller revealed a design proposal for the upcoming model. While Muller wouldn’t officially release the image, the car has styling cues from several vintage Saabs (the 92, the 93, and the 96). It has a rakish roofline, which would likely limit rear passenger headroom, and a modern front-end. As MT’s Todd Lassa explains, “it’s a polarizing design — you will love it if you’re a Saabanista.”

Despite being a design proposal, Muller says the 9-2 “is my priority, Saab’s top priority.” Unfortunately, the model is still in limbo until Saab’s finances turn around. To go it into production, Saab will “need to find separate financing, or (we have to) perform so well, we can do it out of our own means. … Or find a partner who we can share a platform with, who has deeper pockets, so we can share it on their balance sheet.”

Besides the 9-2, Muller discussed the next-generation 9-3. Due in 2012, the redesigned model will ride on a revised version of the Epsilon I platform – not the Epsilon II platform like the 9-5. According to Muller, “It’s a heavily modified Epsilon I platform, but Saab now.” It will feature styling inspired by the 9-4X and the critically-acclaimed Aero-X concept. More importantly, it could be a hatchback like the iconic 900.

Engine options will include a 1.6-liter turbo, a 2.0-liter turbo, a 2.2-liter turbo, and possibly a 2.8-liter V6 turbo.

As we have previously reported, Saab’s current business plan is to become “a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines: 9-3 (sedan, hatchback, sports estate, X and convertible) and 9-5 (sedan, sports estate and X) and the 9-4X for both the US and European markets.”

The company will launch the 9-5 this summer, the 9-4X in early 2011, and the redesigned 9-3 in 2012.

Source: motortrend.com

Saab Spyker 9+ Tribute Concept Car

Automotive designer Eduard Gray has sent in some renderings of his ideas for the first car to come from the Saab purchase of Spyker.  Based near Saab headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, Gray believes the drawings could land him a job with the Saab Design Studio Team.

The union of Saab and Spyker presents a unique opportunity to create a design that takes the best of each brand and distills their qualities into a single product,” he said.  Gray, who is Dutch and English, points out that a truly unique car can be assembled with the low-slung mid-engine Spyker supercar chassis and the design language at Saab.

Indeed, his six drawings of the Saab Spyker 9+ Tribute shows elements of both companies.  Gray calls the work “a quick expression of my optimism for the future of the brand.”

Let us know what you think of his renderings in the comments below.

Victor Muller, CEO, Spyker Cars NV

A securities and shareholders watchdog group is crying foul over the Spyker purchase of Saab.  Dutch association VEB is insisting that Spyker CEO Victor Muller clear up questions about the mysterious financing that surfaced at the last minute of his negotiations with General Motors.

Saab-parent GM had insisted that Spyker chairman, and Russian banker, Vladimir Antonov divest his stake in the Dutch automaker as a condition to the Saab transfer.  Antonov’s stake of 4.6 million shares was bought by Tenaci Capital, owned by Muller.  Tenaci contributed €50m in cash to GM as part of the sale, while providing €82m in loans to Spyker, according to a press release from the automaker.

However, an investigation by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf found that Tenaci was only recently set up, having been registered within the last week.  The company’s location is listed as Muller’s home address.

Spyker’s boss refuses to identify who is behind Tenaci, and where the €132m comes from, saying that the backers wish to remain anonymous.  If either Antonov, or his father Alexander, are backers of Tenaci, the entire deal could be jeopardized.

VEB has sent a list, titled “seven pressing questions to Victor,” to the CEO, simultaneously posting it on their website.  Amongst the questions, VEB wants to know if either Antonov has any continuing involvement with Spyker, and the terms of the Tenaci loan.

Further, if Muller at any time controlled more than 30% of Spyker’s publicly traded shares, he is required by law to offer a reasonable bid for the company’s outstanding shares, according to VEB.  Spyker shares are traded on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

Last on the VEB’s list of questions: Why would a company currently unable to turn a profit (Spyker) want to purchase a company that has not been profitable in decades (Saab)?

A shareholders meeting will likely take place on February 12.

Source: dutchnews.nl

2010 Saab 9-5

Third bid by Dutch luxury carmaker Spyker will be submitted before a January 7 deadline set by GM

GM may just get to sell Saab afterall.

According to the Swedish business daily Dagens Industri, Dutch boutique automaker Spyker has devised yet another bid to buy the troubled brand from General Motors. This is the third bid Spyker has put forward for a purchase of Saab. GM rejected the two previous offers because it did not like the terms of the deal.

In an interview with Reuters, Spyker CEO Victor Muller said that the bid would be submitted before a January 7 deadline set by GM. “We have gotten time for a final offer. Nothing has been rejected,” Muller said.

If the deal goes through, Spyker says it plans to rebuild the Saab brand around the 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X models, as well as introducing an entry-level 9-1 model. According to Muller, Saab would remain based in Trollhattan, Sweden and would retain many of its production ties with GM. GM would also continue to produce engines for Saab.

Muller said the Trollhattan plant will continue to produce most Saab models, including the new 9-5 set for launch this spring and a 9-3 scheduled for introduction in 2012. The 9-4X crossover, which will be produced by GM at its plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, is set to debut later this year or in early 2011.

But Spyker still needs to come up with the money to buy Saab. Spyker’s bid is backed by Russian and Arab investors but the Dutch carmaker itself is a loss-making enterprise, having made only 43 cars in 2008.

The Saab brand is also losing sales rapidly. It sold over 93,000 units in 2008 but for 2009 that number will be closer to 60,000.

Source: autonews.com (sub req)

Spyker C8 Aileron

With the sudden resignation of GM CEO Fritz Henderson, the Board of Directors has begun accepting new bids for Saab.  Led by interim CEO Ed Whitacre, the company is believed to be weighing offers from as many as four different investment groups.

One such offer was submitted yesterday by Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker Cars, and its Russian parent, Converse Bank.  The bid is for the entire Saab brand, including the 9-4X crossover, which Spyker management says is, “extremely viable,” according to Automotive News.

If successful, Spyker may be able to use some of Saab’s technology on the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris crossover, which is said to still be under development.

In addition to accepting Henderson’s resignation at their meeting, members of GM’s board were slated to discuss the Spyker bid, as well as offers from Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Merbanco Inc., and Renco Group Inc.  BAIH is said to have only been interested in the 9-3 and 9-5 models.  One can only suspect that Koenigsegg may be coaxed back into the picture with the management change at GM.

Saab, fully owned by GM since 2000, has not delivered a profit in seven years.  They are also expected to post a loss for 2009.

Source: autonews.com (sub req)

Shows 9-3 Convertible driving on two wheels

Despite Saab’s fall from grace and fact that their future is in doubt, the company has released a new video showing their performance driving team in action.

The footage was shot in northern Sweden and it starts out with a pair of 9-3’s running through a snow covered course at a high rate of speed. The clip’s climax comes at the halfway point as a 9-3 Convertible does an amazing stunt where the passenger side lifts up and the car continues to drive with only the driver side’s two left wheels touching the ground. This is nothing terribly unusual for Saab’s Performance Team, but it’s one of the few times that the stunt has been preformed on a snow covered surface.

Fancy driving aside, the video’s real purpose is to promote the brand’s new 9-3X which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show later this week. Although the wagon is only shown for a few seconds, it does offer a glimpse of what the Audi A4 allroad competitor will feature in terms of capability and appearance.

Source: saabsunited.com

Shows 9-3 Convertible driving on two wheels

Despite Saab’s fall from grace and fact that their future is in doubt, the company has released a new video showing their performance driving team in action.

The footage was shot in northern Sweden and it starts out with a pair of 9-3’s running through a snow covered course at a high rate of speed. The clip’s climax comes at the halfway point as a 9-3 Convertible does an amazing stunt where the passenger side lifts up and the car continues to drive with only the driver side’s two left wheels touching the ground. This is nothing terribly unusual for Saab’s Performance Team, but it’s one of the few times that the stunt has been preformed on a snow covered surface.

Fancy driving aside, the video’s real purpose is to promote the brand’s new 9-3X which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show later this week. Although the wagon is only shown for a few seconds, it does offer a glimpse of what the Audi A4 allroad competitor will feature in terms of capability and appearance.

Source: saabsunited.com

The new SAAB 9-3X has been introduced ahead of its expected debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March. As a lifestyle vehicle the 9-3X features suspension raised by 35mm under the body of a wagon. It will compete with vehicles such as the Audi allroad quattro, the Subaru Outback and SAAB’s compatriot the Volvo XC70. The concept behind the 9-3X is the same as its competitors – to provide the looks and utility of an SUV but not the bloated size and compromised fuel economy.

Moving the car along are two engines, a 2.0-litre petrol turbo with 210hp (154kW) and 300Nm as well as a 1.9-litre TTiD turbo diesel worth 180hp (132kW) and a thumping 400Nm of torque. The petrol is driven through SAAB’s Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD) while the turbo diesel is front-wheel-driven. Both vehicles are available with either 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. SAAB has recorded a time of the 8.2 seconds for the 2.0-litre turbo’s 0 – 60mph time.

Emphasising the outdoor active lifestyle theme are features like dark grey rear bumpers and side arches for protection against harsh elements, skid panels with a matte aluminium finish, roof rails and aluminium-coloured door strips. The front fog lamps are ringed with a chrome finish. The 9-3X has a set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels to go with its rugged yet sporty demeanor.

The 9-3X has a volume of 419 litres with the rear seats up and it increases to a good 1287 litres when the seats are folded down.

Wait until Geneva when the car is let out of the box for the public to have a closer look.

Source: Saab

Press Release (Click to expand)

A new addition to the Saab 9-3 range

Aimed at people with active outdoor lifestyles who don’t want a large crossover

Latest Saab XWD technology combined with all-round performance

The Saab 9-3X is the ideal alternative to large and heavy crossovers or SUVs. With distinctive looks, a versatile Sport Wagon body, higher stance and advanced all-wheel drive technology, the 9-3X also offers excellent fuel efficiency and functional storage .

The 9-3X is available with either Saab’s 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine (210hp), combined with the technically advanced Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD), or the highly regarded 1.9 TTiD diesel engine (180hp) with front-wheel drive. Overall, the 9-3X embodies Saab’s turbocharging philosophy, combining a dynamic driving experience with a fuel efficient powertrain to achieve responsible performance.

Distinctive Appeal

Saab designers have raised the chassis 35mm higher (20mm higher on the FWD diesel model) than the standard two-wheel drive Sport-Wagon. It is specifically designed for those who frequently use gravel or unpaved roads, without compromising the driving experience on tarmac.

The Saab 9-3X is a car in tune with the lifestyle needs of today’s customers. “The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn’t want or need an SUV- type vehicle,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “Simply put, we are offering a vehicle that will do what’s required in more comfort and style than a heavier SUV.”

New front and rear bumpers feature a dark grey, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matt, aluminum-coloured lower door strips and roof rails with the same finish. Visible, twin round exhaust tailpipes are standard for both engine options. Front fog lights ringed with a chrome finish add yet another rugged accent.

With the addition of unique design, 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, the 9-3X’s exterior character reflects its ability to handle mixed road conditions, whether rough or smooth, loose or paved.

Inside, the 9-3X interior features a unique trim, adding a dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearbox surround. The unique sports seating features grey fabric inserts in the black leather upholstery.

Total Traction With Power

At the heart of the 9-3X is Saab’s cutting-edge XWD technology. It is an intelligent, active system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and traction in all conditions. To optimise traction the Saab XWD incorporates an innovative, pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, this eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated.

The hardware includes an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD), which varies power delivery between the axles. A valve increases or reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to progressively engage or disengage the rear axle. The degree of ‘slip’ dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. The standard fit rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same principle, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more traction.

The 2.0 Turbo petrol engine, delivers a potent 210hp and thus conforms to Saab’s right-sizing principal by producing the power of a larger engine but with the fuel economy and lower emission benefits of a smaller 2.0 litre capacity thanks to a turbo charger. This all-alloy engine also produces 221lb ft of torque (300Nm) between 2,500-4,000rpm and can accelerate the 9-3X from 0 – 60 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Both a six speed manual and automatic transmission are available.

The diesel variant, a 1.9 TTiD twin turbo engine produces an impressive 180hp and a punchy 295 lb ft (400Nm) of torque through the front wheels, but still keeps emissions low with 144 g/km. This engine, too, will be available with manual and automatic transmission.

Form meets function in stowage area

The 9-3X is designed to make loading sports and leisure equipment easy: the rear cargo area with a low floor is surprisingly spacious and well-proportioned, and the compact design of the rear suspension allows a deep box-like space, free from intrusions, offering a useful rear seat up/down volume of 419/1287 litres (VDA).

The 60/40 split seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. The fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly-weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods completely hidden in the roof to allow a clear, uncluttered opening. The flush-fitted, black moulded floor plate helps to protect against marks or scratches on the bumper during heavy use.

The 9-3X’s TwinFloor stowage facility also helps keep luggage and equipment safe and tidy. The middle section of the floor hinges upwards transversely when the handle is pulled so that the front edge fits into two retaining slots.

There is also a 12-volt power socket in the main load area (for a hot or cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the floor, one fitted with a moulded holder for large bottles.

Marketing

The long running Saab/Salomon promotional partnership with be used in the UK as the main launch platform for the new Saab 9-3X. The car will be the featured vehicle at the popular Saab/Salomon trail running series where its excellent performance on gravel tracks will be well suited to athletes who want a performance vehicle that can take them all the way to the start of the trail.

The target market for the 9-3X is modern individuals – independent minded people who enjoy life, culture, outdoors, sports & family. These are people with active lifestyles who have demands for versatility.