Latest Saab Story -- It's a Good One!
Had lunch with the Saab folks yesterday, and heard some interesting bits of information regarding future product. It doesn't take a Bart Simpson to realize that GM is slowly, but surely, rebuilding each of its brands. With Cadillac and Saturn pretty much handled, and signs of life from Chevrolet (Malibu) and Buick (Enclave) you might be wondering where Saab fits into the picture. It appears they fit in between 2009 and 2012, when (beyond the upcoming 9-3 refresh that includes all-wheel drive), we'll see a new 9-5 (also with all-wheel drive), a 9-4x crossover that should go up against the RX/MDX/MKX class, and a sub-9-3 model (9-1?) that will provide both sporty performance and traditional Saab utility.
I saw pictures of the 9-4x and redesigned 9-5, and both look promising (there are definite elements from the Aero X concept car). The 9-4x has obvious Saab lines (which isn't a bad thing), but the 9-5 has a striking design. Very interesting proportions and lines that give it a distinctive-yet-classy appearance. Saab has put plenty of energy into designing a compelling corporate face, and I think they've succeeded. The lighting elements (I'm talking exterior here) are particularly intriguing.
If you're thinking, "Yeah, but isn't Saab more integrated with GM than ever? Aren't they just another division using the same parts bin?" Yes...but it's a better parts bin than in years past. Look at the Lambda platform and what GM has done with making multiple, distinctive and attractive models off the same basic vehicle. Of course the devil's in the details, so we'll see what happens when these vehicles hit showrooms.
Alas, no confirmation on the return of the Sonett...yet.
- Posted by
- Karl Brauer June 21, 2007, 6:00 AM
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- Future Vehicles, Saab
The refreshed 9-3 is probably one of the my favorite vehicles designs to come out in a long while. The front end design is just sharp and modern without being too overdone. The tails are going to take some getting used to however but it is just a refresh. I'm actually surprised how thorough the refresh was for the 9-3, giviing it an abundance of new features that you wouldn't expect for just an "update" of a car.
Your comments about the 9-5 are intriguing to say the least. Perhaps it will finally be a good competitor to the likes of its rivals when it debuts. Oh and maybe one day...just one day, we'll get the Aero X.
The 9-5 really did look cool. Interesting roof line and greenhouse. It's easy to go wrong when stepping away from convention in these areas, but Saab's people seemed to pull it off in a way that doesn't look overwrought (cough-bangle-cough).
We'll see...
Is the 9-4X Lambda based, or is it on a different platform?
Different/new platform.
Look at the Lambda platform and what GM has done with making multiple, distinctive and attractive models off the same basic vehicle.
What's so distinctive? They're all the same size, same powertrain, 7 seat behemoths with different sheet metal and interiors. ALL out on the same mission, just a few thou different in pricepoint. Hell, the Saturn doesn't even have the plastic panels to differentiate.
And with a fourth Chevy version around the corner, aren't we looking at just another case of Trailblazer-itis? Pardon me if I don't see any difference between the new GM and the GM of yore.
The main difference is that the Lambda is an excellent platform that combines full-size SUV space with car-like ride/handling.
My attitude on platforms is pretty basic -- if you build a good one, I don't care how many models you spin off of it (i.e. Mazda 6, Golf, LX, etc.).
I wondser if saab/GM heard my vehicle design!! But the one i said was a theta (Equinox), with the 9-3's 2.0T and new v6 with 270-280hp(confirm please) and optional AWD on the lower model and standard on the higher, 6AT, sport suspension, and probally some 18"wheels. Probabally about $28k for a 2.0T and $33k for the Turbo v6.
To bad I'm probably way off but it would be nice to see!! Its a equinox and uses saabs engines. Maybe GM may bump the equinox up to the 255hp 3.6lv6...
-Cj I hope GM keeps saab around
Among all the wonderful things about SAAB is that Saab is a state of mind. Todays Saabs are every bit the unique wondercars they have always been and thanks to GM, more than they ever could have been without GM's global resources.
Obviously GM made some big mistakes with the 9.2 X Saabaru and the 9.7X, both were insults to SAAB enthusiasts and clearly NOT well thought out by the powers that be. Perhaps Saab shouldn't try to be all things to all people. Do we really need to offer an SUV? Why not an AWD crossover which is 9.3 Combi based, clearly a Saab, not a Chevrolet, Why not every Saab available with AWD, including the new SONNET?
It's not too late for Saab to become a real mover and shaker in the market place but those in charge must understand the Saab state of mind and respond to it alone.
I don't know if I would call the 9-2x Saabaru a mistake. Sure, it didn't fit in line with the rest of the lineup and didn't sell very well, but it allowed some folks to get a "premium" WRX (9-2x Aero) and it was easily the best performing vehicle in the entire Saab lineup at that time.
I wonder what kind of AWD system the new 9-3 will have. Hopefully, it won't be some weak FWD-based one (Haldex).
Like the Chevy Volt, the Saab Aero X pictured above has a very interesting treatment of the side window. I like it. :)
It's also interesting that carmakers spend so much time and effort on the face of the vehicle, and to a lesser extent he butt end—but very little effort is spent on the profile of vehicle, as most of them look almost identical. The Volt and Aero X show that side window treatment can indeed be interesting—and practical, unlike the trend to do Murano-like useless rear-quarter windows that is so prevalent today on CUVs.
GM, however, seems to have figured that out, or at least is in the "process" of figuring that out., as this is an area long overdue for brand "visual signatures." I say "Kudos to them!"
I'm praying that SAAB makes a comeback...
I wish my parents would have bought me that 2002 9-3 Viggen...