2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan

2010 Saab 9-5 side view

2010 Saab 9-5 interior

GM Cuts U.S. SAAB Warranty to Four-Years or 50,000 Miles

As part of its never-ending cost cutting scheme, General Motors announced to its dealers that it has reduced the warranty terms on all Saabs sold in the United States from five-years or 100,000 miles to four-years or 50,000 miles. Surprisingly, the reduced warranty is effective immediately. Luckily for Saab dealers, GM decided to continue to offer free scheduled maintenance for three-years or 36,000 miles on Saab vehicles in order to compete with other luxury brands.

Saab Offers XWD Option to 9-3 2.0-liter Turbo Models

Saab is using this week’s British Motor Show to introduce the all-new 9-3 2.0T XWD. The Swedish carmaker’s fully automatic, all-wheel-drive system that was previously available only on the top-of-the-line 9-3 2.8 V6 Turbo, will be offered as an option for the 9-3 2.0-liter Turbo 210Hp Aero Saloon and SportWagon models. Additionally, buyers of both 9-3 variants can also opt for a sports chassis set-up, with stiffer springs and dampers, larger brake discs and 18/19-inch alloy wheels. -Continued

“This makes a very nimble handling package for the 9-3 range,” said Per Jansson, Vehicle Integration Engineer for Saab XWD. “Saab is best known for using a relatively small four-cylinder turbo engine and our XWD system makes a perfect partner. Its compact and sophisticated design improves weight distribution, as well as handling and traction.”

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Saab

2010 Chevy Cruze, Cadillac SRX, Saab 9-4x & Buick Equinox Images Revealed by GM

Aside from announcing that GM will improve its economic situation through 2009 by laying off salaried workers, suspending future dividends on common stock, cutting truck production and selling many assets, the company’s CEO Rick Wagoner also let out the first photos of the 2010 Chevy Cruze, 2010 Cadillac SRX, 2010 Saab 9-4x and 2010 Chevy Equinox. Furthermore, Wagoner revealed that 18 of GM’s next 19 major launches will be cars and crossovers, including the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and Sport Wagon and the Buick La Crosse. -Images after the jump






Pics Via: Jalopnik

Saab 9-3x Crossover Scooped Alongside 9-4x SUV

These grainy pictures of the Saab 9-3x crossover sitting near the production version of the 9-4x SUV were scanned from a video taken during a presentation event by the guys over at Trollhatan Saab. Although the video images don’t really reveal much of the production version of the 9-4x SUV, we get a pretty decent picture of the 9-3x Crossover which is expected to debut at this year’s Paris Show in October.

Following in the footsteps of the Audi A6 Allroad model, the 9-3x is virtually a 9-3 Sport Combi (station-wagon) equipped with Saab’s 4WD system. In order to justify its existence, the 9-3x also features a higher road clearance as well as a few unique styling details like the scuff platting at the front and rear end along with some cladding on the sides. –More images after the jump

Via: Trollhatansaab

Saab 9-5 Turbo Special Edition

Swedish car manufacturer Saab has announced the launch of a new Special Edition version of its 9-5 model for the UK market. Called the “9-5 Turbo Edition”, it features a number of added extras including 17 inch, five spoke alloy wheels, leather sport seats heated both front and rear, electric driver’s seat, and headlight washers.

There are two specifications available, the 9-5 Turbo Edition -offered with a choice of three engines: the entry-level 2.0t, the high power 2.3t and the 1.9 TiD diesel, and the top-of-the range 9-5 Aero Turbo Edition with a 260Hp 2.3-liter turbo engine that goes from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds. The Aero model features additional equipment including DVD satellite navigation and dual electric seats, as well as the traditional Aero features including performance brakes, Bi-xenon headlights, metallic paint and sport chassis. -Continued

Prices for the 9-5 Turbo Edition that’s available in both Saloon and Estate bodystyles, start at £19,995 while the Aero model, that’s also available in both Saloon and Estate bodystyles, prices start from £24,995.

57,389 Saab 9-5 Models Recalled

Faulty A-pillar trims are the reason behind a relatively large recall of MY 2002-2009 Saab 9-5 models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), during compliance testing, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirements. In other words, occupants could hurt their heads in the event of an accident. Saab dealers will install a new A-pillar trim with improved energy-absorbing capability free of charge.

2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition

We’re still scratching our head with Saab’s official picture of the new 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition adorned with sunflowers somewhere in the Alps but whatev. Fact is that Saab has released a yellow version of its 2008 9-3 Convertible for the US market. The Swedes believe that, like the first-ever yellow version of the Convertible issued in 1991, this one too will obtain a collectors status in the near future as production will be limited to a few hundred units. -Continued

Based on 2.0T version with its 210 Hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Yellow Edition gets a series of standard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, Aero look items such as 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and a subtle rear spoiler along with a premium audio system. The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition has a MSRP of $42,830, including destination charges.

Video: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Geneva Show Unveiling

Not even 24 hours before the Geneva Motor Show opens up its gates, Saab gave journalists an exclusive preview of its 9-X BioHybrid Concept (pics and details here) that foretells the upcoming 9-1 premium hatch. The concept is equipped with a 200hp1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine that can run on bioethanol E85 fuel. With a solar cell panel on its roof, the 3-door sporty hatch also runs on energy extracted from sun and used to charge the hybrid’s battery pack both when the vehicle is in motion and when it is stationary. –Video after the jump

Geneva Show: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Previews BMW 1-Series Adversary

While Saab supports that the 9-X BioHybrid is a “vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like”, we’ll just bluntly say that the Geneva Show concept previews the shape of the forthcoming 9-1 premium hatch that will enter the market in 2010. The 9-X BioHybrid’s design is clearly inspired from Saab’s earlier Aero-X and 9X concept cars and although its rear-end sort of reminds us of a bread-van, overall, we like it. The interior looks like it came straight from a sci-fi movie, so there’s no point of making any comments as it will never find its way into production.

Underneath its sleek body, Saab’s concept hides a 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine partnered by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. The 1.4-liter engine generates 200 hp on E85 and an even more impressive 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) of torque. The new hybrid system features a lithium-ion battery and a significantly higher power capability to capture more energy and more electric boost than the current GM Hybrid system.

According to Saab, the 9-X BioHybrid can go from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 sec on E85 and 8.3 sec when using regular gasoline. As for fuel consumption, the concepts need a mere 4.9 lt of gasoline or 6.4 lt of E85 for every 100 km (48 and 36.8 MPG respectively). –More details and pictures after the jump

Press Release

Saab 9-X BioHybrid:

Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.

“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.

The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front, “says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”

Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

“This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” adds Anthony Lo. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”

Technical Specifications

BioPower Engine:

Transversely-mounted, front wheel drive

1398 cc. Four cylinders Bore/stroke: 73.4/ 82.6 mm. Aluminum cylinder head, cast iron block

DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder.

Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminum pistons, oil spray cooled.

Direct Injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust

Sodium-filled exhaust valves

Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1

Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar

Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management

Max power (E85):......... 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm.

Max.torque (E85):........ 280 Nm (207 lb.ft) @ 1750-5000 rpm

Max power (gasoline):... 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm.

Max.torque (gasoline):.. 230 Nm (170 lb.ft) @ 1500-5200 rpm

Hybrid System

Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack.

Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start

Transmission:

6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls

Suspension:

Front: Damper/coil struts, aluminum lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar.

Rear: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar

Steering:

Rack and pinion, Electrical power assistance.

Wheels, Tires:

21inch, 245/35R21

Brakes:

Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 345 mm (all ventilated)

Performance Data

(projected figures)

0 - 100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.9 secs (E85)

8.3 secs (gasoline)

80 -120 km/h (50-75 mph), 5^th gear: 8.8 secs (E85)

11.2 secs (gasoline)

Top Speed, 6^th gear: 216 km/h /134 mph (E85)

192 km/h / 119 mph (gasoline)

Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.4 l/100km (E85)

4.9 l/100km (gasoline)

CO₂ emissions 105 g/km (E85)

117 g/km (gasoline)

Saab 9-X BioHybrid: New Details on Saab’s Geneva Show Concept

Our buddies over at the recently launched WCF Finnish site have obtained some inside information concerning the upcoming Saab Concept that will premiere in Geneva next week. First of all, the concept will be called “9-X BioHybrid” and not 9-1X as we initially thought. In terms of design, exterior styling is said to be based on the Aero X and 9X concepts. Finally, Saab’s concept will be powered by a 1.4-liter 200 Hp BioPower engine combined with an electric motor.

Via: WFC

Saab’s Jörgen Nylén Reveals Details on Future Products

During a recent GM presentation in Marseille, France, our Spanish pals over at Motorpasion had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Saab’s Vehicle Line Director, Jörgen Nylén. The later not only confirmed that Saab’s Geneva Motor Show concept will indeed be a premium hatch but he also added that it will be equipped with BioPower engine capable of running either on E85 or gasoline. Nylen also revealed that the next generation Saab 9-5 and the production version of the 9-4X compact SUV will both be introduced in the European market in 2009.

Via: Motorpasion

Saab 9-1X Concept: Official Teaser?

A new teaser image of the forthcoming Saab 9-1X Concept that will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show this March has popped up in a Swedish website. We remind you that last week Saab uploaded a blacked out teaser picture of their prototype premium hatch on their official website (click here). We can’t verify the authenticity of the image, but if it’s official, then its more than apparent that Saab’s designers took more than a look into the 9X Concept when they where creating the 9-1X. –Continued

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Trollhatansaab