Is this the Saab Aero-X?
by Erin Mays on Feb 21st 2006 at 7:00AM 
We're not sure how legit this is, but it's always fun to speculate, right? Autoblog reader Swade sent us a link to Trollhattan Saab, which says this might be the car GM unveils in Geneva on February 27 to show the future direction of Saab's styling. The Aero-X, as it's called, is a design study that supposedly sits on its very own unique architecture (likeness to the Saturn Sky, then, must be purely coincidental). The 400 horsepower spit out by the alleged 3.0L twin-turbo V6 under the hood will haul the vehicle via all four wheels if the "X" designation is any indication. Depending on public reaction to the vehicle, word is that it could be built on a shortened Epsilon II platform.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
sk 7:16AM (2/21/2006)
Finally SAAB is back with a unique design. Lets pray...
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Philip Dunlop 7:22AM (2/21/2006)
It's stance reminds me of the Camaro concept for some reason. Can't put my finger on it. Looks the business but the length of the nose just doesn't say "Saab" to me. If it is to be build, I would say it would be shortened somewhat. I would say it's a car designed more for the American market than the European anyway, that's for sure.
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CJ 8:15AM (2/21/2006)
Now THAT looks like it was "born from jets"
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Proscriptus 8:21AM (2/21/2006)
It reminds him of the Camaro "for some reason?" I reckon that's because it is, for all intents and purposes, the 2009 Camaro. The rear quarters may be slightly different, but it's clearly fruit of the same tree.
http://automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2006/0602_camaro_ofsk_02_900.jpg
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Richard 8:55AM (2/21/2006)
Sky convertible w/hardtop.
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Puff Chippy 8:59AM (2/21/2006)
Is this the same guy that designed the Camaro concept?
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Micah 9:32AM (2/21/2006)
Ehh... doesn't catch me as 'WOW!'
Its definitely an improvement over the current catfish look, but I wouldn't chose that over the Audi grill in a beauty pageant.
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akatsuki 10:01AM (2/21/2006)
GM is determined to screw up every brand in their stable as quickly as possible, aren't they?
Saab is the perfect vehicle for them to take the emerging premium small car market- emphasizing fuel economy and European dynamics and safety. Instead they are going to release this horrid Camaro wannabe and further destroy the brand equity.
May GM die a quick death, that is all I can hope for given their continued idiocy.
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Jeff Crew 10:23AM (2/21/2006)
It is the Aero X Concept. It is on the official website for the Geneva show in the pic gallery of cars to be on display... there are a few treats shown on that page, but you have to go and see for yourself.
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matt 11:00AM (2/21/2006)
Looks like the love child of a ford probe and a prowler..
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Lithous 11:07AM (2/21/2006)
Long hood, chopped and thin side view mirrors, anything else make the two look alike? ... http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/Camaro-2.JPG
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/saab-aero-x.jpg
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Lithous 11:48AM (2/21/2006)
"they are going to release this horrid Camaro wannabe and further destroy the brand equity."
Interesting. When I take each link from my post above in two different browsers and look at them side by side, I think the Camaro front end looks a little dorky when compared. That's just my opinion. Who's to say Saab didn't design it in house? Not sure but to act like GM is forcing this on Saab then IMO, if that is true, then Saab isn't getting a bad deal.
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mike 12:10PM (2/21/2006)
I do not know why you guys are all saying that this is going to ruin Saab. First of all, GM has been telling the press that this is a DESIGN STUDY. If you really want to see what the direction of Saab is, look at some of the shapes in the grille and the body lines. Also, I can see some resemblence to the Camaro in this picture, but look toward the back end and the roof, that is where it all ends.
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RayRay 1:53PM (2/21/2006)
GM continues to stir up their brand identities... maybe I'm wrong, but based on what I see so far, GM needs to look harder into the things they NEED to fix, such as quality interiors. You don't want to punish those that do decide to buy a GM vehicle.
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FWD rules 1:54PM (2/21/2006)
OK GM. You say you want to keep Saab's character and not dilute it. Take this car, and put the engine WAY out front. A V-4 if you can swing it. Have it drive the front wheels. Suggested nameplate: Sonnet-X.
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Keith M 2:03PM (2/21/2006)
Looks more like a chevy than a Saab.
One can only hope the Sweeds will buy Saab back soon - for pennies on the dollar.
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DaveM 3:16PM (2/21/2006)
If anyone's interested, there are more pics of the car here:
http://www.saabscene.com/saabforum/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/31595808/Main/31595750/#Post31595808
(sorry for the clumsy link).
I like this design a lot - it's aggressive and it's different. This sportscar is reaching out to people who might not have noticed Saab before, and that's what the company needs. You can't sell exclusively to professors and ski instructors and expect to remain profitable....
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Finished.Law.School 6:25PM (2/21/2006)
This looks great but if GM is involved something is bound to get fucked up for no good reason...
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Car-la 5:51AM (2/22/2006)
Did I really say I wasn't interested in a Saab sport car?! This looks great. Hopefully, they won't water it down for production. This could finally be the car Saab needs to boost its sporty image.
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Mark PLumlee 1:11AM (2/25/2006)
Look how the top opens! it has lambo countach type lift doors, cak to the future style ; )
Mark @
Saab of Memphis
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