Our man Swade at Trollhattan Saab dropped us a line with the CG renderings you see here, which he strongly believes are about as close as you can get to seeing the soon-to-be-unveiled 2008 Saab 9-3 sedan without getting a walkaround of a prototype. The inside source who sent these in to Trollhattan Saab is familiar to Swade, who has dubbed him "Djup Strupe" (Deep Throat" in Swedish) based on the accuracy of information he has provided in the past.
The car will be formally unveiled June 10th in Sweden -- the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the first Saab, and between this and what we've seen in the excellent spy photos circulating the last few weeks we have high hopes for the new 9-3. And those are just cosmetic changes. Throw in the new all-wheel-drive system and you have a vehicle that's going to be of significant interest compared to its predecessor. Follow the jump for a rear view, and head over to Trollhattan Saab for enlarged versions of both renderings, plus some additional commentary.
[Source: Trollhattan Saab]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
egs @ May 9th 2007 8:43AM
looks subaru-ish with the low engine compartment and the way the c pillar transitions into the trunk. the wheels remind me of the 9-2x. too bad subie won't be turning this one out.
Pär Brandt @ May 9th 2007 8:47AM
The REAL official pictures are out:
http://www.automotorsport.se/nyhetsmall.asp?version=52333
Avinash machado @ May 9th 2007 8:55AM
SAAB really needs to expand its product line. Having just 2 or 3 models may not be enough in today's competetive marketplace
sk @ May 9th 2007 9:06AM
What really should happen at SAAB is a complete overhaul of this platform and not just a face lift. I don't think more models would help increase sales. SAAB has to go back to its roots and bring innovative technologies on the market that no one else offers. Like back in the seventies when the Turbo engine was introduced to the masses. Would be nice to see the something like the Volt become a SAAB exclusive.
Christopher Watts @ May 9th 2007 9:43AM
SAAB: Born From Jets
Let's just hope there's no crash and burn on the horizon. I would like to see a 9-3 Aero COUPE with a healthy turbocharged 6 or V8. Now's the time to compete with Audi and BMW. Coupes are bringing sexy back.
RB @ May 9th 2007 10:02AM
Wait, the source's alias is "Deep Throat"? Are you serious? Doesn't sound so trustworthy...
bmoredlj @ May 9th 2007 10:21AM
Saw the official photos...nice looking beastie...and more saaby than I originally thought.
MJL @ May 9th 2007 10:40AM
@6: nah, that's just what Swade (the blogmeister of TrollhattanSaab) calls him (Djup Strupe is Deep Throat in Swedish, for those wondering)
Tool @ May 9th 2007 10:49AM
Saab has jumped the shark with the SUV and the Subaru hatchback.
GM should have focused itself on creating strong 9-3 and 9-5's. I am afraid they have really alienated its core constituency; it was a small base to start with and is probably much smaller due to GM's negligence.
I'm not sure it is worth it to even keep Saab alive anymore.
Tyo @ May 9th 2007 11:14AM
With AWD Saab can now go directly after Volvo and to a lesser extent Alfa, or what would be potential Alfa buyers in the US. A turbocharged v6 AWD Aero coupe, sedan, wagon, or convertible would put saab right on par with all of their competition. Ive always thought GM could do something really great with them. Look how well Mazda and Volvo are doing for Ford (Europe). Anyone shopping for a base model BMW, any Volvo, Mazda or VW should consider a swede.
Ligor @ May 9th 2007 11:18AM
AWD must be added, adn it must be RWD biased
FWD - not my thing
Dr. Drive @ May 13th 2007 7:46PM
I hate to say and admit it, but SAAB is dead. GM will soon pull the plug and stop pumping air into its loungs. It is sad that GM took down a god company.