Saab has got its work cut out for it over the next few years, as it attempts to recreate itself – once again – by offering a slew of new products that will hopefully differentiate it from the rest of the General's line. The next
Originally, the 9-1 was supposed to make its debut at the London Motor Show, but Saab designer Anthony Lo divulged to Auto Motor Und Sport that the new hatch would be unveiled this March at the Geneva Motor Show.
Details about Saab's new compact offering are still scarce, but expect styling to be heavily influenced by the Aero X concept, with power provided by either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four or a BioPower mill.
[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport via World Car Fans]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TwinTurbo3000GT @ Jan 31st 2008 1:38PM
interesting. The lower bumper is to close to a ferarri though.
Allen @ Jan 31st 2008 3:19PM
well, more like a pontiac grille that decided to go braless and let it all out
Playdrv4me @ Jan 31st 2008 1:39PM
Saab has alot of work to do if it hopes to remain relevant. Focusing on fuel efficient pocket rockets is definitely a good idea.
Their current stable includes absolutely nothing new or innovative, and alot of platform engineering in the likes of the previous-gen Chevrolet Malibu of all things. And of course there's outright badge engineering going on with the 9-7x (although it is arguably the best looking of all the GMT360 platform-mates).
The only real desirable car in the line-up is the 9-3 drop-top. That thing is downright sexy.
DKB_SATX @ Jan 31st 2008 3:18PM
My best friend was a Saab tech before going to a Mercedes dealer... I don't think I'll ever consider a Saab convertible.
The 9-3 platform isn't so bad... the problem with the previous Malibu was that it was homely and had poor powertrain choices, not that the platform sucked. And the 9-3 is available as a wagon which helps get my attention.
The 9-7x? MEH. I think it's a bit silly, but I'm sure they sell a few. I think I've seen 2. Ever. The 9-5 is quite long in the tooth these days so hopefully it's next up for a re-do after they get the 9-1 out. You're right, they need some more excitement in the lineup, but I wouldn't damn the 9-3 just because the Malibu used the same global platform.
Menice @ Jan 31st 2008 1:53PM
hope this comes to fruition.(sp) would love to see it.
but it looks huge to run off a 4cyl, turbo or not.
Ben @ Jan 31st 2008 2:07PM
You know that the car in the picture is the Aero X, right?
Menice @ Jan 31st 2008 2:11PM
nope, thank though. thats makes a lot more sense.
Colin Smith @ Jan 31st 2008 2:44PM
It'll be the Fiat 1400 turbo, which can give up to 180bhp. What with Ford, GM, Suzuki (GM I suppose) and Saab (Ford I suppose) using various Fiat diesels, and now turbo petrols; will everybody soon be using Fiat engines...?
Yago Bal @ Jan 31st 2008 4:01PM
Ford uses PSA diesel engines because they had a bussiness agreement with PSA for them to develop a new generation of diesel engines for both groups.
Saab is a GM brand: GM uses some Fiat engines (and even share platforms), because they had a similar agreement with Fiat, and even the prospect of a potencial fusion between both groups.
Alex @ Jan 31st 2008 2:00PM
I am very excited about this car. i'll be in the market in about three years for a new car and this on the list of prospects. I have always loved the styling of Saabs.
Ligor @ Jan 31st 2008 2:00PM
that car looks nice, but they need to come out with it son before the details are copied and are on te showroom before Saab gets to bring this out
timing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! need to work on that Saab
Jacob @ Jan 31st 2008 2:11PM
Too many concepts. Too few relevant products. This is something like a 4th Saab concept vehicle in the past 5 years, yet, their actual lineup hasn't changed during that time, and 9-5 is about 10 years old by now.
Hansi @ Jan 31st 2008 2:23PM
Both this and the 9-4X are just released as concepts to gain publicity, they are both going to be made into production cars
psarhjinian @ Jan 31st 2008 3:18PM
It still doesn't change the fact that the 9-3 is essentially fivwe years old and the 9-5 ten. The Aero-X is nice, but this is a long wait.
Yes, Saab has traditionally had long cycles (wasn't the OG900 around for 15 years?) but that's not workable in the current marrketplace.
Chopper Dave @ Jan 31st 2008 2:17PM
Someone might want to mention that the picture is actually the Aero-X concept from two (?) years ago. This way, we can avoid all the misplaced comments about the 9-1 has this or that feature, and all the armchair designers making dumb comments about something that isn't even pictured, as so often happens around here.
Jeff @ Jan 31st 2008 2:27PM
It's been known that the 9-1 is going to debut at Geneva and not London since December 6th. Good job, Autoblog.
www.trollhattansaab.net has repeated this information every single time an automotive website or magazine repeats the error (and it happens a lot), and you're the first site to correct it. Congratulations.
akatsuki @ Jan 31st 2008 3:18PM
Wow that thing is ugly. Saab needs a GTI competitor, no doubt, but that thing?
Chopper Dave @ Jan 31st 2008 4:08PM
See, this is what I mean.
Yago Bal @ Jan 31st 2008 4:27PM
That's the Saab Aero-X concept, not the 9-1 concept.
It won, among other prizes, the "Best in Show" at its world premiere in Geneva, "Concept Car of the Year" by Autocar magazine, "Car Design of the Year 2006 - Concept" from Car Design news, has been nominated for a 'Concept Award' by the prestigious Louis Vuitton Classic Awards, and was invited to take part in the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este.
akatsuki @ Jan 31st 2008 4:35PM
It still is ugly.