We've got to give GM props on this one, since, unlike other automakers, it's blacked-out teaser isn't nearly as susceptible to Photoshop trickery. Regardless, Saab put up the image above on its media site announcing what we already knew: the Saab 9-1X concept is coming to Geneva and it's going to take all the right cues from its bigger brothers. Although the head-on shot gives us some clues about the concept's wide stance and aggressive snout, what we really want to know is how the designers have shaped the rear hatch. While it's assumed that a sloping rear roofline will terminate into a bulbous back end, we've heard rumors that a large overhang will be fitted at the top of the roof to give a sort of reverse-ducktail. The Geneva Motor Show is fast approaching and we're looking forward to seeing how Saab plans to do battle with the Audi A3 and Volvo C30.[Source: Saab]
New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con
London 2008: Honda OSM concept roadster says, "Cheerio!"
London 2008: Lotus unveils the Evora
2010 Chevy Camaro - Official Details and Images
2010 Chevy Camaro - LIVE from the reveal
First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S in Europe
First Drive: 2008 MINI Cooper S JCW
In the Autoblog Garage:2009 Nissan GT-R
North American Exclusive First Drive: Alfa MiTo
First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2004m3driver @ Feb 15th 2008 2:24PM
They need to make a car look like their damn concept that they've been touting around for years. (which I love) I've seen that concept at countless car shows and even sport car events. Maybe this is it, but it doesn't even look close.
AfterGasoline @ Feb 15th 2008 2:33PM
If it looks as good as some of their past concepts, and if it is fun to drive, I would really consider this when it's time to trade in my MINI. I love having a small, nimble, premium car that's unique.
Throwback @ Feb 15th 2008 2:44PM
Great teaser shot! Hopefully the concept is as brilliant.
Throwback @ Feb 15th 2008 2:45PM
What is the car on the left in the picture?
Xcountryflyer @ Feb 15th 2008 2:47PM
Very Mazda RX-8 from the front.
Damon Lavrinc @ Feb 15th 2008 2:48PM
The vehicle on the left is the Saab 9-X concept.
See here: http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/concepts/index.jsp
Pedro @ Feb 15th 2008 2:51PM
I wonder if this will do battle with the A3/C30 or with the MINI. I had this weird thought of Saab doing a MINI fighter based on the upcoming Gamma (i.e., smaller-than-Astra) platform.
My Broken down Caddilac @ Feb 15th 2008 3:03PM
Even more important question, Is Saab going to post a profit of these days?
Because I am sick and tired of seeing GM waste time and money on a brand which has done nothing but bleed red ink in the U.S.
You know what GM? Go ahead and throw this flashy concept out there, hell even build a couple to satisfy those 8 people who actually buy these Swedish rejects form this corpse of a brand but keep it the hell away from the U.S. please.
Because if it's between helping out a lost cause like Saab or saving one of your own brands like Pontiac or Buick then I say let Saab drift off into oblivion, they're a worthless waste of space in the US.
And I'd be amazed if there were even 8 people in this Country who even gave 2 nuts about them.
geo.stewart @ Feb 15th 2008 3:20PM
nk,
with 125K cars sold worldwide last yr (36K) in the US, it is in need of death.
The MINI sold 222K itself.
I like the Saab 9-3 and it has one of the best looking 4seat convertibles but there are better choices around. If you want to sell the 9-3, rebadge it as an Opel/Saturn and be done with it. you dont need to keep a brand around for 1 car that doesnt sell well to begin with.
TriShield @ Feb 15th 2008 3:07PM
If only actual Saabs looked as good as the concepts they roll out.
Yago Bal @ Feb 15th 2008 3:16PM
They waste a bundle in Cadillac so that it can sell 100 cars a year in Europe, so I don't see were's the problem... ;)
Torrent @ Feb 15th 2008 3:22PM
Maybe THIS one will look like the concept once it goes into producion.
SilverAero @ Feb 15th 2008 3:27PM
Ouch tell us how you really feel. I like Saab, i own one. I am one of those 8 people you speak of. Believe me i know Saabs and i know Saab owners and i can confidently say that you have no idea what you are talking about. Most Saab fans are holding onto their old 900's and are actually waiting for a Spiritual Successor to that car. If they can do this car right all the Saab fans will come back out and buy one. We have been begging for this thing since GM took hold. Now if you want to talk about mistakes lets talk about Cadillac Europe.
SilverAero @ Feb 15th 2008 3:30PM
To Broken down caddilac (Cadillac)
Ouch tell us how you really feel. I like Saab, i own one. I am one of those 8 people you speak of. Believe me i know Saabs and i know Saab owners and i can confidently say that you have no idea what you are talking about. Most Saab fans are holding onto their old 900's and are actually waiting for a Spiritual Successor to that car. If they can do this car right all the Saab fans will come back out and buy one. We have been begging for this thing since GM took hold. Now if you want to talk about mistakes lets talk about Cadillac Europe.
SAABDRIVER @ Feb 15th 2008 4:37PM
That car has no sideview mirrors... I knew GM cut corners somewhere on the 9-1.
dean @ Feb 15th 2008 5:34PM
Saabs are hot, just too expensive. With the 9-1, it should be in the Volve C-30 territory, right? Right around the low to mid 20K? Seems priced right, a step up from the Civic. Faces some stiff competition though.
the law @ Feb 15th 2008 5:35PM
Looks to be more rounded than the photoshops posted around the net.I hope they keep it modern Saab instead of copycat Cooper.also appears to be slightly higher height than Fwd could it be 9-1 XWD ? which would sqaure off a against mini club or whatever they call it.
benedettofortini @ Feb 15th 2008 6:28PM
The X in 9-1X means it's all wheel drive. See 9-7x and 9-2x.
Atomicbri @ Feb 16th 2008 7:37AM
Ditto! I like Saab, but ever since GM took over they have lost their way it seems. Wow how the big guys bring down the little guys! Hopefully this will give new life to Saab and its styling, performance, and fun. Judging by this photo, looks to at least be somewhat aggressive in it's appearance. I love unique looking cars and the original Saab 900 was just that, there was no doubt you knew what it was when it drove by you. That is what I hate about today's Saabs. The 9-3 is not all that bad looking, but the rear end is kind of strange. Saab to not even offer one hatchback type car nowadays is another strange thing. The always offered one, now it is wagons (estates) instead, which I do not like as much stylistically. I can't wait to see the real deal.... I hope I am not disappointed.
the law @ Feb 16th 2008 8:58PM
doesn't Saab use X for concepts (9X or AeroX)as well as for XWD?