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Detroit Preview: 2010 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition
by Sam Abuelsamid on Dec 23rd 2008 at 9:29AM 
Click to enlarge
As the current Saab 9-5 heads into the waning days of its life-cycle, General Motors' Swedish brand will be launching a new limited edition model at the Detroit Auto Show.
This time around, the 9-5 Griffin is set to do duty as the most luxurious Saab yet. While one might expect the most premium edition of the 9-5 to use a six cylinder engine like the 2.8-liter turbo from the Turbo-X, it actually uses a 260-horsepower version of the corporate 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbo. The Griffin receives matte chrome trim in the front, unique five-spoke 17-inch alloys, a rear spoiler and special badging.
The interior receives minimal changes, including gloss trim, piping on the carpets, and accent-colored stitching on the steering wheel, hand brake pull, and standard leather seats.
The Griffin will be available with either two- or three-pedal transmission configurations and four door sedan or wagon ("SportCombi") body styles.
The big question remains is that at $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the Sportcombi, will anyone outside of Saab's most faithful really care? GM has already acknowledged that the Swedish brand is under review and the possibility of sale or shutdown looms large.
Click on the jump for Saab's official press release.
Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Griffin
[Source: Saab]
PRESS RELEASE
2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition Takes Off in Detroit
DETROIT – In the luxurious 9-5 Griffin Edition, making its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Saab offers levels of premium standard equipment that are unprecedented in the 62-year history of the Swedish car brand.
As underlined by its U.S. advertising tagline, "Born From Jets," Saab's illustrious aircraft heritage is part of its design philosophy that runs throughout its range of automobiles. With the vigor of its turbocharged engine and agile road manners, the Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition resonates with its aircraft namesake, the Gripen (Swedish for Griffin) – the first of the new generation of multi-role combat aircraft to enter into active service, developed by Saab Aircraft AB in Sweden. Saab
"With the 9-5 Griffin Edition, Saab reaches a new altitude in terms of premium standard equipment and value," said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.
Available in four-door Sedan as well as five-door SportCombi models, all versions feature Saab's signature 2.3L, 260-horsepower (194 kW) four-cylinder engine and can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.
The exterior of the 9-5 Griffin shows influences from the recently updated Saab 9-3 family, such as the use of matte chrome for the front grill, as well as the frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish.
Unique five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus Griffin badges on the front fenders adorn both body styles. In addition to Polar White, this special edition Saab 9-5 is available in six metallic colors, including Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, plus the new Carbon Grey and Glass Grey.
On the inside, every 9-5 Griffin shines with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. This premium stitching also applies to the Aero-inspired leather-appointed sport seats. They are available in two two-tone variations: black with parchment inserts and parchment with black inserts. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are not only power-adjustable and foldable, but also auto-dimming.
Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the 9-5 Griffin will be priced starting at U.S. $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the versatile and stylish SportCombi (prices include destination charges). In addition to the rich standard equipment, including an automatic transmission, the only options for the 9-5 Griffin are metallic paint, ventilated seats and a navigation system.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2009 model year, Saab offers 7 different models that deliver 27 mpg or better according to EPA Highway fuel economy standards. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance plus standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tex 9:36AM (12/23/2008)
"Born from jets" but we're not giving the high end "Luxury" saab anything more than a 4cyl. at least its a turbo. it would be really nice to see saab actually build a car that is asthetically pleasing, i know they can do it, i saw that Aero concept thing. Come on Saab, recognize that the planet is post-yuppie.
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geo.stewart 9:56AM (12/23/2008)
I actually like their 9-3, one of the more attractive 4-doors. At least until they put chrome trim rings around the headlamp cluster and grill. looks okay in pix but horrendous in person.
Otherwise not a bad car. not a great car but not bad. convertible is out of whack for dimensions. much like the Sebring. aft of the B-pillar is out of whack
carlbolt 10:16AM (12/23/2008)
Is the 9-5 a Epsilon platform car? If yes, why pay 42,000 more to buy a 4-cylinder Malibu? Only for the SAAB badge?
RITmusic2k 10:28AM (12/23/2008)
Platform sharing means the car shares similar proportions and driveline setup.
Sit in a Malibu. Then sit in a 9-5. Not the same car.
Though, your 170hp V6 should whoop on a 260hp I4. The fact that the car is apparently free is just icing on the cake.
RITmusic2k 10:34AM (12/23/2008)
carl, I'm gonna correct myself; looks like I read the wrong part of the wikipedia page. I see that the new Malibu does offer a 240-or-so hp V6. Almost there...
Michael 10:35AM (12/23/2008)
Carlbolt,
Its not the Epsilon platform, that is the 9-3.
I've owned Saabs for years and I even had a 9-5. dare I say almost 10 years ago. The 9-3 is probably the best automotive bang for the buck. You can pick one up used 3 years old off lease for less than $15K and it still has 1 year left on the warranty, plus if its a 2007 it has the 5 yr 100K mile warranty. The best part about Saabs is, its luxury without gimmicks. If you don't need the bluetooth or the Nav and lets face it no one uses the Nav after the first week of having the car, then a Saab is really a car you should look at. They drive great and since I live in the forzen artic circle of the Great Lakes I need the front wheel drive and Saabs, like Volvos are great in the snow and with a 5 speed and the turbo a hoot to drive.
PJ 12:17PM (12/24/2008)
The 9-3 is the Epsilon platform car. The 9-5 is built on the GM2900 platform, which--if you can believe this--first appeared under the 1988-1995 Opel/Vauxhall Vectra. It's truly ancient. The last car sold in North America using this platform (other than the 9-5, of course) was the midsize Saturn LS of 2000-2005.
That said, for a car introduced in 1998, the 9-5 is still pretty pleasant to drive, but anyone paying $40K for one of these should be embarrassed. If you like the car, buy a (completely identical) 2007-2008 model and save yourself $20K.
mikeyt 9:38AM (12/23/2008)
for that price i'd MUCH rather have the turboX. but I agree with your insinuation, that someone looking for a midsized premium sedan would most likely go elsewhere. at least the concept for the new 9-5 looks promising... if they survive
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ugg.tryptophan 12:32PM (12/23/2008)
turboX wagon = lust
BLS 9:41AM (12/23/2008)
Does anyone outside of Saab's most faithful ever care about Saab?
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JDC 9:41AM (12/23/2008)
It is time for SAAB lovers to start collecting while they can...
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Stingers 2:23PM (12/23/2008)
Agreed. They need a new Viggen, not this Griffin thing.
sk 9:43AM (12/23/2008)
I'm sure they sell about 5 cars this month
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Auari 9:44AM (12/23/2008)
if that
MajorGeek 9:43AM (12/23/2008)
I thought, at first glance, that it was the Eddie Griffin edition, which might be smart marketing if it crash tests well. ;)
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Ted 9:48AM (12/23/2008)
I was thinking it was the Peter Griffin edition.
Soccer Mom 10:02AM (12/23/2008)
Will it come with the same el-cheapo ugly taillights?
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Gary 10:09AM (12/23/2008)
That 2.3 liter is a hell of an engine. Smooth, efficient, powerful... way better than the 2.0 corporate engine they use in the 9-3.
Not sure what autoblog's definition of "corporate" is, but that 2.3 isn't used in anything other than saabs.
That said, the new 9-5 can't come soon enough. Hope someone decent buys saab...
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Throwback 10:19AM (12/23/2008)
I have to disagree. I have driven both the 2.3 turbo and my HHR SS has the 260hp DI 2.0. The 2.0 revs smoother, gets great mpg and delivers a serious midrange punch especially in 2nd and 3rd gear. I had a 175hp 2.0 in my 9-3 and that engine was also sweet, not very powerful but economical and very smooth all on regular gas.
Jesse 10:20AM (12/23/2008)
What's the point when $43k will buy a CTS, G37, TL, S80, A4, Passat CC, G8, 330i or C300? All of which offer AWD or RWD in fresher packages.
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