Spy Shots: Saab 9-5 still coming despite brand's hardship
An eagle-eyed spy shooter hiding behind the bushes somewhere in Europe managed to capture a trio of next-gen Saab 9-5 hatchbacks wearing a bit less camouflage than we've seen in the past. For the first time, we can see the new Swedish beauty's front and rear light clusters, along with what appears to be a gently sloping rear hatchback shape.Besides getting an idea of the car's general shape, these shots seem to indicate the next 9-5 will be much larger than the car it replaces. We also hear, though you can't see it in any of these shots, that the ignition switch will be replaced by a push-button starter located in the console between the two front seats – just as Thor himself intended.
There's not much else of interest to be gleaned from these shots unless you really have a thing for LED light clusters, so the real important bit of information to take away is that Saab is indeed at work testing its next-gen range-topper model for a release sometime before the end of the year, despite the uncertainty surrounding the brand's future.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hike15 2:20PM (5/09/2009)
I was thinking volvo s80 or ford taurus based on those headlights...
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Tang 2:49PM (5/09/2009)
Definitely saw the S80 light shape, but who's complaining?
Hike15 3:06PM (5/09/2009)
I definably won't complain about that as both the s80 and Taurus are fine looking cars.
Aloysius Vampa 2:22PM (5/09/2009)
I don't know if "Swedish beauty" is how I'd describe that, but it's certainly interesting looking. I'll wait for pictures without camouflage.
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waiownsyou 2:31PM (5/09/2009)
Silly Saab. You're going to be gone soon. Save money by not using camouflage to extend your money reserves. Plus, you get free publicity!
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Jeff 2:33PM (5/09/2009)
From what I understand, there is much less uncertainty in Saab's future than you imply. Various parties have said to expect a new owner by the end of June.
Personally I cannot wait for this car. Every review up to now has been fantastic.
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Tang 2:51PM (5/09/2009)
I don't know how I feel about the upper window line for the front driver/passenger...
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Protzenegger 3:16PM (5/09/2009)
Aye, I just noticed that too. Will be mighty awkward unless they plan to black out the A-pillars.
dwightB 8:42PM (5/09/2009)
I'm pretty sure it will have black A-pillars and a look similar to the A-pillars on the Nissan GT-R
086A 3:06PM (5/09/2009)
i hope they can work with subaru again...
i like the look of saab and the reliability of subaru engine.
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Jonathan 3:36PM (5/09/2009)
Does anyone remember the 9-4X concept? I have hunch Saab would well a lot more cars if their interiors looked like this:
http://www.netcarshow.com/saab/2008-9-4x_biopower_concept/800x600/wallpaper_06.htm
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EU_reader 4:02PM (5/09/2009)
Wow, the things i'd give for an interior like that.
WHY are most brands always backing down from their concept interiors? I'd don't think there's much regulation on interior components. I can understand exteriors being softened down to actual every day cars.
Saab, just make this damn thing, all right? No time to be messing around, just do it.
British_Rover 3:40PM (5/09/2009)
Couple of days ago we got the interior and exterior preview samples for all the 2010 Saabs. The 9-5 interior samples were all stamped ALL NEW 2010 9-5 and the materials were definitely different then the current 9-5.
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Other Man 4:00PM (5/09/2009)
I'm split. It could either look fantastic from here or horribly wrong. I'm hoping it's the former, though.
I want to buy one. Better turn out right or else I'm thinking 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS.
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Viktor 4:53AM (5/10/2009)
The front looks like the Aero X concept
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/5/large/9557031.jpg
http://www.vettochetikett.info/SAAB_AERO_X/index.htm
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Swede 9:25AM (5/10/2009)
The camo will not be on for much longer, Saab have already started giving journalists test drives in these camoed cars.
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Saabyurk 9:41AM (5/10/2009)
This car seems to be so good Fritz Henderson is so afraid of it that he would prefer Saab go out of business. I'm worried about him sabotaging their sale. Source:
http://www.saabsunited.com/2009/05/the-2010-saab-9-5-is-good-that-henderson-doesnt-want-to-let-it-go.html
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Alex Hobbs 2:55PM (5/11/2009)
The blue/green tint to the lights is interesting, wondering how it will look in person.
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