Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics]
by Sam Abuelsamid on Aug 27th 2009 at 10:00AM 
2010 Saab 9-5 – Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been about a month since a batch of photos of the new 2010 Saab 9-5 showed up online thanks to a leaky German magazine. With only three weeks to go until the Frankfurt Motor Show, Saab has just dropped a press release and a fresh batch of images of its new flagship. With a profile that will be immediately recognizable to Saab fans of yore, the new 9-5 sedan moves to General Motors' new Epsilon II platform along with the Opel Insignia and Buick LaCrosse – despite the fact that Saab is in the midst of divorcing GM in favor of a relationship with Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg.
Sticking with another Saab tradition and reinforcing a growing industry-wide trend, all available engines in the 9-5 will be turbocharged, ranging from a 1.6-liter gas four banger to the 2.8-liter V-6 found in the 9-3 Turbo-X and the new Cadillac SRX crossover. The two engines available from day one will both be 2.0-liter four-cylinders – one running on gas, the other diesel. The petrol 2.0-liter will later get a flex-fuel E85 option as well. The 2.0-liter gas and BioPower engines as well as the 300 horsepower 2.8-liter V6 will also get the Haldex XWD ('Cross-Wheel Drive') all wheel drive system.
Perhaps drawing on the company's admittedly shopworn 'Born From Jets' slogan, options for the new 9-5 will include a heads-up display (dubbed 'Pilot HUD'), as well as 'DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control,' three-zone HVAC, and bi-level Xenon headlamps. Interestingly, the 9-5 will get a keyless entry/start feature, but in order to honor tradition, the start button will be between the seats (where the ignition key cylinder was traditionally located). Check out the new images in the top gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: Saab]
Sticking with another Saab tradition and reinforcing a growing industry-wide trend, all available engines in the 9-5 will be turbocharged, ranging from a 1.6-liter gas four banger to the 2.8-liter V-6 found in the 9-3 Turbo-X and the new Cadillac SRX crossover. The two engines available from day one will both be 2.0-liter four-cylinders – one running on gas, the other diesel. The petrol 2.0-liter will later get a flex-fuel E85 option as well. The 2.0-liter gas and BioPower engines as well as the 300 horsepower 2.8-liter V6 will also get the Haldex XWD ('Cross-Wheel Drive') all wheel drive system.
Perhaps drawing on the company's admittedly shopworn 'Born From Jets' slogan, options for the new 9-5 will include a heads-up display (dubbed 'Pilot HUD'), as well as 'DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control,' three-zone HVAC, and bi-level Xenon headlamps. Interestingly, the 9-5 will get a keyless entry/start feature, but in order to honor tradition, the start button will be between the seats (where the ignition key cylinder was traditionally located). Check out the new images in the top gallery below and the press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5
Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Leaked Again
[Source: Saab]
PRESS RELEASE:
All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab
* All new premium sedan to debut at Frankfurt IAA
* Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X and Saab heritage
* Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
* Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
* Most technically advanced Saab with an array of 'high-tech' features
Making its public debut at next month's IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan announced today signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in model year 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.
The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab's rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels - gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.
"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."
Scandinavian Design
Forward-looking design that doesn't ignore where it's coming from - that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. "We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues," says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. "We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand's aircraft heritage."
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a 'wraparound' mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab's signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The 'organic sculpture' of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the 'hockey stick' belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car's dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5's overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
Driver-focused cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5's premium appeal.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling 'altimeter' speed read-out, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car's ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an
8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.
On the road
An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5's size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with the 2.0-liter gasoline, BioPower and 2.8 V6 turbo engines. Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Two different suspension layouts are factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
New era
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab's home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.
Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
MajorGeek 10:06AM (8/27/2009)
Ow, my eyes.
Reply
UH2L 10:27AM (8/27/2009)
Stop looking in the mirror then. :-)
Cody 10:29AM (8/27/2009)
@UH2L
Go Magic!!
MajorGeek 11:33AM (8/27/2009)
Not ONE of you is buying this turd.
Rev 9:36PM (8/27/2009)
It may be one of the ugliest cars ever created but as an automotive rendition of an old bar of soap it's also somehow inoffensive in a pathetically boring and generic way...
MajorGeek 10:21PM (8/27/2009)
Can't wait to see which of you down voting losers is buying this turd. Lets go, step up and admit you want it. Posers.
Philthy 9:36PM (8/28/2009)
Step away from the internet. Don't you have homework to do?
Luis 10:14AM (8/27/2009)
I really like it. There are so few ways to make a 3-box sedan stand out and the Saab certainly does without being offensive. I really like the blackout A-pillar.
Reply
zamafir 10:38AM (8/27/2009)
Agreed.
Redline 10:44AM (8/27/2009)
Yep, it has a certain character about it.
FThorn 10:17AM (8/27/2009)
Sebring has met its match.
Reply
Art 10:17AM (8/27/2009)
true auto enthusiasts can see the old saab 900 in the green house, particularly from a rear 3/4
Reply
Cmicasa the GREAT 10:18AM (8/27/2009)
The question is.. and I asked this as well when I saw that the Opel Insignia gets a 325HP version of the 2.8L and the SRX gets a 200HP version.. is WHY are the Euro cars getting more powerful engines than the American ones. The Lacrosse tops out at 280HP... it is supposedly on a higher level than Saab. Don't get me wrong.. even with 20 Less HP the Buick version may just find it's way in my driveway as my wife is looking to replace her 9-3 very soon.. and the Buick Lacrosse, along with the SRX are top contenders
Reply
Swede 10:59AM (8/27/2009)
Different fuel?
aeroturbo 11:23AM (8/27/2009)
How is the Buick on a higher level than Saab, especially in the area of performance? My question is why the Opel would have more hp than the Saab. Keep in mind all these cars are using an engine introduced on the Saab 93 and of which the design was heavily dependent on engineering from GM Powertrain Sweden (read Saab).
RITmusic2k 2:40PM (8/27/2009)
Different emissions standards might also have something to do with it.
I love the redesign; it recalls many Saab classics without plagiarizing on its own past.
P.V. 10:22AM (8/27/2009)
I am really liking the look of this. However, with the 9-5 going to Epsilon (II), what will happen to the next 9-3? Will it be like the relationship between the Insignia (shorter Epsilon) and LaCrosse (longer Epsilon), or will the 9-3 downsize to the Delta platform or something?
Reply
Rick 10:22AM (8/27/2009)
The proportions are so wrong. I see the old Sabb, but it doesn't work with this design at all. The front looks nice, the rear looks nice, but nothing in between works with those ends. The profile is unbalanced, and doesn't establish an obvious front and rear.
It just doesn't work.
Reply
Ligor 10:27AM (8/27/2009)
it's Saab
it's supposed to look quirky adn not like it works
somehow that's what made them popular befre, amybe it'll work again.
I can't see this being my ride, but my wife did not mind it when I showed her the pics
she said it has contemporary looks and is not overstyled like most BMW's and such are
maybe Saab is onto something, but as most here have said it's somewhat boring and maybe a bit ugly as well and I agree
MikeofLA 10:25AM (8/27/2009)
I really like it. It's classic to a degree where it keeps the DNA but it's modern in the sense you can see some Aero X in the front. The interior looks pretty good too. I imagine it will be even more stunning in person. I can't wait to see the new 9-3
Reply