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Do you believe in reincarnation? Like how we hope that, maybe, all of our hard work as auto writers will result in an eventual return as a swarm of beautiful butterflies. If you are a Saab fan, the equivalent could be this bit of news: The 9-3 Convertible may rise again, as an electric vehicle.

Word comes from the Dutch version of Autoweek that Chinese entity National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) has indicated that it will bring an electric version of the 9-3 Convertible to market in the next 18 months. The EV droptop would first debut in the Chinese market, but could expand, as could the lineup to other 9-3 variants, such as the sedan and SportCombi. A NEVS spokesperson has stated, "NEVS basically no doors holds." We're not sure if that's the spokesperson or the translation from the Dutch report, but you get the gist.

NEVS also indicated that conventionally powered versions of the 9-3 could be produced as well. The internal combustion engines could be the originally intended General Motors engines. Regardless of powerplant, we would be very eager to see Saab return, potentially as an EV to boot!

NEVS mulling electric Saab 9-3 convertible, looking for engine partners, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-39-3 convertiblenational electric vehicle swedennevssaabsaab 9-3 convertibleWed, 14 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378935/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/nevs-mulling-electric-saab-9-3-convertible-looking-for-engine-p/20378935/article-detail.xml 20378935 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/saab-9-3-convertible-independence-edition-0-1352838990_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/saab-9-3-convertible-independence-edition-0-1352838990.jpeg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Saab 9-3 convertible mule spotted winter testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/spy-shots-saab-9-3-convertible-mule-spotted-winter-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/spy-shots-saab-9-3-convertible-mule-spotted-winter-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/spy-shots-saab-9-3-convertible-mule-spotted-winter-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Spy Shots: Saab 9-3 Convertible
Saab 9-3 Convertible spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab is finally starting to roll out its newest products, including the 9-5 sedan and the new-for-2011 9-4X crossover, but the Swedish automaker has yet to kick sales into high gear. That could change when next generation of the brand's highest volume model, the 9-3, hits the market. Despite a refresh for 2011, Saab's entry-level sedan will receive big changes for 2012, including a completely retooled chassis that our latest spy shots show could be wider than the current model.

In the past, the 9-3 has been available as a wagon, sedan and convertible, which no doubt broadens its appeal. These latest spy shots are of a current 9-3 Convertible, with some ill-fitting front fender cladding and wider exhaust outlets showing that the new 9-3 will be a bit wider than the current model. See what our intrepid photographers spied in the high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Saab 9-3 Convertible

Spy Shots: Saab 9-3 ConvertibleSpy Shots: Saab 9-3 Convertible

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-3 convertible mule spotted winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-39-3 convertiblesaabspy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 23 Mar 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19888068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/23/spy-shots-saab-9-3-convertible-mule-spotted-winter-testing/19888068/article-detail.xml 19888068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/saab-93-cab-mule-2s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/saab-93-cab-mule-2s.jpg <![CDATA[Breaking: GM reportedly extends bidding deadline for Saab, production to restart?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/breaking-gm-reportedly-extends-bidding-deadline-for-saab-produ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/breaking-gm-reportedly-extends-bidding-deadline-for-saab-produ/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/breaking-gm-reportedly-extends-bidding-deadline-for-saab-produ/#comments
2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In what would arguably be the first optimistic news for Saab faithful out of General Motors in some time, Reuters is reporting that GM has extended its December 31 bidding deadline for the 60 year-old Swedish marque - a move that will actually trigger the restart of some of the company's production lines next month.

Reuters indicates Spyker Cars' chief executive Victor Muller (head of the company believed to be in the lead position in the bidding war) has let slip that GM has extended the deadline until January 7, and Muller reportedly believes that there are still several parties involved in the bidding process.

Adding credence to Muller's statement is word that Saab spokesman Eric Geers has been quoted as saying that Saab's production lines will fire up on the new 9-5 sedan (above) and the 9-3 convertible: "We have the orders and we have to deliver them as usual. We also have the orders for the 9-3 and others. The factory has to continue again... we are preparing the wind-down process. At the same time we are open to options, to bids that come in. Therefore the deadline has also been dropped."

Looks like industry analysts and Saab loyalists will have to wait until early next year for a conclusion to the sales saga. Will there be cheers and gears in 2010, or jeers and sneers? We're not sure yet, but once the dust settles, we're looking forward to someone chronicling this whole sordid affair in a nice, thick book. Thanks for the tip, Ed!


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Source: Reuters]

Breaking: GM reportedly extends bidding deadline for Saab, production to restart? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 saab 9-52010Saab9-59-39-3 Cabrio9-3 cabriolet9-3 converitble9-3 convertible9-3Cabrio9-3Cabriolet9-3ConvertiblebiddingbreakingbreakingnewscarouselGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSaabsaab 9-5saab biddingsaab saleSaab9-5SaabBiddingSaabSaleSpykerSpyker carsSpykerCarsVictor MullerVictorMullerWed, 30 Dec 2009 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19298012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/30/breaking-gm-reportedly-extends-bidding-deadline-for-saab-produ/19298012/article-detail.xml 19298012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/saab-95-ff-large_0010_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/saab-95-ff-large_0010_opt.jpg <![CDATA[New Hirsch aero upgrades for Saab 9-3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/new-hirsch-aero-upgrades-for-saab-9-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/new-hirsch-aero-upgrades-for-saab-9-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/new-hirsch-aero-upgrades-for-saab-9-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Hirsch Performance kit for the Saab 9-3 Aero

Swiss tuner Hirsch has created a full body kit in carbon for the Saab 9-3 Aero sedan, convertible, and SportCombi. To do the best job of improving aerodynamics, reducing drag, and making the car look good, they enlisted the help of Saab's "master aerodynamicist" Håkan Danielsson and his team, as well as Taras Czornyj, who was the lead exterior designer on the 9-3 SportCombi.

What they came up with out front was a 3-piece upper mesh grille, a larger front spoiler with integrated splitters, and a lower mesh grille that increases airflow to the intercooler. Shaped side skirts lead the way to a rear diffuser and a larger rear spoiler on the sedan and convertible. For the SportCombi, Hirsch designed a hatch spoiler almost good enough for the WRC.

The hand-laminated carbon fiber parts are UV-coated, have been wind tunnel tested, and also tested and homologated for safety by the Royal Netherlands Motor Vehicle Authority. That means, according to Hirsch, that the parts are approved for fitment in all markets. The kit is only for the Aero trim level, and the price is listed as "on request," but based on the prices of the individual parts, don't expect much change if you hand over €1,500 -- and that's not including the wheels.

Gallery: Hirsch Performance Kit for Saab 9-3 Aero


[Source: Hirsch via turboNines]

New Hirsch aero upgrades for Saab 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-39-3 convertible9-3 sportcombi9-3Convertible9-3Sportcombiaftermarketconvertiblehirschsaabsaab 9-3saab 9-3 aerosaab 9-3 sportcombiSaab9-3Saab9-3AeroSaab9-3SportcombisedantunerwagonSun, 28 Dec 2008 10:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1412099/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/28/new-hirsch-aero-upgrades-for-saab-9-3/1412099/article-detail.xml 1412099 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/hir_sa_ae_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/hir_sa_ae.jpg <![CDATA[2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible in the Autoblog Garage: Days 1-2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/27/2006-saab-9-3-aero-convertible-in-the-autoblog-garage-days-1-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/27/2006-saab-9-3-aero-convertible-in-the-autoblog-garage-days-1-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/27/2006-saab-9-3-aero-convertible-in-the-autoblog-garage-days-1-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

 

 "Holy s**t, it's like a f***ing airplane," announced my hockey buddy as she slid into the cockpit. Like it was 'born from jets' or something.

Even given that the above expletives came courtesy of a foul-mouthed Canadian who isn't terribly car-savvy, our friend's first impression of the 9-3 Aero Convertible tester shown above would undoubtedly play like music to GM's ears. Which is just as well, because inserting the funky ignition key and listening to the satisfyingly subtle rumble of Saab's turbocharged 2.8L DOHC V6 as it fired up was music to ours.

Continue reading 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible in the Autoblog Garage: Days 1-2

2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible in the Autoblog Garage: Days 1-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-3 convertible9-3ConvertibleSaabTrollhattenMon, 27 Feb 2006 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/594007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/02/27/2006-saab-9-3-aero-convertible-in-the-autoblog-garage-days-1-2/594007/article-detail.xml 594007 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/100_0316_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/02/100_0316.JPG -1 2