Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rare 9-5 SportCombi, 9-4X models being sold off in Saab asset auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Saab lovers take notice. Swedish auction house KVD has some ultra rare Saab products on the block, and we're not talking about a 1950s Saab 92. Up for auction are a bunch of low-mileage Saab models being sold off as part of the bankrupted automaker's assets. Included in the lot of cars are models like the 2012 9-5 SportCombi (above), the 2012 9-4X (shown below) and even a 9-5 sedan driven by Victor Muller himself.

Discovered by PistonHeads, this Saab auction has numerous 9-5 SportCombi and 9-4X models, which should prove to be very rare cars. Only a small number of 9-4Xs were ever sold, and Saab closed up shop before the 9-5 SportCombi could even go on sale here. In addition to the rarity, many of the cars have fewer than 10 miles on their odometers and seemingly low reserve prices; a 9-4X 3.0 XWD Premium with just six miles has a current bid of 180,000 Swedish Krona (just over $27,000 USD) that has already met the reserve price. Some of the cars still have the protective factory shipping tape covering up the interior and exterior.

Other than the rare SportCombis and 9-4Xs being auctioned off, there's also a sharp 2012 9-3 Cabriolet with 11 miles on the clock and a V8-powered 2006 Saab 9-7X with just 3,003 miles.

Rare 9-5 SportCombi, 9-4X models being sold off in Saab asset auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-3 cabriolet9-4x9-5 sedan9-5 sportcombi9-7xauctionssaabsaab bankMon, 03 Dec 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391967/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/03/rare-9-5-sportcombi-9-4x-models-being-sold-off-in-saab-asset-au/20391967/article-detail.xml 20391967 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-saab-9-5-sportcombi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-saab-9-5-sportcombi.jpg <![CDATA[Last 900 Saabs heading to auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/last-900-saabs-heading-to-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/last-900-saabs-heading-to-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/last-900-saabs-heading-to-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab shipment

If you've been wanting to get your hands on one last new Saab but missed out on the great Saab sell-off when Saab Cars North America declared bankruptcy, well, your ship has now come in.

Actually, it came in last year - but hundreds of new Saabs got waylaid at ports in California and New Jersey because of the bankruptcy, according to SaabWorld.net. Those cars are now slated for auction, some 900 of them, which will be available for dealers, exporters and rental car companies to bid on beginning next week. Eventually, 300 of these cars should make their way to Saab dealers, where they're expected to be sold off at 30- to 50-percent discounts. The other 600 will either be exported or used as rentals, according to the report, so "the price of Saabs will not be severely depressed."

Besides the new cars, some 67 company cars, including some interesting stuff like a 1960 Saab Quantum IV and a 1970 Sonnett III, will also be auctioned off, according to the report. Of the new cars, just over half are 9-5 models, some 400 are 9-3 sedans, another 60 are 9-3 wagons, and about a dozen are convertibles. According to the report, 28 are actually 9-4X crossovers, which is more than 10 percent of Saab's total 2011 sales for that model.

Last 900 Saabs heading to auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-39-4x9-5saabsaab auctionsaab bankruptcysaab cars north americaFri, 22 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264248/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/last-900-saabs-heading-to-auction/20264248/article-detail.xml 20264248 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/saab-shipping_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/saab-shipping.jpg <![CDATA[Saab to be saved by mystery Swedish electric car company]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Saab 9-4X - white - front three-quarter view

The all-but-lifeless corpse of Saab continues to stagger forward in hopes of finding a juicy investor to sink its teeth into. Autocar reports that National Electric Vehicle Sweden is currently close to buying the brand's remaining assets. The freshly minted electric car consortium is helmed by none other than Karl-Erling Trogen, the former head of Volvo Trucks. Beyond that, few details are known about the company or its plans for Saab. National Electric Sweden is owned by two bodies, Sun Investment and Mikael Kubu, the president of law firm Ac-Gruppen.

We can only speculate about what the consortium wants with Saab, though fan site SaabsUnited reports the company may have its eyes on an electric rear axle program developed with in conjunction with eAAM. Whether that means we'll see electric or hybrid Saab models whirring around in the future is still uncertain. If we did, it would probably take quite a while. As SaabsUnited notes, "Saab, the company, right now has nothing in it, no dealership network, no finance structure, no personnel-structure, no communications network, nothing... everything needs to be completely rebuilt from scratch, which will take a huge amount of time."

At this point, we'll just be pleasantly surprised if the Griffin brand gets a new owner at all.

Saab to be saved by mystery Swedish electric car company originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4x9-5ac-gruppenelectricelectric carelectric saabhybridhybrid saabnational electric vehicle swedensaabsaab evsun investmentThu, 24 May 2012 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/saab-to-be-saved-by-mystery-swedish-electric-car-company/20244277/article-detail.xml 20244277 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/saab-9-4x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/saab-9-4x-628.jpg <![CDATA[More people interested in buying a Saab after bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/more-people-interested-in-buying-a-saab-after-bankruptcy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/more-people-interested-in-buying-a-saab-after-bankruptcy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/more-people-interested-in-buying-a-saab-after-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We never heard about buyers of other ex-General Motors brands - Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer - taking to their keyboards to research new rides when the lowered boom crushed them all. Even though they would have been warrantied and supported by a still-living GM.

Leave it to Saab, then, to spin that right 'round like a record: according to electronic-research tracker Dataium, 10 percent more people have inquired about Saabs since the brand declared bankruptcy. Even better for the dealers sitting on 221 days worth of inventory: there were three times as many new shoppers in the 96 hours after the announcement, and for the next two weeks as least 50 percent of them were first-timers. All this for a tiny brand selling two cars without warranty and parts support (yet).

Who knows how much of that will turn into actual sales, but that's probably more than could have been expected in the silver-lining department.

More people interested in buying a Saab after bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>saab 9-4xsaab 9-5Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151036/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/more-people-interested-in-buying-a-saab-after-bankruptcy/20151036/article-detail.xml 20151036 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/saabsalesincrease_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/saabsalesincrease.jpg <![CDATA[Saab cars headed to crusher, Trollhättan museum selling off 120 cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/saab-cars-headed-to-crusher-trollhattan-museum-selling-off-120/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/saab-cars-headed-to-crusher-trollhattan-museum-selling-off-120/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/saab-cars-headed-to-crusher-trollhattan-museum-selling-off-120/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab factory in Trollhatten

The future hopes of Saab seem to have been crushed under the weight of insolvency, and that's going to translate into reality as about 100 Saab cars lingering on the production lines are cubed up into scrap metal croutons. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that the vehicular carnage will ensue over the next 48 hours as the death rattle from Trollhättan gets ever louder.

Why squish a bunch of orphan cars? Autocar reports that the move is part of the receivership process. Headed for the gallows are cars finished before the money completely dried up, including some 9-4X crossovers and pre-production 9-5 Estates.

While the Saab museum is currently closed and facing an unclear future, Autocar reports a single 9-5 Estate is being kept around for later exhibition. That report would appear to conflict somewhat with word that Saab's 120-car museum collection is being liquidated. According to BringATrailer, bids are due to bankruptcy attorneys by this Friday, January 20, so if you're interested, get going. Brand fan site SaabsUnited has details, too, including how you might be able to have someone scrutinize your would-be purchase in-person.

Even in the land of the midnight sun, and despite the hopes of so many of the brand's fans, it looks like the last flicker of twilight coming from Saab has been nearly extinguished.

Saab cars headed to crusher, Trollhättan museum selling off 120 cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4x9-59-5 sportcombisaabsaab 9-4xsaab 9-5 estatesaab 9-5 wagonsaab factorysaab museumsaab receivershiptrollhattentrollhättanTue, 17 Jan 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20149264/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/saab-cars-headed-to-crusher-trollhattan-museum-selling-off-120/20149264/article-detail.xml 20149264 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-plant-trollhatten_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/saab-plant-trollhatten.jpg <![CDATA[GM moves to sever ties with Saab over Chinese owner concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/gm-moves-to-sever-ties-with-saab-over-chinese-owner-concerns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/gm-moves-to-sever-ties-with-saab-over-chinese-owner-concerns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/gm-moves-to-sever-ties-with-saab-over-chinese-owner-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab and GM dealership signage

Spitting out the equivalent of "No soup for you," General Motors has made stronger noises about shutting Saab off from its technology and component pipeline and the new 9-4X, due to the Swedish company's proposed takeover by Chinese firms Pang Da and Youngman. While the GM statement didn't appear to make a definitive statement of walking away, it did say "GM will not agree to the continuation of the existing technology licenses or the continued supply of 9-4X vehicles to Saab following the proposed change in ownership as it would not be in the best interests of GM shareholders."

The mere fact of the Chinese accessing GM technology is obviously part of it, but this would also involve a Chinese competitor - not a joint-venture partner - ingesting a steady stream of GM's current and ongoing platforms and engineering. Since GM's shareholdings mean it needs to approve a Saab sale, the latest arrangement looks like it's going to take some reworking to come to fruition.

Saab CEO Victor Muller saying "We go back to the drawing board" is admitting that GM's stance all but unravels the Chinese agreement to purchase Saab and provide $850 million in long-term funding. We aren't entirely sure what Muller can do when he gets there: the Chinese are the only suitors on the board, no one knows if they even have government approval yet, and GM is the only company that can keep Saab in products without it costing a lot more than $850 million. But Muller's kept the ball in the air this long, we won't be the ones to count him out yet.

GM moves to sever ties with Saab over Chinese owner concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4xgeneral motorsgmpang dasaab chinaswanswedish automobilevictor mulleryoungmanTue, 08 Nov 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100986/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/gm-moves-to-sever-ties-with-saab-over-chinese-owner-concerns/20100986/article-detail.xml 20100986 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/saab-and-gm-dealer-signs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/saab-and-gm-dealer-signs.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Saab 9-4X earns IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/2012-saab-9-4x-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/2012-saab-9-4x-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/2012-saab-9-4x-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , ,

saab 9-4x
2011 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Cadillac SRX and the Saab 9-4X may look quite a bit different, but the two vehicles are based upon the same hardware and are built in the same plant in Mexico. Since the SRX has already been given a "Top Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, does that mean that the Saab should also get the thumbs up? Yep.

The IIHS has just named the 9-4X a "Top Pick" because the luxurious crossover received top scores in front, rear and side-impact crashes while including standard stability control. Like the SRX, the 9-4X also scored a top score of "Good" in the roof crush test. To receive the top score, the 9-4X's roof had to hold at least four times its overall weight. In this case, the IIHS lumped the 9-4X with the SRX and gave it the exact same weight ratio of 4.14.

If you're scoring at home, you've probably noticed that more and more crossovers are acing the IIHS tests. Since the Insurance Institute tests are among the most stringent ever devised, we're thinking this is a very good thing for car buyers. Whether Saab will be around long enough for more car shoppers to buy the 9-4X is another matter altogether.

2012 Saab 9-4X earns IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash safetyiihsinsurance institute for highway safetyroof crushsaabsaab 9-4xtop pickWed, 06 Jul 2011 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19983760/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/2012-saab-9-4x-earns-iihs-top-safety-pick/19983760/article-detail.xml 19983760 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/08-2011-saab-9-4x-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/08-2011-saab-9-4x-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Saab 9-4X production underway, only Saab currently being built]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/21/saab-9-4x-production-underway-only-saab-currently-being-built/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/21/saab-9-4x-production-underway-only-saab-currently-being-built/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/21/saab-9-4x-production-underway-only-saab-currently-being-built/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Saab 9-4X
2011 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Production of the all-new 2011 Saab 9-4X crossover has started on schedule, despite the company's crippling financial woes. While production of the rest of the Saab lineup at its Trollhattan, Sweden plant has ground to a cash-strapped halt, 9-4Xs are rolling off the assembly lines in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

The plant producing the latest Saab is under contract to the Swedes from GM, and with any luck will help jumpstart a recovery. Under its very Swedish skin, the Saab 9-4X packs the same underpinnings as the 2011 Cadillac SRX.

The base model, which comes with a 265-hp 2.8-liter V6, starts at $33,380, with the top-whack, turbocharged model ringing the register at $48,010. Ominously for Saab, the 300-hp mill is the same engine Cadillac just pulled from the SRX lineup to deal with reliability issues.

Saab 9-4X production underway, only Saab currently being built originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 May 2011 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 cadillac srx2011 saab 9-4x9-4xcadillaccrossovergeneral motorsgmmexicosaabsrxswedentrollhattanSat, 21 May 2011 16:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946518/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/21/saab-9-4x-production-underway-only-saab-currently-being-built/19946518/article-detail.xml 19946518 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-saab-94x-lead-1305985721_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-saab-94x-lead-1305985721.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Saab 9-4X]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/2011-saab-9-4x-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/2011-saab-9-4x-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/2011-saab-9-4x-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Against The Odds, Saab's First Crossover Comes Good

2011 Saab 9-4X
2011 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

As we assembled media and executives sat down to dinner in Washington, D.C. the night before driving the 2011 Saab 9-4X, a waiter leaned over my shoulder with a bottle of sparkling water and poured it into a waiting rocks glass filled with ice and a lemon. He paused, staring intently at my glass. Clearly flummoxed, the dinner service ground to a halt. "May I, sir?" As I had no earthly idea what was troubling him, I nodded. "Certainly." He picked up the glass, reached into its mouth and fished out the lemon only to squeeze it with much theater. The wedge yielded but a drop or two of juice. "Dry!" he pronounced with a mixture of pride and embarrassment. Perhaps reading the confusion on my face, he followed this proclamation by saying "You can 'ell becooze.... it was... ah.... reluctant to float." He then disappeared into the back of the restaurant for what seemed like minutes, reemerging with a new glass filled with ice and a noticeably plumper wedge of citrus riding atop the rim of the glass.

You just never know what's going to hold up a car launch.

Stick around in this business for a while, and you'll see how labor unrest, cash crunches, bad mergers and natural disasters can wreak havoc on a new automobile's gestation and production schedule. We thought we'd seen it all, but the poor folks at Saab are surely trying for some kind of record with the number of calamities threatening to scrap not just the launch of this 9-4X, but the Swedish brand altogether. In fact, this handsome looking crossover is already late to the party - it was originally slated to launch in 2009 alongside its General Motors' platform-mate, the Cadillac SRX.

Given the strong initial sales of the SRX, you might think that Saab's ownership expects big volume out of its first proper crossover (the late and not lamented 9-7X was an SUV and the 9-3X is little more than a wagon on stilts). But based on our conversations with company officials, not so much - they're looking to shift just 10,000 units globally in 2011 - a seemingly trifling sum until one looks at Saab's miserable sales figures worldwide. Continue reading...

Continue reading 2011 Saab 9-4X

2011 Saab 9-4X originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 saab 9-4x9-4xfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivesaabsaab 9-4x reviewsaab crossoverTue, 17 May 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19942075/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/17/2011-saab-9-4x-first-drive-review/19942075/article-detail.xml 19942075 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/08-2011-saab-9-4x-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/08-2011-saab-9-4x-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/first-saab-9-4x-rolls-off-the-assembly-line-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/first-saab-9-4x-rolls-off-the-assembly-line-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/first-saab-9-4x-rolls-off-the-assembly-line-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM's Raymond J Chess and Saab CEO Jan ÅkeJonsson with the first Saab 9-4X
GM's Raymond J Chess and Saab CEO Jan Åke Jonsson w/Saab 9-4X No. 1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been little over a year since Saab unveiled the 9-4X at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the first production example has left the assembly line.

Envisioned when Saab was still under the General Motors umbrella, the 9-4X is based on the same Theta platform as the Cadillac SRX. As such, it's being built not in Trollhättan, Sweden, like other Saabs, but in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

This first example - an Aero model in Ice Pearl metallic with the 2.8-liter turbo V6 and XWD - carries the chassis number 00001, and will be displayed at Saab's museum in Sweden - after it makes the media rounds, of course. While you're waiting for the 9-4X to hit U.S. dealers in May, check out our galleries below along with the official production announcement after the jump.


Gallery: Saab 9-4X chassis #00001


Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-4X

2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line

First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4xjan ake jonssonmexicoramos arizpesaabsaab 9-4xWed, 16 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19847111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/16/first-saab-9-4x-rolls-off-the-assembly-line-in-mexico/19847111/article-detail.xml 19847111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/web630-94x-assembly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/web630-94x-assembly.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Saab looking for 15-20k sales this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/report-saab-looking-for-15-20k-sales-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/report-saab-looking-for-15-20k-sales-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/report-saab-looking-for-15-20k-sales-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab 9-4x
2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab Cars North America (barely) lived through a horrible 2010, with sales of only 5,445 units. For perspective, Toyota makes that many Camry sedans by Thursday of most weeks. Part of the problem, no doubt, was Saab's flirtation with oblivion and the resultant crippled supplier base and a lack of consumer awareness, but a lack of new product also played a big role.

Automotive News reports that Saab execs are assuring dealers that 2011 should turn out a lot better, with projected U.S. sales of between 15,000 and 20,000 units. That's a significant sales recovery, and at least part of the increased volume should come courtesy of a strengthening auto market. But increased sales alone won't enable 400 percent growth. Luckily, Saab has some new product in the pipeline, with the 9-4X crossover scheduled to arrive in May, while continued sales of the 9-5 sedan and the upcoming wagon variant (scheduled for Fall, 2011) should further boost the bottom line.

Will the 9-4X prove popular enough to move Saab over the sales hump? We don't doubt it, if only because the company's sales bogey is so low. And it helps that the 9-4X is attractive and poised to hit the market at a time when customers are clamoring over high-end CUVs.


Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-4X

2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Saab looking for 15-20k sales this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 saab 9-4x9-4xsaabsaab 9-5 sportcombiThu, 10 Feb 2011 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19836221/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/10/report-saab-looking-for-15-20k-sales-this-year/19836221/article-detail.xml 19836221 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-saab-9-4x-630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-saab-9-4x-630opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Saab 9-4X priced from $34,205*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/2012-saab-9-4x-priced-from-34-205/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/2012-saab-9-4x-priced-from-34-205/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/2012-saab-9-4x-priced-from-34-205/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Saab 9-4X
2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Saab 9-4X is set to join the automaker's shapely new 9-5 sedan at dealerships across the country in May, and we've now learned that cost of entry for the new Scandinavian crossover will be $34,205 (*plus including $825 in destination charges).

That $35K price point gets you the base 9-4X with front-wheel drive and the 3.0-liter direct-injected V6, good for 265 horsepower and roughly 20 miles per gallon (combined). Moving up the model range, the 9-4X Premium rings in at $38,075 plus including delivery. Premium models still use the same 3.0-liter mill, but XWD (Saab's all-wheel drive system) is available, as are a host of other goodies.

The range-topping 9-4X Aero is priced at $48,835, and it uses a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 (like the 3.0-liter, it's General Motors-derived) that produces a healthy 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to all-wheel drive. Based on our experiences with the 9-4X's sister car, the Cadillac SRX, the 2.8T powerplant is clearly the one to have. Even with the healthy increase in power, fuel economy is rated at an estimated 18 mpg combined.

Because the 9-4X shares the majority of its architecture with the SRX, it makes sense that pricing for the two crossovers won't be hugely different. The base SRX comes in at $33,830 - only $375 less than the Saab. What's more, the 2.8T-equipped SRX starts at $49,915, meaning the comparable Saab is actually $1,080 less than the GM crossover it spawned from, though obviously each has slightly differing levels of specification.

While we haven't yet driven the 9-4X, we don't imagine it will be too far removed from its Cadillac cousin. With prices that are this close, it really comes down to which you'd rather look at (or badge you'd rather have on the hood). The Cadillac buys you a luxurious piece of American crossover pie, while the Saab nets you nearly the same package in a shapely Scandinavian wrapper. Let us know which one you'd pick in Comments.


*UPDATE: Saab spokesperson Michele Tinson now clarifies that the above 9-4x pricing actually includes $825 in destination charges. We apologize for any confusion.

Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-4X

2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saab]

2012 Saab 9-4X priced from $34,205* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 saab 9-4x9-4xsaabsaab 9-4x pricingsaab crossoverMon, 06 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19747831/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/06/2012-saab-9-4x-priced-from-34-205/19747831/article-detail.xml 19747831 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-saab-9-4x-630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/01-saab-9-4x-630opt.jpg <![CDATA[A Conversation with Saab's Victor Muller and Jan-Ake Jonsson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/a-conversation-with-saabs-victor-muller-and-jan-ake-jonsson/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/a-conversation-with-saabs-victor-muller-and-jan-ake-jonsson/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/a-conversation-with-saabs-victor-muller-and-jan-ake-jonsson/#commentsFiled under:

Victor Muller of Saab
Victor Muller, Saab Chairman and CEO of Spyker

The news Saab has been making in the past few months - the defection of its sales director, declining sales numbers, worker layoffs - runs counter to the feel-good story of the brand's very existence. On the other side of that, though, the brand is still here, there's a resurrected factory in Sweden still pumping out cars, Jason Castriota is still working on an anxiously anticipated 9-3, and the 9-4X - unveiled to general acclaim recently at the LA Auto Show - is just months away from retail.

That's a lot going on for such a small, and new, company. We sat down with Saab chairman Victor Muller and president Jan-Ake Jonsson to find out what makes the 9-4X a real Saab, how the 9-3 is progressing, and where the 9-2 and ePower rank on the company's to-do list.

Follow the jump for the story.

[Image: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading A Conversation with Saab's Victor Muller and Jan-Ake Jonsson

A Conversation with Saab's Victor Muller and Jan-Ake Jonsson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-29-39-4x9-5featuredjan-ake jonssonsaabvictor mullerWed, 01 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19722987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/01/a-conversation-with-saabs-victor-muller-and-jan-ake-jonsson/19722987/article-detail.xml 19722987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/victor-muller-saab-ceo-chairman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/victor-muller-saab-ceo-chairman.jpg <![CDATA[Saab readies move into China and Russia, downplays 9-4X diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/saab-readies-move-into-china-and-russia-downplays-9-4x-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/saab-readies-move-into-china-and-russia-downplays-9-4x-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/saab-readies-move-into-china-and-russia-downplays-9-4x-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Saab 9-4X
2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab CEO Jan-Åke Jonsson has provided the wayward Swedish brand with some direction, and the marching orders point out two very large markets for the sales team to focus on: Russia and China. According to a report in Automotive News, Saab will begin distribution in the Chinese market beginning sometime during the 2011 calendar year. Until the launch of the redesigned 9-3, Saab will shoot for a few thousand sales per year. Once the distribution network is in place and the model lineup is refreshed, Saab will look at the possibility of local manufacturing facilities.

Now that China is rolling forward, Saab can start to finalize decisions with regards to the Russian market. No deal has been announced, but one is expected to be made the end of the year. Saab's chairman, Victor Muller, specifically stated at the 2010 LA Auto Show that the both China and Russia are getting a taste of the recently unshackled Swedish brand.

One of the newest expressions of the automaker's freedom is the 2012 Saab 9-4X. Saab offers diesel engines outside of the North American market, and we were curious if this new crossover would also get an oil burner. Per Jonnson, it seems this is highly unlikely:
"If you then look at the life cycle of the vehicle, typically five or six years, before we actually have a diesel engine, we have to find one, we have to test it, we have to install it, validate it, and you are two years into the life cycle... and then you have a very short payoff period."
Understandable, but a bummer nonetheless.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Saab readies move into China and Russia, downplays 9-4X diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 saab 9-4x9-4xchinajan ake jonssonJan-Åke JonssonrussiasaabSaab 9-4xsaab chinasaab russiavictor mullerTue, 23 Nov 2010 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19730434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/23/saab-readies-move-into-china-and-russia-downplays-9-4x-diesel/19730434/article-detail.xml 19730434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/12-2012-saab-9-4x_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/12-2012-saab-9-4x.jpg <![CDATA[Preorder Saab 9-4X, get a free iPad?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/preorder-saab-9-4x-get-a-free-ipad/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/preorder-saab-9-4x-get-a-free-ipad/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/22/preorder-saab-9-4x-get-a-free-ipad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab is giving the 500 people the chance to pre-order a Saab 9-4X with an Apple iPad thrown in once they take delivery of Trollhättan's latest. At the 9-4X pre-order site, you can register to have an area dealer get in touch with you. You'll be contacted in mid-January to set up an appointment and place your order for an iPad, which will cost you $500, plus tax. On top of that $500, you'll put a deposit down on the 9-4X as well - an amount to be determined by the dealer.

So where's the love, you ask? If you take delivery of the vehicle, Saab will discount the price of your vehicle deposit and the $500 price of that 16GB wifi iPad (which costs $499 at the Apple store). If you change your mind and don't take delivery, the dealer will refund the vehicle deposit and you get to keep the iPad... that you paid for. Either way, you lose nothing and you gain an iPad. If you don't want the iPad you can pre-order anyway if you're one of the first 500.

Got it? Good. The program runs from January 15 to February 28, 2011, so you have some time to work out the math and your iPad need. Or more precisely, you have until 500 other people get in line before you. Hat tip to Ben!


Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

 Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Saab]

Preorder Saab 9-4X, get a free iPad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-4xipadpre-orderSaab 9-4xMon, 22 Nov 2010 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19727740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/22/preorder-saab-9-4x-get-a-free-ipad/19727740/article-detail.xml 19727740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/saab-9-4x-ipad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/saab-9-4x-ipad.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2010: Saab 9-4X is another glimpse of good fortune for Trollhättan [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/2012-saab-9-4x-debut-la-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/2012-saab-9-4x-debut-la-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/2012-saab-9-4x-debut-la-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Saab 9-4X
LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab is looking to move forward after its long relationship with General Motors. Saab CEO Victor Muller quoted Winston Churchill today at the LA Auto Show saying "If you're going through hell... keep going." Muller says that Saab has gone through hell and is seeing the light on the other side. The 2012 Saab 9-4X is the latest taste of what Saab now has in store for us.

2012 Saab 9-4XThe 9-4X takes aim at the luxury crossover segment and is prepared to do battle withs some heavies, such as the Audi Q5, Lexus RX and BMW X3. The Cadillac SRX platform-mate arrives chock full of upmarket goodness like eight-way power adjustable seats, Bluetooth connectivity and a tri-zone climate control system; all part of the standard features list.

The exterior styling stays true to what we see with the Saab 9-5 sedan, and clearly states that the vehicle comes from a line of sporty cars. To match this style, the under-hood offerings come in two spirited flavors: a naturally-aspirated 265-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and a direct-injection, turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that pumps out 300 hp. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox that feeds all four wheels through Saab's XWD system.

It wasn't just the 9-4X on the menu at the 2010 LA Auto Show. We learned that the 9-5 wagon is set to make its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next March, Saab is expanding distribution into China and Russia and all operations have officially been moved to Trollhättan. It's also the first time in Saab's history that the 9-3 convertible has been built on Swedish ground.

Hop the jump to find out more about the 2012 Saab 9-4X including a chance to watch the model's first commercial, and stay tuned for more from this now-independent Swedish automaker in the near future.


Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

LA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4XLA 2010: 2012 Saab 9-4X

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading LA 2010: Saab 9-4X is another glimpse of good fortune for Trollhättan [w/video]

LA 2010: Saab 9-4X is another glimpse of good fortune for Trollhättan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 la auto show2012 saab 9-4x9-4xla auto showsaabWed, 17 Nov 2010 20:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19723125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/17/2012-saab-9-4x-debut-la-2010/19723125/article-detail.xml 19723125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/12-2012-saab-9-4x-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/12-2012-saab-9-4x-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/2012-saab-9-4x-revealed-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/2012-saab-9-4x-revealed-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/2012-saab-9-4x-revealed-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Saab 9-4X
2012 Saab 9-4X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like the 2010 9-5 sedan, the fate of Saab's 9-4X crossover hung in limbo during General Motors' sale of the Scandinavian automaker. Now that Saab is safely under the umbrella of Spyker Cars, the new 9-5 is trickling out on the road and we've just received the full host of images and data detailing the production-spec 9-4X, set to be publicly revealed at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the 9-4X's styling is clearly the evolution of Saab's Aero X concept, the Cadillac SRX provides much of the crossover's groundwork - this vehicle was wholly developed during the GM era, after all. This means that both the Caddy's 3.0-liter V6 (265 horsepower) and turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 (300 horsepower) are on hand in the 9-4X, mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. The base engine can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the turbo engine is solely offered with Saab's torque-vectoring XWD all-wheel-drive system. Saab has also fitted its DriveSense adaptive chassis system to Aero models, which offers three different drive setups: Comfort, Sport and Eco.

The 9-4X's cabin is similar to what you'll find in the 9-5, with a cockpit-like, driver-focused center stack and a push-button ignition on the center console. If the Saab's cabin is anything like what GM has crafted for the SRX, things should be pretty luxurious, albeit with a sprinkling of quirky Scandinavian touches.

Look for the 9-4X to hit North American dealerships in May of next year with prices being announced closer to launch. For now, follow check out the images below and hit the jump for the full details in Saab's press release.


Gallery: 2012 Saab 9-4X

2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X2012 Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show

Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 la auto show2010 los angeles auto show2012 9-4x2012 saab 9-4x9-4x94xbreakingla auto showla auto show 2010los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2010saabsaab 9-4xsaab crossoverMon, 18 Oct 2010 11:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19678212/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/18/2012-saab-9-4x-revealed-la-auto-show/19678212/article-detail.xml 19678212 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/94x630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/94x630.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-leaks-out-ahead-of-production-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-leaks-out-ahead-of-production-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/28/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-leaks-out-ahead-of-production-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab 9-4X
Saab 9-4X spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that the fate of Saab is in the hands of Spyker Cars, future product plans seem to be moving right along. The new 9-5 is out on the road and the 9-4X crossover is scheduled to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Our friends at Saabs United managed to snag some shots of a pre-production 9-4X, giving us a glimpse of the automaker's new CUV before we see it in person later this year. The 9-4X was initially conceived under Saab's General Motors ownership, meaning its underpinnings are shared with the Cadillac SRX crossover. Word on the street is that the production taillamps will look slightly different than the ones on this early model, but that aside, don't expect things to change much between now and November.

Because the 9-4X is closely related to the SRX, we fully expect the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to be under the hood. Don't rule out the possibility of the 9-5's 2.0-liter turbo four being offered, as well. Both engines will more than likely be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and as the "x" in the name suggests, all-wheel drive will be on hand.

Until we get the official word in Los Angeles later this year, scroll through our gallery of spy shots below, and head over to Saabs United for all things Griffin.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X


[Source: Saabs United]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 la auto show2010 los angeles auto show9-4xla auto showla auto show 2010los angeleslos angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2010saabsaab 9-4xTue, 28 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19652453/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/28/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-leaks-out-ahead-of-production-debut/19652453/article-detail.xml 19652453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/94x630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/94x630.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/17/2012-saab-9-4x-confirmed-for-la-debut-in-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/17/2012-saab-9-4x-confirmed-for-la-debut-in-november/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/17/2012-saab-9-4x-confirmed-for-la-debut-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab 9-4X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been expecting this announcement to come sooner or later, though we didn't exactly count on it coming from the LA Auto Show's own Twitter page. But there it is anyway, straight from the horse's mouth: "Saab has confirmed that the 9-4X Crossover will make its world debut at the LA Auto Show this Nov."

We're also expecting some sort of official word that the new crossover 'ute, which will share its Theta Premium underpinnings with the Cadillac SRX, should hit the market sometime in the spring of 2011... perhaps around April.

While we're on the subject of expectations, we'd also imagine that Saab will offer its premium crossover with the same powerplants as the recently released 9-5, which means we could see a 2.0-liter turbocharged four and a 2.8-liter turbocharged six, both likely mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. We'll apparently find out for sure soon enough.


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept


[Source: LA Auto Show's Twitter]

2012 Saab 9-4X confirmed for LA debut in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 la auto show2010LaAutoShow9-49-4 x9-4Xbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewsla auto showla auto show 2010LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2010los angeles auto showlos angeles auto show 2010LosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesAutoShow2010SaabSaab 9-4xSaab9-4xTue, 17 Aug 2010 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19597456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/17/2012-saab-9-4x-confirmed-for-la-debut-in-november/19597456/article-detail.xml 19597456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/saab-9-4x-new_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/saab-9-4x-new.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X caught nearly uncloaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/21/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-caught-nearly-uncloaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/21/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-caught-nearly-uncloaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/21/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-caught-nearly-uncloaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Saab 9-4x concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Judging by the latest spy pics, it looks like the Saab 9-4x is fully baked and ready to hit the streets. Saab has stripped the camo off the integration prototypes for the new 9-4x crossover and it doesn't appear to have changed much since the original concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show two years ago.

AutoExpress reports that production has begun at the same Ramos Arizpe, Mexico plant that produces the Cadillac SRX, although our sources indicate that production is still a few months off and considering the time frame, it's safe to assume that the production 9-4X will debut at the Paris Motor Show this September.

Like the concept, the production 9-4x will likely be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, with an optional 2.8-liter turbo V6 from the Turbo-X and the in the Cadillac SRX. AE is also reporting that the Saab will offer a 2.9-liter turbodiesel developed with VM Motori which might be the V6 that was once planned for the European market Cadillac CTS.


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X Concept live reveal


[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X caught nearly uncloaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 saab2011 saab 9-4x2011 saab 9-4x production2011Saab2011Saab9-4x2011Saab9-4xProductionramos arizpeRamosArizpesaabSaab 9-4xsaab 9-4X BioPowersaab 9-4x productionSaab 9-4X SUVSaab9-4xSaab9-4xBiopowerSaab9-4xProductionSaab9-4xSuvspyspy photosspy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsMon, 21 Jun 2010 17:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19524501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/21/spy-shots-saab-9-4x-caught-nearly-uncloaked/19524501/article-detail.xml 19524501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/saab-94x-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/saab-94x-concept.jpg -1 2