Autoblog

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Saab

If you were to order a black Saab 9-4, as of now you can almost see what your CUV will look like. If things go as originally planned, it will go into production in about a year. Up front is pure Saab, the rear hatch couldn't say SportCombi more forcefully, and the sloping shoulder line and window profile are 9-5. It's supposed to go into production in about a year, but hopefully we'll get to see it in Detroit in a few weeks since who knows where things will be a year from now.

[Source: Global Motors]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X, almost naked

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Saab

The Saab 9-4X has been caught in these new spy shots without the Keith Haring tape job it was wearing the last time we saw it. Features like the converging window lines on the side, the rear lights, and the Saab grille, give away its lineage. From the side, especially from the A-pillar back, you could be forgiven for confusing the Saab with a lot of other CUVs, while lines that are quite distinctive on the smaller 9-3 and 9-5 look to have been stretched into rather bland expanses on the 9-4X. It's still early, so we look forward to seeing the fully Saab-ified retail version. If Saab's managing director is to be believed, what won't be bland is one of the engine choices: a diesel with 250 hp and 406 lb-ft. That's the kind of quirky we can get behind.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X, almost naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Saab

The next stab at a Saab SUV is reportedly going to be... a Saab. Word is that the newest hauler will have "Saab-DNA design and technology." Designed by teams in Sweden and Germany, that means an Aero-X-like snout, some combi-type curves in the back, and an ascending shoulder line. No word on engines yet, but there looks to be a full range of options, and dealers who have seen the final car are excited. This is all very good news to Saab mavens who don't want another badge-engineered Tahoe. For the rest of us, our first chance to see it could be as soon as the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X prototype caught

John Neff — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Saab

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

What we have here are the first spy shots showing a production prototype of the upcoming Saab 9-4X crossover. This CUV was first revealed as the 9-4X BioPower Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and as you can see from the spy shots in our gallery, the production version will be very similar to what we saw on stage in January. The Swedish designers even retained the sloping roof that begins its descent all the way up front at the a-pillars.

The 9-4X is based on a heavily modified version of GM's Theta platform that also incorporates elements of the company's Epsilon 2 platform, effectively making it a unique chassis on which only this CUV and the upcoming Cadillac Provoq CUV will be based. We know the 9-4X will be offered with Saab's new XWD all-wheel-drive system, and engine choices should be similar to the rest of Saab's range and include turbocharged four- and six-cylinder motors. (Yes, the 9-7X SUV is offered with a naturally aspirated six- and eight-cylinder engine, but that doesn't count.) Since the 9-4X will also be sold globally, we're hoping the U.S. market gets a diesel version, as well. Brenda Priddy hints that a 250-horsepower diesel is in the works. Okay, Saab. Now you've got our attention.

Gallery: Saab 9-4X - spy shots

[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X prototype caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept for real this time

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Green, Crossover, Saab

click above for more high-res images of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

The doors have been unofficially thrown wide open on the Saab 9-4x BioPower concept after a Dutch media outlet spilled the beans earlier today. The 9-4x is badged as a concept, but the reality is that we will see new CUV probably sometime in 2009. The 9-4x and a new Cadillac that will likely look almost exactly like the Provoq Concept and ~~are expected to be based off an updated version of the Theta platform that's also used for the Saturn Vue~~ will be based on an entirely new CUV architecture not connected with currently sold GM models like the new Saturn VUE. Unlike the Trailblazer-based Saab 9-7x, the 9-4x actually has some real Saab styling cues that tie it to the rest of the lineup as well as the heritage of the brand.

During the preview of the 9-4x, it was stated that Saab has tremendous support from the corporate overlords to be stewards of a niche brand. Saab has avoided the quirky aspects of its heritage while bringing forward elements like the shape of the forward sloping D-pillar, which reflects the contours of the classic Saabs like the 99 and 900. Similarly, the blacked out A-pillars recall the wrap-around windscreens of those classic Swedes and the Aero X concept. They've focused on the clean, crisp aspects of Scandinavian design while eliminating any fru-fru like cladding or imitation fender vents. When GM Design VP Brian Nesbitt talked about the 9-4x, he spoke of the design language being the look of Saab going forward. Read on after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

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

Continue reading OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept for real this time

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept for real this time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit '08 Preview: Saab 9-4X BioPower leaked

John Neff — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:36:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Saab

click above for more images of the Saab 9-4X Concept

You're not supposed to see this vehicle yet, at least not until closer to the start of the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this Sunday. It's the Saab BioPower 9-4X, and a Dutch outlet has seen fit to release these lowish-res images of the CUV a bit early. We think it's a CUV because the popularity of the SUV is waning (Ford's switching the Explorer from its body-on-frame SUV roots to a CUV compliant unibody, for Pete's sake), and Saab's done the whole SUV thing already with its rebadged (although nicely) version of the Chevy Trailblazer called the 9-7X. Regardless, the 9-4X is destined for production probably later this year. The Concept is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder enginer, typical Saab fare, that produces 245 HP/260 ft. lb. of torque on gas and 300 HP/295 ft. lb. of torque on ethanol. There's also an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can split power between the front and rear axles, as well as between each side of the rear axle depending on which needs it most. Stay tuned this Sunday when the Detroit Auto Show officially begins for us and we'll find out more.

[Source: World Car Fans, Trollhattan Saab]

Gallery: Saab 9-4X Concept - leaked photos

Detroit '08 Preview: Saab 9-4X BioPower leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab talks up its forthcoming products

Alex Nunez — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Saab

There's plenty in store for Saab in the coming years, with a substantial revision of a current model, a new crossover, and a new entry range all in the works. Saab USA's GM, Steve Shannon, chatted up the editors at Inside Line to spill some of the beans. The 9-5 is slated for a complete redesign sometime between 2009 and 2012, where the car will get updated styling and a selection of new powertrains.

That same general time period will also see the introduction of a new crossover dubbed the 9-4X and a new entry model named the 9-1, the latter of which IL believes will target the Volvo C30. The look of all the new Saabs will be penned at GM's European design center, which spawned the awesome Aero X concept (above) whose influence has already been felt in the redesigned 9-3 range. Expect more Aero X-tinged goodness in terms of styling as new Saabs make their debuts in the coming years. Head over to Inside Line for additional details and speculation.

[Source: Inside Line]

Saab talks up its forthcoming products originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Revitalization in Action posts dream Saab lineup

John Neff — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, Saab

click on image to enlarge

The GM Inside News forum members who conjured up a dream Buick lineup for their project titled Revitalization in Action have come back again with a turnaround plan for Saab. GMI member ChevroletRevived collaborated with fellow forum member fbodyrules, who supplied the Photoshop skills, to dream up a new line of Saabs on which the quirky Swedish brand should, in their opinion, adopt if it hopes to save itself from being sold or axed altogether.

The lineup includes a 9-1 small luxury vehicle along the lines of the Volvo C30 and Audi A3; a refreshened 9-3 with cues from the Aero X that allow the brand's volume seller to carry on another four years before an Epsilon II-based model is ready; a 9-4X small CUV that will compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Audi's upcoming Q5; a new 9-5 based on the Epsilon II platform (shown above); another version of the Lambda platform for the 9-7X replacement called the 9-6x; and finally a true luxury brand flagship in the new 9-9x sedan.

In true Saab form, the GMI guys have placed various turbo powerplants in all the models, ranging from the 1.8t in the 9-1 to the 480-hp, turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 in the 9-9x Aero. They also aim to keep Saab on the cutting edge by having GM offer its two-mode hybrid system in various models with the brand's BioPower motor that can run on gas or ethanol. Clearly a common design theme has been executed across this entire fictitious lineup that draws heavily from the Aero X concept, as well. Their designs are fetching, their product planning is thorough, and the end result is the most mainstream and attractive Saab lineup ever dreamed up. The question now is, will it remain a dream?

Follow the Read link to peruse the supposed future of Saab and let us know if you think these guys are on the right flight path or have totally veered off course.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Revitalization in Action posts dream Saab lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab confirms 9-4X CUV to replace 9-7X SUV

John Neff — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Crossover, Saab

Saab U.S.A.'s General Manager Jay Spenchian told Ward's Auto that a Saab CUV, reported by nearly all members of the press to be called the 9-4X, will replace the Chevy Trailblazer-based 9-7X SUV after the end of the decade. The Trailblazer is expected to be discontinued by 2010 and Spenchian said that the introduction of a Saab CUV would likely overlap a bit with the 9-7X.

Spenchian, however, wouldn't reveal what platform on which the Saab CUV would ride. Ward's reports that the new CUV could be built on the same platform as an upcoming Cadillac CUV destined only for the European market. Dubbed the BLX, this Caddy CUV would be built at Saab's Trollhattan plant that currently can't keep workers busy building only the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac BLS sedans. Such a move would move production of Saab's new people hauler back to Sweden from its current point of production, Moraine, Ohio, where the Chevy Trailblazer is built.

The Saab 9-4X will be priced right on top of the 9-3, which ranges from $25,570 to $43,320, and will be sporting Saab's new design language previewed on the Aero X concept.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Saab confirms 9-4X CUV to replace 9-7X SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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