Autoblog

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved?

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill, Luxury

Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Less than a day after General Motors officially announced Saab's euthanization, it looks like the storied Swedish brand might still have the faintest whisper of a pulse. Motor Trend is reporting that there are rumors swirling that the Swedish government will hold emergency meetings this weekend to try to save Saab. At least some government officials apparently feel that Saab is too important to fail... now where have we heard that before? With such a small population, the closure of Saab could have a major impact on the nation's economy, much like the failure of GM (and Chrysler, to a lesser extent) was viewed as potentially catastrophic in the States.

Some 3,400 employees will be jobless when GM completes its planned "orderly wind down" starting in January. That estimate doesn't include workers from the 1,100 Saab dealers that will also be shuttered around the globe.

Despite the failed selloff, things look like they're picking up at The General. The automaker announced yesterday that they had paid back the first $1 billion TARP money they borrowed from us the U.S. government. BAIC, Koenigsegg, Spyker and others had attempted to jump into the Saab fire-sale, but all have come out burned. Well, BAIC at least scored tooling for the old 9-3 and current 9-5. With a new-for 2010 9-5 having taken the stage at auto shows around the globe in recent months and the 9-4X in the wings, we'd love to see all of the Saab faithful get an early Christmas gift. We're definitely not holding our breath, but we'll keep you posted through the weekend should anything materialize.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

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

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Swedish government to meet with GM officials - could Saab still be saved? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Swedish Patient Succumbs - Deal for Saab is dead on the table, GM to wind down brand

Chris Paukert — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saab, Earnings/Financials

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After a protracted saga that has seen bidders drop in-and-out and old model tooling and assets sold off to the Chinese, the enigmatic brand known as Saab is dead. In a press release issued this morning, General Motors announced that the "intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded." GM had been in talks with Dutch exoticmakers Spyker Cars after pursuing a number of other buyer leads (including the aborted sale with Koenigsegg), but The General says that in the course of due diligence, the resolution of certain unspecified issues became impossible in the time frame that they had set for themselves.

As such, GM will immediately begin the "wind down" of the much-loved yet perpetually unprofitable cult brand, but says it will continue to honor warranties and provide spare parts and service - presumably through other GM brand dealers - as Saab dealers go offline. Officials note that this is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation situation, so outstanding creditors should still expect to receive payment.

It is not clear what will happen to the production-ready 2010 9-5, nor the current 9-3/9-3X model and almost-ready 9-4X. Official death certificate available after the jump, historical slide show of the brand in photographs viewable below.

Gallery: Saab- A History in Pictures

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: Swedish Patient Succumbs - Deal for Saab is dead on the table, GM to wind down brand

BREAKING: Swedish Patient Succumbs - Deal for Saab is dead on the table, GM to wind down brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab

2010 Saab 9-5 - click above for high-res image gallery

Here's a little bit more on the salvation/debacle of Saab. First of all, it should be pointed out that after our last report about Holland's Spyker trying to buy Saab, the ~~freaks~~ lovely people over at Saabs United pointed out some ~~gaping holes in our reporting~~ an inconsistency or two with the Reuters/our version of the facts. As such, we've gone ahead and vetted the information we're using for this post with the brain trust over at Saabs United. Hey, they really like Saabs, what can we say? And now, on to the story.

Automotive News is reporting that China's Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) has reached a deal with General Motors to acquire the tooling for both the Saab 9-3 and 9-5. Not so fast, says Saab's United! What they actually acquired is the tooling for the old 9-5, as well as the stuff for the pre-2006 9-3. Sort of a big difference, as obviously Saab's just getting geared up to roll out the all new 9-5 - and whomever winds up buying Saab will most likely want to offer both it and the existing 9-3 and its derivatives. Spyker's CEO Victor Muller confirms the BAIC deal is for "old equipment" and goes on to characterize the BAIC deal as, "Good news."

Then there's a bunch of no commenting. Obviously, General Motors has no comment on anything, though they do say that once a deal is reached they will say something. As far as we can tell, the pending Spyker deal is still a definite maybe. BAIC could not be reached to make a "no comment," and Saab's Eric Geer's stated, "We can't comment on anything about the sales process." Though our Saabs United source does provide us with a juicy tidbit, "[Geer's] wife is Saab's head legal counsel so he's like the canary in the coal mine. If he ever resigns suddenly..."

So there you have it - Saab's future is still totally up in the air. Though our source says that in addition to the 9-5 sedan, there's a 9-5 wagon (SportCombi) that's "pretty much ready to go" as well as the 9-4x which has, "been ready for about a year but Caddy had to get the SRX out first." Plus, a new 9-3 is being worked on. And one more thing - Saabs United is reporting that a Swedish group (not Renco) is also in talks with GM, in addition to the Spyker deal. We'll keep you posted.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: Automotive News - subs req. | Saabs United]

REPORT: Despite selling off old bits to BAIC, Saab brand still in search of buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BAIC only interested in parts of Saab, "White Knight" looking increasingly unlikely

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab

It seemed pretty obvious when we first heard that China's BAIC wanted Saab's tooling that it didn't want anything to do with purchasing the Swedish automaker's full monty. If BAIC wanted to be in the Saab business, clearly, it would have made overtures for more than just the retired tooling from the older versions of the 9-5 and 9-3. BAIC wants the cars and all the stuff that Saab made to make them, so as to have something else to sell in its home market. The rest of Saab, such as its Trollhattan headquarters and workforce apparently aren't of interest to BAIC, which just secured a line of credit from the Bank of China, presumably to finance this purchase.

General Motors is said to still have some suitors interested in the whole shooting match, instead of BAIC's cherry picking. Since the deal with Koenigsegg fell apart, Spyker has indicated interest in Saab, as has a private concern called Renco Group. Any deal will be carefully vetted by General Motors, and will have a short time-table for completion. If BAIC's bid for the parts of Saab carries through, the rest of the company will almost certainly head for liquidation. It's looking increasingly likely that there will be no stay of execution for Saab, no white knight riding in to save this Swedish automaker in distress. Still, it ain't over until it's over...

[Source: Reuters | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: BAIC only interested in parts of Saab, "White Knight" looking increasingly unlikely originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air

Chris Paukert — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab, Earnings/Financials

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After riding in on a white horse, Koenigsegg Group AB has pulled out of negotiations to buy Saab from General Motors, leaving the Swedish automaker's future very much in doubt. In a brief statement issued by GM (available after the jump), president and CEO Fritz Henderson says that the company is "very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase."

It is unclear what will happen to the brand now, but if Saab fans can hold on to any hope, GM says it will "take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week." It is worth noting that this is different from the brief announcement that GM issued when Roger Penske's group pulled out from buying Saturn - GM immediately announced that they would begin "winding down" the brand. There was at least one other serious bidder interested in purchasing Saab previous to Koenigsegg becoming the preferred purchaser, but it isn't immediately clear if they are still interested, or if their financial backing checked out to begin with.

We suspect that even if Saab is unable to survive as a brand, someone will step in and purchase the assets to the already tooled-up forthcoming 9-5 sedan - perhaps the Chinese - and potentially the newish 9-3/9-3X as well.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading BREAKING: Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air

BREAKING: Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase, brand future up in the air originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Saab dealers 'running out of cars'

Michael Harley — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab, Earnings/Financials

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

With new vehicle production at a trickle, and its dealer network slashed by a third, retailers of the Saab brand are finding inventory shrinking to drought levels. Some of the remaining dealers may even run out of new vehicles before replacements arrive.

Point the blame towards the pending sale of Saab to Koenigsegg Automotive AB, and the fact that an all-new Saab 9-5 model is still sitting on the horizon. With the transaction still not complete, financial limitations have kept new vehicle production low. In addition, the Swedish assembly plant tasked to build the new 9-5 sedan is in the process of retooling. "When we close the deal and change owners we can start producing again for real as we then will have financing," Eric Geers, a Saab spokesman told Bloomberg.

Even if the deal with Koenigsegg closes as planned, the 2010 Saab 9-5 (the company's first all-new car in seven years) won't hit European showrooms until early next year. U.S. dealers will likely have to wait even longer, starving as the last of their dwindling inventory rolls away.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Saab dealers 'running out of cars' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Saab in "expansionist mood," plots own 9-3 replacement, new compact

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Saab, Koenigsegg

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

The talk has begun: last week the outlines of Koenigsegg's intent for Saab was publicized, now the sports car company is flapping their jibs to back it up. The 9-5 and 9-4X that GM developed will be arriving shortly, and behind those is the 9-5 SportCombi. The gem for Saab fans is the mention of a redesigned 9-3, and perhaps a 9-1 and 9-2.

That 9-3 might even make a return to the days of quirky, since it is "more unlikely than likely" that it will be built on a GM platform. In short, Koenigsegg wants to do a clean-sheet design, and that could mean restoring the aura of the Saab 900 to the brand's smallest car. That, a huge leap in feel and quality, and the ability to sustain a paucity of sales for a few years just might put a Swedish crown back on the old gal. However, we realize that is asking a lot...

But going beyond that, Koenigsegg's plan is that the 9-3 wouldn't remain the brand's smallest car for long. A 9-1 or 9-2 that takes inspiration from the 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept is being considered, which would finally give Saab an entrant in a segment where buyers have proved they are willing to pay a premium for well-done small cars. The test of Koenigsegg's ambition begins now.

Gallery: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Saab in "expansionist mood," plots own 9-3 replacement, new compact originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Saab 9-5 gets its SportCombi on

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Saab

Opinions have been mixed over the overall shape of the new Saab 9-5. The detailing, as we found at the pivotal sedan's debut at the recently concluded Frankfurt show, takes the Swedish automaker's aerospace-inspired design to a new level of sophistication, but some believe that the silhouette cut by the sedan's form left something lacking. That could all be fixed, however, if the estate wagon comes out looking as slick as this rendering imagines.

Slated for debut in about a year from now, the 9-5 SportCombi, as Trollhattan calls its wagons, is scheduled to be the first new launch for Saab after leaving GM for Koenigsegg's management. Following the market debut of the sedan, the 9-5 wagon will precede the replacement for the smaller 9-3 and the anticipated new 9-4X crossover to give the Swedes a solid lineup to take on the likes of Audi and company. Engines are expected to include turbo fours displacing 1.6 liters and producing 178 horsepower, two liters with 217 hp and 2.8 liters with 296 hp; to be joined by a 158 hp two-liter turbodiesel and a reported turbocharged hybrid option. Saab's trick proprietary XWD traction system should be available across nearly the entire range.

With all that, plus Swedish practicality and what looks to be a slick wraparound rear windscreen, the next wagon from Scandinavia's quirky stepchild could be a real departure from the usual Saab story.

[Source: CAR Magazine]

Rendered Speculation: Saab 9-5 gets its SportCombi on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Koenigsegg to rebadge Saabs in its own image? Not so much

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Saab

How much does it take to turn a Saab into a Koenigsegg? The half-billion dollars in funding the niche automaker is locking down to acquire the erstwhile General Motors subsidiary? The million euros one of its supercars sells for? How about 116 kronor? That amounts to about $16.50, and it's how much one local motorist has paid to slap the Koenigsegg name on his Saab 9-5 SportCombi wagon in an apparent jab at Swedish domestic auto industry.

The photo has got enthusiasts in Scandinavia jabbering over Koenigsegg's "secret plans" for Saab, as if the exotic automaker was planning to scrap its new acquisition and assimilate its products under its own name. While Saab might not rank as high among Swedish brand names, as, say, Ikea, it does have a little higher level of brand recognition than Koenigsegg. Thus, tossing the Saab name in the plastic, assemble-it-yourself trash bin would make about as much sense as a supercar garage buying a family sedan factory from one of the world's largest auto conglomerates. Oh, wait a second....

[Source: Vi Bilägare]

Spy Shots: Koenigsegg to rebadge Saabs in its own image? Not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Outgoing Saab 9-5 to live on... as Chinese BAIC

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab

If Billy Joel is right that only the good die young, the outgoing Saab 9-5 has been very, very bad. In automotive terms, the 9-5 is positively ancient, having first seen the light of day in 1997 and getting very little in the way of meaningful changes since that time.

If, though, you happen to like cars that feature a design that's... shall we say, "proven," we have some good news to report. According to Autocar, the old 9-5 will get a new lease on life from China's Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC). It's not clear what changes (if any) will be made to the car in its new incarnation, or if BAIC will also purchase the rights to Saab's turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

Last month, BAIC made a $400 million investment into the Swedish automaker, becoming a minority shareholder in Koenigsegg, Saab's new parent company. As for the 9-5 in America, well... let's just say we're happy to be getting the completely reengineered 2010 model.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Outgoing Saab 9-5 to live on... as Chinese BAIC originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Saab

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe's entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker's newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn't exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks - if not bright - at least markedly less dim.

If we sound like we're damning the 2010 9-5 with faint praise, we're not - after sitting in the car today at the Frankfurt Motor Show and talking extensively with members of Saab's team, we're actually rather optimistic that the perennially underweight automaker may yet emerge from its funk and put some rouge back in the 'ol Griffin. But until we drive it, we're going to reserve judgment before we break out the akvavit and reindeer steaks - we've been here before.

One thing's for sure - this new, larger 9-5 looks incredibly crisp in the metal. With clean flanks, a distinctive, cantilevered roofline paired with wraparound-look glass and handsome head- and tail lamp detailing, this is an attractive, cohesive design sans adornment - no gaping ducts, fender vents, or protruding aero addenda are in evidence anywhere. Very much in the Scandinavian mold, the 9-5 pulls design elements from the showstopping Saab Aero-X concept coupe and puts them in a real-world package. Similarly, like Scandinavian furniture, the design won't be to everyone's tastes.

Inside, there's gobs more space than in the outgoing car both front and rear, and the design has been tastefully updated in a driver-centric way that honors the marque's quirkiness (Night Panel button, eggcrate grid air vents, etc.) without becoming a caricature of Saabs past. Reinforcing the aeronautically-minded "Born From Jets" theme that had become something of a punchline with distractions like the 9-7x SUV, Saab has adopted new features like an optional heads-up display and a novel altimeter-like digital speedometer readout in case you aren't interested making use of the clear analogue gauges.

Click on the jump for more impressions and the official press release.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Saab developing hybrid powertrain for upcoming 9-5

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Saab, Rumormill

2010 Saab 9-5 sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already heard about the five engine options slated for the Saab 9-5 upon its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Apparently, there's plenty more on the horizon in the coming years, including Saab's first production hybrid powertrain. According to Autocar, the hybrid system will match diesel fuel economy numbers while providing lower emissions and competitive performance.

It seems Saab will pair an electric motor with excellent torque characteristics right from idle with a highly-tuned 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 120 horsepower. That gasoline-fed powerplant should be able to manage good power at higher engine speeds, making for adequate overall acceleration across the rev range.

If there's any truth to this rumor, Saab is planning to use a relatively small battery pack that's not expected to power the car for long periods of time. Pricing information isn't yet known, but the Swedish automaker is said to want to undercut upcoming hybrids from its German competition.

Gallery: Saab 9-5 Sedan

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Saab developing hybrid powertrain for upcoming 9-5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics]

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Technology, Saab

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.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Leaked Again

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics]

Saab spills at least a few beans about its forthcoming 9-5 [w/new pics] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charting out Saab's upcoming model lineup

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Saab

There are many folks who've wanted big things from Saab, including this blogger, but we never seemed to get them. The company sold 93,220 cars in 2008, a drop of more than 25% from the previous year, and getting sucked into this year's General Motors saga hasn't exactly helped to create any believers in Saab's return to form.

But the quirkier Swedish brand has been taken over by Koenigsegg, and the little company is said to have big plans for the bigger one. Saab's product lineup, as laid out by Swedish car mag Auto Motor & Sport, will have the expected new 9-5 and 9-4 CUV at Frankfurt this year. Next year comes the new 9-5 SportCombi with Start/Stop technology. The two following years will bring the new 9-3 coupe and convertible, a 9-5 crossover, and a little 9-1 -- rumored to be co-produced with the Mini, sccording to the Swedish buff mag. In 2012, the magazine also predicts a sport hybrid powerplant.

The predictions go all the way out to 2017, but it isn't clear how much is pure guesswork versus actual hints from Saab. The magazine, however, suggests there will be some sort of shortened, Aero X coupe-looking thing, a return of the Sonett as a TT-fighter, and the next new 9-5 in 2017.

At this point, no one knows what Saab is going to look like a year from now, much less eight. But if Koenigsegg can make it look anything like it does in the Auto Motor & Sport chart - and get the sales to back it up - a lot of people will be very happy about it.

[Source: Saabs United]

Charting out Saab's upcoming model lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Saab shows off its 9-5 in full high-res glory

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Saab, Luxury

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It didn't take long for the floodgates of official pictures to open after the first set of leaked images gave us an early glimpse at the new 2010 Saab 9-5 inside and out. Just as before, we're cautiously optimistic that this attractive sedan (though it's appearance is certainly polarizing to many) will look as good in the flesh as it does in pictures. In this latest round of images, we get a better look at many of the new 9-5's most interesting details, including its pronounced grille and fascia, multi-hued side mirrors, full-length LED brake lighting and bottom-edge J-shaped chrome trim.

Inside, we see the expected cockpit-style dash layout, though with a more modern take on the classic Swedish design. Of course, there's a console-mounted ignition button and mellow green-tinted interior lighting, but we also note quite a few interesting textures and patterns to break up the otherwise somber-looking monotony of dark colors. Check out our gallery below and hold tight for the official details and specifications from Saab, which should be on their way in short order considering that the dam is crumbling at such an alarming rate.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Leaked Again

[Source: Auto Motor and Sport]

Pics Aplenty: Saab shows off its 9-5 in full high-res glory originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Are you the 2010 Saab 9-5? [UPDATE: Apparently, yes]

Chris Paukert — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Saab, Luxury

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for image gallery

UPDATE: Autobild has released 26 stock photos of the 2010 9-5, with plenty of detail shots including several of the cabin. We're attempting to track down all of the official high-res images and data, but in the meantime, check them out by clicking the image above.

We've been seeing disguised spy shots of Saab's pivotal new 9-5 sedan for some time now, and we've liked what we've seen, even if we haven't been able to peel back the covers all the way. Well, a spate of scanned images have hit the internet of what appears to be a production-ready example, and we're cautiously graduating our emotions to genuine excitement.

The images, apparently scanned from German magazine Autozeitung by MotiveMag forum user saabspider, depict a handsome sedan with a confident face, an aggressive rearward tapering greenhouse (emphasized by the chrome J-kick trim band), and a short, tapered rear deck that remind us vaguely of Saab 900 sedans of yore.

The interior also looks inviting, maintaining Saab's traditional driver-oriented 'cockpit' feel, with liberal use of glossy black and matte metal accents.

Will the new 9-5 be enough to save the perennially troubled Swedish automaker as it moves toward independence? Check out the gallery below and then let us know what you think in the 'Comments' section.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Leaked

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5 Autozeitung images

[Source: MotiveMag forums via Twitter]

Spy Shots: Are you the 2010 Saab 9-5? [UPDATE: Apparently, yes] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Is this the new Saab 9-5?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Saab, Rendered Speculation

Saabs United procured some rendered versions of the coming Saab 9-5 that are purportedly from Saab itself. While computer renderings must be viewed with a few packets of salt sprinkled on the screen, if you compare the 9-5 sedan render with a spy shot of the rear end of the actual car, the similarities look promising.

The wagon rendering is simply too brutally sexy to be believed, and so -- only in order not to have our hopes dashed -- we refuse to believe it. If Saab did have the gumption to design such a car, and Koenigsegg does have the wherewithal to properly market it, then we might just have a proper Swedish car company on our hands again. The 9-5 sedan arrives at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show and goes on sale this year, with the wagon following next year.

[Source: Saabs United via Autoblog.nl]

Rendered Speculation: Is this the new Saab 9-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab 9-5 semi-revealed under form fitting cover

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Saab

Saab seems to be eking out as much exposure as possible from its upcoming 9-5 sedan and wagon. The Swedish automaker has reportedly flown a number of European journalists to the Saab museum in its home town of Trollhattan, where what appears to be production-ready versions of the new 9-5 in wagon form were covered up with nothing but thin, somewhat translucent covers.

Due to the nature of such form-fitting attire, we can clearly see the outline of the brand's familiar front fascia, albeit slightly modified with a more deep-set look than current models. There is also just a hint of headlight trim brightwork, which looks rather subdued when compared to the current 9-5. The rest of the car is much harder to interpret, though we do spot rakish-looking C-pillars that lend further credence to the sedan's expected coupe-like shape.

In addition to the 9-5, Saab also kept a 9-4x prototype under wraps in its Showroom of the Future. There's not much to glean there, from what we can see the planned CUV shares its basic shape with the Cadillac SRX but at least gets an infusion of Saab-specific DNA in the front fascia. Click here to see the rest of the spy shots from Saabs United.

[Source: Saabs United via Jalopnik]

Saab 9-5 semi-revealed under form fitting cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Oh-So-Good Saab 9-5 rear end and interior spotted

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, GM, Saab

Rumor has it that the next 9-5 is so good, General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson doesn't want to get rid of Saab. We suspect that's more of a ploy to draw in big dollars, but a top notch Saab 9-5 will help improve the value of the perennially struggling Swedish automaker regardless. Judging from these new spy photos of the interior and rear end, the 9-5 appears to be shaping up nicely, at least.

The completely naked though somewhat impeded view of the 9-5's rump shows off smooth, rounded proportions and a chrome strip that runs clear across the deck lid. Also visible is Audi-like LED accent lighting around the tail lamps. Visible from a separate photo is a rakish, four door coupe-like rear window. The A-pillar looks oddly steep, though, giving it a family resemblance to the outgoing 9-5.

Shots of the interior show what appears to be high-end materials with double stitching and chrome appliques. The scribes at CARSCOOP point out that the interior looks a whole lot like that of the Saab 9-4x concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The 9-5 prototype even has a similar-looking thee-point steering wheel.

[Source: CARSCOOP]

Spy Shots: Oh-So-Good Saab 9-5 rear end and interior spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is GM's Henderson 'afraid' to let Saab go because the next 9-5 is so good?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, GM, Saab

According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Fritz Henderson, General Motors' recently appointed CEO, doesn't want to see Saab leave the American automaker's portfolio. Why? Apparently, because the upcoming Saab 9-5 sport sedan is just that good. The paper goes on to suggest that the new Saab 9-5 Aero was tested and compared against the Opel Insignia OPC, which shares a similar platform, with the Swedish automobile emerging as "a clear winner."

We really do hope the next-gen Saab 9-5 is a brilliant car. Still, we have a suspicious feeling that these reports are a bit embellished. All things considered, it's more likely that Henderson hopes the new 9-5 is good enough to help attract a reasonable offer from its new owner, be it Geely, Fiat or some other bidder, which may in fact turn out to be a better scenario for the Saab's future that staying under the GM umbrella.

[Source: Saabs United]

Is GM's Henderson 'afraid' to let Saab go because the next 9-5 is so good? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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