Autoblog

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Vintage Saab 95 is a first-class hotel room with aircraft quality

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Saab

1961 Saab 95 commercial -- Click above to watch video

The Sixties really was a happier time - sleeping in the back of your car was such a fine thing to do that automakers even advertised their wares that were capable of accommodating their slumbering owners.

This 1961 commercial for the Saab's Ur-Sportcombi 95 - "Your new dream car" - has that going for it and so much more, including titchy cargo-area seats for the kids like the Tesla Model S. To see what life - and Saab - used to be like when "leech-like" handling was all the rage, follow the jump for to watch the video.

[Source: TurboNines]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vintage Saab 95 is a first-class hotel room with aircraft quality

VIDEO: Vintage Saab 95 is a first-class hotel room with aircraft quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Saab 9-5 still coming despite brand's hardship

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hatchback, Saab

An eagle-eyed spy shooter hiding behind the bushes somewhere in Europe managed to capture a trio of next-gen Saab 9-5 hatchbacks wearing a bit less camouflage than we've seen in the past. For the first time, we can see the new Swedish beauty's front and rear light clusters, along with what appears to be a gently sloping rear hatchback shape.

Besides getting an idea of the car's general shape, these shots seem to indicate the next 9-5 will be much larger than the car it replaces. We also hear, though you can't see it in any of these shots, that the ignition switch will be replaced by a push-button starter located in the console between the two front seats - just as Thor himself intended.

There's not much else of interest to be gleaned from these shots unless you really have a thing for LED light clusters, so the real important bit of information to take away is that Saab is indeed at work testing its next-gen range-topper model for a release sometime before the end of the year, despite the uncertainty surrounding the brand's future.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-5 still coming despite brand's hardship originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 May 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Against all odds, next Saab 9-5 on schedule

Noah Joseph — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Saab, Rumormill

On the market since 1997, Saab's 9-5 is getting more than a little long in the tooth. The Swedish automaker is about to launch the Griffin Edition of its aging sedan, but that's a stop-gap at best; if Saab is serious about its future, it's going to need an all-new 9-5. Or more accurately, if General Motors is serious about Saab's future, it will need a new 9-5 - or at least the perception of a forthcoming 9-5 among investors (Wagoner and company have hinted at that they may sell off or shut down their quirky Scandinavian subsidiary).

The latest rumors, however, indicate that the new 9-5 has departed the terminal on time and is running on schedule. According to the folks at Trollhatten Saab, this report comes courtesy of an admittedly anonymous dealer who has apparently been exclusively peddling Saab's Swedish wares in America for more than two decades. The sketch above, released this past summer, promises a closer tie-in with Saab's increasingly dubious aerospace links. Could it be enough to thrust some juice into the automaker's afterburners? Thanks to Swade for the tip!

[Source: Trollhattan Saab]

REPORT: Against all odds, next Saab 9-5 on schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saab 9-5 packing 1.6-liter turbo in Europe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Saab

Saab's rumored decision to downsize its engines gets some confirmation today, as reports indicate that the Swedish brand's next 9-5 will get just 1.6-liters of displacement for its base engine. However, power should still be up to par, as the mill will get a high-pressure turbocharger to boost output. Despite the small-bore engine, the next 9-5 will be built atop the Epsilon II platform which underpins the latest Opel Insignia and which will cause the new 9-5 to grow in size compared to the current car. The 9-3 will move down to the Delta platform, shared with the Chevy Cruze and other mid-size derivatives.

In addition to the little 1.6, the up-level Saab will get at least one diesel engine along with the 2.8-liter V6 from the GM parts bin. Its Swedish heritage will remain intact thanks to the continued usage of Saab's BioPower engines, which combine high-pressure turbocharging with small, E85-fueled four-cylinder engines and an all-wheel drive system similar to the one just released on the latest 9-3.

[Source: Channel 4]

Saab 9-5 packing 1.6-liter turbo in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments