Autoblog

Saab to build three all-new models with its two new Chinese partners

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST

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

Saab finally has some good news to share with the world. The Swedish automaker has announced that it has inked formal, legally binding deals with both Pang Da and Youngman. The only thing standing in the way of both agreements right now is approval by a host of regulatory bodies and government agencies. Moreover, Saab has also formed a conditional partnership with Youngman Passenger Car that will culminate in a new joint venture to produce three new models. The operation will be 50 percent owned by Saab with Youngman Passenger Car holding the keys to the remaining half.

Until now, the three new models weren't in Saab's product plan. The company says that the joint venture will help develop the 9-1, 9-6X and 9-7, though details are scarce at the moment. Comments made by Pang Qingnian, CEO of Youngman, point to the 9-6 and 9-7 as being geared toward the U.S. and Chinese markets while the 9-1 will be adapted more toward global tastes. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Continue reading Saab to build three all-new models with its two new Chinese partners

Saab to build three all-new models with its two new Chinese partners originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Saab to enter WRC with new 9-2

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Saab, Rumormill

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

Saab was quite successful in rally competition once upon a time, and it looks like the automaker's new management hopes to kick-start the brand's revival with a return its motorsports roots.

The word out of Europe is that Saab has met with World Rally Championship officials and committed to a 2012 entry into the series with a machine based on its upcoming smaller car. Depending on who you talk to, the new model could be dubbed either the 9-1 or 9-2.

The small car project originally began several years ago when Saab was still under the General Motors umbrella with the car expected to be based on the Gamma platform that underpins the Opel Corsa. As an independent, Saab doesn't have the resources to develop such a platform on its own and is currently talking to other potential partners including BMW and some Chinese makers. Expect its design to be inspired heavily by the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept (above).

If Saab hooks up with BMW, it could have a Mini-based 9-1/9-2 competing against the new Mini Countryman WRC.

Gallery: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Saab to enter WRC with new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Saab 9-1 gets drawn up

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Saab, Design/Style

Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, has made it clear that Saab, which was just recently acquired by Muller's exclusive automaker, will introduce a new small car to go up against the Mini and the newly shown-off Audi A1. What's more, the new small Saab will hearken back to such classically styled Swedish iron as the classic 1949 92.

It's been rumored that the next Saab will be known as the 9-1 and will be based atop the underpinnings of the Opel Astra hatchback. Unlike past GM-based (or Subaru-based, depending) Saabs, though, Muller is reportedly telling his designers that every car wearing the Born-from-Jets badge must be instantly recognizable as a Saab.

That's enough information for a few talented artists to sketch out their own ideas of what a mini Saab might look like, and just such an illustration comes courtesy of Autobild. We have no clue how accurate it may be, but feel free to check it in full by clicking here. So, what do you think?

[Source: Autobild (translated)]

Rendered Speculation: Saab 9-1 gets drawn up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab 9-2 plans proceeding, design influenced by brand's '50s teardrop models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Saab, Design/Style

You wouldn't know it by looking at Saab's current automobiles, but once upon a time the Swedish marque was known for crafting almost impossibly rounded bodywork. Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, which just completed its acquisition of the Saab brand, plans to reintroduce such teardrop-shaped emotion back into the automaker's line with a new vehicle codenamed 92, or in more modern parlance, 9-2.

Don't expect to see the small, premium 9-2 before 2013 or so, when it would theoretically go up against machines like the Mini and Audi A1. According to Autocar, Saab would likely borrow a suitable set of underpinnings from GM's Opel division, as is the case with the new 2011 Saab 9-5.

If Saab is able to get this new entry-level model into production as planned, its inclusion would no doubt go a long way towards reaching Muller's stated goal of hitting 100,000 total sales per year for the newly acquired automaker. That's not too big a stretch considering that the brand sold 93,220 cars as recently as 2008. We wish him, along with the rest of those with a stake in Saab, lots of luck.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Saab 9-2 plans proceeding, design influenced by brand's '50s teardrop models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 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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Paris Preview: Saab 9X Air Concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Green, Paris Motor Show, Saab

Click above for more shots of the Saab 9X Air concept

During yesterday's press briefing, General Motors let its upcoming Saab 9X Air concept out of the bag ahead of its official debut at the Paris Motor Show, and today we finally have official pics and details of the new Swedish open air coupe. Based on last year's 9X BioHybrid concept from Geneva, the 9X Air loses its hard top in favor of a cloth piece and rear glass that pops up from the rear hatch. A concept-worthy interior features four black-and-white seats along with a digital dash.

Power flows to the front wheels via a turbocharged 1.4-liter E85 flex-fuel engine and six-speed dual clutch gearbox. along with an electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. Acceleration to 60 comes up in around eight seconds and fuel mileage is theoretically in the 40 mpg range. Sounds good so far. We are expecting the Air, along with its 9X forebear, to spawn a production model likely called the 9-1. Just how many of the high-tech features will make it into production? We'll see, though we are pretty sure both the hatchback and convertible body styles will make the transition.

Gallery: Preview: Saab 9X Air

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Paris Preview: Saab 9X Air Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Europe decides to downsize future Saabs

Chris Shunk — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:18:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Saab

The midsized sedan has been growing in all directions for decades, but soaring fuel prices have customers begging for something smaller. GM is heeding the call as it is preparing a smaller batch of next generation Saabs. The next 9-3 was originally slated to be underpinned by the Epsilon II, but in March GM decided to instead utilize the lower-medium Delta architecture. The Delta platform will also be used for the next-gen Chevy Cruze, which is slated to eventually replace the Cobalt. The end result will be a smaller, lighter, more efficient Swedish sedan.

With the 9-3 shrinking, Saab will also need to down-size its planned 9-1, which was originally scheduled to be Delta-based. Speculation has Saab reaching into GM's global architecture bin to use the Gamma platform that currently underpins the Opel Corsa. The idea has legs, too, as the Swedish automaker calls the idea "imaginable." Both vehicles are said to contain small, efficient turbocharged powertrains, which is in line with what Saab already uses. We're all for smaller, more agile Saabs, and killer fuel economy wouldn't hurt either.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM Europe decides to downsize future Saabs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Green, Hatchback, Saab

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid

Saab is showing off its latest addition at the Geneva Motor Show today by adding a smaller model at the entry point to its lineup. The new Saab 9-X BioHybrid is strictly a concept at this stage, but it will almost certainly pop up in Saab showrooms before long. The 9-X is built on General Motors' next generation Global Compact Car platform (a.k.a. Delta). That's the platform that underpins cars like the Opel Astra, Chevy Cobalt and, in the future, the Chevy Volt. Given the size, the 9-X will probably become the 9-1 when it hits the streets.

Like other recent Saab concepts, this one carries forth much of the same design language, particularly in the nose and fenders. In profile, it's apparent that the windshield has a much more pronounced wraparound than recent production Saabs or the 9-4X crossover. The roofline has a distinct downward slope toward the back of the car, and the concept features active aerodynamics that help this compact hatchback from the wind. Above 70 km/h, for instance, a spoiler that wraps over the rear pillar and a diffuser below the back bumper extend to increase the effective length of the body and reduce drag. Underhood, the 9-X has a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder that, in typical Saab fashion, is optimized for running on ethanol and earns an output of 200 hp when doing so. Fuel efficiency is enhanced by a next generation GM Hybrid system, which we'll here more about in Geneva, as well. The battery charging capability is further enhanced by a solar panel mounted on the roof. Overall, the 9-X/1 could be a capable competitor to the MINI in the premium compact segment that's fiercely competitive in Europe, but has yet to heat up in the U.S.

Gallery: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Geneva '08 Preview: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: GM could rebadge the Saab 9-1 as a Saturn, Pontiac?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Buick, GM, Pontiac, Saab

We've learned a multitude of things working the automotive beat on the 'Net. Among them: the German press is great for rumors and GM will badge engineer damn near anything. A piece from Auto Motor und Sport lives up to both expectations, with a story saying that the impending arrival of the Saab 9-1 hatch in Geneva will spawn a Saturn derivative and possibly a Pontiac version. According to AMuS, The Saab is likely to be powered by a hybrid system soon after it's launched and the Saturn version could feature a removable roof between the A- and B-pillar. Other blatant speculation includes the possibility of a (God help us) Buick version. We're going to stop laughing and get back to work.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Rumormill: GM could rebadge the Saab 9-1 as a Saturn, Pontiac? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab shows off second 9-1 teaser ahead of Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab

Last week's release of a teaser showing the front end of the Saab 9-1 concept has been followed by the shot above procured by our friends at TrollhattanSaab. The cloaked profile pic answers one of the main questions we had, namely how Saab's designers decided to shape the rear hatch. It looks more upright than we would've assumed, which is a plus for both rear-seat headroom and cargo capacity.

The subtle rear wing looks like it integrates nicely into the roofline and, when compared to the 9x concept from way back in 2001, it looks like Saab is taking all the right cues from the Aero X.

Check the gallery below to compare the 9-1 to the 9x concept.

Gallery: Saab 9X Concept

[Source: TrollhattanSaab]

Saab shows off second 9-1 teaser ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Saab releases 9-1X teaser shot

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:13:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab

We've got to give GM props on this one, since, unlike other automakers, it's blacked-out teaser isn't nearly as susceptible to Photoshop trickery. Regardless, Saab put up the image above on its media site announcing what we already knew: the Saab 9-1X concept is coming to Geneva and it's going to take all the right cues from its bigger brothers. Although the head-on shot gives us some clues about the concept's wide stance and aggressive snout, what we really want to know is how the designers have shaped the rear hatch. While it's assumed that a sloping rear roofline will terminate into a bulbous back end, we've heard rumors that a large overhang will be fitted at the top of the roof to give a sort of reverse-ducktail. The Geneva Motor Show is fast approaching and we're looking forward to seeing how Saab plans to do battle with the Audi A3 and Volvo C30.

[Source: Saab]

Geneva '08 Preview: Saab releases 9-1X teaser shot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch London. Saab 9-1 concept bound for Geneva

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab

Saab has got its work cut out for it over the next few years, as it attempts to recreate itself - once again - by offering a slew of new products that will hopefully differentiate it from the rest of the General's line. The next ~~big~~ small thing from Saab is the 9-1 concept, which aims to compete with the BMW 1-series, the Audi A3 and Volvo's C30.

Originally, the 9-1 was supposed to make its debut at the London Motor Show, but Saab designer Anthony Lo divulged to Auto Motor Und Sport that the new hatch would be unveiled this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Details about Saab's new compact offering are still scarce, but expect styling to be heavily influenced by the Aero X concept, with power provided by either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four or a BioPower mill.

[Source: Auto Motor Und Sport via World Car Fans]

Scratch London. Saab 9-1 concept bound for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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