Autoblog

NEVS mulling electric Saab 9-3 convertible, looking for engine partners, too

George Kennedy — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, China, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Saab

Do you believe in reincarnation? Like how we hope that, maybe, all of our hard work as auto writers will result in an eventual return as a swarm of beautiful butterflies. If you are a Saab fan, the equivalent could be this bit of news: The 9-3 Convertible may rise again, as an electric vehicle.

Word comes from the Dutch version of Autoweek that Chinese entity National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) has indicated that it will bring an electric version of the 9-3 Convertible to market in the next 18 months. The EV droptop would first debut in the Chinese market, but could expand, as could the lineup to other 9-3 variants, such as the sedan and SportCombi. A NEVS spokesperson has stated, "NEVS basically no doors holds." We're not sure if that's the spokesperson or the translation from the Dutch report, but you get the gist.

NEVS also indicated that conventionally powered versions of the 9-3 could be produced as well. The internal combustion engines could be the originally intended General Motors engines. Regardless of powerplant, we would be very eager to see Saab return, potentially as an EV to boot!

NEVS mulling electric Saab 9-3 convertible, looking for engine partners, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Saab 9-3 Independence Edition sneaks out ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Saab

The Saab 9-3 Independence Edition (based on the Aero Convertible) marks the day, February 23, one year ago when Saab left the General Motors corporate org chart to once again become an independent automaker (inasmuch as it can be called that, since it's still owned by Spyker). Expected to debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show, the Saab 9-3 Independence Edition has leaked onto the web a little early.

Unique Independence Edition touches include a new color called Sunset Red and special 18" wheels. Meanwhile, the interior gets parchment leather seats with an orange stripe down the middle, an orange needle on the turbo guage, a Super Sport steering wheel and an assortment of other interior bits from Saab specialist Hirsch. The best part, though, is that the 9-3 Independence Edition also gets the 220-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four from the Saab 9-5.

Enamored? Try not to be, because with only 366 individually-numbered examples to be sold worldwide, the likelihood of getting your hands on one is pretty slim indeed. Thanks for the tip, Knape!

[Source: SaabsUnited]

Saab 9-3 Independence Edition sneaks out ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Saab, USA snag 500,000 players with Burn Notice online game

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Saab, Lifestyle

GM has been heavy in the entertainment sponsorship game, with a variety of scripted programs, award shows, and movies at some point being tied to GM product. Bumblebee has undoubtedly paid dividends for the new Camaro, and now the spy drama "Burn Notice," on USA Network, has done something of the same for Saab.

An online game called "Covert Ops" was created that mirrored the show's plot line, featuring the main character, Michael Westen, driving around Miami in a Saab 9-3 droptop. Over the course of eight weeks, the game got more and more popular, with a final tally of 50,000 registered users and 500,000 unique visitors having tooled around in the virtual car by the time it was all was said done.

With those kinds of numbers, that means Saab was exposed to nearly 25 times the number of people who actually bought Saabs all of last year. GM hasn't said whether it will continue Saab promotion on the show, but for the moment you can still get your game on.

[Source: Ad Age]

REPORT: Saab, USA snag 500,000 players with Burn Notice online game originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA 2008: Saab 25th Anniversary 9-3 Cabrio

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Saab, Specialty

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Saab 9-3 Cabrio 25th Anniversary Edition

A couple of days ago we told you about this special edition 25th Anniversary Saab 9-3 Cabrio. It's a sure sign that there's not much happening when automakers launch these specials in lieu of any real new models. Saab is guilty of this right now. This is the second limited edition of the 9-3 convertible alone this year. At least this one isn't as colorful as the Yellow edition that came out this summer. This latest special edition 9-3 Convertible is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the very first Saab convertible. Believe it or not that was way back in 1983.

To celebrate the model, this special edition takes some cues from the Turbo X, like the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with special piping. Also, like the Aero, it sports dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite gray bumper insert out back. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard and you can choose Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne (above) for the exterior. The standard Saab 2.0L turbo with 210 hp is the only engine. All of that for "just" $46,725. Oh, and those big BioPower stickers on the sides? It apparently can run on E85.

Gallery: LA 2008: 25th Anniversary Saab 9-3 Cabrio

Continue reading LA 2008: Saab 25th Anniversary 9-3 Cabrio

LA 2008: Saab 25th Anniversary 9-3 Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA Preview: Saab to unveil 25th Anniversary special edition 9-3 convertible

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Saab

Click to enlarge the Saab 9-3 convertible anniversary edition

When car makers don't have anything truly new to offer, they often make special editions. Such is the case right now with Saab. General Motors' Swedish brand is putting out its second limited run version of the 9-3 convertible this year. Unlike the somewhat garish Yellow edition that came out during the summer, the new one is more subdued. The latest special edition 9-3 Convertible is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the very first Saab convertible from 1983. The special part comes in a choice of Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne. Power comes from the standard Saab 2.0L turbo with 210 hp. The anniversary convertible will magically appear on the show floor at the LA Auto Show next week without a press conference before it goes on sale in January at the "bargain" price of $46,725. The 9-3 is a nice enough car, but with pricing like that it's no wonder the brand is struggling.

Gallery: Saab convertible 25th anniversary

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading LA Preview: Saab to unveil 25th Anniversary special edition 9-3 convertible

LA Preview: Saab to unveil 25th Anniversary special edition 9-3 convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Just in time for the daffodils Saab releases Yellow edition convertible

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Saab

Click to enlarge the Yellow Edition

Just as spring seems to have finally arrived in force around here, Saab dropped us a line this morning to let us know that it's releasing a new special edition of the 9-3 convertible. The 2008 Yellow Edition is the third of the type following the 1991 original and the 1997 version. The new Yellow Edition gets propulsion from Saab's 210-hp 2.0L turbo four cylinder with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed autobox. Befitting the name, the body is coated in Lynx Yellow paint (although I don't think I've ever actually seen a Lynx in this particular shade of yellow), and you get 17-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, and a laundry list of standard equipment. The Yellow Edition will cost Saab aficionados an extra 3 grand over the standard convertible with an MSRP of $42,830. If you are so inclined, head on down to your Saab dealer while they last.

Update: We just some additional info from Saab. It looks like their will only be about 300 Yellow Editions for the US although the final number isn't nailed down yet. Interiors will be available in black or parchment (light cream), with tops of black, tan, or blue.

Gallery: 2008 Saab Yellow Edition Convertible

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Just in time for the daffodils Saab releases Yellow edition convertible

Just in time for the daffodils Saab releases Yellow edition convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sweden Attacks! Saab unveils new 9-3 Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible

John Neff — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Saab

click above image for many more high-res pics of the 2008 Saab 9-3

The new Saab 9-3 in all of its various forms (Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible) has been the worst kept car secret of 2007. For weeks engineers and more recently executives have been driving the new 9-3 around Trollhattan, Sweden for all to see. The day has finally come, however, for the actual unveiling of the new 9-3, and it's accompanied with more high-res pics than you can wave a white flag at.

The big news, of course, is the Aero X-inspired front end design. No, not everyone will like it, especially considering the current model's design was considered a sharp execution of Saab's traditional styling elements. Nevertheless, the look has grown on us considerably since we first saw spy photos, and the new clip up front is considerably bolder and more aggressive than the current model's. The clamshell hood adds a nice crease to the car's otherwise soft lines, and the trapezoidal lower air intake flanked by a pair of recessed fog lights really fills out the car's chin nicely.

More info as well as press releases for all three models can be found after the jump. All of the high-res pics released by Saab today can be found in the two galleries below.

[Source: Saab]

Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan and SportCombi

Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Continue reading Sweden Attacks! Saab unveils new 9-3 Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible

Sweden Attacks! Saab unveils new 9-3 Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cool Move: Saab puts a 9-3 Convertible on ice

John Neff — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Saab

click above image for high-res version of the Saab 9-3 Convertible on ice

Saab has put the chill to one of its 9-3 Convertibles to celebrate its 60th year in the automobile manufacturing business. The display is located at Sweden's ICEHOTEL, which itself is made out of pure ice. At first glance, we thought an entire 9-3 Convertible had been dipped into a giant vat of H20 and frozen, but the press release reveals it's actually parked in an ice garage comprised of 60 ice blocks harvested from the nearby Torne River. The structure weighs an impressive 30 tons and the blue-lit Saab can reportedly be seen from a kilometer away. About 500 people will attend the Saab Ice Experience at the ICEHOTEL, including customers, VIP guests and select dealers, until the whole thing melts away on March 18th.

[Source: Saab]

Cool Move: Saab puts a 9-3 Convertible on ice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments