Autoblog

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]

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.


[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company]

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]