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

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

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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