Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Are you the next Saab 9-3?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/are-you-the-next-saab-9-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/are-you-the-next-saab-9-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/are-you-the-next-saab-9-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Next Saab 9-3 rendering

Assuming the Chinese government approves the sale of Saab to the Pang Da and Youngman companies (a very big "if," truth be told), the Swedish automaker could indeed have a bright future... in time. With the new 9-5 and 9-4X not in need of any dire updates just yet, it'd be smart for Saab to focus on reworking its biggest volume offering, the aged 9-3. And judging by this sketch found on Swedish site Svd.se, the next 9-3 (likely called "Ninety-Three") could be quite a rakish yet practical entry into the entry-level luxury segment. The image above is said to be taken from an internal planning document, and it depicts a handsome five-door shape, with Saab's characteristic cantilevered "hockey stick" greenhouse and turbine-shaped wheels.

We at Autoblog were very fond of the three- and five-door 9-3 bodystyles from the late 1990s and early 2000s (as well as the 99 and 900 model ranges that sired them), and with more automakers proving that dramatically sloped hatchbacks can have a place in the luxury segment (thanks, Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera), the rebirth of a proper liftback 9-3 could be a strong move for the beleaguered company. Even from this grainy image, we can see a lot of influence from the Phoenix concept that bowed in Geneva earlier this year, albeit without the showcar's flashier touches.

Still, who knows if this car will ever see the light of day based on Saab's current shaky situation. For now, we're crossing our fingers. Head over to Svd.se for the full story (and more photos).

Are you the next Saab 9-3? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 saab 9-32013 saab 9-39-393ninety-threesaabsaab 9-3saab 93saab ninety-threeswedish automobilevictor mullerMon, 31 Oct 2011 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/are-you-the-next-saab-9-3/20094748/article-detail.xml 20094748 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/next-saab-9-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/next-saab-9-3.jpg <![CDATA[Saab marks 50th anniversary of Erik Carlsson's first RAC win with special 9-3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/saab-marks-50th-anniversary-of-erik-carlssons-first-rac-win-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/saab-marks-50th-anniversary-of-erik-carlssons-first-rac-win-wit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/saab-marks-50th-anniversary-of-erik-carlssons-first-rac-win-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Erik "Mr Saab" Carlsson and the Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson - Click above for high-res image gallery

Erik Carlsson, also known as Mr. Saab, is a rallying icon directly tied to the Swedish automaker's lore. 50 years ago, Carlsson won his first British RAC rally title in a three-cylinder, 750 c.c. Saab 96. He went on to win the event two more times - in a row. Carlsson took podium positions for Saab in rallies around the world, and if you look at his racing history, it's clear that Carlsson knows a thing or two about car control and motorsports. He has always driven Saabs and was even born in Trollhättan, the automaker's home town. So, what better time to honor him than now with a limited-edition Saab 9-3? The Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson is being produced by Saab Great Britain and only 96 are going to be made, so U.S. Griffinistas are sadly out of luck.

The racing legend was honored during a luncheon at the RAC Club in London. The special-edition 280-horsepower 9-3 was announced and then displayed alongside a classic 96. A pleased Carlsson noted:
"This is a great occasion for me, it has been wonderful to see so many old friends again, including Stuart [Turner] who did such a fantastic job reading the maps. I wouldn't have won without his help. I also feel very honored to have a car named after me. Anyone who loves driving and is as passionate about Saab as I am, will be excited about getting behind the wheel."
Hop the jump for the full press release and check out the high-res images below.


Gallery: Rally Legend Erik "Mr. Saab" Carlsson

Rally Legend Erik Rally Legend Erik Rally Legend Erik Rally Legend Erik

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Saab marks 50th anniversary of Erik Carlsson's first RAC win with special 9-3

Saab marks 50th anniversary of Erik Carlsson's first RAC win with special 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-39-3 aero carlssonbritish rac rallyErik Carlssongreat britainmr. saabrallysaabsaab 9-3saab 9-3 aero carlssonsaab 93saab 96Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19665008/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/07/saab-marks-50th-anniversary-of-erik-carlssons-first-rac-win-wit/19665008/article-detail.xml 19665008 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/saab-9-3-aero-carlsson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/saab-9-3-aero-carlsson.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally headed for Mille Miglia with Spyker and Saab CEOs at the wheel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-1957-saab-93-rally-headed-for-mille-miglia-with-spy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-1957-saab-93-rally-headed-for-mille-miglia-with-spy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-1957-saab-93-rally-headed-for-mille-miglia-with-spy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


1957 Saab 93 rally car replica - Click above for high-res image gallery

As car guys, we want to see Saab succeed at the hands of its new owners, Spyker Cars. And while the brand faces an uphill battle to reach profitability, its new masters are at least showing signs of understanding the Swedish automaker's rich past. The latest proof? Spyker CEO Victor Muller and Saab CEO Jan Åke Jonsson will take on Italy's famed Mille Miglia road race in this 1957 Saab 93, a replica of the car that won the Finnish 1,000 Lakes Rally that year.

The 750cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine has been tuned to Group 2 specification, producing 55 horsepower - 22 horsepower more than the standard car. So-equipped, the robust racer is said to be good for 62 miles-per-hour in 13 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph.

While racing in May's historic recreation of the Mille Miglia might not generate much in the way of brand buzz, if nothing else, it strikes us as a nice acknowledgment of the company's past by the keepers of its future. Could there be more than just a history lesson at work here? Late last month, Autocar reported that Saab is proceeding with plans for a new entry-level model, the 9-2, that will reportedly be influenced by Saab's 1950's 'teardrop' design. High-res gallery of live shots from here at the Geneva Motor Show below, official press release after the jump.


Gallery: Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally car


[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally headed for Mille Miglia with Spyker and Saab CEOs at the wheel

Geneva 2010: 1957 Saab 93 rally headed for Mille Miglia with Spyker and Saab CEOs at the wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jan ake jonssonJan Åke JonssonJanAkeJonssonJanÅkeJonssonmille migliaMilleMigliaSaabSaab 93Saab teardropSaab93SaabTeardropSpyker CarsSpykerCarsVictor MullerVictorMullerWed, 03 Mar 2010 20:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19381145/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-1957-saab-93-rally-headed-for-mille-miglia-with-spy/19381145/article-detail.xml 19381145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/001-57-saab-93-rally-geneva-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/001-57-saab-93-rally-geneva-630.jpg <![CDATA[Saab 9-5 packing 1.6-liter turbo in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/saab-9-5-packing-1-6-liter-turbo-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/saab-9-5-packing-1-6-liter-turbo-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/saab-9-5-packing-1-6-liter-turbo-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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]]>saabsaab 9-3saab 9-5saab 93saab 95saab biopowerSaab9-3Saab9-5Saab93Saab95SaabBiopowerMon, 11 Aug 2008 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1281173/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/08/11/saab-9-5-packing-1-6-liter-turbo-in-europe/1281173/article-detail.xml 1281173 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/saab-aero-x-concept-2-lg_450op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/saab-aero-x-concept-2-lg_450op.jpg -1 2