Autoblog

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

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

Filed under: Saab, Koenigsegg

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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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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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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