Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/report-saab-talking-to-bmw-about-using-mini-platform-for-new-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/report-saab-talking-to-bmw-about-using-mini-platform-for-new-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/11/report-saab-talking-to-bmw-about-using-mini-platform-for-new-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



When Saab first showed the 9-X Biohybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, it was expected to evolve into a production model based on General Motors' compact Delta architecture which forms the foundation of the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze. Now that Saab is owned by Spyker Cars, CEO Victor Muller is reportedly looking for a new platform partner in Munich.

According to Swedish daily Dagens Industri, Saab is negotiating with BMW about getting access to the Mini architecture for a new 9-2 model to slot in underneath the 9-3. Before the teardrop-shaped runabout can become a reality, Saab needs to successfully launch both the 9-5 sedan and the 9-4x crossover.

There is no word yet on whether Muller is said to be in exclusive talks with BMW, or if Muller and Co. are in discussions with other automakers about supplying platforms and parts for the planned supermini. For its part, news agency Reuters quotes a unnamed BMW spokesman as saying "We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology... there are no contracts with Saab at the moment."

The 9-4x, which shares its platform with the Cadillac SRX, is expected to finally launch early next year. But for the model to be successful in Europe, it will need to have a diesel engine option, and Dagens Industri is also reporting that BMW could also provide engines options, although that could be more problematic. The 9-4x has a transverse mounted powertrain, but all of BMW's engines are longitudinally arrayed, which would require significant re-engineering. A tip of the hat to William!


[Source: Reuters]

Report: Saab talking to BMW about using Mini platform for new 9-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-29-4xminimini coopermini platformMiniCooperMiniPlatformSaabsaab 9-2saab 9-3Saab 9-4xsaab 9-5Saab 9-XSaab 9-X BioHybridsaab 9-x biohybrid c...Saab 9-X BioHybrid Conceptsaab bmw minisaab bmw partnershipsaab ninety-twoSaab9-2Saab9-3Saab9-4xSaab9-5Saab9-xSaab9-xBiohybridSaab9-xBiohybridC...Saab9-xBiohybridConceptSaabBmwMiniSaabBmwPartnershipSaabNinety-twoteardrop saabTeardropSaabFri, 11 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19512419/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/11/report-saab-talking-to-bmw-about-using-mini-platform-for-new-9/19512419/article-detail.xml 19512419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/ursaab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/ursaab.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Saab in "expansionist mood," plots own 9-3 replacement, new compact]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/report-saab-in-expansionist-mood-plots-own-9-3-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/report-saab-in-expansionist-mood-plots-own-9-3-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/report-saab-in-expansionist-mood-plots-own-9-3-replacement/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koenigseggsaabSaab 9-1Xsaab 9-3Saab 9-3XSaab 9-4xsaab 9-5saab 9-5 sport combiSaab 9-5 SportCombiSaab 9-Xsaab 9-x air biohybridSaab9-1xSaab9-3Saab9-3xSaab9-4xSaab9-5Saab9-5SportCombiSaab9-xSaab9-xAirBiohybridWed, 04 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19218266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/04/report-saab-in-expansionist-mood-plots-own-9-3-replacement/19218266/article-detail.xml 19218266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/saab-9-x-air_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/saab-9-x-air.jpg <![CDATA[Paris Preview: Saab officially unveils 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/paris-preview-saab-unveils-9-x-air-biohybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/paris-preview-saab-unveils-9-x-air-biohybrid-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/paris-preview-saab-unveils-9-x-air-biohybrid-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

Saab unveiled the 9-X BioHybrid Concept hatchback last March at the Geneva Motor Show, and it will be joined next month at the Paris Motor Show by this: the 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept. Both vehicles are said to herald the coming of a production Saab 9-1 small car, but the 9-X Air goes a step further and replaces the original concept's closed roof with a flat-folding canopy top that's said to celebrate the brand's history in the convertible building business. Aside from that, the concepts appear to be almost identical right down to sharing the same turbocharged 1.4L Saab BioPower engine producing 197bhp. We'll bring you more pics and info of the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept straight from the show floor in Paris next month.

UPDATE: Many more high-res images added to gallery.

Gallery: Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Saab officially unveils 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

Paris Preview: Saab officially unveils 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-x air biohybrid concept9-xAirBiohybridConceptbreakingparisparis 2008paris motorshowParis2008ParisMotorshowsaabsaab 9-xsaab 9-x airSaab9-xSaab9-xAirThu, 18 Sep 2008 00:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1317358/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/09/18/paris-preview-saab-unveils-9-x-air-biohybrid-concept/1317358/article-detail.xml 1317358 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/9-x-air-3_4-front-dynamic_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/9-x-air-3_4-front-dynamic_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Opel Meriva concept could spawn Saturn variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/opel-meriva-concept-could-spawn-saturn-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/opel-meriva-concept-could-spawn-saturn-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/06/opel-meriva-concept-could-spawn-saturn-variant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Meriva concept.

The Opel Meriva concept's high belt-line and hatchback shape looks like it could double as a Pontiac Vibe of the future, but recent history tells us it could one day find its way into a Saturn dealership. Automotive News quotes unnamed GM execs saying that the next generation Meriva is "being considered" for the U.S. market. The dreaded "business case" has to be made in order for the little MPV to land stateside, but the Meriva, already successful in Europe, has plenty going for it. The concept that previews the next production model was built with parts from two of GM's small car architectures that will be shared with other vehicles, and the Meriva's turbocharged 1.4L engine also rested under the hood of the Saab 9-X concept. The Meriva would also supply Saturn with a fuel-efficient family hauler, at least more efficient than the VUE CUV, another European import from Opel. Heck, it's not our money, we say build it, slap on a Saturn badge and call it a day.

Gallery: Opel Meriva Concept


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Opel Meriva concept could spawn Saturn variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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