Does Saab’s new all-wheel-drive system measure up? We drive the 9-3 in XWD and Turbo X flavors on road, track, and ice to find out.
“What do you think of the 9-X’s front fascia?” “Would you buy a vehicle like the 9-X?” These weren’t the remarks of worried Saab executives, but questions posed to those viewing Saab’s 9-X BioHybrid concept. Computer stations surrounding the car - all using the chouette new Macbook Air - will keep a digital tally, allowing the bosses in Trollhattan to see just how well their show car fared.
As well they should. Although it currently carries the usual show car flare and extravagance, we hear this is a pretty good peek at a forthcoming 9-1 compact. Thus far, the look is rather nice - the front carries the traditional Saab graphic, although the rear form is certainly a break from tradition. The narrow LED taillamps, set within slim bezels in a cyan plastic surround, remind us slightly of the current Subaru Impreza, but moreso of Chevrolet’s conceptual Volt.
(Follow the jump to read more about the Saab 9-X Bio-Hybrid)
Saab has announced its new hybrid compact, the 9-X BioHybrid Concept – which will bow officially at the Geneva Motor Show in the coming hours.
The 9-X BioHybrid is built upon GM’s new global compact Delta platform, which also includes the Opel Astra, Chevy Cobalt and Volt. In fact, it seems to share that elongated front end with the Volt concept. Based on the size, the 9-X will likely be called the 9-1 if it makes it into production.
Under the hood, the 9-X features a 200 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, paired with GM’s next-gen hybrid system. The 9-X also features extra battery-charging capabilities with a roof-mounted solar panel.
Check back later for more details while we cover the Geneva Motor Show.
(Press release available after the jump)
Saab is breaking new ground with this first teaser image of its 9-1X concept that’s headed for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show, giving us such a small idea of the car’s appearance that “tease” might actually be a bit too generous a term.
The silhouette presented by the Swedish automaker certainly reinforces the notion that the 9-1X is a successor the 2006 Aero X concept, sporting the same low and wide lines that we’ve come to expect from Saab show cars. Details become a bit scarce after that however, with the only other recognizable features being a set of narrow and slanted multi-element LED headlights.
The aggressive stance of the vehicle pictured does whet our appetites for the real deal in Geneva though; we just hope that the 9-1X is able to live up to the drama of its shadowy forbearer. Tell us what you think of this barest of teasers in comments.
+ Motor Authority: Geneva 08: Saab 9-1x teaser image
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General Motors Europe said on Tuesday that its Saab brand will be bringing a brand new concept car to the 2008 Geneva Motor Show early next month, on that picks up where 2006’s Aero X (pictured) left off.
Calling the upcoming concept a “further step in continuing product range extension,” the car is likely to foreshadow the arrival of a 9-1X compact model for the Swedish brand. Saab has said that it would like a premium compact to slot in below the 9-3 in its range, and sources say that such a model is likely to pick up design clues from the stylish Aero X.
While no other details about the forthcoming concept are yet known, expect us to have a hot off the presses report live from Geneva, when the car drops on March 3rd.
+ Edmunds Inside Line: 2008 Geneva Auto Show Preview: Saab Confirms Debut of New Concept
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
For those not familiar, The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden is exactly what you think it is; a hotel completely sculpted from ice. Now, Saab chief designer Simon Padian and leading ICEHOTEL designer Tjåsa Gusfors have installed a suite dedicated to the Swedish-maker.
The “Saab Move Your Mind Room” , according to the press release, “allows the public to experience Saab – the brand, its spirit, tonality and core values through innovative design installations made wholly from ice.”
Padian said, “The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and feel more engaged with the Saab brand.”
(Press release after the jump)
Bloomberg News reported that General Motor’s Saab 9-3 Aero sedan is being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The probe is to answer five complaints of loss of power braking. Only one crash was reported, with no injuries, related to the alleged defect. The investigation may affect 49,932 9-3 Aero’s from the 2006-2007 model year equipped with the 2.8L turbocharged V-6 engine.
According to the Detroit News, half of all NHTSA inquiries result in a recall.
+ Detroit News: GM’s Saab 9-3 sedans probed for loss of brake power (via Autoblog)
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The Saab 900 fans are an enthusiastic lot. Sporting scores of owner’s clubs, and fan sites, the iconic Swede has long been the object of worldwide praise, and apparently great imagination.
A perfectly bizarre example of this dedication to the 900 is the photographic diary of one Frenchman’s conversion of a 1980 5-door Saab to a functioning sauna, and barbecue. The transformation is remarkably well finished; inside at least, where beautifully sanded boards fit snugly into the Saab’s curving roof and sides. The Saunaab’s heat comes courtesy of a gas stove, and works to build an admirable steam if the final photos are any indication.
Click on the thumbnails below to journey from Saab to Saunaab, and then tell us what you think in comments.
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
We recently had a pair of Saab 9-3s grace our WINDING ROAD fleet. Our editors reflected on the unique aspects of Saab vehicles for a few moments, and we shot this quick video to highlight some of the most unique parts of the latest Saab.
Based on Saab’s Aero X Concept, the 9-4X BioPower Concept is a new crossover vehicle from the Scandinavian automaker. Optimized for E85 fuel, the 9-4X will house a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection. With all of these features combined, the 9-4X will produce roughly 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Saab will also outfit the 9-4X with its new XWD system, introduced last year on the new-for-2008 9-3.
Designed for “active people with an independent mindset,” the 9-4X features a stylish exterior with a purposeful interior design. GM executives tell us that the 9-4X is for people who want to “express their individuality in a sophisticated way.”
Click the images below for a high-resolution gallery and click through the jump for Saab’s official press release.
What we have here is the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS wearing Saab nomenclature. What we don’t have here is a Saab. The TrailBlazer SS is arguably the best of the General Motors SUVs using the GMT360 architecture, but it is simply and emphatically not the starting place for the next great thing from Saab. If GM hasn’t learned the difference between Saabs and light-duty trucks by now, it is never going to learn, and Saab is doomed.
General Motors chose to reveal all the official information regarding its Saab 9-4X BioPower concept today, after some early images of the car slipped through the virtual cracks this morning.
The new Saab CUV certainly looks a lot better now that the resolution has been turned way up, showing off a design composed of traditionally clean Scandinavian lines. Though the 9-4X may not have purists hailing the second coming of the 900, it certainly smacks of more Saabness than recent four-wheel-drive efforts like the 9-7X.
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch a gallery of 9-4X BioPower images or on the jump to read more, including the official Saab press release.)
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