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by Swade

Tuesday Night Snippets – oops edition

July 29, 2009 in Saabology

I’m having trouble with some backend stuff here on the site and may have accidentally erased everyone’s user accounts. They’re still showing at the system level but not at the blog level.
This shouldn’t present a problem for anyone in terms of commenting. It may mean you need to complete the comments form as mere mortals do every time, but comments should still get through OK.
My apologies for any inconvenience, but there’s a few things – including potential security problems – that need to be sorted out back here.
——
Whilst we’re on user experiences, I had the ugly displeasure of banning one commenter yesterday, as well as erasing a few comments in the last few days.
Unfortunately, the erasure of selected comments may continue as users keep posting speculation as fact. It misleads readers and means a bucketload of cleanup work for me in trying to correct perceptions.
Please pay heed to the comments policy (left sidebar) and keep comments reasonable, in good taste and on point.
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One member of Saabforum.nl recently purchased a beautiful classic 900 Lux from France. I’m not sure if we got the same specification here, but we did get the same color scheme and I’ve always loved this model.
LuxSaab900.jpg
It’s kinda funny, though….
Most of the forum visitors commented not so much on the car, but on the truck that brought the car home.
The old Scania does look kind of majestic, doesn’t it?
ScaniaVabis.jpg
Thanks to Jacco for the link!
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Saab posted a 2008 loss of around US$500m, which is not good, though largely inconsequential when GM’s doing the books.
It could be worse. This could be a Jaguar blog. They lost US$1.1billion.
At least they have Elle, though.
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I recently featured a photochop of the Saab 9-3 by one of our Swedish design friends, Niklas Palm. I’ve been showing Niklas’ work here (and on TS) for a few years now. He’s a design student in Sweden and always has something interesting to look at.
It seems we’re not the only ones noticing his work, either. Check this out at WIRED.
Congratulations, Niklas!! If the new Saab needs some new faces in the design studio, I reckon they should give you a call.
audi_icekraft01.jpg
And whilst we’re considering Niklas and his work, here’s another Saab 9-3 photochop he’s sent to me. He’s used the front end of the Saab 9-4x and intakes from the 9-X as inspiration for this one.
Saab-9-3_2011 copy.jpg
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The 9-5 comprisons continue…..with steering wheels.
Similar, but not the same as counterparts from within GM:
steering wheels.jpg
——
And the 9-3 rear ends continue, with this one from Shayang – thanks!
9-3shayang.jpg
–

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AMS: Saab fans and executives on the future of Saab

July 28, 2009 in News

As posted earlier, today’s issue of Auto Motor and Sport magazine in Sweden has a large feature on Saab.
They sought input from readers and received over 1,400 comments, which they then presented to Saab executives whilst in Trollhattan for a photo shoot of the Saab 9-5.
The article is print only, but Gunteman has been kind enough to provide some dot points from it, in English.
Thanks Gunteman – you are a champ!
——
Editorial: “Saab is the the meaning of life. But everything Saab stands for is.”
-1427 readers answered the AMS survey about what the Saab of the future should be
-Saab’s and CvK’s responses were: WOW!
-Magnus Hansson (MH), Manager Product Marketing: “It’s clear we’re aiming in the right direction”
-MH: “People don’t like the connection to GM, but that’s partly unfair. Without GM there would be no Saab today.”
-Mats Fägerhag (MF), Executive Director Vehicle Systems etc..: “Koenigsegg’s people are good listeners”
-Simon Padian (SP), Brand Design Chief: “We’re looking at Apple’s user interfaces..”
-The readers agree that the turbo engine is the main core value
-Saab are very actively looking into electric engines, hybrids etc.. The slogan “Responsible performance” is at the core.
-MH: “There will be turbos at the bottom, with smaller engines but more types of fuel. Electrification at the top” (comment: the meaning of “top” and “bottom” was a bit unclear)
-MF: “The investors have big plans, and they would commit to this just for fun.”
-MF: “Electric engines are more important than the readers think”
-Readers: “Please build cars with rear wheel drive!”
-Readers: “The aircraft heritage must live on”
-Readers: “Return to the airplane logotype. Skip the bird with the burning throat”
-Saab: 9-3 is the most important model
-Rumour: Saab has contacted Mini in England about cooperation around a new small model (9-1)
-Readers: “A new Sonett type sports car is important”
-MH: “SUVs, MPVs and 9-9 are out of the question.”
-SP: “The growing of the wheels on cars must stop.”
-Saab will likely continue cooperation with GM
-Readers: “The concept cars look great, but you can be even bolder and more daring!”
-MH: “Today we don’t deserve a high price level, but our goal is to be at Audi’s level or higher”
Also, the concept drawings in the article are absolutely gorgeous and spot on (not least a small city car). I believe they were all made by AMS’s own Radovan Varicak.
Saab 9-1 sketch

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by Swade

Saab management speak – to AMS

July 28, 2009 in News

UPDATE:
Gunteman has provided a dot point summary here.
——
Those of us who’ve been wondering about the silence from Saab’s management over the last few months should take a little comfort from recent events – they have spoken.
Auto Motor and Sport cover It’s possibly just a little comfort though, as they’ve spoken in Swedish and their words are appearing in print only at this time, in the latest print edition of Auto Motor and Sport.
In the story, Auto Motor and Sport tap their readers to discuss what the future of Saab could and should be. The design language, the technology, the spirit – all of it.
They then sat down with various Saab people during the recent 9-5 photo shoot: Mats Fägerhag, Magnus Hansson, Simon Padian, Jan-Åke Jonsson and even Christian von Koenigsegg, among others. These Saab staffers looked over the reader comments and provided some thoughts of their own about Saab’s future direction.
I haven’t seen the story yet and it probably won’t appear online for some time, but the comments are apparently very interesting and say a lot as to where Saab are going in the near future.
The new issue of AMS hits the stands today, so go grab it and let us all know what the heck’s going on.
Click here for the tiny review, including what’s possible with this car.
Saab 9-1 sketch
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Postscript – and yes, I’m envious. Freaking envious.
I would so much love to be in Sweden right now, getting stories like this and documenting this transitionary period in Saab’s history. Kudos to AMS for the concept and execution.
I feel about as useful as a poop chute in a space suit stuck here in Tasmania at the minute.

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by Swade

Help wanted – 9-3 convertible scuttle shake

July 28, 2009 in Troll Stuff

Given that I’m quite new to owning a convertible and totally unfamiliar with the Saab 9-3 convertible ownership experience, I thought I’d pass this query from David W on to wiser minds.

Swade,
I have a question regarding my 2007 9-3 Convertible. I recently purchased new tires for it, replacing my Continentals with Yokahamas. They improved the ride and handling, but have cause more cowl shake in the process. My question is, would a strut brace help correct this or should I be looking for something else and where could I find it to purchase? I have tried several times to locate a strut brace on-line, but have not found any for my 9-3. I know convertibles will shake more than a non-convertible, but this seems excessive to me.
Thanks for your help,
David
Dallas, Texas

Comments are open. If you can help, I’m sure it’d be much appreciated.

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by Swade

EPA tweaks mileage ratings, preserves Saabs from Cash for Clunkers

July 28, 2009 in News

The CARS program (aka Cash for Clunkers) is up and running in the US, with the final rules and regs published in the last 24 hours or so.
In order to qualify for Cash for Clunkers, your old car needs to get 18mpg or worse. There are stories filtering through the web today of people who’s clunkers got 18mpg last week, but are suddenly getting 19mpg now that they’re looking to scrap them.
It seems that in the lead up to C-day, the EPA decided to do a review of mileage ratings for vehicles and make a few adjustments – and these adjustments have a few people up in arms.
One of those people wrote into Edmunds about not being into scrap his Saab 900.

Same thing just happened to me – 1992 SAAB 900S 2.1 Liter, Automatic – was 18 mpg on fueleconomy.gov two days ago – went to the dealer this morning, filled out the paperwork to buy my new Honda and the dealer tells me my car doesn’t qualify – now shows 19mpg.

Now, I know it’s a non-turbo and I know it’s an automatic, but it’s still a classic Saab 900 and therefore, should never be put in a clunker position, regardless of whether people think it’s clunking or not.
OK, I guess it’s free choice, but I’m almost happy some of these cars will stay on the road.
Getting old smoke-belching, rusty tanks off the road is one thing, but to remove automotive character is another thing all together. I think there’s been similar sentiments expressed in other countries where scrappage schemes have been successful (esp France).
If you’re thinking about clunking your Saab, please think again. Once it’s traded it has to be permanently disabled and can’t be enjoyed by another.
If that appeal hasn’t moved you, at least make sure you double-check your EPA mileage rating to make sure it qualifies.

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by Swade

Please help “Stu the Lens Genius”

July 28, 2009 in Troll Stuff

It’s time to use your powers for good!
Stu the Lens Genius is a mate of mine here in Hobart and though it’s been a while, you’ve enjoyed much of his work in the past on Trollhattan Saab. I’ve included a small collection of his work below.
Stu has put his hand up for a photographic competition, which is an all-too-rare public display from the very humble man. If you feel so inclined, I’d like to ask for your assistance to help him get over the line and scoop a much deserved prize pool valued at around A$12,000.
Instructions:

  1. Click here
  2. Write Tekapo in the search box at the top
  3. The photos come up at random. Look for the photo below.
  4. Cast your vote!

Here’s the photo you’ll be looking for. Take care to pick the right one as there’s another one that’s similar. You may need to go through to a 2nd screen of images:
StuTekapo.jpg
Of course, if you like the look of some others better, please feel free to vote that way too and only participate if you feel so inclined.
It’ll only take you a minute.
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UPDATE – Our mate Steve B (or “SAB” as many of you would know him) also has some entries in the competition, so I’d encourage you to do a second search using “Bunton” and cast another vote!
——
Here’s some of the great shots Stu has blessed us with over the years at Trollhattan Saab:
Viggen triumph.jpg
297 Edit.jpg


TSWPVigwheel1920.jpg
20061118%20Badge%20%26%20Wheel%20%28R%29%20800px.jpg

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by Swade

More 9-3 and 9-5 imagery

July 28, 2009 in Saabology

The 9-5 photoshoppers have already had some fun and earlier today the 9-3 photoshoppers got to have some fun making the 9-3 look more like the 9-5.
Here’s another one in that tradition, an adaptation that combines a little of the 9-3′s current lights with the ‘light sabre’ across the back, a-la the new 9-5.
This one’s from one of our favourite design mates, Niklas Palm. Pardon my French, but he refers to this as the 9-3 ‘asslift’. And to the French, please pardon my English :-)
Saab-9-3_2008_800.jpg
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2010 Saab 9-5 vs Saab 900
OK, this may be a longer bow to draw, but Radulf has sent this image in, excited about similarities between the 9-5 and the classic Saab 900.
9-5_900.jpg
It’s important to bear in mind that these are very different cars from very different times.
Having said that, I can see some links here with the hockey stick being in play, as well as the rear slope of the 9-5, despite it not being a hatch. It’s more similar than I’d thought when I saw it in isolation.
One’s already a classic and I have the feeling the other will go down as a classic in the future.
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Saab 9-4x vs 2010 Saab 9-5 interior
When you see this is makes you wonder why Saab went to such lengths to cover up the interior of the 9-5. As it turns out, we’d seen 90% of it back in January 2008 with the Saab 9-4x concept.
Saab9-4x-Saab9-5.jpg
Of course, acrylic is out in favour of materials that will actually work (I guess) and the switching is ever so slightly different, but the 9-5 is pretty much a production adaptation of the 9-4x interior.
I can tell you from personal experience that the 9-4x interior was a joy to sit in. If they get the interior materials right in this new car, then I’m sure it’ll be the same for the 9-5.

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by Swade

Saab records loss for 2008

July 28, 2009 in News

A Googletrans from TTELA:

Saab Automobile had a big loss in 2008. The company’s operating income amounted to minus 4,148 million. This shows in the company’s annual report that came on Monday.
It is almost than double the loss from 2007, when Saab Automobile lost 2,194 million (SEK, not US$). In 2008 the company sold 93,220 cars, a decline of 31,866 cars compared with 2007, when the company sold 125,086 cars.

Now, is there anything unexpected here?
Saab’s line for a long time is that they needed to sell around 150,000 cars to break even. That figure could be less once they ditch GM’s funky accounting practices.
Plot these numbers on a graph and I think you’ll find that extending the trend line from 125,000 sales to 150,000 sales will bring the reading on the profit/loss axis to around zero – just as Saab has forecasted.
Nothing to see here except the need to press on and get moving.
–
Thanks to ctm in comments.

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Car & Driver New Car 2010 Edition

July 27, 2009 in Editorial, News

All told, I’ve been a Car & Driver subscriber for probably twleve years of my life, including the last two. I’ve enjoyed some of the magazine, especially the irreverent humor, for the most recent span, but I’ve felt that the automotive opinions are as biased toward the Germans as any other press outlet is these days.
Honestly, I don’t expect a great big entry for Saab in the “new cars” (September 2009) edition, because there aren’t any to speak of, really. With the new 9-5 delayed well past the autumn 2009 debut of the 2010 models, there really isn’t much news to report. However, there is plenty of company news to report — new ownership, the 9-5 in the pipeline, concept cars and the new 9-3x.
I’ll give C&D a pass on the ownership news front given that the press time for the “September 2009″ edition is in June (perhaps even late May?), but certainly if Suzuki merits mention for the (somewhat uncertain) Kizashi, certainly the new 9-5 should merit some attention?
At least there is enough Saab news to fill more than about one-tenth of a page.
See the scans after the jump to see what I’m talking about.

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Massive Monday Saab Flickr-dump

July 27, 2009 in Saabology

There’s been a lot of good Saab shots popping up on Flickr in the last few weeks so I thought it time I cleared my collection and post some of them for your enjoyment.
As you know, I’m a big fan of good car photography and this is another collection of some of the best Saab imagery out there. Some of it’s notable for its artistry and some for the unique nature of the subject.
Whatever the reason, I hope you enjoy this collection of shots as much as I did.
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Another great shot from Bennorz.
Bennorz900.jpg
I think someone could make a million selling these…..
TrollsEngineCover.jpg
A great night time motion shot.
SpacerideSaab.jpg

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The best Saab reading you’ll do all weekend.

July 27, 2009 in Saabology

I’m elevating this to the top of the site again for the benefit of those that didn’t check in over the weekend.
This really is essential reading.
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I first got an email from Sam Knight of the Financial Times back on May 8:

I write for the Financial Times weekend magazine, where we undertake longer pieces of reporting, profiles etc, and I’m starting to put together a story about Saab. …… I am not planning to write a blow by blow account of what is happening to Saab, more an exploration of the brand, its history, and the grip that it has on people.

After that we talked on the phone and got him hooked up with some people in Trollhattan, where he visited some few weeks later, getting an A-list of interviews and some great access to Saab.
The end result of all Sam’s research has been published today in the Financial Times – and it’s absolutely superb.
I won’t give a single word away. Just sit down with a good cuppa and enjoy one young man’s exploration of the brand we know and love.
Thanks to Ted and Derek for the heads up.

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Saab Pride – More New Mexico Style

July 27, 2009 in Saabology

Thumbnail image for Saab PrideThe last lot of Saab Pride photos I featured here at SU were taken at the White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Whilst those photos featured three cars, today it’s just one photo of one car.
But what a great shot!
Saab Pride is the section of the website where you get the tip the media balance in Saab’s favour and do some show and tell as to why your Saab’s so good and means so much to you and/or your family.
Today’s entry comes from Asher.
——
My dad started driving Saabs in 1991 with a used rose-quartz 900 Turbo and as a little kid I thought the car was the coolest (he bought the car after owning two Corvettes, but the Saab had much more character). From the bouncing lights on the equalizer to the heated seats, I always requested to ride in the SAAB.
This has now grown into a family fleet. My first car was a 1990 SPG and I now drive a 9-5 SportWagon. My dad has regressed, and now cruises in a 1973 Saab 96 as his daily driver :-)
The full family fleet is as follows:

  • 1973 SAAB 96
  • 1990 900 SPG
  • 1991 900 SE Convertible — Yellow
  • 1995 900 SE Convertible
  • 1999 9-5 Sedan
  • 2001 9-5 Sport Wagon

This image is of our 9-5 sedan at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, right after we put on some new wheels. It was included in the SAABnet picture of the year contest in 2007.
It’s the 1999 9-5 2.3 LPT and belongs to my sister.
Click to enlarge
SAAB007Asher.jpg
–
Thanks to Asher!! You can view all the Saab Pride entries by clicking the Saab Pride button, at the bottom of the right sidebar.

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by Swade

Photochops – adapting Saab 9-5 lights on a Saab 9-3

July 27, 2009 in Saabology

UPDATE below!
UPDATE II
——
“Me” has done a quick 2 minute photochop to transplant the sexy new rear lighting of the 2010 Saab 9-5 onto the existing Saab 9-3 sport sedan.
Yes, the photochop is very raw, but it gives you the basic idea.
The Saab 9-3 is going to have another face lift before an all-new model comes out in a few years’ time. Information so far has indicated that that facelift will be mostly concerned with upgrading the interior of the car, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some exterior changes, too, in order to bring the old car into line with the new design language.
Anyway, here’s the initial chop. As I said, it is quite raw but it gives you the basic idea as to what might happen. Skilled choppers please feel free to do your thing and hit me up via email.
Saab 9-3 photoshop
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UPDATE
Johan has had a crack at it, too, with nice results.
Thanks Johan!
93MY2011.jpg
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UPDATE II
raquettelaker2 has also had a crack at it, showing front and rear.
Thanks!
2011_9-3_Front.jpg
2011_9-3_Rear.jpg

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Sunday Night Snippets – good weekend edition

July 27, 2009 in Saabology

I hope you’re all having a good, relaxing weekend.
We’ve actually had a really good week here, with two family members landing new jobs, one of them now at the very beginning of his career as an apprentice electrician. There’s an outside chance my wife might be getting her own solo art exhibition, too, a development with which she was quite chuffed.
I changed the oil and filters in the MX-5 today, which whilst being a small job, was very satisfying for a non-tech gimp like me. It really needed to be done, too.
And to top it all off, we now have a Swedish flag in our garden, a souvenir of our night out seeing a local production of Eurobeat – the musical on the weekend. It’s a parody of the Eurovision song contest and it was great!
Work tomorrow. Bleh.
——
A little more informtion on that Uno 001 vehicle spotted at the Saab Days celebrations has come to hand.
Saabuno001.jpg
I got an email from Johan, who was at Saab Days and shot a couple of photos of the car (above). He’s also found a little bit of information from Wikipedia.

UNO 001 was the name of the only produced car from the planned UNO project to create a sports car made in Linköping. The project started in the late 1980s with a budget of 3 million SEK and the backing of several strong financial backers. They managed to produce the UNO 001, but then something went wrong. In the 2000s it was for sale for 30000 SEK and it as of 2009 undergoing restoration.
The car is made steel tube frame with body parts of steel sheets. According to a 1980s commercial it could be assembled in in two hours. Much of the parts used come from Saab, including the engine mounted in a mid engine configuration.

Thanks to Johan and also to those in comments who recognised the car and posted some information about it.
I love custom project like this. Always fascinating stuff. I’d love to get a drive in this one – one day.
——
The same Johan also shot me a link to his Myspace site.
Johan’s a designer by profession, though currently out of work due to the GFC. Hopefully he’ll be back on the wagon again soon, though, as he’s got some great skills there.
I really liked this one – the Koenigsegg speedboat.
KoenigseggSpeedboat.jpg
I know Bard Eker’s got an interest in power boats. This seems like a natural extension of the Koenigsegg line of vehicles for the rich and infamous.
——
And finally, a nice little anecdote from Ted Y that came in via email….

Steven,
I just had to share some good news. The fuel gauge on my 04 9-3 Arc just quit. I know, how can that be good news? Well, it gave me a reason to call my Classic Cadillac, Saab dealership in Mentor, Ohio. They were reported in the local paper to be shutting down (per GM orders I assume) as soon as their inventory runs down. Not sure if they were even still in business, I called and asked.
When I mentioned about them shutting down, he said “Oh, that’s just Cadillac were shutting down. We’re keeping Saab and staying in business.” Yahoo! Better yet though, I have the GM Major Guard Protection Plan on my Saab, and GM will foot the repair bill.
But it’s just great to hear that Caddy’s being shut down, and “the Saab” will live on!
Cheers,
Ted Y

If you’re confused by the reference to ‘The Saab’ then you need to click here.
Thanks for the story, Ted, and I hope that dealer gets rewarded tenfold.

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The curious case of the Saab 9-4x

July 26, 2009 in Saabology

The third of Saab’s four, upcoming vehicles, is the Saab 9-4x and there’s beena review over on the New York Times which has cast a little doubt on it’s ability to stand up to the competition.
The review is actually of the Cadillac SRX, but seeing as how the main criticism is of the base level engine and transmission, and seeing as how it’s the same base level engine and transmission that will be in the US-spec Saab 9-4x, this is a potential problem.
Maybe.

If a car could break a sweat, you’d need to mop the Caddy’s brow every time you trudge up a hill or struggle from a stoplight. The SRX takes a lazy 8.5 seconds to reach 60 m.p.h., according to Car and Driver magazine. That’s last in the class by a good margin, about 2 seconds slower than the Audi Q5 or the Acura RDX. Lincoln’s excellent new MKT crossover is nearly 2.5 seconds quicker to 60 with its lusty twin-turbo V-6, although it is heavier and roomier…..
……The transmission is another buzzkill, obsessed with moving you into high gears too soon, an obvious sop to fuel economy. In city traffic or hilly terrain, the SRX seems always in the wrong gear. Press the gas, and the Caddy lugs and bogs, forcing you to press harder, at which point the transmission finally wakes up and executes a lurching two-gear downshift.

The offending lump is an all-new 3.0 litre direct-injected six cylinder unit. It’s a non-turbo affair that puts out around 260hp and from we’ve learned previously, up to around 350Nm of torque. Those numbers sound OK on paper, but the SRX is a reasonably heavy vehicle and there’s not much to suggest that the 9-4x will be significantly lighter.
Now, I should mention that comparing the 0-60 acceleration times of SUVs is a bit like a couple of eunechs eyeing each other off in the shower block. Yes, they have some of the essential gear, but they’re not going to be using it any time soon. Anyone for whom 0-60 times are really a top priority is not buying a SUV, they’re looking at a sports car or a sports sedan.

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