I thought it might be a useful idea to re-post these press materials for the new Saab 9-5.
We had a good look at this last year, of course, but a lot of stuff with Saab has been about the business side of things. Soon, we’ll be able to put that aside just a little and concentrate more on what matters – the cars.
This is what it’s all about, after all.
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The following are from the press materials for the 2010 Saab 9-5.
Other releases include:
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All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab
- Public debut for Saab’s all new premium sedan
- Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X and Saab heritage
- Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
- Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
- Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech’ features
Making its public debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in model year 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.
The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low asn139 g/km.
“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”
Scandinavian Design
Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5′s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
Driver-focused cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5′s premium appeal.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.
On the road
An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5′s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with the 2.0-liter gasoline, BioPower and 2.8V6 turbo engines. Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Two different suspension layouts are factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
New era
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.
Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!
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All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Scandinavian Design Simplicity Has Never Looked This Good
- Saab unveils new era in expressive Scandinavian design
- Delivers on signposts from Aero X concept car
- ‘Organic sculpture’ presents Saab signature design themes
- More spacious, driver-focused cabin
Born and bred in Scandinavia, the all new Saab 9-5 Sedan is a sleek expression of the power of simplicity and heralds the arrival of a new, more assertive design language for the brand.
Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the car. “We are adopting a new vocabulary to tell the story of our brand,” explains Saab Brand Design Chief Simon Padian. “It gives a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic design cues.”
The ‘words’ in the new vocabulary come from Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, revealed in 2006 as a signpost to the future of Saab design. Its bold front-end styling, ‘wraparound’ window graphic, clean body surfacing and ice-block lighting themes are key visual elements now translated into the powerful form of the new 9-5 Sedan. They reflect a brand inspired by Scandinavian design and a unique aircraft heritage.
“We pushed out the boundaries of Saab design with the Aero X concept,” says Simon, “and the new 9-5 shows how we are bringing this more assertive look to our products. It is the first step in a new era for Saab design.”
Organic sculpture
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked by curving, ‘ice-block’ headlamp units with signature LED light guides. The windshield and side windows are presented as a single wraparound graphic, the disguised front and side pillars giving the glasshouse of the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. The proportions of the windshield and roof are also reminiscent of the ‘peaked cap’ look of the classic 900 model. And that large Saab logo, embossed in the center of the grille, characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean convex and concave surfaces with natural, curvaceous forms. Seeming shaped by the wind, the bodywork has a smooth, fuselage-like quality inspired by Saab’s aircraft heritage. Fenders stretched to the outer edges of the wheels, 17 to 19-inches in size, energize the looks of the car and add to its dynamic, purposeful stance.
In Scandinavian tradition, the visual impact of the design is heightened by an absence of exterior trim or stylized detailing. All individual elements contribute to the appearance of the design as whole, without providing visual distraction or ‘clutter’. “With Scandinavian design, we are seeking to simplify forms,” says Simon. “Things don’t have to be complicated to be interesting. In visual terms, less is more.”
Such ‘passive’ design detail can be seen in the door mirrors. “The mirror casings are black, rather than body colored, because the mirror unit occupies the same visual space as the windows,” explains Simon. “We didn’t want any interruption to the wraparound window graphic which makes such a bold statement.”
Saab brand design cues can be seen in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, underlined by a simple matt aluminum trim, leading into the strong rear C-pillars.
The car’s dynamic character is underlined by a falling roof-line and those strong, sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. The flow of the roof and pillars culminates in a smooth, flat rear deck. A full-width ice-block rear light bar, echoing the front light theme, adds to the new 9-5′s Scandinavian character.
Saab’s design heritage is evident from that rear screen, a counterpoint to wraparound windshield at the front. “We have inverted the shape of the rear screen of the classic 900 sedan,” explains Simon. “In fact, we’ve probably been even bolder with the design at the back than the front. We haven’t had a consistent Saab identity in this area before. You can expect to see the light bar, and the way the rear lights wrap into it, as a signature feature in future products.”
Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 has a distinctive character. “We deliberately wanted to avoid the cliché of the coupé look for sedans. We’ve stretched the traditional three-box sedan proportions but kept a defined trunk line – this is a sports sedan which makes a powerful visual statement. It doesn’t need to look like a coupé or a hatchback.”
The sleek shape also contributes to excellent aerodynamic properties. An impressive 0.28 Cd (coefficient of drag) contributes to reduced fuel consumption and low wind noise. Good high speed stability is also ensured by near zero lift forces at the front axle and the achievement negative, downforce values at the rear, assisted by airflow from the slightly concave surface of the trunk lid.
Top-of-the-line Aero variants are visually distinguished by unique front and rear bumper moldings, 19-inch ‘turbine’ alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a lowered sport chassis, bi-xenon headlamps and twin exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper fascia.
Driver Focused
The new 9-5′s spacious cabin is characterized by simple forms that echo the clean lines of the exterior. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5′s premium appeal.
A wheelbase 134 mm longer than that of its predecessor has enabled a substantial 58 mm increase in rear legroom, which exceeds that offered by all main competitors. Front legroom is also up by 11 mm.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. A deep center console sweeps up around the driver into the main instrument display. It is a new expression of Saab’s signature cockpit layout, first introduced on the Saab 9000 model and continued with the current 9-5. The console is now inclined at a much shallower angle, improving driver ergonomics in the operation of its functions and in viewing the display screen.
Simplicity of form is evident from a ventilation zone, with signature Saab ‘joystick’ controls, which extends across the top of the main instrument display. “This helps clean up the look of the front fascia area,” explains Simon. “We have eliminated separate vents in the center and on the driver’s side, which would break up the fluid, integrated forms we wanted.”
The deeply recessed main dials include a driver-selectable, rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. The needles of the dials, the main display screen and the optional HUD in the windshield, are all illuminated in signature Saab green. The ‘Night Panel’ button, another unique Saab feature, allows the driver to minimize distraction during night driving by switching off all the main instrument illumination, except the speedometer.
In Saab tradition, the car’s ignition – now a start/stop button – remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift and an electric park brake, which is fitted as standard for all variants. The matt aluminum trim surrounding the gear shift and start/stop button has an ‘organic’ shape with a varying width and thickness to match the curvature of the surface. “This is in harmony with ‘free form’ that we’ve applied to the exterior,” says Simon. “It’s a detail that looks very natural, adding to the crafted, quality appeal of the cabin.”
Another subtle detail are the small channels in the center stack fascia that link the main infotainment and climate controls. They resemble the shape of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, a hint at the combination of human design and scientific precision deployed in the layout of the cabin. It’s part of the logical, zonal groupings used for the location of the car’s interior, chassis and lighting controls.
The removal of a mechanical handbrake linkage frees up space for a large, two compartment center console, with twin cup-holders and the potential to connect several portable devices through USB and AUX connections alongside a 12V power outlet. A useful pull-out storage drawer next to the driver’s door is big enough to take a number of personal items, such as a wallet, PDA and glasses.
The rear of the cabin provides comfortable accommodation for three adults. Apart from more leg room, it now offers the option of rear seat entertainment via fold-out screens in the front seatbacks and separate rear climate control. The 60/40 split, folding seatback includes an arm-rest with twin cup-holders, a storage compartment and a load-through ‘ski hatch’.
Interior Decor and Equipment
Linear, Vector and Aero variants are each distinguished by a unique cabin ambience, including decor trim applied to the main instrument panel, center console and behind the door grab handles.
In Linear specification, the upper/lower instrument panel, door cappings and decor trim are in Jet Black, with a choice of Jet Black or Parchment fabric seat upholstery, complemented by door inserts and armrests in a light or dark color.
Vector adds a choice of Dark Pewter with Jet Black, or Dark Cocoa with Parchment for the instrument panel and doors, and the decor trim has a brushed metal look. The seats are upholstered with leather bolsters and fabric inserts in Jet Black, Parchment or Shark Grey.
Top-of-the-line Aero adds a sporty, all-leather interior with a unique Clear Zone finish inserted in the wraparound instrument panel. The rest of the front fascia and door trims are in Jet Black with dark, bushed metal decor trim. The sculptured, perforated leather sports seats are offered in the same colors as Vector.
Standard equipment for Linear includes: a keyless start/stop button, electric park brake, six-way adjustable driver and four-way adjustable passenger seat, dual zone climate control, a seven speaker audio system with an AUX socket, a leather steering wheel and a text information display
Vector adds front seat squab storage pouches, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, an adjustable front arm-rest, cruise control, ambient interior lighting and a nine-speaker audio system with a USB connection and a graphic information display.
Aero adds powered and heated front seats, with an extending under-thigh support. The interior is further distinguished by a full color information display and an ‘Aero’ embossed, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with a perforated leather grip.
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There are around 40 images here in all and you can download the large versions of these images at the GM Media website.
Click to enlarge.
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{ 48 comments }
Nice nice nice. But what about the price? Come on Saab, release the price info! The price will decide if I can afford a 9-5 or if I’ll get a pre-owned 9-3 in wait for the all new 9-3 in 2012.
The 2.8 V6 Aero really seems like the car to go for, that HiPer Axle Suspension tech seems to really give it that planted feel. You drove in one without it though, right Steven? Even without it you said it felt very solid and steady, so I wonder what impact the revised axle would have on it.
As far as price goes, yes it’s crucial, but given how much the BMWs are clocking in at (I priced a 535xi for $63,000 with the same exact options as the 9-5 Aero mentioned here with Navigation) I have to think this is a better deal. I’m sorry if $52K is a lot to you for this car fully loaded, but it’s definitely a fair deal given that it comes in $10K less than BMW, Audi, or Merc for the same performance and features.
Thanks for the re-cap. Swade.
I’ve never really compared the 9-5 dimensions with its competitors, until now. Wow, it’s bigger in all ways (‘cept width without side mirrors, 2nd to Jag XF) than the Audi A6, BMW 5-series (std. WB), Infiniti M45, Jaguar XF and M-B E350 !
http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/original/application/48bab3ae9161e540911db81fb30f6d69.pdf
link to GM media photo gallery is broken.
This works:
http://archives.media.gm.com/servlet/com.gm.mol.auth.MOLogon?key=gk_intlsaen_new_9-5&country=intl&language=en
While it’s undeniable that the 9-5 is a better value than the Holy Trinity of Deutschland, I think to shake off Saab’s “me-too” image in the future, it MUST be priced closer to those three. Customers will realize superior value in different ways if Saab offers highly desirable features unique to itself, regardless of its price points.
Wasn’t that long ago when Audi was always doing the chasing at the Big Boys from Stuttgart and Munich with lower prices. Now it’s at par with them.
My $0.25
The new 9-5 promises to be an outstanding addition to the Saab family and a good kick-off for the next chapter of Saab history.
I just visited the website for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Auto Show starting one month from tomorrow (and that’s a “February length” month!)
There is was… a link for Saab among the exhibitors. Click on it, and there is a picture and description of the new 9-5 as well as a map showing Saab floor space at the show.
It is so nice to be focusing on the cars again after all the recent drama. Seeing the 9-5 in person will finally make it real.
I’m all with you on charging the same, but the level of depreciation on Saabs will be high for the next few years, so I think they have to undercut to a certain extent. They need to be more in line with Infiniti prices to be competitive. Just out of curiousity I priced out an E350, 535xi, A6 3.0T with all the exact same options as the loaded to the gills 9-5 Aero 2.8XWD, and came out with $68K, $64K, and $55K respectively.
Just a short remark!
The Saab 2.0 Turbo all-aluminum gasoline engine delivers 220 hp/162 kW and 350 Nm.
In the meantime, GM themselves has evolved this saab turbo engine for their cars only (not for Saab cars) by lowering the compression ratio to 8.8 (from 9.5) and adding direct injection (instead of multipoint). So this new 2.0 GM turbo engine now delivers 260 hp. And a lot of GM cars are now equipped with this new engine rendering the saab 2.0T engine as rather …obsolete.
This is one more proof how much GM (Gangster Motors?)appreciated Saab all these years while they owned the brand! Steal and leave! So the “divorce” was the best thing that could ever happen to Saab.
Contrary to most, in the automotive world small engines with high output excite me most…that’s what facinates me about mordern technology and I’m ectastic to see saab employ a baby 4 cylinder engine… 132KW is a good step and at 9.5 seconds…come on everyone…this is the future of SAAB! the current PSA-BMW engine is claimed to hit 160KW …I mean the the MINI JCW is on 147KW, using the same engine….I’m excited!
That is a fine-looking car. You guys surely remember how all the journos who got to drive that camoed car gave nothing than praise about driving dynamics or the “feel”.
When I tried to interpret the prices in Belgium (kudos to saab.be for that info), I came to the conclusion that you
Are rear heated seats standard like the outgoing 9-5 in the US?
Which is why I said I’m looking mostly at the 2.8L V6
Upsetting to see that a Buick or Opel can get more HP out of the same engines, not cool. I wonder if it’s possible for Saab to fix that? Can they acquire MapTun? I’m actually serious…
In the past Saab always upgraded their engines during the lifetime. The 2.3t went up from 170hp to 185hp for example. I think within two or three years the 2.8V6 will deliver over 340hp. Seems like Saab always enters the market with new engines quite careful.
Chris, SAABs version of the 2.0L Turbo has also direct injection.
As you say I would also have expected that SAAB offers the 2L engine as a 220HP and a 260HP version and uses the 325HP version of the V6 for the Aero (The engine of the Insignia OPC). ANd even between the 220HP and the 300HP a 260HP engine fits quite well.
After looking at what Opel offers, I would say the 2L 260HP spec doesn’t reach the Euro5 Exhaust norm, and therefore makes no sense to offer that engine on a brand new car.
It is a fine, large car. For me it’s a bit on the expensive side though, I doubt my dealer would be able to put together a deal I could accept.
People are misquoting engines here! There are 2 turbo 2.0′s that GM produces. The LNF 260 hp that has twin turbo’s and the new 2.0L that is rated anywhere from 220hp and down. They are both direct injected now, but the 260hp is definitely the LNF which Saab has never used(as it was in the Sky/Solstice/Cobalt SS) Will Saab ever use this engine is the question? The fact that we can’t get 9-3′s anymore with v6 engines would be a great last hurrah for the 9-3 as it’s going away present.
Great car, I hope this will help save Saab in the medium term. Personally, I am waiting for the new 9-5 SportCombi. I guess that the SportCombi will attract even more people than the Sedan.
If quality, technical features etc. are in line with Audi, BMW etc, even the pricing should of course be in line with these competitors. I am not sure, however, how the marque is perceived by the large majority of people out there. Of course, we enthusiasts love the Saab brand and would always put it on top ranks. But what about other people, potential customers? In the motor press, Saab is nowadays often presented as the better Opel. Even in the case of the new 9-5, it is usually mentioned that the base for the car is the Insignia. But Opel is and will never be a premium brand (Good luck, by the way, Mr Reilly, in your efforts). If the goal is to establish Saab as a real competitor in the premium segment, it will be a lot of work to turn this image of a half-premium car around. Even Audi needed decades for this, although it was less negatively affected by the VW roots of the product.
In addition, I wonder how the pricing will differ in different markets, and this might be an important point as to whether Saab actually can be competitive. Yesterday, I compared the pricing for the current 9-3 SportCombi in Sweden and Germany, and the same car was between 4000,- and 8000,- Euros more expensive in Germany, despite the fact that Swedish VAT is 6 per cent higher in Sweden. I wonder where these price differences come from and whether they have to be that large. If the Saab pricing is in line with competitors, that’s fine. However, if a Saab actually is more expensive than a comparable Audi or BMW there is a lower chance to attract new customers, especially if you add the above mentioned perceptions of brands as premium or only half-premium brands.
Yes you are right, in GM terms we are speaking about two different engines of the same family.
But my point was
1. A 260 bhp Engine would fit qzuite well in the current engine options for the 9-5
2. The LNF is not being offered in Europe any more.
3. I was hoping the 9-5 Aero would use the 325HP spec of the v6 engine and not the 300HP.
Just felt I needed to do this.
Grrrr!!! sorry please delete my post before, just didnt work.
Wouldn’t the torque figure be more interesting for real-life performance, especially with auto transmissions? 350 nm looks pretty good to me, but has the GM version of the 2L improved tourque too?
My german engine, admittedly non-turbo, 3L 6cyl develops 230 bhp, and 300 nm. So I was quite impressed with the SAAB 2L figures. One reason to improve tourqe but not all-out bhp could be to avoid silly taxes in some European countries. (One way to improve bhp figures is to increase the upper rev limit. Perhaps mostly interesting to boy-racers who don’t mind torturing their cars.)
BTW, if someone knows, is the variable valve timing a new feature for SAAB engines? BMW has had VANOS for some time now, and it’s great apart from gradually deteriorating on almost all engines… Any info on how SAAB’s variable timing is realised?
“I wonder if it’s possible for Saab to fix that? Can they acquire MapTun? I’m actually serious..”
It’s considerations such as tax brackets, huge first year tax penalties for high CO2 engines in countries such as Britain, longevity, etc, that decides, I would have thought.
I’m pretty sure SAAB could get 350 bhp out of it easily!
Here in Britain my 3L petrol would have taken a
Thank you. Any information on pricing?
Interesting stats on US Saab sales. 429 9-3s sold in January, which is respectable given the limited availability. All 2009 Saabs sold out in Dallas before the end of January. Still 8 2009 Saabs left in Lubbock, if anyone is interested.
Hi Patrik, this from the SAAB Engine documentation you can find on http://media.saab.com
BTW, Honda introduced VVT.
“BTW, Honda introduced VVT.”
Yes, but it’s pretty crude compared to VANOS!
Thanks for the link but I didn’t find much detail at the SAAB site.
What are you searching for?
I posted this before on another page but I will repeat parts of it:
Does anyone remember the Saab Variable Compression Engine? GM killed that in 2000…
5 cyl.
1.6 liters
mechanical compressor
variable compression 8:1 – 14:1
~ 225 hp with a fuel consumption of a 1.6 liter engine…
http://www.vehicular.isy.liu.se/Lab/SVC/data.html
How about that as a base concept for future gasoline engines?
I still think she’s a beauty, especially from the back with those uber-cool tail lights. The only thing that concerns me slightly is the lack of a V6 TiD engine as Europeans go nuts over diesels.
Pricing is going to be crucial here so the newly invented SAAB needs to nail it first time.
Anyone know why they use Bosch Motronic on all their new engines?
I sure hope this was GM requirement and we’ll see Trionic back.
I sure remember the genius of the variable compression engine! God knows why GM didn’t develop it. I only hope SAAB owns the patent.
Well the LNF probably wouldn’t get a car of the9-5 size anymore fuel milage at all. The 2.8 getting 300hp instead of 325hp has to be a software or compression setting. Which had to be a choice on Saab’s part. After all when they wanted to get 280hp out of this same engine they did. So it had to be Saab’s choice for EPA standards or some reason.
My guess as to why the SVC never saw the light of day: to expensive to engineer for mass production and too unreliable.
Perhaps advances in technology during the past decade will help Saab Powertrain address some of those issues.
It must be the automatic gearbox.
It seems like the max torque is being limited to 400 Nm and thus the max Power only reaches 300 HP.
The compression raatio is the same 9,5:1.
There is no automatic option for the Insignia OPC.
I wonder what the Linear, Arc and Aero specs will be in the US? US market will mandate full leather in any configuration. If I had to guess they will probably go 2.0T for Linear and 3.0T for Arc and Aero. The Arc would get wood trim and smaller wheels while the Aero gets bigger wheels, sport suspension and no wood. This has typically been the way cars are presented here. I wish they would allow for a little more customizing but we’ll see. I sure hope I’m right about the wood dash, that was what sold me on my 1999 9-5, it was trully beautiful.
Aren’t they going to offer the 9-5 aero in manual as well though? So would that mean the manual could be rated at 325hp as well. The only thing I could see Saab maybe doing is offering an X model above the Aero as the halo 9-5. I know the plan is for Saab to utilize GM powertrain for some years to come until they get on their feet. But I reall can’t wait until they start really spreading their wings and collaborate with other manufacturers. This given area is one where they will benefit greatly. I wouldn’t mind seeing Saab partner up with Hyundai on future engines. They are on the fast trac and already source their engines to other manufacturers.
I might be reading that wrong but does it seem that the dash is black even with the parchment interior? Has anyone seen the car or pictures with a parchment interior that could answer that for me?
Not bad !
At least I haven’t heard about a manual Aero V6, but they have to do it, at least for the european market.
The plan is to use GM Powertrain where suitable. I think they will use those GM engines that are E85 capable and maybe source other engines from other OEM’s.
Unfortunately, the size is mostly on the outside. Do you happen to live in the USA? Since over here, we have very crowded towns, especially in Italy, but also in other countries. 5 m is a bit too long for quite some parking lots.
Does not appear to be a manual Aero, and if I’m correct, there wasn’t one on the 2009 9-3 Aero. That’s a big negative in my book, and one I hope they fix for the 2010 9-3. Pretty much every other car in the 9-3 Aero’s category offer a 6-speed manual.
Sure, not everyone wants a manual, but don’t offer it only on the cheapest model. That’s not how a “performance-oriented niche car company” would design its cars, right?
I wouldn’t worry too much about the horsepower and the torque. By the time the NG 9-5 is launched, upgrade packages in various performance stages will be ready and waiting at BSR, Hirsch, Maptun and all those other Saab tuning specialists.
And I am pretty sure as well that a manual Aero will be appearing soon, too. It’s the preference of many European Saab drivers and Saab will have to take that into account in their model lineup.
Ivo
Thanks, amazing how Saab brings out the ‘good’ in people!
“My guess as to why the SVC never saw the light of day: to expensive to engineer for mass production and too unreliable.”
That’s probably why it got canned, but innovation is 95% about solving those type of problems (the “perspiration” part), and if innovators gave up because of implementation setbacks we wouldn’t have any development. (And if your company depended on it, it’s more likely you would solve the problems, than if your company is, say, GM..)
With today’s taxes here in Europe it would be just brilliant if SVC could let us have the cake and eat it too! Here in the UK there is
Now when there is lots of images and also the GM high-res ones i hope im not to offtopic. I have been searcing the net high and low for possible higress images of older Saabs, like the original 900 and those before. Im looking for anything that i could print bigger the A4 and make some kind of poster of to hang o the wall. Pics from old product cataluges, pics from adverts or newly produced high-res printable pics of older Saabs. I cant imagine im the only person here that want to make nice “nostalgic” posters to put on my walls. Could anyone help out? Im gona send one of these ng 9-5 pics to a printlab but i also would like a poster of the “ur-Saab” and how funny is not the 70′s 99-turbo one with the Burt Reynolds look alike in the desert (or wherever he is, i have a very small thumbnail of it but cant find it right now.) I imagine there are resellers, especially those with a long history, that might have some old poster laying around that they might make a scan of and upload? The scans should be in 300dpi. It would be kinda perfect if there was possible to download them from this obvious place. But i guess it would come with some bandwith consumption hosting pics that size so if someone has poster-able pics to contribute i will do my best to host them.
no manual transmission available for the aero?!
someone please tell me that’s a joke.
am i the one who doesn’t get it, or is it the car companies…?
Hi a,
most of us are a little bit worried about that fact. But I don’t think SAAB will leave it like this.
Did you already tried this?
http://archives.media.gm.com/intl/saab/en/photos/f_historical/index.html#
Wow,had no idea this archive exixted at the GM site. Lots and lots of nice pics in “high-res”. Thanks! I still would wery much like to find some of those older magazine-ads in printable resolution, but i guess they are harder to come by.
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