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Video: Anders Svensson on Saab 9-5 development

May 31, 2010 in Uncategorized

The following is the second video from the new Saab 9-5 press kit. It features Anders Svensson, Vehicle Line Executive for the new 9-5 and he’s got some interesting remarks to make about what it’s been like to be part of the development of this vehicle.

He also says some interesting things about residuals and also about fuel consumption and emissions. Those are big ticket issues with Saab and the new 9-5 in particular, so it’s interesting that they were spoken about here.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5ch4zn6b_s

Again, well done to the Saab PR team for what’s been an excellent presentation to accompany the launch of this car.

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Video: Saab 9-5 crash testing

May 31, 2010 in Uncategorized

The following video has issued by Saab as part of the new Saab 9-5 press kit.

It shows a front offset between two cars, each doing 60kph.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqOANWpfC0U

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AMS file first review of Saab 9-5

May 31, 2010 in News

The guys from Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport are at today’s first press drive and they’ve phones in some preliminary thoughts.

Dot points here, as it’s a short piece, which you can read (or translate) here.

  • This new car looks a hundred thousand kronor more expensive than its predecessor
  • “Never have we been able to drive a Saab on the attack with as light fingers on the steering wheel!”
  • Car feels like it can definitely take Saab well into the next decade
  • None of the negatives from the Opel Insignia can be traced through to the 9-5
  • Even 18-inch wheels look small-ish

The bit I really like is the poll at the bottom:

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First road test report of the new Saab 9-5

May 31, 2010 in News

It seems one or two journalists might have snuck into last week’s premiere event that was (reportedly) VIP’s only. Autocar’s Hilton Holloway has published the first review of the new Saab 9-5.

Was it good? Yes, it seems it was very, very good.

Holloway reports only on 2.8T V6 Aero version so it’s unknown if he got to drive the others, but his thoughts on the V6 Aero are very encouraging.

It’s not a long piece – more of a first look than a full blown review – so here are a few short snippets only:

….in this range-topping form, the 9-5 is arguably the most purely-conceived Saab since the 9000 was launched back in 1985, with 70 percent of its part numbers unique to Saab.

….the 9-5 range probably offers more space than any other car retailing for under £50,000.

….there’s a satisfying sophistication to the drivetrain of this new Saab. The engine is very smooth and extremely refined under cruising conditions and the autobox swift to respond. The fact that it can get to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, despite weighing 1945kg gives some idea of its potency. The 9-5 can kick down and sprint past slower cars with ease.

Head on over to Autocar and read the full report for yourself. There are some great numbers and little factoids in there and I can’t wait to hear more as the rest of the world’s reports come out this week.

Thanks to Sven for the tip!

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Press Kit: Saab 9-5 development in pictures

May 31, 2010 in News

The full Saab 9-5 press kit (less the videos, which I’ll add later) has just been released today. I’ve reproduced all of the documentation in the 5 posts below this one. It’s largely the same as what we saw at the car’s motor show release last year, but I figured it was wise to re-publish just in case.

I’m so impressed by the quality of the press kit materials for the 9-5. This is fantastic stuff.

Following is an overview of the development and building of the new Saab 9-5, told via Saab’s own images and words. Start with the first photo and just keep on going.

Fantastic!

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Press Kit: Saab 9-5 Overview

May 31, 2010 in News

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab

* Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X concept 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

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 brings a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.
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.

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Press Kit: Saab 9-5 design

May 31, 2010 in News

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.”

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Press Kit: Saab 9-5 engine and powertrain

May 31, 2010 in News

All-new Saab 9-5 line – Less Is More with All Turbo Engine Line-up

• Responsible performance with efficient four-cylinder turbo engines
• CO2 values from just 139 g/km
• Three fuel types: gasoline, E85 and diesel in all-turbo line-up

The new 9-5’s all-turbo powertrain line-up brings together Saab expertise in turbocharging with state-of-the-art engine technologies.

With gasoline and BioPower (E85 compatible) engines developing more than 100 hp per liter, the new 9-5 Sedan also advances Saab’s rightsizing powertrain strategy. That means efficient turbocharged engines as small as 1.6 liters can make a fitting partner for Saab’s new premium sedan. With diesel power, CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km are also on offer. All transmissions are six-speed.

Gasoline choice

All engines feature electronic management, electronic throttle control, direct ignition and four valves per cylinder operated by overhead, maintenance-free, chain-driven camshafts. For longevity and reliability, turbochargers are water-cooled and use air-to-air intercooling to increase intake charge density.

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Press Kit: Saab 9-5 technical highlights

May 31, 2010 in News

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: State-of-the-Art Technology From Scandinavia

• Most technically advanced Saab ever
• Conceived, built and chiefly developed in Sweden
• Equipped to compete head-to-head with leading premium class competitors

The all new 9-5 is the most advanced Saab ever, introducing an array of high-tech features and benefits that bring the car and driver closer together, while also enhancing the travel experience for all occupants.

Defined by Saab as the company’s top-of-the-line contender in the premium segment, the new 9-5 has been chiefly engineered in Sweden, where its development has been guided. It is being built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan.

In terms of functionality and the quality of the driving experience alone, the new 9-5 sedan is configured to challenge premium class standards. It will offer a fresh and distinctive alternative choice to established market leaders.

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Press Kit: Saab 9-5 Technical Data

May 31, 2010 in News

Database: All New Saab 9-5 Sedan

Gasoline engines

1598 cc. 4 cylinders. Aluminum cylinder head, cast iron block. DOHC, 16-valve.
Turbocharger, intercooled.
Bosch Motronic ME7

1998 cc. 4 cylinders. Aluminum cylinder head and block. DOHC, 16-valve, VVT (inlet and exhaust). Direct injection. Balancer shafts.
Twin-scroll turbocharger, intercooled.
Bosch Motronic MED

2792cc. V6. Aluminum cylinder heads and block. DOHC, 24-valve. VVT (inlet and exhaust). Twin-scroll turbocharger, intercooled.
Bosch Motronic ME9

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State of Nine gear up for Fathers Day (sponsors)

May 30, 2010 in sponsors

RE-POSTED: This Free Shipping offer on orders over $39 ends at a minute to midnight on Monday, so get your Father’s Day orders (or pass them on to your kids) today.

StateOfNine_600x300.jpg

If you need some ideas for your Saab driving Dad, State of Nine have got you covered:

State of Nine do Free Shipping on a large number of their products, too, so check ‘em out.

——

A message from Dan at State of Nine……

Saab Enthusiasts Giving Back

I’ve always wanted to find a way to enable our catalog to give back to a charity or cause, but as you can imagine it is difficult to implement and manage. Saab enthusiasts experienced a miracle this winter and our favorite brand was saved from a destiny that so many forecasted and several other automotive brands recently met. We have a lot to be thankful for, so let us try to give back a little.

Last December, my 25 year old niece decided to resign from her promising career at Accenture to help run “BackOnMyFeet.org“, a non-profit start-up in Philadelphia. Pretty courageous in this crazy economy (though maybe not as crazy as quitting a job to start a Saab Accessories company…) and obviously something that caught my family’s attention.

Recently, I caught up with Sandi (some of you may have met Sandi at the Detroit SOC) while she was in town to help set up the new Boston Chapter. I learned a lot about the charity and the incredible success this program has had in helping turn lives around. Their 55% success rate is unmatched in these types of programs. The stories are inspiring and I encourage you to read more on www.BackOnMyFeet.org. Simply put, it all starts by getting up and running with their team at 5:30 AM, three days a week.

With the launch of the Boston Chapter on May 24th we have a great excuse to jump in and give back! For every sale of our Classic “SAAB” Lapel Pins, State of Nine will donate $10.00 to BackOnMyFeet.org. We will ship you this classic pin, free within the USA, and we will contribute $10.00 to this cause. I hope we can contribute $1,000 or more and I will keep you updated on the total in upcoming newsletters.

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by Swade

Sunday Night Snippets

May 30, 2010 in Saabology

We get a delayed showing of Eurovision here in Oz, so I’ve just finished watching the various songs. I can see why the winner won (I won’t give it away just in case someone hasn’t seen yet) but they weren’t my favourite. That was Cyprus, followed by Georgia and Ukraine. I might even buy that Cypriot song.

Very good standard this year.

Now on to F1. Mark Webber FTW!!

——

Interesting use of the iFad here by Mercedes Benz.

A salesman carrying around a laptop would look rather awkward, but an iPad might be a good way of bringing some financial information and approval to the customer without having to drag them away from the car and into an office.

Electrotrolls – get busy!

——

I love it when this happens.

TTAC write story about Saab with smarmy denigrating headline. Readers disagree and say so in comments.

As it should be.

And seeing nothing’s going to come from it, I think it’s OK for me to say now that TTAC’s parent company in Canada recently expressed interest in buying Saabs United. So even if TTAC’s writers don’t see a future in the brand, their parent company does.

Discussions faltered as they decided to look more towards adding a more user-generated content site (i.e. they didn’t want to rely on me hanging around forever).

——

Lovers of classic Saab 900s should check out www.900gt.nl. It’s a register for a model I wasn’t familiar with, the 900GT, which was a final edition similar to the commemorative editions in the US, except with tin tops.

——

I’ve got lots of work coming up this week, so please be patient. There’ll be lots to read with 9-5 reviews coming out, probably more towards the end of the week.

It should be an exciting time. I wonder if Hakan Matsson is there?

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by Swade

Road Test: Saab 92

May 30, 2010 in Saabology

If Victor Muller really does plan to make a modern small based based on the ideals of the original Saab 92, he’s got a lot to live up to.

Autocar have just re-posted online a copy of their original road test of the Saab 92 from 1949.

It makes for some very entertaining reading and you can’t help have a beaming sense of pride as the little Swede wraps the reviewer around its proverbial finger. Here’s the summary:

When a car is created by aircraft engineers, one is inclined to expect something really outstanding in both design and performance. This attitude of mind comes in no small measure as a result of those special qualities demanded by modern flying, which, when translated to car terms, generally produce the succès d’estime.

Such were my reflections when I took over the new Swedish Saab 92 at the start of a 500-mile road test, the first to appear in the British Press, and I was not disappointed. Indeed, it would be a very biased motorist who could find any serious complaint against a twin-cylinder family saloon of less than 28hp* which can put 53 miles into an hour without strain and has the road-holding properties of real sporting machinery, albeit at a petrol consumption of nearly 40mpg.

The Saab aircraft company and its chief car designer, Mr Gunnar Ljungstrom, are to be congratulated on a really intelligent attempt to produce a small, inexpensive car, which, in the words of the high-pressure salesman, “has everything”.

* the Autocar text has just 8hp written there, which I’m sure is a typo.

The car received 4.5 out of 5 stars. Magnificent. It makes for some fantastic Sunday reading. Enjoy.

Thanks to Morten for passing it on.

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by Swade

Interview with Victor Muller on TV4

May 30, 2010 in Uncategorized

There’s an interview with Victor Muller online at Sweden’s TV4 website.

Unfortunately I can’t tell you anything about it, because it doesn’t seem to want to play for me (fixed – didn’t work on Chrome, but worked on Firefox).

The link is here.

UPDATE: Embedded video after the jump!

This was a good story, but still frustrating given the continued scepticism of the reporter. I can only assume Hakan Matsson was similarly negative in his comments at the end as they were in Swedish and I couldn’t understand them.

The frustration on Victor’s face in the latter half of the interview was telling as he had to continue to pour water over the negative line taken by the interviewer. It’s fair enough, I suppose, but one really has to wonder if and when the Swedish press might ever turn and see Saab as a possible success story.

As I’ve spoken to more people about certain members of the Swedish press, it’s become evident that there are certain members of the motoring fraternity who take a particular line on an issue and never, ever change – regardless of evidence to the contrary.

I guess you could say – as if we didn’t know it already – that the next two weeks are going to be critical. Saab will finally get journalists into the new Saab 9-5 and those reviews are going to go a long way towards letting people know that Saab are still alive and selling a fantastic new car.

As mentioned, the embedded video is after the link below.

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Housekeeping – get a gravatar

May 29, 2010 in Troll Stuff

Saabs United has had Gravatars enabled for a while now and if you haven’t got one, then why not?

What’s a gravatar, I hear some of you ask? It’s a fun little way of brightening up the comments section of the website.

How it works:

Go to gravatar.com and create your gravatar. It’s a very simple registration process and it only takes a minute or two using an image that you supply.

The gravatars to be shown here are restricted to ‘G’ and ‘PG’ ratings. Let’s keep it clean, people.

IMPORTANT: When you register and create your gravatar, be sure to use the same NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS you use when you leave a comment. The software will look up your gravatar based on your email address and slot it in.

You can see a few examples (from the old Trollhattan Saab days) in the image above, left. Your gravatar should automatically show up at other Gravatar-enabled sites that you visit and comment on, too.

When you’re done at gravatar.com, why not come back, leave a comment and see if it’s worked OK!!!

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