by Swade
July 16, 2010 in Saabology
The best laid plans…….
Yes, that’s the SUHRT Car #1 on a trailer. And yes, it appears to be terminal. The first news I received about this was in a video that I posted to the SUHRT website. There was an oil pressure problem and at that stage, with the car stuck on the side of the road, we were all hoping that the car would come in for repairs overnight and get underway again in the morning.
by Swade
July 16, 2010 in Saabology
Here’s an opportunity for those of you here in Trollhattan.
Graeme Lambert is a journo from England and he’s just left the following in comments. It’s an opportunity you may want to take advantage of. Not only do you get to drive the new Saab 9-5, you can also have your voice in a real life review.
Hi All,
For those that don’t know me i’m a journalist here in the UK for Auto Express Magazine. I’m also a bit of a Saab enthusiast…
Anyway, I’m attending the festival to write a feature for the mag. One of the things I need for the feature is to get some enthusiasts behind the wheel of a new 9-5 and get their impressions of it. So I should have a 9-5 for the weekend (to be fully confirmed yet) and I’ll be staying at the Swania so i’ll try to get along to the [SU Meetup].
Hopefully some of you guys will be willing to give up 15-20mins of your time on the Saturday to drive the car and talk to me. The more varied the background the better (i.e Swedish, American, European, British, new Saab owner, vintage saab owner, saab worker, saab mechanic, saab salesmen etc).
See you all there.
G
I hope as many of you as possible will take the opportunity and enjoy it.
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by Swade
July 15, 2010 in Saabology
We’ve finally made it to Trollhattan for the festival. The weather is not on our side as yet. There’s light rain falling but it hasn’t dampened anyone’s spirits here.
I dropped off my rental car at ANA, the main Saab dealer here in Trollhattan, which is also the AVIS depot here. Whilst I was picking up my Saab loaner, I ran into a few craaazy Dutchies online mates from the Dutch Saab forum/club/whatever……. some of the guys who helped put together the original Saab Support Convoy.
They very kindly endowed me with a few very nice goodies (more on those later) as well as some signage for my loaner Saab 9-3x:
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I just sat in on a presentation from Peter Backstrom about the Mille Miglia, in which Saab ran two cars driven by Victor Muller and Jan-Ake Jonsson.
The overall impressions:
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The Midnight Sun Rally started today, as well. Live scoring from the event indicates that both of the Saabs United Historic Rally Team cars are running well.
I’ll be posting some video very soon on the SUHRT website.
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by Swade
July 15, 2010 in Saabology
It’s festival time!
The Mrs and I have been running around Sweden pretty busily already, but I’ve had to warn her that today it all kicks up a notch. We leave for the drive to Trollhattan in about an hour and I can’t wait to get there. Wall-to-wall Saabs and people.
Mattias has been getting things ready, with Saab Support Convoy stickers and some themed clothing for his kiddies…..
Today is going to be very busy at the Saab Museum, with presentations regarding the new Saab 9-5, the Mille Miglia and Spyker Cars. And then there’s the big event for the evening, the arrival of the Midnight Sun rally cars from around 4:30 onwards.
Away from the Museum, there are also exhibitions and demonstrations at ANA, the big Saab dealer in Trollhattan, as well as Trollspeed, the local Saab tuners.
It’s breakfast, then we’re hitting the road!
by Swade
July 15, 2010 in Troll Stuff
Re-posted…..
I’m heading up to Trollhattan today and can’t wait to get into the festivities. Don’t forget that you can check out the Saab Festival Program of event online.
And here’s nine other great things to do in Trollhattan
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I’m getting a lot of email from people asking when we can all meet together in Trollhattan during the festival.
Given the complexities around booking a group of unknown size for dinner, I’d like to suggest an after-dinner meeting for drinks and getting-to-know-you’s. Friday night would possibly be the first opportunity where I could do this, as Thursday night will be all about the Midnight Sun rally and personally speaking, I’ll be staying out of town.
Friday night at the main bar/restaurant at the Scandic Swania hotel? Or maybe Butlers?
My nomination would be for the Swania. It’s right on the water if people want to stretch their legs, and plus, I love the people there and would prefer to give them my money than somewhere else 
.
Say….. 9pm?
by Swade
July 15, 2010 in Saabology
For those who haven’t seen the link in comments already, there is a new digital edition of Saab Magazine available.
Links to various language versions are available at the Saab Newsroom website.
I’ve just flicked through it and it’s well worth a read. It’s the first edition since the sale to Spyker and there’s plenty of feel-good recounts in there about the sale process and the new vehicles that Saab are offering (and geez I love the 9-3x).
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by Swade
July 15, 2010 in Saabology
Last night I was staying in Malmo and I mentioned here on site that I was going to do something very exciting today. Much speculation ensued, however none of it was on the money.
Truth be told, I did a few nice things in Malmo this morning. I woke up. I went for a walk with my wife and then caught up with Dave R from England, who was on his way to Trolllhattan for the festival. That was it for Malmo, however.
The excitement happened a little further north.
If I show this picture, locals in Sweden might guess where I’ve been…..
OK, so the locals should know.
For the rest of you, have a look at the picture after the jump……
by Swade
July 14, 2010 in Saabology
There could be as many as three Spykers at the Saab Museum later this week. For now though, two have already arrived and taken pride of place in the Saab Bilmuseum, next to the prototype 900 convertibles.
Fo those of you who haven’t seen one up close yet, the Saab Festival is going to be a great opportunity to get up close and see the incredible workmanship and attention to detail that goes into these cars.
Festival Up!
by Swade
July 14, 2010 in Saabology
Greetings all. We’re still in sightseeing mode at the moment, with Mrs Swade enjoying Sweden as much as I told her she would.
Last night we had a very pleasant dinner with Mr and Mrs Par Brandt. Par is one of the nicest blokes in automotive journalism and he was my first contact with the mainstream motoring press, around 4 years ago. I love Par so much that I even went vegetarian for a night at his invitation (and enjoyed it!).
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This morning we saw the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace (OK, but missable if you had something urgent to do).
We then walked down to the Grand Hotel and waited for these guys to arrive….
That’s Jörgen from the Saabs United Historic Rally Team in the front and the Spyker LM85 in the rear was being driven by none other than Mr Vladimir Antonov himself.
They were meeting there for lunch and I was supposed to join them, but unfortunately we were running late for a long drive south.
I did get to meet Vladimir briefly, however, and he’s a very nice guy. I hope we get to chat some more in Trollhattan on Thursday.
After those two cars arrived, the rest of the Antonov entourage arrived (henceforth known as the Antourage ). There were three more cars, IIRC, with guys connected with the motorsports interests that VA indulges in and other assorted gents.
One of our own, North Toronto Punter, was scheduled to be there as well because his company, Mellowood Medical, is a premium sponsor of the rally team. Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet NTP as we were really in a rush and I couldn’t hang around. But I look forward to seeing him at the Festival.
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I think some media people turned up at the Grand Hotel later on. Bengt J has passed on the following, from TV4:
In an interview with Swedish TV4 Economy News, Vladimir Antonov says he plans to start a sub brand to SAAB in Russia. It will be a new brand that will use older SAAB parts.
It will be a budget alternative and will probably be built in Kaliningrad. They are targeting a production start in about a year and look to make 10,000 cars/year.
Antonov is also in talks with GM to be able to step in as an owner in SAAB.
This is a big story, and one that just won’t go away. Antonov has been talking about Russian production in one form or another for some time now.
He’s also very determined to iron out the whispering campaign that saw him removed from (from public identification in) the Saab deal in the first place.
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From our brief “hello” to Mr Antonov, we picked up our rental car and headed south. I’m writing to you tonight from Malmo.
The only thing worse than renting a VW Passat for a two day drive is turning up to collect it and finding out that it’s morphed into a Toyota Avensis. I think they use the Passat as an illustration of the vehicle category just to get people comfortable with the class of car, then they hit them with the cheap stuff.
When I asked if I could have the VW I saw in the picture, the AVIS guy told me they’ve actually only got 2 or 3 of them in the entire Swedish fleet. Tricky.
On paper, the Avensis was actually pretty good. 6-speed 2-litre and seats five, carried our luggage OK. Auto windows, Cruise, dual-zone aircon, rain-sensing wipers, light-sensing interior lights, heated seats, etc etc.
On the road, it was smooth enough, but dead boring and after driving it for 6 or so hours today, I felt like I’d been a demonstration event at an origami school.
I loathe Toyotas.
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I got to use our newly-purchased TomTom for the first time today and it pointed out an interesting thing with the Avensis.
I know most speedometers are a little less than accurate, but I wasn’t expecting a disparity of this size. Check the needle on the dash:
As you can see, it’s showing around 118 or 119 km/h.
Here’s a blow-up of the speed reading from the TomTom. Lower left corner.
Whilst the car was indicating 118 or 119, it was actually only doing 109 (and yes, officer, apparently someone was speeding whilst driving and taking this photo, but you can’t prove it was me).
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I love brown Porsches. This was taken yesterday on the boat cruise around Stockholm.
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I’m yet to see a 9-5 in the wild here, but I did see an AMG Mercedes SLS today.
My goodness.
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Whilst I love Stockholm, it’s fair to say I’m not quite so fond of the E4 highway, which dominates most of the drive to Malmo.
This is what you see for 80% of the 600+ kms between the two cities:
Blacktop and treetops – non-stop.
I think there’s definitely scope to dress this highway up with some public artworks or something similar. One could almost say it’s a safety issue, with the road becoming so mind-numbingly boring so as to induce fatigue at various stages.
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Tomorrow I have a special, special surprise to write about.
Very, very exciting for me personally, and I hope you’ll like it too.
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by Swade
July 14, 2010 in Saabology
Greetings all.
As posted in comments while I was driving (and driving and driving….) today, here’s a new TV advertisement from Saab Automobile.
Enjoy.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEtFZBH58KE
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by Swade
July 13, 2010 in Saabology
Can I just say something up front?
I LOVE STOCKHOLM! Especially in the summer, of course. Stockholm makes sense in the winter, but it just shines in the summer. What a beautiful city.
I’ve been here twice before, but the first time was very brief and the second time was very busy. Today, I finally got to have a look at the city itself, taking the touristy cruise boats around the archipelago and getting off every now and then for a poke around.
A few happy snaps, if I may…..
Last time I was here, I showed you this photo to prove it…..
Well, Strandvagan is much nicer without my boof head in the way……
That was taken from inside the tourist boat, hence the reflections.
This is some of Stockholm’s priciest real estate, with apartments selling at around US$14,000 per square meter!
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A toiletry bag with some lessons in Swedish design
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I didn’t get around to the front of this statue to see if it was, well, anatomically correct, nor to read any inscription describing what the statue was in honor of.
I suspect, however, that the inscription would have said “In honor of Barry Hogan, who in 1917, was the first Australian to tour Stockholm, steal a palace guards’ helmet and do a nude run on the front steps of the Royal Palace”
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I have never claimed to be classy, but I am, at least, consistent.
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Visitors to the Saab Festival, get ready for more of this……
The caption on Flickr says it’s a Saab 99 but I’m inclined to disagree and say 900. Here are some more photos of the interior and rear of the car.
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Question – does the Saab 9-2 name carry too much baggage from the Saab 9-2x of several years ago? Must that car be called a 92 if it comes to pass?
My theory – only hardcore Saab owners and some automotive journalists even know the 9-2x existed. If a potential new smaller Saab is good enough, it will overcome any potential baggage.
The question arises from this article at The Telegraph, where VM has been talking small Saabs once again, and the likelihood of a new Saab hatchback.
So will we be buying the farm on making a hatchback model for the US markets where we sold maybe 20,000 900 models a year, or will we opt for a saloon? I let you draw your own conclusions, but this is a subject we are looking at now.
Build it and we will come…….
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Tomorrow we head south. In a rented VW.
And can I pass on this SU top tip: If you’re thinking of renting a car in Sweden, picking it up in one city and then dropping it off in another – DON’T!
I’m going to have to sell a kidney to fund this trip
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by Swade
July 13, 2010 in Saabology
I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but I love it when Saab dealers get an older Saab into the showroom. This is the heritage of the brand and they’re such a curiosity that it’s an instant conversation starter for a prospective customer coming in off the street.
If I were king, I’d make it mandatory.
Salesdudes at City Saab in London can currently enjoy talking with customers about what is possibly the only 2-door, 7-seat wagon in history – the Saab 95.
It stands out like a beacon in its Sunset Orange paintwork. The car is owned by Simon C and is on loan to Saab City for the display.
The car is a credit to Simon and any previous custodians as it looks to be in absolutely immaculate condition.
You can check out this car out on Flickr. It really is outstanding.
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by Swade
July 12, 2010 in Saabology
Greetings from Stockholm, where it warm and balmy.
I just noticed this in comments and figured that it was well worth sharing. Thanks very much to Arild for posting it there.
From Vibilgare
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“We have made the world’s safest car”
The new Saab 9-5 is the safest car to ever have left the assembly line in Trollhättan. Last year it received five stars in Euro NCAP’s new and comprehensive crash test. The first large Saab car, the model 9000, was appointed by Folksam as Sweden’s safest car in real accidents.
Top score
Since then, Saab’s safety has often been rewarded with top marks in crash tests. In December last year, the result of the new 9-5 was presented: Five stars according to Euro NCAP’s new crash test standards. The new Saab car got higher scores than the Mercedes E-Class, which is the only competitor tested under the new norms. Chief engineer Mats Fägerhag doesn’t even sounds a bit boastful when he observes:
- We have made the world’s safest car.
Gyro detects rolling
In the new 9-5, Saab has developed the safety systems even a few steps further. All outer seats are fitted with side airbags and dual pre-tensioner to tighten both the diagonal and the horizontal part of the safety belt. Side curtains cover the side windows all the way from the front to the rear window and also covers the windscreen pillars.
- In some oblique collisions, we have seen that the front-seat passengers can hit the pillars, says Mats Fägerhag.
Even when the car crashes head-on, the side curtains will deploy, and also if the car should roll. A gyrometer detects if the car is about to roll.
110 cars crashed
Before the 9-5 was ready for test drives, Saab had destroyed 110 cars in crash tests. 71 different types of tests have been conducted, including collision with an artificial moose. Saab and Volvo are the only manufacturers in the automotive world to do the moose crash test.
by Swade
July 12, 2010 in Saabology
I got an email while I was in the air from Ryan A, a guy in Michigan who is looking at possibly purchasing his first Saab.
The car he’s looking at is a 2008 model Saab 9-3 2.0T. It’s Laser Red, has 34K miles on it and the dealer seems quite reluctant to do a lower price than what Ryan’s already quoted.
Ryan’s current car is a 2007 Honda Civic coupe. This is a very reliable car and as Ryan will be stretching himself financially if he buys the Saab, he thought it might be wise to write in and seek some counsel from the SU regulars.
I would be a first time Saab driver — have always been in love with their unique quirkiness and their design. Wanted something a bit more refined and sophisticated. Just never thought I’d ever be able to afford one. The one I saw was at my Honda dealer, sitting by itself in its Laser Red majesty, when I took my Civic in for routine maintenance.
My question was simply going to be, Am I insane for trading in a car renowned for its reliability and ease of ownership for a vehicle that may be discontinued, has a shaky reliability record, and less mpgs? Honestly, I make a very modest salary, and the thought of having to make expensive repairs weighed heavily on my mind.
Not to mention finding a reputable and experienced independent mechanic, etc.
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My take on all this……
Fear not when it comes to discontinuation. Saab were sold to Spyker and they’re making cars in Trollhattan right now. And even if the whole thing were to fall over tomorrow, what you’ve got is a car that any GM dealer should be able to provide parts for in years to come anyway (though your resale would take a hit if that were to happen – which it won’t).
The reliability record of the Saab 9-3 is pretty decent, actually, with earlier models having some problems with dash panels and electrics in some instances. Mechanically, the cars have been pretty good, with only the springs proving to be consistent recent issues (and fixable on GM’s dime with some research).
By the 2008 model, the car was pretty well sorted. Honda reliability is very good so it’s hard to make claims for the Saab that can compare, but the 2008 was a good, solid car.
In every other area, performance, comfort, safety, amenity, fun to drive, I think that 2.0T engine and car will have you feeling pretty darn good. It’s a very enjoyable drive and a great model Saab.
If you are concerned about the deal, however, I wouldn’t pull the trigger until a deal came that you were comfortable with. No need to extort the dealer here, but set yourself a price and if you can’t get it – walk away and wait for another one. You gotta sleep at night, right.
I hope you and the dealer can both give a little and I’m looking forward to the chance to show some photos of your new car here on SU.
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What advice would you have for Ryan, folks?
Comments are open.
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by Swade
July 12, 2010 in Troll Stuff
We got in to Stockholm just in time to see the World Cup final.
Big Saabludos to all the Spanish Saab fans tuning in.
Because of some Dutch friends as well as the Spyker connection, my heart was with the Dutch, but the Spanish played the attacking game tonight and I thought they deserved the win.
It’s beautiful here in Stockholm this evening. We’ve travelled almost 40 hours to get here thanks to a longer than expected stopover at Heathrow (which sucks, by the way – around A$12 for one hour of internet time……fuggetaboutit).
It’s great to be back in Sweden!
I need some sleep, but will catch up with Saab stories first thing tomorrow.
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