by Swade
January 23, 2011 in Saabology
Here’s my desktop, as of a few hours ago….
This is one of a series of desktop wallpapers published by Motor Trend, all featuring the various generations of Saab Sonett.
The cars look great and the image quality is outstanding.
Highly recommended, especially if your computer is in need of a change.
Thanks to David W for the tip!
by Swade
January 23, 2011 in Saabology
Swedes….. make sure you tune in to Agenda, on SVT at 9.15pm tonight.
Victor Muller will be a guest on the show, which will look at Saab’s situation one year after the company was purchased from GM.
I’m quite sure of two things: #1 – there will be plenty of skepticism in the questions (at the link, above, they wonder how long the money will last), and #2 – Victor will represent the company well, as he always does.
Hopefully there might be an online version that we can see after it’s done.
Thanks to Dippen for the tip.
by Swade
January 23, 2011 in Saabology
For those in the area who might be interested in going for a spin…..
Don’t click on the image to RSVP. That’s just a screenshot.
Kelly Saab are running a Winter Covered Bridge Tour, on Saturday, February 5th.
Bring along a navigator to help you find the roads and answer questions about sights along the way as there will be prizes awarded!
This is a great opportunity to see old and new SAABs alike, meet the Kelly SAAB staff, and see the beauty that is Lancaster County.
Return to home base (Kelly Cadillac SAAB) by early to mid-afternoon for SAAB trivia (with more prizes!)
Date: Saturday, February 5th, 2011
Tour Start: 10:00 AM
Address: 1986 State Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
R.S.V.P.: Call 717-898-4000, ext.1032 or by email.
This will be an all-weather event, but in the event of a true weather disaster will be re-scheduled. Call Kelly Saab for an update if conditions are looking particularly poor.
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As an aside, a friend has remarked on the photoshopped 9-5 in the image. Alan reckons that deep red, which isn’t available on the 9-5 but was popular with earlier Saabs, should be back on the palette.
I have to agree. It looks quite distinguished.
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by Swade
January 23, 2011 in Saabology
Whilst it’s a low-key affair in 2011, Saab clubs and other groups around the world continue to gather. They celebrate the convoys they embarked on a year ago, as well as the re-birth of the brand they enjoy.
One such meeting happened in Israel last weekend, with the Saab Club there remembered last years (absolutely fantastic) convoy, as well as hearing about the future of Saab in general, and in Israel in particular.
The group was a bit smaller than last year’s convoy, but were eager to hear about the new 9-5 SportCombi and Saab’s future. All considered the anniversary an important milestone for Saab.
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Great to see the Saab fans in Israel get together again (the pics from the convoy last year are really worth a look). My thanks to Oren for the update.
by Swade
January 22, 2011 in Editorial
I occasionally get stories like this via email and I love receiving them. I’ve written plenty about why I Want The Saab. It’s always great to hear why others want the Saab, too. It feeds my Saab-Fu.
This story comes from Daniel B, who lives in Sweden.
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My love and passion for Saabs began in 1987.
When I was about 13 years old, my father came home one day driving in a white Saab 9000i. It was a 1987 model, 2,0 liter 130 hp with burgundy velour interior. Today one might say that there is nothing special about that car at all, but in 1987, this was just something else.
My family had had Volvos since I can remember and the change from a Volvo 244 GLT 1981 to a Saab 9000 1987 – well, let´s just say that it was one HUGE step. In the public eye in Sweden, Saabs had always been the standing in the shadow of Volvo, and to be honest, were quite heckled.
With the 9000, Saab had made a car that had something of a halo-aura around it. In the late 80′s, it was THE car to have.
For me, personally, I was struck by love immediately. Car-wise.
In 1988 my father changed the 9000 for a 1988b model, with blue interior, and all the extras except leather. I remember sitting in the back of the car watching the interior, the dash and the various buttons with their glowing green symbols, and the ACC-panel with its small lamps besides the buttons. The SID which looked like it was taken directly from Star Wars.
I made my mind up back then. Saab was the car for me.
In 1992 when I got my drivers licence, I bought my first Saab. A brown 3-door 1980 900 2.0. It might not have been a beautiful color, but it was a great car. It was comfortable, great to drive, with great winter handling. My friends in their Volvos, well they were mostly gliding around in the snow with the rear wheels spinning.
One of the best things (mechanically) with that car IMHO, was how the drivetrain was mounted. One day I had to change the clutch. Let me just say, changing a clutch on an OG 900, is like a dream:
1. Off with the bonnet.
2. Get some tools
3. Your butt on the radiator, your feet somewhere in the enginebay where you can find room.
4. Get the old clutch out. Put the new one in
5. Put the bonnet back on.
What a car…
In 1994 I got my first job and I needed a better car, so I bought my dreamcar (well almost). A 1986 9000 Turbo, Silverish blue.
It had some rust on the doors, which I fixed, but there was more for this car to come since I crashed it in 1995 and made a total restoration as well as rebuilding it as a black 1990 Aero. I loved that car.
Since then I have had about 12-13 other Saabs, my current 2010 9-5 SC TiD GriffinSport being the latest and definitely NOT the last. I love this car as well.
I have sometimes come to wonder why I have come to love this particular brand. Why Saab? I’m sure that there are a lot of cars that perform better in some areas on paper, but for some reason the heart and mind keeps sticking to Saabs.
The only answer I have is that at least for me, Saabs have been the only cars that have perfomed best in the combined areas that I value the most.
Sure, VW´s might be more spacious, Audis might have better build quality and material in the interiors, BMW might have better handling in the hands of an experienced driver, Volvos may have better reliability, and Toyotas may (a big may) be more fuel efficient etc etc.
BUT in a Saab you get a combination of great performance in terms of all these features, a combination I just can’t find in any other car.
VW’s are boring, Audis are just the same (and they have looks like milk cartons – they all look the same but in different sizes), BMW is too “look at me” for my taste and too conservative, Volvos are….well…. just boring too. Toyota? No thanks, not for me.
Saab needs to be more Saab. The best comment I’ve heard from Victor Muller, one that Saab needs to adhere to: Say what you are. Do what you say.
What I feel that Saab have lost though is the way it was DIFFERENT from other cars in the past. And I truly hope and wish that this thinking will gradually come back to how it was in the old heyday.
The way the gauges looked, with green lights and orange needles, the compressed speedo. Controls for power-windows that you pressed down, when you wanted the window to go down, and lifted when you wanted the window to lift. At the same time other car maker had switches that you pressed forward to get the window down and backwards to get it up.
Controls for heated seats that were like reostats that you turned with the tip of your finger instead of pushing a button over and over in order to get the right level of heating. Other cars had just an on/off switch.
Doors that went down with the threshold integrated so that your pants or skirt didn’t get dirty getting in and out of the car.
The way the rear spoiler on the OG 9-5 SC was designed in order to keep the rear window from not getting dirty.
The clamshell bonnet that made engine bay access easy.
The hatchback
The list just goes on and on…
Don’t get me wrong. I love the NG 9-5 and 9-4X, and if there had been a 9-5SC back in August I would have got one instead of my 2010 OG 9-5. BUT, I get a feeling that instead of going their own way – The Saab Way if you like – the main focus has been to make the cars as equivalent to the competition as possible, and in that process, they have kind of not looked the other way, and thought out of the box. It may be a result of GM being the overlord of the decisions being made (I truly believe it is – SW)
It’s not that the cars don’t perform good enough. THEY DO. It’s not that the cars don’t look good enough. THEY MOST DEFINITELY DO.
It’s just that the I feel a lack of the intuitive solutions of controls, instrument layout. The HUD is fantastic though!!
It is my firm belief that people who buys Saabs do so because they want a car that is different and special (Intelligent if you like –which I personally think is a good description of what Saabs should be like. Kudos to Curvin O’Reilly) – and not just as good as the rest out there. We kind of take that for granted, we Saab drivers, and in some way we can live with the flaws as well.
It’s just like any other lovestory:
-You love her because she is just THAT. Special, different, to you just perfect. And the small flaws sometimes just makes you love her more…
/Daniel
by Swade
January 22, 2011 in News
From Inside Line:
WASHINGTON — Saab is recalling 4,400 Saab 9-3s to fix a defective fuel pump that can cause the engine to stall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Certain fuel pumps installed as original equipment may have internal components with incorrect specifications,” said the NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. “The subject fuel pumps can seize, causing the engine to stall, which increases the risk of a crash.”
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Saab said there have been no reported accidents or injuries due to this defect.
“The defective fuel pumps may seize, stopping fuel flow to the engine and causing a stall,” wrote Gary T. Jones, Saab Cars North America compliance manager. “Once seized the fuel pump will no longer operate and must be replaced. The fuel pump defect is due to a process issue of the fuel pump component supplier, resulting in an out-of-specification internal component in the fuel pump. The component was limited to certain batches of fuel pumps.”
Saab dealers will replace the defective fuel pump. The recall is expected to begin on February 18. Owners can contact Saab at (800) 955-9007.
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The VIN’s concerned:
XWD Start VIN A1613280-> B1306695
FWD Start VIN A1613280-> B1307318
Saab dealers were told to check all 9-3s they had in stock so if you’re taking delivery of a 9-3 in the next week, your car should have already been checked. If your dealer doesn’t tell you it’s been checked, ask.
If you’ve picked up a 2010-11 Saab 9-3 recently then get it back to your dealer for a check (you can do a cursory check on the VIN yourself according to the numbers above, but for peace of mind, I’d take it back anyway just to be sure).
This is a precautionary recall. No incidents have been reported.
by Swade
January 22, 2011 in Saabology
Geneva, here we come!
My application for press credentials is in, and RedJ’s will be following quite soon. We’re doubling-down to make sure everything’s covered as thoroughly as possible.
Gonna be a big time, baby!
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Saab Australia watchers should check out this latest article at Go Auto.
The first shipment, which will bring the 9-3x to our shores, is just days away from landing and in that article, Saab Australia chief, Stephen Nicholls, outlines the strategy for this year.
In a nutshell – they’ll start quietly, build when the 9-5 arrives and take a long-term perspective. They have 11 dealers signed up so far, but are looking to add a couple more, especially in Sydney.
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Meanwhile, back in Sweden…..
Saab have lost their first case relating to the partition of debts arising from their re-organisation in 2009. This case relates to wage guarantees and as with the rental case mentioned a few days ago, Saab were seeking to have those guarantees counted as part of the accord. The court has decided it isn’t. Saab will appeal.
Before you start weeping, remember that Saab are entitled to make a case here. It’s not the end of the road and should things end badly, it’s still not the end of the road, not by any stretch.
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Teknikens Varld held a poll, asking which “Kombi” people were likely to buy. The Saab 9-5 stole the show with 61% of the vote.
Teknikens are now saying they think the vote might have been skewed. They can’t look at SU, though. I didn’t even know it was on until Tobias A pointed it out to me (now that it’s finished).
Very encouraging.
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It’s late. I’m done.
–
by Swade
January 21, 2011 in Saabology
As they are having to do in many markets, Saab are in the process of re-establishing themselves in Serbia.
The distributor there has just signed a sponsorship agreement with what I’m told is the first golf club in Serbia, located between Novi Sad and Zrenjanin. It’s a strategic decision as golf has just taken off as a sport there and is growing in popularity quite quickly.
They have a couple of vehicles on regular display there and test drives are available for all members and guests.
Call it another small chapter in the bigger ongoing story that is Saab’s rebirth.
My thanks to Miki for the pics – and best wishes to Saab in Serbia!
by Swade
January 21, 2011 in Saabology
DN.se’s Lasse Sward has published a review of the low-emissions Saab 9-3 TTiD today and I had to have a giggle as I read the ending.
The test goes extremely well, to be honest. One could go so far as to say it’s almost a glowing review. Well, about as glowing as reviews get in Sweden.
Sward praises the work done on the car to get it below the magic 120g/km mark, and notes that even though the model is older now, it’s still quite capable on the road, very reliable, very safe and despite some cramping in the back when there’s a tall occupant in front, it’s still comfortable and very driver-friendly.
The bit that made me giggle was near the end when he was discussing the fact that three models are available under 120g. They are 130hp, 160hp and 180hp versions – and the fact that the 180hp version is the most powerful ‘green’ car in Sweden is noted.
Sward opines that people should save some money and go for the 130hp version, arguing:
The price starts at 267 800 SEK for version Linear Active. The corresponding ethanol version with 175 hp is 18 000 cheaper – but drink more and thus provide higher mileage, and must also be serviced more often. If you settle for simple diesel engine of 130 horsepower, you’ll get away with 244 000 SEK, a clearly smarter choice in terms of their wallets. And honestly – how many need 180 hp?
It was that last sentence that made me double over.
And honestly, how many [people] need 180hp?
Mr Sward, I’d like to employ you to moderate my comments section. Please. If you can convince a readership that 130hp is perfectly adequate then I’d love you to come in to SU-land and help me to persuade some people here that a 220hp engine, with the option of taking it up to 260hp with factory-backed tuning, is more than perfectly adequate.
It’d certainly save me some time, angst and heartache 
Seriously, it just goes to show the different philosophies from place to place. Sweden is the land of Lagom and Saab, a company who embrace this concept to a large degree, are selling cars to a lot of very different markets from it’s little base in Trollhattan.
Check out that review. It’s well worth the read.
And people – don’t take the bait. I realise quite clearly that more is needed in other markets. I’m just amazed at seeing the difference so stark in this article.
by Swade
January 21, 2011 in Saabology
A couple of our mad Dutchies SU regulars, Jos and Stephan, took a trip down to Brussels a few days ago and checked out the Saab stand.
Jos’ notes……
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Jos discovered some new TX badging on the Saab 9-3 display car there.
The TX edition is a version of the Saab 9-3 that’s been available in selected markets at different times over the last couple of years. It’s currently an option for the Vector line of the Saab 9-3 in Belgium and offers:
Basically, what you’re looking at is a number of trim pieces from the Turbo X to dress up the 9-3 Vector in a cost-effective manner.
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We saw the 9-4x, which looked quite nice. Not my type of car, but still a nice car.
There was quite some interest in the 9-4x, we saw lots of people getting in and out the car, going straight to the private rooms, I guess for making price quotes. Funny thing, there were a lot of elderly (like 60+, retired) people looking at the 9-4x. Maybe there’s a market there for this car in Europe after all, one that no-one even though of: These retired baby boomers that don’t do the miles to be needing Diesels. They do however have cash to spend, and want a practial car, which is easy to get into and out of. The 9-4x fits that gap perfectly.
Well, it might just be my optimism, but there was a lot of action arount the car, that’s for sure.
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Reps at the show also said that the preview image of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi has already led to plenty of enquiry and some pre-orders.
Fantastic stuff.
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My thanks Jos for the info, and to Stephan for a big donut
by Swade
January 21, 2011 in Saabology
When I wrote yesterday about there being one engine option for the Saab 9-5 SportCombi in the US (and this was before we found out what that engine option would be), I included a poll on the subject.
Eight variations were offered in the poll, covering different combinations with V6 and 2.0T, auto and manual transmissions, and XWD/FWD.
More than 900 votes later, the results of the poll are pretty clear. Click.
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Bear in mind, this is not a scientific poll of intending Saab 9-5 SportCombi buyers. It’s a poll of Saab fans, a rather small percentage of whom might end up being Saab 9-5 SportCombi purchasers.
But still, there’s some compelling stuff there.
That last one was a real surprise for me. Given that one of the arguments for the 2.0T could be better fuel economy in times of rising gas prices, I’d have thought the 2.0T FWD options might have fared better. The FWD model will retain all of Saab’s excellent winter weather driving characteristics, but without the weight and mileage penalties that accompany XWD.
Possible conclusions – Fuel economy isn’t quite as significant as people say (alt, we have a vocal minority) – or – people just want the latest stuff.
Interesting times. Thanks for casting your vote.
by Swade
January 21, 2011 in Saabology
There was a bit of uncertainty surrounding the US release of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi yesterday.
US press material referred only to ‘a turbo engine’ and Inside Line quoted Saab staffers stating that the new wagon will only come with one engine. Several different publications speculated as to which engine that will be.
After posting some enquiries over to Saab Cars North America, I can now tell you that the one engine in the Saab 9-5 SportCombi will be the four cylinder, 2.0T 220hp engine.
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It makes sense.
Whilst some will lament the lack of a V6, the 2.0T is the volume seller and the economical choice for Saab’s new wagon. Those looking for a halo model, the usual argument for more power, are generally not looking for that halo vehicle in a wagon body.
If they’re only going to certify one model variation in the US market for the time being, the 2.0T is the right choice. It’s a great engine and priced accordingly, will create a lot of interest.
Good call.
by Swade
January 21, 2011 in Saabology
Mats is a good mate of mine living quite close to Trollhattan. He’s got fine automotive tastes, but as far as I know is yet to add a Saab to his garage. I’ve been waiting for him to drive the new Saab 9-5 for a little while now.
This is a good story, because it not only fulfills my wish to get Mats into a 9-5, it also sees his boss fulfilling a wish to finally buy a new 9-5 of his own. And it seems he’s very happy with it.
The two of them took the boss’ new 9-5 TiD (160hp) on a 450 mile trip – just enough time to stretch the legs .
Writeup and photos are below.
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I told you my boss got his new 9-5 on the 28th of December… Yesterday we did a 450+ miles trip in the line of work and I have just one thing to say – What a car !
He originally wanted the TID with the automatic gearbox but that wouldn’t fit inside the budget so he went for the manual and added the HUD and Bluetooth. (I’m used to driving manuals but my boss’s last two cars have been 9-5 wagons with the 2.3 engine and automatic gearboxes and before that two manual 9-5’s)
The last weekend was warm here in Sweden so some of the snow had melted and this morning was the first morning with below freezing temperatures. The road was a bit slippery but the 9-5 never felt nervous, just solidly planted on the road despite running on unstudded winter tires. This car comes with the sport suspension by default and I think it handled great, firm but never rough, even on ice-caked roads it was never harsh in any way.
Out on the highway the first thing that hit me was how quiet this car is. There were three people in the car and we easily carried a conversation between the front and backseats doing around 100km/h or more. I drove it myself for a few hours and you really need the cruise control in this car, it disguises the speed to such extent that the risk of speeding is evident, luckily the cruise control is all handled from the steering wheel and very easy to use.
You also very quickly get used to the HUD and being back in my own car, looking down at the speedo, suddenly felt very awkward. As always in a 9-5, the seats were sublime. We spent around 9 hours on the road yesterday and it never made me feel tired like some cars do.
All in all….Saab have created a great car, the 160hp diesel engine performs well, I never felt the need for more power when passing trucks or other cars. Sure you have to downshift to 4th gear but I don’t mind….makes me feel more connected to the car…..
The tripcomputer is never reset so the 5.9 liters/100 km is the usage since it was new. Over 1900 km’s driven. Not bad for a brand new engine in such a big car!
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by Swade
January 20, 2011 in Saabology
Get myself arrested is one of my favourite tunes of all time and I’m pretty sure you’ll be singing it after watching this video from the Brussels Motor Show.
It’s not often that Victor Muller is upstaged in a video, but I think it’s fair to say it’s happened here. It’s in Dutch, but don’t let that stop you.
The video also features the wonderful Sofie from Saab, which is a surprise as she’s usually a behind-the-scenes type. Wonderful to see her out and about as she does so much hard work there in Belgium.
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Speaking of VM, Saabworld has come across a great story about his little dinghy, which you can hire if you’ve got some spare change and want to drift around the Caribbean during the winter.
Click here for more pictures of The Highlander (there can be only one VM, right).
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And whilst we’re covering VM and extravagant things, let’s move sideways to Spyker. It seems the rumours were true: they’re ditching the Audi powerplant for a 6.2litre LS9 engine out of the Corvette for the C8 Aileron Spyder.
Grunty, with craftsmanship.
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Congratulations to Till72, another one of our regulars here at SU, who’ll be off to the Ice Hotel at Saab Germany’s invitation for the Saab Ice Experience.
Rumour has it that another occasional SU contributor might be heading up there, too.
Add those to Sappy who won a trip from SaabGB last week and it’s going to be a regular SU party up there!
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It’s interesting that reader opinions seem to be divided over which engine should be the one to power the Saab 9-5 SportCombi in the US.
It’s a no-win situation for SCNA if you ask me.
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Luke Lewis, the guy who organised the reportedly resplendent autumnal drive through Connecticut back in November is planning another one.
This time it’s a trek around Rhode Island, on Saturday, March 12th.
Interested parties should check out the Facebook page for the event.
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A Saab Support Convoy memory from Denmark. January 2011.
Thanks to Hans T
Please create an account to get started.
by Swade
Housekeeping: Comments (again)
January 23, 2011 in Troll Stuff
I got an email from a Saabs United reader earlier today, which included the following:
It’s not the first time I’ve seen this. It’s not even the first time I’ve seen this in the last three days.
People seem to think that just because they can comment here freely, that they should. Comments become a place for throwaway lines, online comedy auditions, needless over-reactive negativity and/or the idea that “Saab will die if they don’t [do what the commenter thinks is important]“.
There have been a few other transgressions recently that have necessitated action. A number of racial comments have seen one regular relegated to a moderation queue. And a visit from someone whose sole purpose was to declare that Saab Is Dead has seen the same action.
This is an enthusiast’s website. I don’t mind discussion or polite, considered argument. I don’t mind disagreement. But the purpose of this site is to support Saab and document current events happening with the company and the ownership community. It’s not to prognosticate or prophesy on what could be the direst possible consequence of any given action.
I want this site to reflect positively towards the Saab brand. I want people who come here to see the picture that I see – an innovative company in a tough position, but working as best they can to proceed, and making progress towards that goal. I want it to be a positive experience for people who land here.
Some guidelines to commenting here:
Saabs United is not all about you. It’s not all about me, either. It’s all about Saab. Please consider the ramifications of what you want to say before you say it because it might well have a negative impact on the experience of others here.
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