by Red J
October 13, 2011 in Saabology
Yes, I know that production is still halted, and thus no 9-3 is being build for the North American market, but Saab Cars of North America seems to prepare for the best (and only) outcome of this affair, and information about the MY 12 9-3, also known as the 9-3 Griffin in some parts of Europe, have begun to arise.
by Red J
August 20, 2011 in News
I don’t think it will be much going on this weekend regarding to Saab, so we should concentrate on the beautiful things of life and enjoy the SOC, or the pictures from the SOC, if you could not arrange to be there. 
Nevertheless there are three pieces of news we have received from two of our readers I would like to share with you. Thank you Jason and Iggy.
by Red J
July 15, 2011 in News
Although production hasn’t started yet, it seems like Saab Germany is already thinking about how to increase sales after production re-start.
Saab Germany has introduced the “Midsommar” special edition.
by Red J
May 9, 2011 in Saabology
When I first heard about Saab mounting the new DI 2.0T engine from the 9-5 in the 9-3 Griffin, I just thought with a little help from Switzerland, that car could be the perfect Viggen successor. Later I learned that Hirsch was updating that engine to 260hp/400Nm not only in the 9-5 but also in the 9-3. From that day I knew the Saab 9-3 Griffin FWD 2.0T + Hirsch will be the most fun to drive Saab since years.
I still have to drive it, but Till72 had the pleasure last Friday. You can read his thoughts after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry →
by Tompa
May 5, 2011 in Editorial
Attention please! Nah, this is Not news. 
It Is a reflection on the media and some of it´s auto and financial journalists.
At first I was going with a total rant about one journalist in particular that I feel often tend to drift to “Saab hatred” named Håkan Matson of Dagens Industri. But I wont do a full article about him.
I´ll give Håkan that he is sometimes right in his assessments and actually writes something worth pondering about at times. But at the same time he is sooo happy whenever given the chance to give his very biased and negative views on a Saab model. As an example his extremely distasteful report from the NYIAS some years ago when the 9-7X made it´s debut and on live television tried to make Fords Head of Design at the moment agree with him that the 9-7X was a crap car and was truly ugly. Of course he was told that “:-No I think it´s a great looking car and wish Saab all the best”. No matter that Håkan was right in a couple of things… The size of engines and engineering of the car was not true to Saabs philosophy of building cars… he still stood there heaving dirt on the Swedish industry.
by Red J
March 18, 2011 in Saabology
We already know about the new dashboard materials Saab will be using in the 9-3 Griffin. The plain Griffin (SE in UK) will have a piano black surface, which I like very much. As an option for the Griffin you will also be able to choose a titanium finish. This also look really good, it was the dash material of the 9-3 Griffin that was shown at the Geneva motor Show. I added two pictures of that material on Swades in-depth article about that car.
The only unknown dashboard material is the one from the Griffin Aero called Graphite fibre-effect trim.
If you go to the Saab site and build a 9-3 Griffin Aero, you will get a picture of the interior.
Even in the original resolution the dash looks plain grey, much like the current 9-5. The first time I saw that I was a little bit perplex, most because I did saw the materials Saab will use on the MY 12 9-5.
But yesterday I received the printed catalogue of the 9-3 griffin from my dealer, and in there there is a big picture of the Griffin Aero dash. Putting it simple, it is the same material the 9-5 MY 12 will use, and we presented during the Geneva auto show.
This is a scan of the catalogue, and thus it looks a less crispy than the real deal, you better look at the interior pictures of the 9-5SC too get a better impression of the finish.
For me, and having seen the 9-5SC interior IRL, this material upgrade for the 9-3 makes the car much more appealing, and should be OK to keep the car interesting till the introduction of the JC9-3.
NOTE: This is no fake carbon fibre, and it doesn’t intend to be. It is an acrylic material with a grey structure and a metallic finish.
by Red J
March 16, 2011 in Saabology
TimR has presented me as the German part of SaabsUnited, and as such I will take care of the German speaking Saab market, and maybe other things.
So let’s get started with some snippets.
—
I promised Swade I would get this on-line. It is from Till72
Hi Swade,
I met with Alexandros yesterday and we intend to establish a regular Saab “Stammtisch” for Munich and the region. Those who are interested please contact me via till (at) tilldrescher.de so we can set a first date and location.
Munich Saabers get in contact with Till72.
—
And talking about Till72, he and me are preparing and interview with Mr. Schumacher, and I’m not talking about the F1-driver. I’m talking about JPS (Jan-Philipp Schumacher), the new Country Director for Germany.
Don’t worry, I will try to get some interviews with the country directors from Switzerland and Austria.
—
I don’t think I will do this many more times, but once should be OK.
Since Geneva I’ve been reading a German Saab Blog, which I like very much.
So, if you have already read all the posts at SaabsUnited, and you speak the German language, and you are still searching for new Saab information, you may take a look at saabblog.net, they have at least another point of view.
—
And at last, Germany has got only 20 9-3 Independence Edition, although they are only 20 the German dealers were allowed to order the Full Monty. In the list you can find the TTiD180 engine and the Bio-Power 220 engine with either a manual or an automatic gearbox.
Not like the UK or Spain, where only the TTiD 180 diesel engine with an automatic transmission will be delivered.
RedJ
by RobinM
March 15, 2011 in News
Saab GB is pleased to announce prices and specifications for the new and improved 9-3 model range which goes on sale in UK dealerships next month.
With a raft of improvements including two new petrol turbo engines, enhanced specification, lower emissions and improved performance, the 9-3 range has become even more attractive and competitive than ever.
More Equipment
Saab is renowned in the motor industry for offering high levels of standard equipment in its vehicles. Standard features across the range include alloy wheels, leather trimmed interior, heated front seats, park assist and Bluetooth phone integration system along with a host of safety systems including electronic stability programme, six airbags and Saab Active Head Restraints . All MY12 9-3 models now come with automatic dimming mirrors inside and outside the vehicle, electric folding mirrors and automatic rain sensor wipers as standard, a customer saving of £400.
There are two levels of specifications, SE and Aero.
Fresh looks
The MY12 9-3 range receives a fresh face and is distinguished by new front bumpers, ‘ice block’ headlamps and a new grille. At the rear, the Saab wordmark replaces badging on the chrome trim and all Saloon variants receive a boot-mounted aerodynamic spoiler.
Inside, the cabin features titanium metallic-effect trim around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox. SE models are fitted with Leather Appointed comfort seats, while Aero models feature new graphite-fibre around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox and Leather Sport seats with contrast stitching.
Class-leading fuel efficiency
Under the bonnet, two new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engines produce 163hp and 220hp and include direct injection, variable valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. Both of these engines will be available with a six-speed manual and automatic transmission. In terms of CO2 per unit of horsepower, the new manual 220hp 2.0-litre petrol 9-3 Aero Saloon and SportWagon raises the bar for efficient performance and is the most powerful sub 160g/km petrol engine vehicle on sale in the UK.
Like its sibling, the 9-3 1.9-litre manual twin turbo diesel line-up also offers class-leading CO2 emissions of just 119g/km in both the Saloon and SportWagon. The MY12 9-3 SportWagon can now claim the title of being the most powerful zero first year VED estate car available in the UK and is a perfect choice for company car users, and a cost-effective option for customers keen to reduce fuel consumption and their carbon footprint.
Competitive Pricing
Saab’s vehicle pricing has always been highly competitive and the new 9-3 range will offer customers an even greater value-for-money proposition. With all the model year upgrades on offer; new interior and exterior enhancements, increased standard specification, powerful twin turbo diesel and petrol engines, low CO2 emissions and impressive fuel economy, customers will find the 9-3 range even more attractive than before.
Charles Toosey, Managing Director at Saab GB, said: “We are very confident that the 9-3 range will be a great success in the UK and will appeal to motorists wanting a high performance, low emissions vehicle, with high levels of standard equipment and competitive pricing.”
Saab MY12 Saloon Price List:
| Trim | Fuel | Engine | HP | Transmission | CO2 (g/km) | On-the-RoadPrice (OTR) |
| SE | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 130 | Manual 6-speed | 119 | £22,495 |
| 1.9 TTiD | 160 160 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
119 153 |
£22,995 £24,530 |
||
| 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
119 153 |
£23,495 £25,030 |
||
| Petrol | 2.0t | 163 163 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
155 185 |
£21,495 £22,875 |
|
| Aero | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
129 153 |
£26,995 £28,530 |
| Petrol | 2.0T | 220 220 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
155 185 |
£27,245 £28,770 |
|
| 2.0 T XWD | 220 220 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
194 206 |
£29,255 £30,760 |
MY12 Saab 9-3 SportWagon Price List:
| Trim | Fuel | Engine | HP | Transmission | CO2 (g/km) | On-the-RoadPrice (OTR) |
| SE | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 130 | Manual 6-speed | 119 | £23,620 |
| 1.9 TTiD | 160 160 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
119 159 |
£24,120 £25,655 |
||
| 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
119 159 |
£24,620 £26,155 |
||
| Petrol | 2.0t | 163 163 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
159 190 |
£22,620 £24,270 |
|
| Aero | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
135 159 |
£28,230 £29,655 |
| Petrol | 2.0T | 220 220 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
159 190 |
£28,370 £30,020 |
|
| 2.0 T XWD | 220 220 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
195 209 |
£30,380 £31,885 |
||
| 9-3X | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
135 159 |
£26,495 £27,920 |
| Petrol | 2.0 T XWD | 220 220 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
195 209 |
£27,620 £29,125 |
MY12 Saab 9-3 Convertible Price List:
| Trim | Fuel | Engine | HP | Transmission | CO2 (g/km) | On-the-RoadPrice (OTR) |
| SE | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 160 160 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
137 162 |
£27,495 £28,920 |
| 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
137 162 |
£27,995 £29,420 |
||
| Petrol | 2.0t | 163 163 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
173 199 |
£27,495 £29,050 |
|
| Aero | Diesel | 1.9 TTiD | 180 180 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
137 162 |
£31,745 £33,170 |
| Petrol | 2.0T | 220 220 |
Manual 6-speed Automatic 6-speed |
173 199 |
£31,995 £33,550 |
by Swade
March 8, 2011 in Editorial
As a Saab blogger, I have a regular daily routine that sees me scouring email, comments and a large number of RSS feeds on a daily basis.
Reading comments first thing in the morning lets me know what’s happened overnight. Emails, of course, are the way I stay in touch and see new material that people bring to my attention. When those are out of the way, I get to my RSS feeds, which summarise news stories on a variety of topics and from a large number of websites.
When I’m away at an event, as I was last week, the RSS feeds tend to slip by the wayside because there’s so much going on. When it comes to events like Geneva, I don’t necessarily need to read about the news, I’m right in the thick of it.
This morning, when I opened up Google Reader, I was confronted with an interesting situation. Having not touched the service for over a week, there were thousands of news stories waiting for my review. This collection of links provided much more than that, however. What I had at my disposal was a snapshot of Saab’s media coverage over the last week – and it revealed a few interesting things.
As you might expect, you couldn’t wave a stick around the internet last week without hitting half a dozen different stories about the Saab PhoeniX design concept. It was like a PhoeniX piñata out there. Any website that’s ever run a story featuring an engine seemed to have a picture of the car with the flying buttresses.
The other prominent stories were concerned with Saab’s new IQon technology.
I have to point out here that Saabs United’s own coverage followed a similar pattern. RedJ, Eggs and I did try to make sure we brought you all a well-rounded offering from Geneva, but the PhoeniX was still quite dominant, even here.
So, plenty of Saab coverage. Both IQon and PhoeniX were well received by the vast majority of news services and websites that featured them. That’s all well and good. But it does leave Saab with some significant work to do.
For example…… I had over 500 stories waiting on my Google News “Saab” feed this morning. How many of those news stories dealt with the Saab 9-5 SportCombi?
Three.
And how many of those stories were from Geneva, rather than just re-hashes from the press release?
One.
Aside from the PhoeniX concept, Saab also had the Saab 9-4x, the Saab 9-5 SportCombi and the Saab 9-3 Griffin (with an emphasis on the sub-120g/km SportCombi) at debut or near-debut status at Geneva.
Such a huge media focus on PhoeniX is great for the Saab brand in terms of general awareness but doesn’t do nearly as much to help out with vehicles that are actually for sale, either now or very soon.
To add to the urgency, the only ‘major’ show in the next six months is the New York Auto Show, one where the significance of the 9-3 Griffin’s emissions status will be irrelevant. Wagons are welcomed by Saab fans, but the Saab 9-5 wagon won’t be as big a story in New York as it is in Europe.
20/20 hindsight would have me wonder if it might have been better to save PhoeniX for the New York show and focus the spotlight on Saabs production models in Geneva.
It’s a pointless question now, though, as the dice have been cast. All Saab can do now is roll with the outcome and make the best of their opportunities. I suspect that means a major promotional effort for the 9-3 Griffin and 9-5 SportCombi over the next six months in Europe, and the same for the 9-4x in the US.
Some sort of viral video or prominent event might be needed to push one or more of these cars into the public’s mind.
by Swade
March 3, 2011 in Saabology
UPDATE added at the end (Red J)
Saab had a 9-3 Griffin SportCombi at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and I thought it’d be good to share a few images illustrating some of the new details on this car.
The car on display was a TTiD with big labels showing the sub-120g/km status of the vehicle – a real plus given that it’s the practical SportCombi model. Prior to the Geneva show, this favourable emissions status was only available with the Sport Sedan.
There’s a little confusion with this car as to which model it actually is. It’s badged as a regular Griffin rather than as an Aero model, but has a mix of both regular and Aero features.
The very attractive wheels are from the Aero….
…. as are the sports seats. Note the new textured look on the seats with the horizontal lines (it looks a bit like a horizontal bamboo). It’s a small change that makes a very nice difference.
The front foglight surrounds have the same shape as the Aero model, without the bling. Of course, the shape of the foglight surround is closer to the 9-5 shape now and the bottom of the air intake is colored the same as the car.
The rear features a prominent Saab wordmark in place of the Griffin badge.
–
The interior of the car does feature the Titanium instrument panel which is only available for the Griffin as an option and not for the Griffin Aero.
I’ve made those two pictures, but they are not that good, sorry. At least you can see the surface material and the missing silver line around the instrument panel.
by Swade
February 28, 2011 in Saabology
Greetings from Geneva!! It’s a little chilly, but I was still able to wear my shorts
I can’t do a Googletrans on the website, but i-love-saab.ch has been established and the cars that go on show at Geneva will be touring Switzerland just after the show finishes.
The Saab Design concept won’t be making the rounds, so you’ll have to attend the Geneva show to see that in person this month.
The cars that will be making the rounds include the Saab 9-5 SportCombi and of course, the 9-5 sedan, the Saab 9-4x, the Saab 9-3 Griffin and the Saab 9-3 Independence Edition convertible.
If your in Switzerland (or otherwise nearby), check out the i-love-saab.ch website for the registration form and all the details as to when they’ll be near you.
by Red J
February 27, 2011 in Saabology
Swade must be on his way to Geneva, and I’m doing the latest preparations for tomorrow.
But for those that can’t wait, I’ve collected some information about Saab at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Saab booth will be in Hall 2. As you can see other brands in this hall are Seat,VW, Skoda, Subaru and Opel, not to forget Spyker.
If we zoom in, we see that Saab is placed between Opel and Dacia and in front of Spyker. Some of you would say that this is not the best place for Saab to be, but if my memories are right, this is the same booth as last year, so it must be some long term contracts that keep Saab on that place.
–
The Geneva Auto Show has a list of VIP that will be hosted by the different brands, and I must admit, it is OK that Saab is not hosting no VIP on its booth.
Otoh, people like Dieter Meier or Boris Blank from Yello would fit quite good with Saab .
–
The press conference from Saab is on Tuesday 1st of March at 11:45, just after the Opel press conference, so expect to be a very crowded press conference, as the Press guys will only have to move a couple of meters
For those willing to see the conference live, there is a Geneva Motor Show live Site.
–
Which cars will be on the booth?
If you search for Saab on the site, you will get this list.
This are only the premières shown, so expect to see some other car, not to forget JC’s concept.
–
On the Geneva Auto Show site, you can find 2 live cams, but only for Halls 4,5 and 6.
–
And now something non-Geneva related
Some people here do worry that Saab could bring the low power version of the new engine (163hp) to the states, only because some news outlets did extrapolate the international press release to the national American market.
Well in the mean time the American press release is out and this is the important passage
Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter gasoline engine gives 220 hp and includes direct injection, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging.
No single word about the 163 hp version.
–
And talking about this engine, but in the 9-5.
On the Hirsch site the update for the Turbo4 220 and the BioPower4 are marked as Coming Soon, this time for the automatic and the manual transmission.
–
I’ve received a list of the cars/engines that can get an Hirsch ECU update in the USofA.
So if you are interested in upgrading your engine, check first this list.
Keep in mind that you can test the Hirsch upgrades on your own car for 10 days for free (maybe your dealership wants the working time to be paid, but I can’t tell about that).
And for the owners of a 2007 Saab, Hirsch is offering a 30% discount on the product price, excluding taxes and installation cost.
–
Red J
by Swade
February 27, 2011 in Saabology
I hadn’t spotted this and I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned in comments (RedJ gets all the emails to comments on his posts) but I figured it would be worth a mention here anyway.
Well spotted by Markku, a saabnut from Finland.
Markku was taking a look at the new Saab 9-3 Griffin on the Saab Sweden website when he noticed the difference in the tail lamps between the regular Griffin and Aero Griffin models.
The regular Griffin:
And the Aero Griffin:
——
The tinted lights do not appear on the Sport Sedan, but do appear on the Aero versions of the SportCombi and Convertible.
And they look pretty darn cool.
It looks like they also make an appearance on the Independence Edition (which looks better and better every time I see it – just awesome)
–
by Red J
February 25, 2011 in News
In Sweden and Germany the new 9-3 Griffin can be on-line configured over the corresponding Saab site.
This is a Griffin Aero in Oak metallic with the new standard Rims for the Aero line.
But this is not the most interesting of all. The best part is the technical data of the new engine.
While the diesel engines have remained unchanged, the petrol and BioPower engines have been updated. Looking at the power figures for the top of the line engine it doesn’t look like a big change, (220 hp vs. 210 hp) but the torque has increased from 300Nm@ 2500 rpm to 350Nm@2000rpm, and this is a big change !!
So let’s look at the effects of 50Nm more torque.
The acceleration from 0-100kph has decreased from 7.7 sec too 6.9 sec (Hi 9-5 Turbo6).
The acceleration from 80-120kph is worse now, from 10.9sec to 11.5 sec but I think the reason to that is the next figure.
The EuroCycle consumption has been reduced from 7.3 l/100km to impressive 6.7l/100km, all that with standard technology.
The car has moved to the BMW,Audi league leaving Volvo far behind.
Yes, they did it again.
by Red J
February 24, 2011 in News
Two world premieres, the launch of the new Saab 9-3 Griffin range, and the unveiling of a limited edition Convertible celebrating Saab’s first year of independence: the Saab stand at next week’s Geneva Motor Show will be packed with more news than ever before.
World Premiere: Concept for Future Saab Design
Taking center stage is an exciting concept car showcasing design features and technologies to be seen in the next generation of products from Saab.
Conceived by a team under new Saab Design Director Jason Castriota, the concept’s sleek visual execution introduces styling themes drawn from Saab’s unique Scandinavian and aircraft-inspired design heritage. Cutting-edge technologies include all wheel drive with an electrically powered rear axle and a ground-breaking car communications platform using the AndroidTM operating system.
World Premiere: New Saab 9-5 SportCombi
Sharing the limelight, but no less important, the much awaited Saab 9-5 SportCombi also makes its world debut. This five-door partner for the new 9-5 Sedan will offer a compelling alternative choice in the large wagon segment and, in many European markets, is expected to sell in even greater volumes than its four-door peer.
Launch of Saab 9-3 Griffin range
The 9-3 range is revitalized with the introduction of the 9-3 Griffin line-up, replacing current Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X specifications. It includes refreshed exterior and interior styling, backed by more powerful, fuel-efficient engines. The new gasoline turbos feature direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, while further fine tuning enables a remarkable 119 g/km CO2 and 4.5 l/100 km combined cycle fuel consumption for the SportCombi with 180 hp turbo diesel power.
Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition
Saab is celebrating the first anniversary of its independence by unveiling an exclusive 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition, of which just 366 examples will be produced. Sharing the Griffin enhancements and based on Aero specification, it has a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint finish, etched side windows and distinctive interior trim.
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