Press release: Saab Highlights at 2011Geneva Motor Show

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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.

81 thoughts on “Press release: Saab Highlights at 2011Geneva Motor Show”

    • Yes, it’s Android. It was rather entertaining reading all the comments to the IQon post the other day, really couldn’t comment on it then but now that it seems like it’s finally out in the open: Swade’s hunch was spot on.

      • So it´s time for the dealers here in sweden to open the books so I can order a SAAB 9-3 Griffin SportCombi, any idea of a date?

        • Tandu, according to comments over on other swedish car-sites, both Teknikens värld and Vi Bilagare, the books are opened already!

          Commenters speaking of having filled out orders already… One guy having ordered 4 for his company…

          “The future’s so bright we’re gonna need shades” 😉

  4. Well, I have always liked wagons, and I think that Saab has done well with theirs (both the original 9-5 and the 9-3) in the past. This one, as I hoped, is no exception. It looks very good. Someday, I hope to own one.

    ~P

  5. Android… NOOOOOOOOOO….. I was really hoping Apple and Saab (being somewhat similar in design philosophy) would debut some new iOS equivilent for the auto industry… Awesome… now google will know not only where we live, what we eat, who we talk to, but probably… where we are at all times….. 😉 — still, better than nothing. I DO hope it doesn’t get in the way when using an iOS device. I develop for both platforms, and can say, thus far, not a huge fan of Android… BUT… it is getting better.

    • Yes, I have the same problems about Google knowing too much about me, but my concerns against iOS are not less. 😉

      BTW, in the iQon post, somebody pointed to this.

      I don’t know how good it is, but at least is backed by the auto industry.

      • “but at least is backed by the auto industry”

        Huh, don’t think so. They have lots of partners, but, and maybe I’m just missing something, I don’t think any car company has bought into this.

    • Android… NOOOOOOOOOO….. I was really hoping Apple and Saab (being somewhat similar in design philosophy) would debut some new iOS equivilent for the auto industry

      I would think an open Android based system would be a better platform then another closed source thing.

      As you (probably) wouldn’t like a MS Windows platform for the communications module, i personally wouldn’t want an Apple platform.

      User interface is a completely different thing though, Apple scores high on that imho.

      A more open system like Android, could mean more user customizable.
      Trip logging app for cars in business use f.i.

    • I don’t want to argue with you… but… you don’t want Google to know everything about you.. but you don’t care if Apple do? I will not say one is better than the other, because they are both “big brother wathcing you”-stylish. The only difference as I see (and is a bit being discussed in Swedish media the last weeks) is that Apple has a form of censorship regarding what is allowed in apps and so on. They want to control the entire chain from product to user, while on the other hand Android is more open.

      We may all like what we like. I don’t like any of them from the “big brother”-perspective.

  6. Saab 9-5 SportCombi looks great. Android was a bit of a let down. I had hoped they would do something different. Android is a mess.

    • The ins and outs of this operating system stuff is over my head, but from a marketing point of view I would love to have seen them work with Apple. That would have been a home run in terms of generating a press ‘buzz’ in my view and creat a great synergy between Apple and Saab. Both companies seem to share some core ideals and brand pillars in their respective industries.

      • Apple and Android are almost the same both are Linux systems apart from one is more locked down and, one is more expensive, the other open source and cheaper-they can be configured almost identically and the open source bespoke applications can be managed in house by Saab exactly as intended for less development cost-to me it makes perfect sense and it is the very best option moving forward. The Apple option whilst in synch with Saabs brand does have some difficult digital rights management issues which individuals and corporations have struggled with in the past.

        • Nope, Apple OS has its roots in the Mach OS and kind of was grandfathered in by Steve Jobs when he took over at Apple again. His NeXT company was using Mach for their machines.
          But then again, almost all operating systems, open (Linux, Android), closed (Apple) and garbage (Microsoft) have been happily stealing software bits from each other and from Unix. This cross fertilization means that they also are inheriting all the safety holes from each other. With the proliferation of all these appliances in every nook and cranny of our daily life it’s unavoidable that a cyber disaster is going to happen within the next 10 years. Yeah, I’m paranoid and proud of it.

          • Yeah, and it happened several times already! Latest one was the attack on the Iran nuclear facilities. All these attacks were pretty localized and many people just didn’t notice them.
            I’m just saying that soon so much of your life will be affected by all these smart appliances that cyber attacks can have a much wider impact than in the previous 30 years.

  9. Im going to take a wait and see approach on the Android situation. I prefer my iphone purely because of the improvements iOS has made in usability for mobile users (Android still has a ways to go, but I love that its an open platform) but perhaps this new Saab implementation will be something special? Lets keep this in perspective, my 2008 9-3 Aero has a terrible pile of junk GM radio that cheapens the entire interior … I cringe when I get in a co-workers Pontiac G6 and we have the same radio/climate controls … so this will be an improvement no matter how you slice it.

  10. Windows, Android, iOS… Don´t care one bit as long as the thing is userfriendly and a every driver, including pre used buyers, are able to customize and have alot to choose from.

    Cheers/Tom

    • +1
      We where able to “survive” the basic SID’s for many many years so couldn’t care less about the platform as long as the system has a few decent inputs and high quality speakers.

      • I love my old SID’s! I am a bit of a Luddite when it comes to these things, but I get the info I need without too much distraction. They are also easy enough that my grandmother couold use the features without technological overload.

        Just hanging out here in the ever dwindling minority…

  11. I love the 9-5 SC. I disagree with others on the rear doors. I think they look fine.

    Here is a quick review of the SRX with the 2.8T engine. I assume the Saab version will have the same options. He is a little harsh on the 2.8T engine. I chalk it up to another uninformed motor journalist.

    http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-555459

    The 9-4x is growing on me. I might just have to buy one for the wife. I can’t make up my mind because I love the new 9-5 SC. Decisions decisions…

    • I agree. It really looks GREAT! But for your wife the 9-4x would maybe be a better pick. Has a more “wife” feel to it 🙂 But the SC would be an awesome pick for a sporty family

  13. Apple controls the end user experience, from start to finish – understanding the reason, to make sure it is easy to use and each and every person can have that great experience, is why… not saying it is right… but there is reason behind it…. Google on the other hand in all way shape or form an advertising agency…. they sell ads… and they know what you like, where you are, etc… google maps, docs, search, all of it, sending bits to them they can sell…. I personally would just rather not have them in my car… probably get banner ads telling me where to get $1.00 the charmin when i search for grocery store in the nav… I would rather see Linux (possibly one of hte Ubuntu builds) instead – but, to each his own. For Saab, Apple just seems like a better fit, although they are not in the market so it is a moot point.

    I personally just don’t trust giving google anymore information than I already have or do.

    • Hopefully Saab can use the code in a proprietory manner-so the ability for the main vendor to trash it with unwanted external content is a non issue. I agree that would be bad but I don’t think Saab would let that happen.

  14. How much before the next SAABs with Android get rooted? 😀

    The 9-5 SC looks fantastic. Can’t believe GM wanted to kill all of this. Schmucks!

    • One day soon Saab will buy GM and shut them down! ha! We will see how many people get upset about that and drive in convoys all over the world.

    • “Can’t believe GM wanted to kill all of this. Schmucks!”

      Well… there would be no 9-5 without GM, don’t forget that. If 9-5 is fantastic, isn’t it because GM made it fantastic? I personally don’t think it’s fantastic, but it is the first “good enough” Saab from the GM period.

      Let’s at least wait until we see some “independent” Saab designs on the streets until we start pointing fingers at GM, yelling “HA-HA!” like Nelson in The Simpsons. 🙂

      • Please! So your saying that GM did a good jobb with Saab, you must be kidding. The answer to your question is that GM not did much at all. Take the TTiD 119g for example, “impossible they said” .The 9-3 SC was ready for introduction 3 years before our beloved GM let Saab to start selling it. If GM have done there work properly they should let Stallbacken doing there stuff the way they do at this moment. And you know that I´m only scratching the surface. GM let the 9-5 lives for 13 years, do you call that responsibility and something they CAN be proud about. Let me put it this way, I think VM is way better than a GM that don´t understant how to make a car company profitable in 20 years. So Martin N I don´t agree with you that “GM made it fantastic?”.

        Havent you noticed that things happen all the time now with a smaller pocket than GM had.
        It´s so easy to say that the 9-5 is a Insignia but is it really or is it the other way around.

      • @MartinN My entry was a little over zealous perhaps but I think Saab must get a lot of credit for the new 9-5-there are so many Saab unique design elements so many componants on it are Saab and not GM, so whilst I understand your general point I am not sure I agree. Infact I would only thank GM that they let Saab go-that was their best decision throughout their ownership in my view, I do not think I am alone here.

  15. Can’t wait for the concept!

    I would really love to see these wagons on the road periodically. They are so freakin’ good looking. It’s like a smarter Audi wagon with a personality! Perfect.

  16. Pass the Kleenex!! I’ve always said photographs never do Saabs justice, they always look better in the metal, but when those pictures are so GOOOOD…I get aroused.

  17. Android is an awesome choice. First is it’s based on Linux open-source so almost anyone can create customized apps and like. This gives Saab a broader eco-system then linking up with Apple. It also gives them more opportunity to customize and polish the interface whereas Apple would likely want their branding on it.

    I see this as a big win. Now if they could just put wifi in it so I can tether it to the hotspot on my mobile phone. We’d never be tied to stale out-dated GPS map data any longer and would have full web access from in the vehicle!

    • That’s my line!

      Very tempted to mount a stealth mission to Geneva without “The Wife” to take a peek…..hmmm… thinks…

    • I can’t imagine them not building a wagon. IF they have to drop a variant, it would most likely be the sedan.

    • I and others explained this in the sales thread. You own shares in Spyker Cars N.L., that is a parent company. Spyker Cars N.L. owns two sub brands: Saab Automobile and the Spyker sportscar division. Spyker Cars N.L. intends to sell the sportscar division to Antonov. Then Spyker Cars N.L. will only own Saab Automobile and hence your shares are basically directly in Saab. The sale does not affect your stock ownage, since you never owned shares in the sportscar division but in the parentcompany. The shareprise was up with 13% at some point today. Spyker Cars N.L. will probably change name to something with Saab, according to Muller.

  25. I really don’t think that iOS was even a contender. “You can’t win if you don’t have your own team,” in other words, Saab would have been totally dependent on Apple. At least Android is open-source, so it can be customized. I would have preferred Meego IVI, but Android is a good second choice.

    Of course, the “in vehicle infotainment” is essentially just an app. All you need from the OS is drivers for various hardware (bluetooth, wifi, GPS, DVD, USB, touchscreen). The rest is just a matter of painting a pretty (and functional) picture.

    • Right. As a software developer, if I were on Saab’s engineering team, I would not want to build the whole car’s internal system on an OS that has to be serviced by some other company. iOS is very nice (in Apple products), but I would not want to be that dependent on Apple for fixes. Same reason why I think Windows mobile (or full Windows) would not be a good idea for a car. It either has to be something that you OEM and are allowed to modify/fix or something open source.

  26. In the Swedish Saab site you can now build your 9-3 Griffin! I can VERY HAPPY say that i gonna order one SS on Monday!

  28. Ok, so let me get this straight: The 220hp 9-3 XWD is 0.1 seconds faster to 100 than the 300hp 9-5 Aero.. Dare I say this model year of the 9-3 is the tuners choice? 🙂 I think with remap, 3 inch exhaust from the turbo and a better flowing intercooler, this car will be a blast to drive!

  30. I’m so sorry…

    As much as I really would have loved to like the 9-5 SC, I must admit that I just don’t.

    Take a look at the 9-3 SC. What you’ll see is without doubt the sole most beautiful and harmonic estates/wagons/combis ever build.

    I don’t understand how the same team of designers can have their design evolve in such negative direction over 10 years. The 9-5 SC reminds me of the SsangYoung Rodius or the former Renault Laguna. Not good…. I would pick the Volvo V70 any time…

    I guess I’ll just have to wait for the 9-3 replacement to arrive as either SC or 5 door hatch. At that time the kids are older, and I can live with slightly less boot space.

    Or maybe I just need to see it in flesh/metal. I really really really hope seeing it for real can make me change my mind!!!

    Jesper

  31. I’m so sorry…

    As much as I really would have loved to like the 9-5 SC, I must admit that I just don’t.

    Take a look at the 9-3 SC. What you’ll see is without doubt the sole most beautiful and harmonic estates/wagons/combis ever build.

    I don’t understand how the same team of designers can have their design evolve in such negative direction over 10 years. The 9-5 SC reminds me of the SsangYoung Rodius or the former Renault Laguna. Not good…. I would pick the Volvo V70 any time…

    I guess I’ll just have to wait for the 9-3 replacement to arrive as either SC or 5 door hatch. At that time the kids are older, and I can live with slightly less boot space.

    Or maybe I just need to see it in flesh/metal. I really really really hope seeing it for real can make me change my mind!!!

    Jesper

    • I have to disagree..the new V70 (previously not pretty but…architypal) has gone all “Ford Angular” it looks like a smashed egg box.

      Don’t get me wrong I love Volvo too I have a V70 (for the Wife) but right here right now..? -SAAB has it for me on aesthetics alone

  33. The car looks amazing.

    Android means it’s a no-go for me, if I was in the market for this type of car. THat’s too bad.

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