In regards to China, Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson, told reporters on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show: "Until we launch the new 9-3 at the end of 2012, it will be just a couple of thousand units (annually), all based on imports. As we lead up to this, we have to make a decision if and when we are going to introduce local manufacturing in China."
The 9-4X's shape and styling will familiar to most as the crossover model was previewed by the 9-4X BioPower concept at the 2008 Detroit Show. On the outside, changes over the 2008 study concern some minor details such as the smaller front fog light openings, mirror caps, tail lamp color combos and smaller (and less impressive) alloy wheels.
The same can be said about the interior, with differences limited to the air vent designs and the less flashy decorative trim.
Some say, there's still some hope left for the once innovative and quirky Swedish brand as during the wind-down procedure, a savior might come forward and express interest in Saab as a whole or a part of the company.
There's even talk about a second life in China as GM could sell more Saab assets to BAIC or another domestic maker.
In any case, one of the first questions that arose after GM's decision, which, let's not forget, will leave several thousands of workers without a job, is what's going to happen with the production-ready 2010 9-5 sedan and the almost-ready 9-4x crossover?
Bear in mind that the premium sedan is based on GM's Epsilon 2 platform, also used on the Buick LaCrosse and Opel Insignia / 2011 Buick Regal, while the 9-4x shares its underpinnings with the new Cadillac SRX.
Officially, General Motors has not said what it will do with these two cars nor with the current 9-3s.
In what concerns the two new models, we can think of several options that GM may have including killing them off entirely, rebadging the cars under a different name and even selling the rights / assets to another automaker - although, common sense says that the last option is probably the least likely to happen for obvious competitive reasons.
So, here's the question we would like to ask you, our readers: What do you think General Motors should do with the new SAAB 9-5 sedan and 9-4x Crossover?
PS: The photoshoped 2010 SAAB 9-5 sedan with the Buick snout was made just to prettify the article
2010 SAAB 9-5 SEDAN
_____________________________________________________________________
SAAB 9-4X BIOPOWER CONCEPT
The Swedish edition of Automotorundsport magazine has published a photo of the forthcoming Saab 9-4x's interior that was scooped virtually without any camouflage. Compared to the 9-4x concept that was previewed at the 2008 Detroit Show, the production model's dashboard has remained relatively unchanged. Saab's long-awaited compact crossover -slash- SUV that shares its platform with the new 2010 Cadillac SRX is due to be revealed later this year with sales set to begin in early 2010.Via: AMS
For a brief time span, Saab’s official The above price was for the 9-4X equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 245 HP at 5.300 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 1.900 rpm, and matted to a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the Chilean website, with this powertrain the 9-4X can go from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.4 sec and on to a top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. The production version of the 9-4X is expected to be shown at the Los Angeles auto show in November.
Via: Worldcarfans , Source: Saab
Cadillac has released the first official images of the next generation SRX that is in essence the production version of the Provoq Concept that appeared at the CES show in “The next-generation SRX, along with the new CTS Sport Wagon, showcases Cadillac taking its dramatic design into new directions, particularly cars and crossovers that are the right size at the right time for today’s luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager.
Cadillac hasn’t released any mechanical details yet, but expect to see the CTS’ 3.6-liter V6 gasoline units along with a 2.9-liter V6 turbo diesel engine (for
Our little chit-chat with a Saab PR last week wasn’t only about the facelifted 9-3 that’s coming this fall with a new AWD version fitted with a 290Hp 2.8 V6 Turbo engine, as we also learned that Saab will debut its first-ever compact SUV, the 9-4X, towards the end of 2008.Although not officialy confirmed, it’s rumored that Saab’s 9-4X will be based on the next-gen Opel Vectra / Saab 9-3 / Cadillac BLX platform. Talking about Cadillac, the American car-maker will also produce their versions of the Saab 9-4X, both of whom will compete against the likes of BMW’s X3 and the upcoming Mercedes MLK, Volvo XC60 & Audi Q5 SUV’s. Back to Saab, GM’s Swedish-arm will probably tease us with a prototype version of the 9-4X in the upcoming months but until then; check out a bunch of computer-generated renderings from the swedish mag, Teknikens Varld
Technorati: Saab+9-4X, SUV, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
