It seems that Saab will eventually be saved by a rescue deal worth 88 million pounds. Also on the table is another cash injection, totaling almost 300 million pounds. This financial aid comes from the Chinese automakers Pang Da and Youngman. The company’s plans are to introduce not only an all-new 9-1 model that will rival the Audi A1 and the Mini, but also a new generation for the 9-3 model.
The Swedish automaker plans on launching both 3- and 5-door version of the 9-1, along with a new model which will probably be called the 9-7, which will be a large SUV. In addition, the carmaker will probably bring the 9-4X to the United Kingdom as well.
This leaked photo of the new 9-3 was published by a Swedish website that acquired a copy of the company’s business presentation to the European Investment Bank at the beginning of this year. The new model will probably be out towards the end of 2012 and will be offered with a bunch of gasoline and diesel engines, along with both manual and automatic transmissions. One of these engines will be the BMW-sourced 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit.
The new generation of the 9-3 will be built on an entirely new chassis that was developed by General Motors, who was the company’s previous owner. Both FWD and AWD hybrid versions will be available. Inside the cabin, the next-gen 9-3 will feature the advanced IQon infotainment system that uses the Android operating system developed by Google to offer satellite navigation and radio. Users will also be able to access their e-mails as well as download apps.
Design-wise, the new model will borrow a few styling cues from the PhoeniX concept that was unveiled back in March at the Geneva Motor Show, but it will also be inspired by its larger brother, the 9-5. What this means is that the new 9-3 will adopt a sportier look, featuring turbine-style alloys, boldly defined wheel arches and a coupe-like roofline. At the back it will have narrower tail lamps and a considerably curvier design.
The cabin of the next-gen Saab 9-3 will offer enough room for five adults along with a spacious trunk. The Swedish automaker is also working on convertible and estate versions of this model which will probably be launched sometime after the regular version comes out.
Source: Auto Express
Post tags: Tags: Saab, saab 9-3
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Photo of the new SAAB 9-3 leaked
The photo you see here has been uncovered by a website from Sweden by the name of SVD Naringsliv that bought a presentation that Saab gave in 2010 to the European Investment Bank. The leaked photo hints at the shape of the upcoming generation of the 9-3 model which is one of the many models that with a little bit of luck will revive the struggling automaker.
The all-new Saab 9-3 is scheduled for a 2013 or 2014 release and it will come in fastback and convertible versions. In the company’s recovery plan, aside from this model there are other cars in the pipeline, like the 9-4X and 9-5 SportWagon, along with a possible 9-1 model.
The production of cars is expected to restart in the beginning of next year after Saab’s sale to Youngman and Pang Da was agreed a few days ago. The company’s future plans include a powerful expansion in China and Saab will be repositioned as a near-premium brand which will offer a renewed lineup.
The deal with the Chinese investors was signed last Friday after talks between the Victor Muller who is the boss of Swedish Automobile NV (the company that owns Saab) and the representatives of the aforementioned Youngman and Pang Da. These investors have agreed to invest 50 million Euros to fund Saab Automobile during its ongoing reorganization process. These two companies have also pledged approximately 615 million Euros to restart production and clear debts, as well as fund the Swedish automaker’s operations for the upcoming years.
Source: Autocar
Post tags: Tags: leaked photo, Saab, saab 9-3
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The Swedish car manufacturer Saab has unveiled this week in Geneva the facelift version of the sexy 9-3 model. The car got a new front bumper, an updated grille, “ice block” headlights and a brand new look for the rims. Out in the back, it also got a trunk-mounted spoiler and the SportCombi variant will not have the chrome strip on the tailgate anymore. The cabin was updated by the titanium metallic trim along with the new leatherette seats with fancy storage pockets on the sides.
Under the bonnet, the engines remained pretty much the same, only minor tweaks were done in order to improve efficiency and reduce the dreadful CO2 emissions. The petrol engine available is going to be a 2.0-liter turbocharged plant that produces either 161 hp (163 PS / 120 kW) / 236 lb.-ft (320 Nm) or 217 hp (220 PS / 162 kW) / 258 lb.-ft (350 Nm).
If you prefer diesels, the 1.9-liter TTiD will be available in three output configurations: 128 hp (130 PS / 96 kW), 158 hp (160 PS / 118 kW) and the range-topping 178 hp (180 PS / 132 kW).
The 9-3 facelift will go on sale pretty soon and it will be known as the Griffin.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 geneva motor show, saab 9-3
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SAAB 9-3 Independence Edition
Last week we’ve mentioned that SAAB is planning on celebrating its own independence day and for this occasion they will be bringing to Geneva a limited edition 9-3, dubbed “Independence Edition”.
This special edition will feature a new color called “Sunset Red” and will ride on 18-inch rims. Inside the cabin, the car will benefit from parchment leather seats that have an orange strip down the middle. The turbo gauge will have an orange needle (exciting, right?) and the standard steering wheel will be replaced by a Super Sport unit, along with other interior components borrowed from the company’s specialist Hirsch.
The most significant aspect of this edition will definitely be the engine under the hood which is going to be a 2.0-liter turbo that will develop 220 hp.
If you want one you’ll need to act fast as the Swedish automaker is planning on making only 366 individually-numbered units of the 9-3 Independence Edition.
Source: SaabsUnited via AutoBlog
Post tags: Tags: geneva-motor-show, limited-edition, saab 9-3
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Chicago 2011 – Hirsch 2011 Saab 9-3
Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3
It is nice to see that from time to time a tuning company takes into consideration a Saab model. Hirsch Performance is the official supplier for ECU upgrades, exhaust systems, brakes, aero kits as well as a whole bunch of other modifications for the US-spec Saab models.
Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3
Last week at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, Hirsch unveiled their take on the 9-3 Sedan. Probably the most important upgrade over the standard model would be the increase in the engine’s output, from 276 hp to 300 hp, for the 2.8 Turbo V6 power unit. Other engine setups can get updates from 140 hp to 300 hp.
Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3
They did a little bit of tweaking to the exterior looks of the car which featured a rear spoiler, a 4-piece mesh grille set, a carbon fiber body kit with a front splitter and a rear diffuser. In addition, the car shown at Chicago had 19-inch 6-Twin alloy rims.
Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3
I used to dislike Saab models, but ever since I saw Seinfeld I began to like them. Over the last years they really started making some cool-looking cars and this Hirsch-prepared 9-3 is awesome.
Post tags: Tags: hirsch performance, saab 9-3, Tuning
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After confirming a few weeks ago that it will launch a private test fleet of electric vehicles, based on the 9-3 model, Swedish company Saab has officially revealed its EV prototype: the Saab ePower.
The model, as you can see above, is based on the 9-3 Combi (Wagon), and will see 70 units be deployed onto Swedish roads at the beginning of next year, part of the aforementioned test fleet.
The Saab ePower uses a 35.5 kWh lithium ion battery pack, which powers a 184 HP electric motor. The range is estimated at 124 miles, and the battery can be charged in around six hours. The performance of the ePower is pretty decent, with 0 to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 93 mph.
Don’t expect to see a production ready Saab EV anytime soon though, as the technologies on the ePower will just be used to make the current models more fuel efficient.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Electric Vehicles, Saab, saab 9-3, saab epower, sweden
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Even though it is quite busy launching the brand new 2011 Saab 9-5 all over the world, as well as setting up plans for the next few years, Saab isn’t neglecting its entry-level offer, the 9-3.
According to insiders, the 2011 Saab 9-3 will be treated to a mild refresh, consisting of revised looks as well as new options for both the exterior and the interior.
It seems that the model will be getting two new colors, Javabrown and Diamond Silver, as well as the turbine wheels we saw on the 2011 9-5. Two new versions, Vector Griffin and Griffin Aero will be introduced, each sporting tweaked front fascias. The inside will be host to a few more trim options, and new materials, for the 2011 model year.
In terms of engines, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with direct injection, will be available. It will output 163 in naturally aspirated form, and 220 HP, thanks to a turbocharger. In specific markets, a diesel engine will also be available, in three flavors: 130, 160 or 180 HP.
While this isn’t official just yet, Saab will certainly implement some changes if it wants the 9-3 to remain competitive until the next generation sedan arrives.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: 2011 saab 9-3, facelift, options, refresh, Saab, saab 9-3
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Swedish carmaker Saab is wasting no time after it swapped owners, going from General Motors to Spyker, and has already announced plans to introduce a test fleet of all-electric vehicles, based on the next Saab 9-3 entry-level sedan.
According to the Scandinavian executives, these vehicles will be part of a test fleet, set to roll onto the streets at the beginning of 2011. They are the result of a partnership between Saab, lithium ion battery producer Boston Power, electric powertrain manufacturer Electroengine and, last but not least, the Swedish Energy Authority.
The data and information resulting from the test fleet will be used in the near future to make cars more efficient, and drive the fuel consumption as low as possible.
The research will also benefit a future all-electric vehicle, but Saab isn’t ready to make any commitment about a launch date.
(more…)
Post tags: Tags: Electric Vehicles, prototype, research, Saab, saab 9-3, test fleet
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