These photo's are officially leaked, so they are published by Saab but not official.:D What ever, the new Saab 9-5
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These photo's are officially leaked, so they are published by Saab but not official.:D What ever, the new Saab 9-5
Saab 9-5 #2
There's something about that C pillar that just looks off. Overall it's not bad looking though. I don't know what it has that will make people buy it over other things though, which is what Saab needs right now. They have to get their name recognition up, and I don't think this will do that for them.
What's happening with Saab now? Are they dead, sold, on life support ???? I haven't been doing any reading on this topic.
This car is ugly.
[quote=DesmoRob;898322]What's happening with Saab now? Are they dead, sold, on life support ???? I haven't been doing any reading on this topic.
This car is ugly.[/quote]
Saab has been sold by GM to a small Swedish company called Koenigsegg.
Press release,
[quote]General Motors and Koenigsegg Group AB Reach Tentative Agreement on Saab
# Deal will secure Saab’s future
# EIB expected to provide $600 million financing with state guarantee by the Swedish government
# GM reinvention achieves another milestone
Zurich. General Motors Corp. and Koenigsegg Group AB, a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, today confirmed the details of a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of Saab Automobile AB that secures Saab’s future.
The sale, expected to close by the end of the third quarter of this year, includes an expected $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. Additional support is to be provided by GM and Koenigsegg Group AB to fund Saab’s operations and product program investments. This includes plans to launch several new products that are in the final stages of development. Saab had filed for reorganization under Swedish Law on Feb. 20, 2009. This tentative agreement is a key milestone for Saab to successfully emerge from its reorganization process.
“This is yet another significant step in the reinvention of GM and its European operations,” said GM Europe President, Carl-Peter Forster. “Saab is a highly respected automotive brand with great potential. Closing this deal represents the best chance for Saab to emerge a stronger company. Koenigsegg Group’s unique combination of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and financial strength, combined with Koenigsegg’s proven ability to create world-class Swedish performance cars in a highly efficient manner, made it the right choice for Saab as well as for General Motors.”
As part of the proposed transaction, GM will continue to provide Saab with architecture and powertrain technology during a defined time period. Additionally, Saab plans to produce its next generation 9-5 models in the Saab production facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
“The proposed agreement will enable us to maximize the brand’s potential through an exciting new product line-up with a distinctly Swedish character. Today’s announcement is great news for Saab’s current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe, said Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile AB.
The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale are not being disclosed at this time. Deutsche Bank acted as financial advisor to General Motors Corporation.
General Motors Corp., one of the world’s largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 235,000 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the U.S., followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. In Europe, GM sells its vehicles in over 40 markets. It operates 10 vehicle-production and assembly facilities in seven countries and employs about 50,000 people.
Koenigsegg Group AB is a consortium of private investors led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB. Koenigsegg Automotive AB manufactures supercars. It has representatives in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Oceania. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Ängelholm, Sweden.
[/quote]
[quote=digitalcraft;898316]There's something about that C pillar that just looks off. Overall it's not bad looking though. I don't know what it has that will make people buy it over other things though, which is what Saab needs right now. They have to get their name recognition up, and I don't think this will do that for them.[/quote]
i think the C pillar and glass house shape are trying to emulate the Aero X, but not quite pulling it off. the mix of chrome and black on the window surrounds isn't good to me, needs to be one or the other.
im not opposed to this car, and i even want to like it. it is just a bit of a let down design wise. there is nothing about it that would make me want it more than a camry or an accord (given i was in the market for that type of car) with the exception of it being a saab and therefore not what 3/4 of my neighbors have.
i was hoping koenigsegg would move the game on some, so far that hasn't happened. but then again, this is still the work of GM completely, and GM never captured what saabs were all about.
Way too many GM parts still on that car
I think it looks fantastic. 8)
Great to see a new Saab.
I like the lines ... I think they evoke the Saab 99 and 900 shapes.
At least it will stand out from all the others in the price range whcih look the same !
Nice looking car. I agree with Matra. A refreshing change in the segment.
Is it just me, or does this look noticeably larger than previous 9-5s?
Looks great. Far better than most of the competiton. Saab have got to be one of the most consistently good looking brand of cars, up there with Aston Martin.
um... i don't know....its still the old Saab that im used to. it doesn't leave and impression on me. sorry, but this car is pretty much inexplainable to me.
I like it. The rear is a little too Lexus-like, but aside from that it succesfully puts Aero-X bits to the road and just looks cool and high tech.
The slightly odd C-pillars look to be at about the same angle as their old hatches. Good stuff.
This is beautiful. Also, I sold my 9-5... unfortunately not enough money for an upgrade!
Went digging to remind my ageing/dying brain cells I wasn't totally senile YET :)
Pick of original Saab 99 TUrbo. Do the lines now seem recognisable on the new shape for the youngsters ? :) :)
Yes, the C pillar is huge...at least they didn't blacken it
I like it, really.
I'm liking the interior shots. As for the exterior, I like the brake light strip but the whole back looks a bit bulbous... better than the current "Dame Edna" look though
well Matra, i can see the the Saab that you posted there reminds me only of the big, ugly C-pillar and the roofline, rear and head lights and what not. i don't know about everything else though...
^ That's why I posted it cg :)
THOSE are the key differntiators with the others in it's class imho.
"ugly" is a personal choice. We need to get used to shapes that imrpove the NCAP pedestrian safety and the fallout from it :(
If it were to deliver a fraction of the driving experience of the 99 Turbo it will be good :)
[quote=MRR;898334]Way too many GM parts still on that car[/quote]
Did you think they built an all-new car within two hours after Koenigsegg took over? Should be the last GM-Saab.
I have to say it's actually quite evolutionary.
The front is very similar in overall format to the existing 9-5, only more resolved, as you would expect with a clean sheet.
the side profile is spot on, blacking out the A and B pillar to create that sort of helmet look you see on the GT-R (which in turn you've seen on every Saab since way back when).
The rear is Rather unusual, actually. the lights look slightly too small, but that could be due to the sharp cut line across the top of the line. Having said that it's not entirely unattractive.
So overall very much in keeping with the current Saab values, while moving the brand forward. Which is why I don't expect it to do well at all.
[quote=IBrake4Rainbows;898660]I have to say it's actually quite evolutionary.
........
So overall very much in keeping with the current Saab values, while moving the brand forward. Which is why I don't expect it to do well at all.[/quote]
Spot on, if you ask me.
This is the same problem that Jaguar has (or had).
The sales from the X, S-type and Xj were down.
What do you do, break with your styling heritage. And hope to get new buyers with that. Or stay with the old style that didn't sell, and only update it, in the hope to get old buyers back.
That's always difficult. But i hope this works for Saab and Koenigsegg
[quote=Matra et Alpine;898630]^ That's why I posted it cg :)
THOSE are the key differntiators with the others in it's class imho.
"ugly" is a personal choice. We need to get used to shapes that imrpove the NCAP pedestrian safety and the fallout from it :(
If it were to deliver a fraction of the driving experience of the 99 Turbo it will be good :)[/quote]
is the 99 Turbo that good? im actually quite curious.
Saab 9-5 #3
Saab 9-5 #4
Any pressrelease anywhere?
[quote=netburner;904036]Any pressrelease anywhere?[/quote]
There you go.
[B][SIZE="3"]All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab[/SIZE][/B]
[I] * All new premium sedan to debut at Frankfurt IAA
* Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X and Saab heritage
* Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
* Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
* Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech’ features[/I]
Making its public debut at next month’s IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan announced today signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in model year 2010.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.
The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels - gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.
“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”
[B]Scandinavian Design[/B]
Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from - that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.
Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.
The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.
[B]Driver-focused cabin[/B]
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium appeal.
The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.
Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an
8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.
Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.
[B]On the road[/B]
An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5’s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with the 2.0-liter gasoline, BioPower and 2.8 V6 turbo engines. Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Two different suspension layouts are factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available with a sport chassis setting.
Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.
[B]New era[/B]
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.
Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!
OK, that Altimeter speed readout is just ridiculous.
Awesome, but ridiculous.
And its still ugly.
[quote=cargirl1990;904101]And its still ugly.[/quote]
you dare call a koenigsegg ugly?
[quote=Sledgehammer;904147]you dare call a koenigsegg ugly?[/quote]
It's got Saab looks, not Koeniggsegg looks.
I like it.
Big car is big though...
Awesome design, brings back that classic hump. I hope Saab will do better under Koenigsegg management than it did under GM's. At least I hope no such cars as 9-7X will appear anymore.
[quote=IBrake4Rainbows;904073]OK, that Altimeter speed readout is just ridiculous.
Awesome, but ridiculous.[/quote]
I think it's more of a artificial horizont readout 'speed indicator' :D
Who said everything was invented?!
I honestly hope that they come out with a hot hatch.
Saab 9-5 #5
Saab 9-5 #6
Saab 9-5 #7
Saab 9-5 #8
Saab 9-5 #9