SAAB SUV in the final stretch!?!?!?!

[squishmann]

Which auto do you think will help the SAAB brand more?


The 2004 9-2 or 2005 9-7/9



ok we already know the 9-2 is being worked on w/ Subaru

but i was reading motor trend last night and there was an article in there saying that the Saab SUV has been approved and could hit show rooms as early as '05 or late '04 for the winter season

they had a couple of sketches but they were motor trend sketches, it was basically the front of a SAAB w/ the back of a XC-90.

it's going to be based on the GM360 platform, the same as the Trailblazer, Bravada(Olds'), and Envoy. i think it's great, i don't have the article, it honestly wasn't worth the $5. cause i read the whole magazine.

since Oldsmobile is being phased out that means there will be a spot open in that plant. in the article it said it might only get a V6 but if approved a Northstar V8. as long as it still looks like a SAAB inside and out then i wouldn't mind, they can work on a SAAB engine and stuff and release it again two years after

here's a related article but not the same.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/news/112_news4/index.html

[squishmann]

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/02_19/b3782100.htm

[squishmann]

found this









Saab Gets Badge-Engineered Midsize SUV
Ward's Auto World - May 13, 2003


Motor Trend
General Motors Corp. executives say GM's Swedish subsidiary will get a badge-engineered version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Insiders say the much-needed SUV, Saab's first, could go on sale in the U.S. next year. If so, there is no time for Saab Automobile AB to do more than make superficial changes to the 4.2L 6-cyl. or 5.3L V-8-powered truck.

Tentatively called the 9-8, the truck would be built at the same Moraine, OH, plant that assembles TrailBlazer and GMC Yukon. Insiders say the SUV is a short-term solution to Saab's cash crisis

[squishmann]

http://saab.euweb.cz/images/suv.jpg
i think this is a sketch from when they were working on the 9-7/9 based on the Aztek

i really should get those sketches from the magazine does anyone subscribe to motor trend?

as far as the SUV goes i think they should have a "rugged" one and an 'on road' one like the infiniti FX-45.

ENVOY
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2003/GMC/100089702/004548-E.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2002/GMC/100002123/004655-E.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2002/GMC/100002123/004710-E.jpg

Trailblazer
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2003/Chevrolet/100086180/002156-E.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2003/Chevrolet/100086184/002463-E.jpg

Bravada

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2002/Oldsmobile/100002023/008726-E.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2002/Oldsmobile/100002023/008891-E.jpg
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//pictures/VEHICLE/2002/Oldsmobile/100002023/008782-E.jpg





these are obviously all the same cars just rebadged and diff grilles and headlamps.

i hope that's not what happens to the SAAB

my only concerns are

the ignition placement
the air vents
gear shifter
seats
stearing wheel
all the plastic

that's it for now

[squishmann]

http://www.edmunds.com/future/saab/index.html?tid=edmunds.f.mainindex.futuremainindex content..1.Saab*

[D. Wolfe]

One of the greatest pleasures in owning a Saab is the individuality of the car. The "old" body style 900's still thrill me as well as my current 1994 9000 CDE. I had a GM900 and(as I have mentioned before) looked, walked, and quacked like a GM vehicle.

Unfortunately for long term Saab lovers, Generous Motors is going to suck the life out of that individuality. They have for years done the "duplicity" production of like and similiar vehicles. They build cars for the masses who want a nametag and not individuality.

It is a shame that GM continues to go this direction after all these years. The marketing department at GM must be at least 75-80 years old now. :-? :-? :-? :-?

Hey General Motors: Want a brilliant marketing idea? :nono; :nono; :nono; :nono; :nono; :nono;

Re-market the old style 900 series and about everyone who ever even looked at a Saab would buy one tomorrow. :D :D

I would run hard and fast and pay over list for one :! :!

d. wolfe :wink:

[900t]

The Bravada's hole will be filled by the Buick Rainier which should be V8 only. Think Rendezvous snout on a Bravada with a V8.

[kopfschuh]

I must say, I'm not a fan of Saab entering the SUV race. I like the new sport sedan a lot, but I think that's enough major overhaul in Saab's image for a long time. SUV's and Saab just don't seem to go together in my mind.

Just my pointless $.02