Simon
08-12-03, 10:10 PM
1) Saab 9-2X brings expressive interpretation of sporty Saab design onto the road
2) Front takes inspiration from acclaimed 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept car
3) Interior design and choice of materials convey Scandinavian feeling
With its new 9-2X, Saab takes its successful new design line another step further. After showcasing the future of the brand with design concepts like 9X, 9-3X and 9-3 Sport-Hatch, and after launching the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible, Saab now presents another dynamic variation of its current design theme.
“This car is tremendously fun to drive. Therefore, we wanted to express the strong and dynamic character of the 9-2X in its design,” recalls Saab’s Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer. “Like the 9-5 SportWagon, we wanted to give the Saab 9-2X a more dynamic feel than is usual among hatchbacks and wagons. The result is simple – the 9-2X Aero is a car that I would love to own. It’s able to hold all of my sports gear, it’s extremely dynamic, and it looks great.”
The Exterior: Unique, Harmonious and Sporty
The new 9-2X retains Saab’s familiar curvaceous front that harmoniously integrates the typical three-hole-grille and the low horizontally emphasized headlamps that wrap around into the sides of the car. Below the bumper area, a pronounced air intake signals the dynamic potential of the new 5-door compact. It is flanked by small fog lamps.
On the top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero model, the clean line of the front hood is accentuated by a nicely integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler of the turbo engine.
“The hood air intake is a good example of form following function,” comments Anthony Lo, Saab’s head of Advanced Design. “It is not there just for show. We knew that the engine required an intake to feed air to the intercooler. However, intensive wind-tunnel studies revealed that our front hood shape required only a slim intake to channel the air –it didn’t have to be huge.”
The 9-2X also features a steeply raked C-pillar that is traditional with Saab 5-door models and is often referred to as the Saab ‘hockey stick.’ Additionally, a wrap-around rear window not only improves visibility but also gives the vehicle a strong visual identity.
As with the 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero SportWagon, the horizontal lines in the design of the 9-2X’s rear end contribute to the car’s wide and powerful stance. Furthermore, the rear apron’s dark accent provides a sporty flair. Much attention was also concentrated to the rear edge of the roof, because the airflow at the rear has great effect on both drag and lift forces. Therefore, a functional rear roof spoiler was designed.
Additionally, to further enhance the dynamic profile of the new Saab, Lo and his team decided to forego roof rails. If needed, 9-2X owners can attach a removable roof carrier instead. As a finishing touch, a 16-inch alloy wheels are standard for the 9-2X Linear. Aero customers have a choice of two distinct 16- or 17- inch alloy wheels.
The Interior: Driver-oriented and carefully selected materials
The 9-2X interior conveys the distinctive Scandinavian ambience. Chrome Metal rimmed round dials in the instrument panel give the driver all vital information on first glance. A sporty, leather-covered three spoke steering wheel is standard equipment on the Aero model. The pilot’s seat is separated from the passenger by a center console that flows down smoothly and smartly integrates the gear lever gate and three distinct climate control knobs. It is finished in aluminium color, while the gear lever knob itself is covered with leather (option on Linear).
The upholstery has a youthful feel with bold colors and high contrast. This attitude is reflected, for instance, by the inner door cover panels. While the basic color used throughout the interior is black, the door panels are highlighted by contrasting color inserts. They perfectly match the materials used for the middle inserts of the seats. Optional leather trim is available. The superior driver control of the dynamic road behavior of the 9-2X is supported by sport bolstered seats that give firm support in fast corners or on long distance drives.
Information in this release is based on specifications which were valid at the time of final editing (November 2003). Technical specifications and equipment may be altered without prior notice.
2) Front takes inspiration from acclaimed 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept car
3) Interior design and choice of materials convey Scandinavian feeling
With its new 9-2X, Saab takes its successful new design line another step further. After showcasing the future of the brand with design concepts like 9X, 9-3X and 9-3 Sport-Hatch, and after launching the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible, Saab now presents another dynamic variation of its current design theme.
“This car is tremendously fun to drive. Therefore, we wanted to express the strong and dynamic character of the 9-2X in its design,” recalls Saab’s Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer. “Like the 9-5 SportWagon, we wanted to give the Saab 9-2X a more dynamic feel than is usual among hatchbacks and wagons. The result is simple – the 9-2X Aero is a car that I would love to own. It’s able to hold all of my sports gear, it’s extremely dynamic, and it looks great.”
The Exterior: Unique, Harmonious and Sporty
The new 9-2X retains Saab’s familiar curvaceous front that harmoniously integrates the typical three-hole-grille and the low horizontally emphasized headlamps that wrap around into the sides of the car. Below the bumper area, a pronounced air intake signals the dynamic potential of the new 5-door compact. It is flanked by small fog lamps.
On the top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero model, the clean line of the front hood is accentuated by a nicely integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler of the turbo engine.
“The hood air intake is a good example of form following function,” comments Anthony Lo, Saab’s head of Advanced Design. “It is not there just for show. We knew that the engine required an intake to feed air to the intercooler. However, intensive wind-tunnel studies revealed that our front hood shape required only a slim intake to channel the air –it didn’t have to be huge.”
The 9-2X also features a steeply raked C-pillar that is traditional with Saab 5-door models and is often referred to as the Saab ‘hockey stick.’ Additionally, a wrap-around rear window not only improves visibility but also gives the vehicle a strong visual identity.
As with the 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero SportWagon, the horizontal lines in the design of the 9-2X’s rear end contribute to the car’s wide and powerful stance. Furthermore, the rear apron’s dark accent provides a sporty flair. Much attention was also concentrated to the rear edge of the roof, because the airflow at the rear has great effect on both drag and lift forces. Therefore, a functional rear roof spoiler was designed.
Additionally, to further enhance the dynamic profile of the new Saab, Lo and his team decided to forego roof rails. If needed, 9-2X owners can attach a removable roof carrier instead. As a finishing touch, a 16-inch alloy wheels are standard for the 9-2X Linear. Aero customers have a choice of two distinct 16- or 17- inch alloy wheels.
The Interior: Driver-oriented and carefully selected materials
The 9-2X interior conveys the distinctive Scandinavian ambience. Chrome Metal rimmed round dials in the instrument panel give the driver all vital information on first glance. A sporty, leather-covered three spoke steering wheel is standard equipment on the Aero model. The pilot’s seat is separated from the passenger by a center console that flows down smoothly and smartly integrates the gear lever gate and three distinct climate control knobs. It is finished in aluminium color, while the gear lever knob itself is covered with leather (option on Linear).
The upholstery has a youthful feel with bold colors and high contrast. This attitude is reflected, for instance, by the inner door cover panels. While the basic color used throughout the interior is black, the door panels are highlighted by contrasting color inserts. They perfectly match the materials used for the middle inserts of the seats. Optional leather trim is available. The superior driver control of the dynamic road behavior of the 9-2X is supported by sport bolstered seats that give firm support in fast corners or on long distance drives.
Information in this release is based on specifications which were valid at the time of final editing (November 2003). Technical specifications and equipment may be altered without prior notice.