View Full Version : In Dash Entertainment close-up...
zingZACH
08-04-04, 07:50 AM
Well, not a big surprise to me, but I think if people are going to pay 45,000 dollars for this, they deserve a Saab entertainment at LEAST... but nooo, they get a chevy climate control along with their stereo... what a rip off :evil:
Does it not work or something?
I must say that does look a bit bland and plastic like in build. (even though its pastic :-? )
They have some time to change the system before production.
However, they may simply be using the facia.... with upgraded internals. one cable will connect the panel to what really matters, and what really matters is out of sight.
SentraSR20
08-04-04, 12:04 PM
Garry - have you not seen the 9-3SS panel?, and you say this looks "plastic like in build"? :wink:
Granted, like you said, the are plastic.. :cheesy:
To be honest, the stock Trailblazer system is not all that bad. Actually sounds pretty decent, at least much better than a stock 9-3 Linear Stereo (I know, cheap shot).. :wink:
I'm going to have to agree with Sentra on this one. The 9-3 Linear stock system is pretty disapointing (I own an '04 Linear). For a 30,000 car, its no where near where it should be. I also drove a 03 Suburban before this, with the same Delphi Designed Head unit, and Bose speakers. And I must say, I think the Delphi/Bose system is light years ahead of our 9-3's system in terms of performance.
However, the look is pretty bland! They need to update it with something!
CosmicSaab
08-04-04, 03:16 PM
The Bose system in the Tahoe/Suburban is horrible!!!! My father's Tahoe has the Bose system and the bass it has is muddy and the highs top out at 9,000 Hz at best. It is total crap. The stock system in the 9-3, while no the best has way way way better midrange andd treble and the bass profile is fuller and cleaner. The head unit in the 9-7x looks to be from the GMC Envoy as it has a slightly different look and the climate controls are different as well. Both the head and ACC clearly use a better quality plastic than what GM normally uses, and they have also change the color of the displays form the aqua green color to "Saab green." There are also a few other very small cosmetic differences. If I think about it I will take a picture of what is in the Tahoe so that you can better see the difference. (Tahoe uses the same basic controls and the TBlazer.)
CosmicSaab
08-04-04, 03:20 PM
I just realized, it is more likely that the climate and audio control design has been lifted directly from the Buick LaCrosse, which has a similar design to the panel, where the audio and climate are stacked directly on top of each other, and the plastic looks similar as well.
CleveSaab
08-04-04, 03:48 PM
Actually I LIKE how the radio looks. It very much resembles the headunits in our 900's and 9-3's. Looks SAABISH. ;)
zingZACH
08-04-04, 05:11 PM
Think about it.... the climate control and stereo in Saabs have been orange since 1994 (NG900, 9-3, 9-5).... all of the sudden they use the same font type in the climate control and have it in green.... :roll:
saabfan
08-04-04, 05:40 PM
Not sure if this is what you were referring to, but the newest generation of 9-3s have green lighting all over. I still can't decide if I like it more than the amber/orange of the 9-5.
zingZACH
08-04-04, 05:55 PM
yes, that was what I was referring to... but you can tell the new one isnt the same.... the new one looks like a damn alarm clock...
CosmicSaab
08-04-04, 07:33 PM
yes, that was what I was referring to... but you can tell the new one isnt the same.... the new one looks like a damn alarm clock...
Have you even been in a new one? I can assure you it does not, not only is the color wrong (clocks use "clock green" the 9-3 uses "fighter jet green") there are close to 100 buttons that an alarm clock, or even 2 Hondas for that matter, does not have. Saab likes buttons and they are still there. I for one think the orange was starting to get a little dated. I personall think Saab should move to EL or LED green or red lighting.
zingZACH
08-04-04, 07:37 PM
no no no... not the 9-3SS... i am talking about the 9-7. The 9-3SS looks nothing like the 9-7X display... I have been in plenty... trust me
zingZACH
08-04-04, 07:40 PM
it just has that chinsy look to it... it is too cheap looking...
CosmicSaab
08-04-04, 07:40 PM
no no no... not the 9-3SS... i am talking about the 9-7. The 9-3SS looks nothing like the 9-7X display... I have been in plenty... trust me
Oh, okay. The 9-7 does have a bit of the "clock green" going on. And you are correct it looks nothing like the 9-3SS. At least it is not exactly the same as in the other GMT360s though. :-?
zingZACH
08-04-04, 07:43 PM
i think it is the way it is illuminated that bothers me so much... it isnt the "Soft" illuminated saab way.. it is bright, plastic face embossed/magnified, and just not saabish... in other words, it looks pure american.
saabfan
08-04-04, 07:55 PM
i think it is the way it is illuminated that bothers me so much... it isnt the "Soft" illuminated saab way.. it is bright, plastic face embossed/magnified, and just not saabish... in other words, it looks pure american.
Agreed.
sethsev7n
08-04-04, 08:03 PM
i think it is the way it is illuminated that bothers me so much... it isnt the "Soft" illuminated saab way.. it is bright, plastic face embossed/magnified, and just not saabish... in other words, it looks pure american.
purely american..hah.. i second that.
zingZACH
08-04-04, 08:29 PM
this is my point exactly.... notice the buttons are the same, the display is VERY similar.....
(this is from a GMC Yukon)
http://www.gmc.com/gmcjsp/yukon/images/brand_photo13.jpg
and this is from a GMC Sierra
http://www.gmc.com/gmcjsp/sierra/images/brand_photo16.jpg
notice the layout, style, and texture of the buttons.... compared the 9-7X, I say they are damn near identical :roll:
finklejag
08-04-04, 09:47 PM
As soon as you come to grips that the 9-7X is a rebadged Envoy. The better off you will be. Get over it! :roll:
I think it uses GM wheel bolts too.http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/graemlins/twak.gif
CosmicSaab
08-04-04, 09:55 PM
The climate and audio controls ARE the same basic units, but with some small cosmetic differences. They 9-7 units appear to use a slightly higher quality plastic and the displacys are a different color. Other than that the buttons that are everywhere and the insturment cluster have been lifted directly out of the Envoy. They have changed maybe 30-40% of things appearence wise, the rest is from the Envoy, which is GM's "best" GMT360.
sethsev7n
09-04-04, 07:14 AM
I hope everyone can see this SUV is not a saab.. its just a GM suv with upgraded GM components, and Saab styling, thats it.
zingZACH
09-04-04, 07:17 AM
If it's made by Saab, it's a saab.... even if they make very little of it, it's still a Saab. It doesn't mean we have to like it, but who knows, maybe it will grow on us... I wasnt too fond of the 9-3SS when it first came out... then I saw it in person, rode in it, and now I love it. It might just be one of those things.. it might not.... but until 2005, I am judging soley on images... I like some of the exterior styling, but NONE of the interior...
SentraSR20
09-04-04, 12:13 PM
Like I've said before, I think this was a pretty well done rebadging. It bears very little (if any) exterior resemblance to a Trailblazer or Yukon, and even the interior's major shapes have been redone somewhat. Personally, I like the way the 9-7 looks overall. If I was looking at an Envoy and realized I could get a 9-7 for the same price, I'd go with the 9-7. Simply because I think it looks better (not to mention the free scheduled maintenance). I'd also be glad knowing it's got a solid chassis underneath it and not just a midsize sedan that's been raised up (a la Toyota Highlander).
This rebadging was at least better executed than the 9-2X, not nearly as blatant. Only people on this board (I'm assuming all enthusiasts and educated consumers) and other automotive boards would notice the similarities you are pointing out between the 9-7 and Trailblazer/Envoy. To the general buying public, it's still a new Saab SUV... :wink:
CosmicSaab
09-04-04, 02:42 PM
I hope everyone can see this SUV is not a saab.. its just a GM suv with upgraded GM components, and Saab styling, thats it.
Why, so that they won't sell and GM will dump Saab totally? Saab NEEDS this to sell so they can get some good cash flow, so they can get into the black, and so they can make their own SUV.
I hope everyone can see this SUV is not a saab.. its just a GM suv with upgraded GM components, and Saab styling, thats it.
At what point does it become a Saab? They haven't made a Saab since 93 that had a fully designed Saab chassis. The 9000/9-5 has always been based on a pre-existing platform.
If they had put a Saab engine in the 9-7, would it be a Saab then? If they had totally redesigned the interior?
Many classic 900 owners don't consider the NG900 a Saab.
Considering their options, this came out much better than the 9-2. Based on just pictures, I have a fairly positive impression.
CosmicSaab
09-04-04, 06:32 PM
From what I understand Saab has always used other makers engines, Saab then just tweaked them a little.
sethsev7n
10-04-04, 04:27 AM
Its a saab when the company gets to design and build their own car, like the 9X.. Its obviously clear that in the 9-7x, all the choices that they had were given to them by GM (the engine, the climate control, ect), and they are using all GM parts. Even if they are upgraded parts or "higher quality", they arent as nice as the european components they once used... and on top of that, GM in general does not build classy cars, and the cars lack character. I would rather take a Saab thats built completely European, with its quirks, differences, and hassles then buy a dull american car with lesser quality components, uninspired styling, and weaker systems. Saab first came out with their headlight wipers, a full SID system and automatic climate control, all way before american manufacturers were putting it into their everyday cars. The bottom line is, ive never been happy with american cars, ever. They just feel cheaper, are noisier, dont handle as well, and are not as well designed. When a once prestigious european auto manufacturer is forced to go down that route, its disappointing.. the best cars in the world are made in europe...thats my opinion.
valbowski1980
10-04-04, 07:55 PM
Cheap ****
squishmann
10-04-04, 11:57 PM
it's all about the money
and deion is praying that it sells
http://www.terra.com.mx/Galeria_de_fotos/images/20/039834.jpg
CosmicSaab
11-04-04, 12:54 AM
Its a saab when the company gets to design and build their own car, like the 9X.. Its obviously clear that in the 9-7x, all the choices that they had were given to them by GM (the engine, the climate control, ect), and they are using all GM parts. Even if they are upgraded parts or "higher quality", they arent as nice as the european components they once used... and on top of that, GM in general does not build classy cars, and the cars lack character. I would rather take a Saab thats built completely European, with its quirks, differences, and hassles then buy a dull american car with lesser quality components, uninspired styling, and weaker systems. Saab first came out with their headlight wipers, a full SID system and automatic climate control, all way before american manufacturers were putting it into their everyday cars. The bottom line is, ive never been happy with american cars, ever. They just feel cheaper, are noisier, dont handle as well, and are not as well designed. When a once prestigious european auto manufacturer is forced to go down that route, its disappointing.. the best cars in the world are made in europe...thats my opinion.
All the best cars are made in Japan. Europe may have a larger selection of fun to drive cars, but it is a fact that right now Europe is last in initial and long-term quality and last in reliability as well. In addition, GM's Cadillac has beaten every car from Europe in quality and reliability lately, and I'm not sure it is possible to call Caddy’s Art & Science theme dull. The CTS, XLR, and SRX have all been praised for their high quality and great handling. All three are GM and American. And Saab's quirkiness is what got them in-between the rock and hard place they are in right now. If they were not so different in the first place then we wouldn't be having this problem. If GM had not bought them then one of 2 things would have happened. Either some other company would have bought them (probably Ford) and put similar restrictions on them to get back to profitability or Saab would have went bankrupt and the company would have been dissolved.
TwoSwedes
11-04-04, 10:32 PM
Actually I LIKE how the radio looks. It very much resembles the headunits in our 900's and 9-3's. Looks SAABISH. ;)
Isn't that the whole point? You can't have your cake and eat it too..
Saabs were NEVER truly luxurious cars. They were simple, elegant designs with no fluff.(Except some CSE's)Seems some folks here have forgotten - or never really knew Saabs.
squishmann
12-04-04, 03:21 AM
^yeah, but that's what they're trying to be
taking shots at audi and volvo in some of their adds.
saab is so low on the list that they do not have to respond.
many people see saab as a snobish brand b/c pf their price tags. not knowing that you can buy them with at least 5k off the sticker. saab has to live up to the recent hype. more and more people will be walking through the showrooms and they have to make a good impression.
it's all about the benjamins right now. even if they give them away they should still be succesful.