Simon
26-08-04, 04:57 PM
Convertible Heritage
How Saab Raised the Roof...
Convertibles are usually associated with open air driving and the enjoyment of warm sunny days, just the sort of balmy weather that is in short supply in Sweden, the home of Saab Automobile.
However, it is precisely the ability to design an open car that functions well under inclement conditions that helps position Saab as a leading player among makers of premium class convertibles. In fact, Saab's sales success has significantly grown the size of this thriving segment, advancing the popularity of open-top cars as a practical, all-year-round means of transport.
In some European markets, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and Holland, the Saab Convertible has accounted for as much as 50 per cent of sales in the segment. And in many more markets around the world it is well established as the definitive 'car for all seasons'.
Customer appeal
Convertibles from Saab appeal to buyers who seek something ‘special': clean, distinctively Scandinavian design; an open air, fun to drive experience with sports car-like dynamics; refinement and practicality for all year round, everyday use and the ability to accommodate four adults in comfort.
They want a vehicle that resolves any potential conflict between emotional wants and rational needs. To achieve this, the new 9-3 Convertible synthesises the attributes of a sports car and a sedan. In other words, it offers ‘the best of both worlds’
Typical Saab Convertible customers are predominantly affluent business executives or professionals, with a liberal and progressive outlook. As individualists, they are used to making their own decisions in their business and private lives and are keen to avoid fashionable trends or anything that may be considered as ‘me tooism’. Whilst they want a car that accurately reflects their tastes as free thinking individuals who appreciate fine design and technology, they have no need to be associated with anything that is brash or commonly seen as a conventional status symbol.
More highly educated than those who drive competitor products, most Saab Convertible drivers are male, although a larger proportion are female that in other segments. They lead active lifestyles with a wide variety of interests and enjoy a range of keep-fit activities, travel and many cultural interests.
Where it all began
Saab unveiled its first convertible model in 1983, but its roots in open-top car design go back much further.
The first open-top car from Saab was, in fact, shown in 1956 at the Stockholm Motor Show.Back then, Saab car production was carried out by a division of the aircraft company and the chassis of the lightweight, two-seater Saab Sonett 1 sports car was unusually made from aviation specification, riveted aluminum panels. This 'monocoque' form of design, though common in aircraft construction, was being adopted for automotive use by Saab some six years ahead of its revolutionary arrival in Grand Prix racing in the shape of Colin Chapman's Lotus 25.
The aluminum fuselage of the Sonett 1 was much stiffer and lighter than a conventional chassis made from welded steel beams and tubes. It was also load-bearing, directly carrying the weight of the engine, suspension and fuel tank, as well as the attractive bodywork moulded from GRP (glass-fiber, reinforced plastic), a new material at the time.
Powered by a three cylinder, 750cc two-stroke engine tuned for 57.5 bhp (42 kW), Sonett 1 weighed just 500 kilos and was intended for circuit racing with the possibility of road-going versions to follow. However, only six were built because a sudden change in international competition regulations put an end to the project.
The first Sonett 1 is now on display at the Saab Car Museum. In 1996, 40 years after its creation, it again briefly made headlines in Sweden when Erik Carlsson, the legendary Saab rally driver, got behind the wheel to set a new Swedish speed record for 750cc cars at 159.4 kph (99 mph).
Show sensation
The first Saab Convertible was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1983. Saab surprised the world by displaying a two-door, Saab 900-based concept car with the roof removed and replaced by an electrically-powered soft top.
It was a well-proportioned, roomy, genuine four-seater and drew many admiring comments as it looked like a unique, ‘bespoke’ design rather than a conversion of an existing, fixed-head model. The clean lines were flowing and graceful and – even more importantly – the Saab Convertible looked just as good with its roof up or down.
The enthusiastic response from press and public alike made a decision to take the car into production almost inevitable. But even then, Saab was cautious in committing resources to a car so very different from its other mainstream production models.
In 1986 a limited run of just 400 cars was eventually produced for the US market at the Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, where there were expert coach-builders on hand. By the time the Convertible went on general sale the following year, demand exceeded production capacity and a two year waiting list quickly built up before facilities at the Valmet plant were expanded.
This was the car that positioned Saab at the forefront of 'real world' Convertible design, proving that a modern well-built Convertible could be a truly practical, all-weather, all-year-round proposition, and not just a 'second' car to be used when the sun came out. The triple layer soft-top was extremely durable, snug-fitting and totally weatherproof . And, of course, the exceptional power of the car's heater encouraged the enjoyment of open top motoring even in cold weather.
Unlike many of its competitors, all variants of the Saab Convertible were equipped with a powered roof as standard, as well as leather upholstery. And, again unlike many competitors, the soft-top was always fitted with a glass rear screen, not a plastic substitute prone to cracking and fogging. After its launch with a 175 bhp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the appeal of the first Convertible was further broadened in 1990 with the introduction of a 128 bhp, naturally-aspirated version.
More success
The all-new, 'second generation' 900 range was launched in autumn 1993 and the arrival of a soft-top version the following year was eagerly awaited. Unlike the previous version, the new 900 Convertible, and its later Saab 9-3 evolution in 1998, benefited from being part of the new 900 model program right from the outset and its clean, well-integrated lines did not disappoint.
The designers were now able to achieve a completely flat rear deck and the soft-top, soon to be hydraulically rather than electrically-powered, was accommodated under a flush-fitting 'tonneau' cover, which was automatically operated as part of the soft-top mechanism. The flexible soft-top storage well in the trunk could now be hitched up to provide more space and the manual locking operation to the windshield header rail was also made easier still.
The 'second generation' Convertible was an even greater success than its predecessor, more than doubling previous production and sales volumes. Global sales for 1994-2002 totalled 140,500 units, averaging more than 15,500 units a year and accounting for 24 per cent of all 900/9-3 production. This compares with almost 49,000 Saab 900 Convertibles sold between 1987 and 1993, an average of 7,000 units a year, or 14 per cent of all Saab 900 production.
Across Europe and the United States, the Saab Convertible has achieved an annual share of the premium convertible segment as high as 30 per cent, a remarkable level of penetration when compared to Saab's usual 6 per cent share of the premium car segment as a whole.
Brand carrier
The Saab 900/9-3 Convertible has been a prime mover in lifting the profile of the Saab brand across the world. Now the all-new model, the biggest technical step forward Saab has made in this segment, will undoubtedly raise the Saab banner even higher.
Best described as a 'surprisingly practical car' that is 'more than a Convertible', it assuredly picks up the design mantle of its predecessors.
How Saab Raised the Roof...
Convertibles are usually associated with open air driving and the enjoyment of warm sunny days, just the sort of balmy weather that is in short supply in Sweden, the home of Saab Automobile.
However, it is precisely the ability to design an open car that functions well under inclement conditions that helps position Saab as a leading player among makers of premium class convertibles. In fact, Saab's sales success has significantly grown the size of this thriving segment, advancing the popularity of open-top cars as a practical, all-year-round means of transport.
In some European markets, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden and Holland, the Saab Convertible has accounted for as much as 50 per cent of sales in the segment. And in many more markets around the world it is well established as the definitive 'car for all seasons'.
Customer appeal
Convertibles from Saab appeal to buyers who seek something ‘special': clean, distinctively Scandinavian design; an open air, fun to drive experience with sports car-like dynamics; refinement and practicality for all year round, everyday use and the ability to accommodate four adults in comfort.
They want a vehicle that resolves any potential conflict between emotional wants and rational needs. To achieve this, the new 9-3 Convertible synthesises the attributes of a sports car and a sedan. In other words, it offers ‘the best of both worlds’
Typical Saab Convertible customers are predominantly affluent business executives or professionals, with a liberal and progressive outlook. As individualists, they are used to making their own decisions in their business and private lives and are keen to avoid fashionable trends or anything that may be considered as ‘me tooism’. Whilst they want a car that accurately reflects their tastes as free thinking individuals who appreciate fine design and technology, they have no need to be associated with anything that is brash or commonly seen as a conventional status symbol.
More highly educated than those who drive competitor products, most Saab Convertible drivers are male, although a larger proportion are female that in other segments. They lead active lifestyles with a wide variety of interests and enjoy a range of keep-fit activities, travel and many cultural interests.
Where it all began
Saab unveiled its first convertible model in 1983, but its roots in open-top car design go back much further.
The first open-top car from Saab was, in fact, shown in 1956 at the Stockholm Motor Show.Back then, Saab car production was carried out by a division of the aircraft company and the chassis of the lightweight, two-seater Saab Sonett 1 sports car was unusually made from aviation specification, riveted aluminum panels. This 'monocoque' form of design, though common in aircraft construction, was being adopted for automotive use by Saab some six years ahead of its revolutionary arrival in Grand Prix racing in the shape of Colin Chapman's Lotus 25.
The aluminum fuselage of the Sonett 1 was much stiffer and lighter than a conventional chassis made from welded steel beams and tubes. It was also load-bearing, directly carrying the weight of the engine, suspension and fuel tank, as well as the attractive bodywork moulded from GRP (glass-fiber, reinforced plastic), a new material at the time.
Powered by a three cylinder, 750cc two-stroke engine tuned for 57.5 bhp (42 kW), Sonett 1 weighed just 500 kilos and was intended for circuit racing with the possibility of road-going versions to follow. However, only six were built because a sudden change in international competition regulations put an end to the project.
The first Sonett 1 is now on display at the Saab Car Museum. In 1996, 40 years after its creation, it again briefly made headlines in Sweden when Erik Carlsson, the legendary Saab rally driver, got behind the wheel to set a new Swedish speed record for 750cc cars at 159.4 kph (99 mph).
Show sensation
The first Saab Convertible was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the autumn of 1983. Saab surprised the world by displaying a two-door, Saab 900-based concept car with the roof removed and replaced by an electrically-powered soft top.
It was a well-proportioned, roomy, genuine four-seater and drew many admiring comments as it looked like a unique, ‘bespoke’ design rather than a conversion of an existing, fixed-head model. The clean lines were flowing and graceful and – even more importantly – the Saab Convertible looked just as good with its roof up or down.
The enthusiastic response from press and public alike made a decision to take the car into production almost inevitable. But even then, Saab was cautious in committing resources to a car so very different from its other mainstream production models.
In 1986 a limited run of just 400 cars was eventually produced for the US market at the Valmet Automotive plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland, where there were expert coach-builders on hand. By the time the Convertible went on general sale the following year, demand exceeded production capacity and a two year waiting list quickly built up before facilities at the Valmet plant were expanded.
This was the car that positioned Saab at the forefront of 'real world' Convertible design, proving that a modern well-built Convertible could be a truly practical, all-weather, all-year-round proposition, and not just a 'second' car to be used when the sun came out. The triple layer soft-top was extremely durable, snug-fitting and totally weatherproof . And, of course, the exceptional power of the car's heater encouraged the enjoyment of open top motoring even in cold weather.
Unlike many of its competitors, all variants of the Saab Convertible were equipped with a powered roof as standard, as well as leather upholstery. And, again unlike many competitors, the soft-top was always fitted with a glass rear screen, not a plastic substitute prone to cracking and fogging. After its launch with a 175 bhp, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the appeal of the first Convertible was further broadened in 1990 with the introduction of a 128 bhp, naturally-aspirated version.
More success
The all-new, 'second generation' 900 range was launched in autumn 1993 and the arrival of a soft-top version the following year was eagerly awaited. Unlike the previous version, the new 900 Convertible, and its later Saab 9-3 evolution in 1998, benefited from being part of the new 900 model program right from the outset and its clean, well-integrated lines did not disappoint.
The designers were now able to achieve a completely flat rear deck and the soft-top, soon to be hydraulically rather than electrically-powered, was accommodated under a flush-fitting 'tonneau' cover, which was automatically operated as part of the soft-top mechanism. The flexible soft-top storage well in the trunk could now be hitched up to provide more space and the manual locking operation to the windshield header rail was also made easier still.
The 'second generation' Convertible was an even greater success than its predecessor, more than doubling previous production and sales volumes. Global sales for 1994-2002 totalled 140,500 units, averaging more than 15,500 units a year and accounting for 24 per cent of all 900/9-3 production. This compares with almost 49,000 Saab 900 Convertibles sold between 1987 and 1993, an average of 7,000 units a year, or 14 per cent of all Saab 900 production.
Across Europe and the United States, the Saab Convertible has achieved an annual share of the premium convertible segment as high as 30 per cent, a remarkable level of penetration when compared to Saab's usual 6 per cent share of the premium car segment as a whole.
Brand carrier
The Saab 900/9-3 Convertible has been a prime mover in lifting the profile of the Saab brand across the world. Now the all-new model, the biggest technical step forward Saab has made in this segment, will undoubtedly raise the Saab banner even higher.
Best described as a 'surprisingly practical car' that is 'more than a Convertible', it assuredly picks up the design mantle of its predecessors.