2008 9-5 ?

[SaabKen]

Couldn't find the previous threads on the Aero-X inspired 9-5, so here it is (again), courtesy of Swade at TrollhattanSaab. Supposed to have:

"New Saab 9-5 in 2008. Aero-X inspired design. 4 and 6 cylinder engines. 2 or 4 wheel drive. Head up display etc..."

http://www.trollhattansaab.net/

[Cambio]

I'll take the wheels..... the front end is somewhat nice with the Aero X bits, but the shape is terrible, ugly, and un-Saab-like. Where did the infamous hockey stick go?

[SaabKen]

Looks like an Alfa Romeo Brera to me.

I doubt this "sketch" has any real legitimacy, prolly just another photoshopped job by that Swedish car magazine. Or at least I hope.

[DuSpinnst]

If the design was a little cleaner, I'd get one.

[Johnny Aero]

There is no way this is the new 9-5. If you have not figured it out yet let me fill you in on something, magazine's create phontoshoped pictures of what they think a new car will look like based on concept cars ALL THE TIME!

When the new 9-5 comes out we will look back at this picture and laugh at how different it is. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a few things here will make it to production (turbine wheels, blacked out A pillar..) but the overall shape will be very different than this, at least I hope.

That hood needs to be sloped down, and the belt line needs to rise from the front to back if it is to keep the "SAAB" look.

[SAAB007]

Think what ya want, we'll all have to wait and see around 2008....

interesting that it looks similar to these photos from trollhattansaab.net 9-5 archives:

from Auto Motor und Sport:

and this sketch

first seen at an undisclosed SAAB presentation

So, there must be some truth to some of the basic design elements...

[DuSpinnst]

I think that anyone who would argue that these photoshops (and sketches) are not the design language of the next 9-5, is an idiot

[mike saunders]

I'm with DuSpinnst.

If they didn't use the Aero X as the NUMBER ONE design influence for all upcoming models, Saab designers would have to be slobbering lunatics, all driven mad by end-stage syphilis and blind drunk on bathtub aquavit.

The Aero X was one of the best recieved designs in the company's history, and was the star of several international car shows.

Basically, the market is saying "Build it. Now."

It seems to be that the shapes in the sketches got seriously toned down in the spyshots. That's a shame really, because the drawing looks cool. The pictures are far too angular and sharp. It looks really dated. And the back is either too short or something, cause it's just not right. Too bad.

[mike saunders]

Also...

Often mags will get high-level design sketches slipped under the door from inside sources. This gives the car company some no-cost market research, and gives the magazine a nice circulation bump.

[mike saunders]

Originally Posted by apzer09

It seems to be that the shapes in the sketches got seriously toned down in the spyshots. That's a shame really, because the drawing looks cool. The pictures are far too angular and sharp. It looks really dated. And the back is either too short or something, cause it's just not right. Too bad.

It's probably because the back isn't done yet....

That little cupcake tray on the back of the Aero-X wasn't big enough to hold a luggage catalog, nevermind a couple of bags....

[Johnny Aero]

From Trollhattansaab.net

"As mentioned before (and in the article itself, this image seems to be little other than speculation on TV's part, most likely based on a few comments that were probably made offhand by one of Saab's staff."

[Keebler]

The one thing that I really hope doesn't make it in to the actuall car in that concave middle section of the hood. I think it looks stupid, and its counterproductive be cause it creates less engine space. I think the raised hood in the sketches looks so much better, and it would make the look of the new grille flow better.

[SAAB007]

OK, you got us. You win. We don't know what the heck we're talking about.

I'll be anxiously anticipating your exceptionally keen insight on the next 9-5....I defer to your font of SAAB knowledge!

Originally Posted by Johnny Aero

From Trollhattansaab.net

"As mentioned before (and in the article itself, this image seems to be little other than speculation on TV's part, most likely based on a few comments that were probably made offhand by one of Saab's staff."

[SaabKen]

Good point Mike. I too think early concept renderings "leaked" by the media are an efficient way for car companies to gauge public reaction to certain design elements. Definitely cheaper (or free) than exhaustive marketing research and focus groups .....

Originally Posted by mike saunders

Also...

Often mags will get high-level design sketches slipped under the door from inside sources. This gives the car company some no-cost market research, and gives the magazine a nice circulation bump.

[sethsev7n]

I definately have some confidence that the new 9-5 will look way better than these photoshops. They did the whole new 9-3 design correctly, I'm sure they will do this correctly just as well. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Johnny Aero]

I'm not trying to be a smart ***, just realistic. I am so tired of every photoshoped picture that comes out of some car magazine being referred to as the next "9-5", or whatever other car they are trying to get the scoop on.

My point is that I have about as good an idea of what the next 9-5 will look like as you, or the writers of these car rags do. Will the car have element of the Aero-X concept, I'm sure it will. You don't spent millions on a concept just to through the design language away. Still, I highly doubt this is the next 9-5, or even a fairly good interpretation of what it will look like.

Maybe I am completely wrong and the person who photoshoped this interpretation has access to SAAB's design center. The beautiful thing is that in about a year, we will find out if I am wrong.

[valbowski1980]

Did they hire Chris Bangle or something!? And here I thought the new 9-5 looked awful.............

[sethsev7n]

Originally Posted by valbowski1980

Did they hire Chris Bangle or something!? And here I thought the new 9-5 looked awful.............

relax, these aren't even close to being the next 9-5.

[SAAB007]

Fair enough! However it looks like, I hope it kicks *ss! SAAB deserves to have a fantastic, modern car on the market that makes no apologies for what it is. As a former 9-5 owner, I hope it meets/exceeds the current standard bearers, i.e. A6, 5 series, E-class, etc.

I was at Waterville Valley, NH in '97 for the SOC when the (then new) 9-5 made its US debut to the attending SAABisti. I remember how cool I thought it was-with the vented seats, butterfly cupholder, modern SAAB looks, etc. Over time, the "powers-that-be" let the 9-5 stagnate in a fast changing market-with the Aero (and its fantastic engine) being truly the only major change in the lineup.

I hope that isn't the case with the new 9-5. My expectations for the new 9-5 are high. I hope SAAB's (or rather, GM's) expectations are high, too.

(I loved my 9-5 wagon, but my needs changed-and my '06 Aero SC suits me fine.)

Originally Posted by Johnny Aero

I'm not trying to be a smart ***, just realistic. I am so tired of every photoshoped picture that comes out of some car magazine being referred to as the next "9-5", or whatever other car they are trying to get the scoop on.

My point is that I have about as good an idea of what the next 9-5 will look like as you, or the writers of these car rags do. Will the car have element of the Aero-X concept, I'm sure it will. You don't spent millions on a concept just to through the design language away. Still, I highly doubt this is the next 9-5, or even a fairly good interpretation of what it will look like.

Maybe I am completely wrong and the person who photoshoped this interpretation has access to SAAB's design center. The beautiful thing is that in about a year, we will find out if I am wrong.