My/Your Ideal Saab Lineup

[t-rex]

pretty creative stuff, ross82694!

Your "9-3" is exactly in profile what I had envisioned for my somewhat bigger "9-5", which I created for hardcore Saabistas yearning for a larger hatchback. Since my drawing skills go no farther than drawing a stick-figure, I can't put my ideas down on paper!

[t-rex]

Originally Posted by The Law

not bad line, but i would reserve 9, 9x & 9-0 for sonnet when they bring that back after audi's R8.

*Saab 9-1: Gamma; tight-looking little mini hatch being bandied about the past few days

*Saab 9-2: Delta; Audi A3 competitor

Crikey, I failed to swap the numbers! I originally had the "9-1" as a small four-door Gamma sedan, with a "9-2x" above it, sort of a Saabified Vibe-type sportswagon. But I dropped the 9-2x and added the new Mini-fighter that's just appeared. You're right though, the "0" would better suit a coupé model (I don't think Saab needs sports cars, just a stylish coupé). So I'll amend mine, and call the 9-9 the 9-0, and bump the two bottom models up a number! Actually I've been trying to come up with a good designation for a Saab coupé and can't seem to find one. 9-3c, 9C, 9-9, 9-0, 9x......they all just don't seem right.

I also don't think there's any real market potential for a full-zoot A8-size flagship Saab. Saab's a mid-market brand, and it seems awkward to me to have Saab trying to sell a Benz S-class type of car. It'd make the VW Phaeton look like a hot-seller...

And killerMRK, that's a good lineup, with one major flaw: if you so much as breathe the notion of putting some Troglodyte pushrod GM truck engine in any Saab, I'll have you drawn and quartered!

Good lineup though!

And I'm still iffy on whether I want the Gamma "9-1" or whatever we call it, to be Corsa-sized, or a bit smaller, say, Suzuki Swift-sized. I think the car's primary success will come from Europe, so I haven't been able to pin its exact size down...

[The Law]

I would like to see SAAB battle Audi instead of VW and allow Saturn to dismantle VW.Even though since Saab's beginnings it has always been a alternative to VW from Beetle vs Toad, hahha Toads eat bugs.

with that Saab would have to play in all Audi markets ie:R8 and TT.

[The Law]

Originally Posted by t-rex

Crikey, I failed to swap the numbers! I originally had the "9-1" as a small four-door Gamma sedan, with a "9-2x" above it, sort of a Saabified Vibe-type sportswagon. But I dropped the 9-2x and added the new Mini-fighter that's just appeared. You're right though, the "0" would better suit a coupé model (I don't think Saab needs sports cars, just a stylish coupé). So I'll amend mine, and call the 9-9 the 9-0, and bump the two bottom models up a number! Actually I've been trying to come up with a good designation for a Saab coupé and can't seem to find one. 9-3c, 9C, 9-9, 9-0, 9x......they all just don't seem right.

I also don't think there's any real market potential for a full-zoot A8-size flagship Saab. Saab's a mid-market brand, and it seems awkward to me to have Saab trying to sell a Benz S-class type of car. It'd make the VW Phaeton look like a hot-seller...

And killerMRK, that's a good lineup, with one major flaw: if you so much as breathe the notion of putting some Troglodyte pushrod GM truck engine in any Saab, I'll have you drawn and quartered!

Good lineup though!

And I'm still iffy on whether I want the Gamma "9-1" or whatever we call it, to be Corsa-sized, or a bit smaller, say, Suzuki Swift-sized. I think the car's primary success will come from Europe, so I haven't been able to pin its exact size down...

yea, i'm not sure i like the mini fighter, depends what opel group does.

[SierraGS]

Originally Posted by ross82694

I made these pics when i was realllly bored in history class last week...really bad profile drawings:

Originally Posted by ross82694

Saab 9-1

Apx. $21,000-$26,000

Trim Lines: 1.8t, 2.0t, Aero
Powertrain: FWD
Platform: Delta [II?]
Backstory: Saab NEEDS a small premium car; this is it. Sporty yet classy. This is the Saab for the Saab loyalists. Available in 3-door and 5-door body styles. Competitors will include, but are not limited to the 2010 Audi A3, 2010 (i think) MB A/b-Class, Current BMW 1-Series

Saab 9-3 Apx. $27,000-$32,000
Trim Lines: 2.0t, 3.6t, Aero, Viggen (Yes...it's back)
Powertrain: FWD, XWD
Platform: Epsilon II
Backstory: Saab can arguably call the 9-3 its bread and butter, but that's not saying much is it. It cannot be called a true competitor to the A4, C-Class, 3-Series, and TSX/TL. The next generation can be considered to be revolutionary, not evolutionary. A new engine will be added to the mix, the 3.6 direct injection from the CTS for the Viggen model.

Saab Sonett IV

Apx. $33,000-$42,000
Trim Lines: 2.0t, 3.6t, Viggen
Powertrain: FWD, XWD
Platform: Epsilon II
Backstory: The return of the Sonett will be in the form of a 9-3 coupe. Taking much of its styling from the Aero X concept, it will be the halo car for Saab as it will be built in such small numbers (1,000-2,000 per year). Will compete with the CLK, A5, and 3-Series coupe.

Saab 9-5

Apx. $38,000-$45,000
Trimlines: 3.6t, Aero, Viggen
Powertrain: FWD, XWD
Platform: Epsilon II L
Backstory: The new 9-5 will be the largest Saab sedan ever made. It will be competing with the A6, E-Class, and Volvo S80. It will be very performance oriented but will still be the most luxurious Saab ever.

Saab 9-3x/9-4x

Apx. $29,000-$33,000
Trimlines: 2.0t, Aero, Viggen?
Powertrain: XWD
Platform: Theta
Backstory: The only CUV in Saab's portfolio. My hope is that the idea for a "9-4x" will be scraped in the hopes we will see a better handling raised 9-3 SC...like an XC70 or Audi Allroad.

That's it....love it or hate it. I'm probably the only 13 year old you'll ever meet that loves Saabs as much as I do.

Comments?

Liked your sketches and you have some good ideas and as you will see I agree with many of your thoughts. (Sorry I compressed your quote for space reasons)

My main difference is with the Sonett (bonus points for spelling it correctly many spell it Sonnet as I have in the past). The Sonett was about the size of the current Corsa/Tigra (1970 specs 84” WB 153.5 Long 59” wide) with a small 3-cylinder 748cc 57.5 HP TWO-STROKE engine which was replaced in later models with a 1.5L Ford sourced V4 in the last models. So my version of the Sonett is from the Gamma (Corsa) and shared with the NG Tigra with styling influence of the Aero-X.

Sonett (Gamma) 2D Coupe – possible Roadster ($19,995) price worked for the Solstice – competitor Audi TT

Saab 9-X (Gamma) $17,995 Concepts style- competitor MINI

Saab 9-1 (DeltaII) 3D $18,995 but well equipped with styling of original 3-door Saab Turbo - competitor Scirocco

Saab 9-1 (DeltaII) 4D $30,000 no holds barred 300+ HP 2.0L DI Turbo and Xwd with aggressive styling - competitor Mitsubishi EVO.

Saab 9-1 (DeltaII) 5D WTCC Concept styling with 260 and 300+ power- competitor WRX

Saab 9-3 (EpsilonII) Convertible and 4D Like your lineup ideas – competitor A4/Maxima

Saab 9-3 (EpsilonII) 3D/5D $22,500 Bring 9-3 back to it’s roots and give Malibu MAXX owners a GM car they can buy.- competitor Mazda 6 Hatch

Saab 9-3 (EpsilonII) 9-3 Sport Combi $25,999 available with sport or “rally” suspensions- competitor Audi A4 (sport) – XC-70 and Outback (“Rally”)

Saab 9-5 (EpsilonII Plus) 4D Again like your lineup- competitor A6 and S80

Saab 9-5 (EpsilonII Plus) 9-5 Estate Luxury Estate- competitor V70 and A6 Wagons

Saab 9-4X (EpsilonII-T) – Concept styling - competitor Murano

Saab 9-7X (Alpha-T) – Freshened and more aggressive version of current 9-7x which I like but is hampered with a capable truck chassis that is too compromised to compete with what I feel should be it’s competitor the BMW X3

This lineup has a lower entry price than the current one and covers a wide range of popular competitor’s vehicles with 6 models (9-X, 9-1, 9-3, 9-5, 9-4X and 9-7X) on 4 main architectures (Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Alpha) that is shares basic manufacturing hard points with at least one other GM vehicle to spread both costs and market risk.

[Astra RL]

My Saab lineup would be big on efficiency and scandinavian sinplicity

9-1
3dr hatch
On Delta II
1.8t 250 HP
2.0t 270 HP
Aero 2.4t 300HP
FWD AWD opt.
$24000-$33000

9-3
4dr sedan; 5dr wagon; 2dr convertible
SWB Epsilon II
2.0t 270 HP
2.4t 300 HP
Aero 2.8T 335 HP
Viggen 3.2T 360 HP
FWD AWD opt.
$31,000-$47,000

9-4X
5dr CUV
SWB Theta II
2.4t 300 HP
Aero 2.8T 335 HP
AWD std.
$33,000-$45,000

9-5
4dr sedan; 4dr wagon
LWB Epsilon II
2.8t 325 HP
3.2t 350 HP
Aero 3.6T 400 HP
FWD base AWD opt.
$42,000-$60,000

9-6X
5dr CUV
shorter Enhanced Lambda
3.2t 350 HP
Aero 3.6t 380 HP
AWD std.
$44,000-$60,000

9-9x
4dr Sedan
Premium Zeta
3.6T 420 HP
Aero 4.0T 500 HP V8
AWD std.
$62,000-$78,000

With the bottom engine choice a two mode hybrid system would be available for all. If Biofuel is used all ratings increase by 10%.

[zabraden]

Here's mine:
Saab 9-1 Saab's entry-level, delta 3-door, a hot hatch in the truest sense of the term.
Saab 9-3 Saab's spotlight vehicle and top-seller, sold as a sedan, coupe, convertible and sportcombi. Epsilon II.
Saab 9-4X Theta II crossover, between VUE and Equinox in size. Sporty, like the Mazda CX-7.
Saab 9-5 The largest FWD Saab sedan and wagon. Epsilon II.
Saab 9-6X Saab's 7-seater, sportier than the other 4 Lambdas.
Saab 9-9x Zeta based sedan, Saab's flagship.
Saab Sonnet Aero X as is, on Alpha.

[johnstarnes]

Today I saw the Aero-X concept at the MacDill Air Show.....GORGEOUS in real life, even more so than in pics. I dearly hope Saab makes a car that looks nearly identical except with normal doors vs. that impractical pop-top roof. It drew a crowd all day long...an absolute stunner!!!

[jmlee0695]

9-1
gamma II 1.4 turbo,2.0 turbo 2 door hatch 4 dor hatch
9-3
delta II 2.0 turbo 2.3 turbo sedan,wagon,conv
9-5
epsilon II 2.3 turbo 3.0 v6 sedan,wagon
9-4x
2.3 turbo 3.0 v6
fwd standard awd xwd optional on all models 2 mode option on every model,BAS+ stanadard,E85

[jmlee0695]

redo
9-1-gamma II 1.4 4 cyl diesel,gas,1.6 turbo 3 door hatch
9-3-delta II 1.4 turbo gas,diseel,1.6 turbo,2.0 turbo sedan,wagon,conv
9-5-epsillon II 1.6 turbo gas,diesel,2.0 turbo sedan,wagon,conv
9-4x-theta-premium 2.0 turbo gas,diesel,2.3 turbo
eco-basII on base engine eco+ diesel basII top-level

[IAMCANADIAN]

I think Saab should compete with brands like Volvo and Acura which has a good mix of FWD and AWD luxury cars. Here is my lineup:

9-1: Delta II FWD/XWD SportCombi
2.0L DI TURBO L4 260 HP 6M/6A Aero FWD/XWD
2.4L DI TURBO L4 320 HP 6M Viggen XWD

9-3: Delta II FWD/XWD Luxury Sedan/SportCombi
2.0L DI TURBO L4 260 HP 6M/6A 2.0T FWD/XWD
2.4L DI TURBO L4 320 HP 6M/6A Aero XWD

9-5: Epsilon II XWD Luxury Sedan/SportCombi
3.2L DI TURBO V6 320 HP 6M/6A 3.2T
3.6L DI TURBO V6 360 HP 6M/6A Aero

Sonnett: Alpha XWD Roadster
3.2L DI TURBO V6 340 HP 6M/6A Aero
3.6L DI TURBO V6 380 HP 6M Viggen

9-4X: Premium Theta XWD Compact CUV
2.0L DI TURBO L4 270 HP 6A 2.0T
3.2L DI TURBO V6 330 HP 6A 3.2T

9-6X: Premium Lambda XWD Midsize CUV
3.6L DI TURBO V6 370 HP 6A 3.6T

[t-rex]

I've rejigged my Saab lineup:

I think it's tantamount that a B-class model be offered. Globally, this is a lucrative sector, and one that's expected to maintain growth in key markets like Europe and Brazil.

9-1: Gamma 3-/5-door hatch. Priced just barely above Corsa.
9-2x: Gamma funkywagon. Think Suzuki SX4. Then Saabify the concept.
9-3: Delta 3-/5-door hatch with 4-door to compete with Volvo S40.
9-4x: SWB Theta.
9-5: Epsilon Liftback/Sportcombi.
9-6x: Big crossover on the larger Ep2 platform, such as the one underpinning the next LaCrosse; primarily for N/A
9-7: Sigma premium sedan.

While to some degree Saab should be taken upscale, they should still remain fairly affordable. Saabs never were, nor should ever be, "premium" cars. Part of their appeal for decades was intelligent design at affordable prices, albeit higher prices than mainstream brands.

Make them quirky. I mean WEIRD. Oddball, strange, with styling and functional features unseen on any other car. The old 93/95 and 99 didn't copy anything, nor did Saab ever want to copy any other car. The next Saabs should follow this philosophy. Let SWEDISH aircraft engineers design them, not soul-less Germans (name an exciting or distinctive Opel), and CERTAINLY NOT AMERICANS.

Saabs should be as Scandinavian as Ikea and Lutefisk.

Putting headlight wipers and key-between-the-seats on an Opel (or G-d forbid, a Chevrolet truck) serves only to ruin the brand. No hot hatches. No BMW wannabes. No emphasis on speed or performance. Go back to Saab's original parameters: intelligence over style. Intelligence over sales success. Function over form. Safety paramount. Every new Saab should be able to be towed out of a snow bank by its door handles. The washer fluid tank should be heated. Stuff like this.

Aim for individuality, not volume sales. Saab never has been, nor should ever be, a high-volume brand, though it should sell enough to sustain its existence.

[jmlee0695]

MY DREAM SAAB LINE=UP RE-DO

ALL SAABS ARE FWD/XWD BAS II availible on every trim and capable of running on B100

9-1 21.5k-26k
Gamma II 3 & 5 door hatch,convt.
1.4t 140hp
1.6t 175hp
2.0t 220 hp
2.0d-diesel 4cyl 190hp

9-3 26k-30k
Delta II sedan,wagon,convt
1.6t-175 hp
2.0t-200hp
2.0d-190 hp diesel

9-5 30k-35k
Epsillon II LWB sedan,wagon
1.6t-180 hp
2.0t-220hp
2.3t-280hp
2.0d-195hp diesel

9-4x 28k-35k
TE Small/mid-size cuv
1.6t-180hp
2.0t-220hp
2.3t-290hp
2.0d-195 hp diesel

9-9x 35k-44k
Zeta XWD sedan
2.0t-260hp
2.3t-290hp
2.9d-diesel v6 260hp
3.0t-3.0 v6 360hp