Saab: 1.6 turbo engine for new 9-5

[Kennyboy]

http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/ne...=rss_4car_news

Saab's next-generation 9-5 is to feature an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, in line with the company's new policy on downsizing.

[eb110americana]

Despite the small-bore engine, the next 9-5 will be built atop the Epsilon II platform which underpins the latest Opel Insignia and which will cause the new 9-5 to grow in size compared to the current car. The 9-3 will move down to the Delta platform, shared with the Chevy Cruze and other mid-size derivatives.

Good. This is as it should be. Having luxury variants of Delta II like the 9-3 and Volt will hopefully yield a much higher class of automobile to replace the Cobalt. I keep having to remind myself (and GM) that compact is the new mainstream midsize sedan--GM had better hit that mark, and hit it hard. Strong compacts from affordable Cruze/Cobalt, to classy Buick, to FWD/AWD designer Saabs, to a RWD Pontiac and top end Cadillac. A gamma based Saab would not be out of the question as an entry level high-end car like the Mini Cooper. I wouldn't try that at Buick or Cadillac, but Saab could totally pull off a 9-1.

[eb110americana]

I kind of went off topic there, but I wonder if the 9-5 will make it to the US with a 1.6L option? It could work if the numbers are right. Around 175-200 HP with fuel economy in the 30s could make it a very unique player in the field.

[davidlane]

Originally Posted by eb110americana

I kind of went off topic there, but I wonder if the 9-5 will make it to the US with a 1.6L option? It could work if the numbers are right. Around 175-200 HP with fuel economy in the 30s could make it a very unique player in the field.

If the next version doesn't add a lot of weight, always a questionable bet with GM, probably 30-32 MPG highway at best. Plus, given everyone in the auto business is dealing with the same regulations, that mileage will not be unique. It needs to be what's referred to in software as a "killer app" or it will be another also ran.

[eb110americana]

Originally Posted by davidlane

If the next version doesn't add a lot of weight, always a questionable bet with GM, probably 30-32 MPG highway at best. Plus, given everyone in the auto business is dealing with the same regulations, that mileage will not be unique. It needs to be what's referred to in software as a "killer app" or it will be another also ran.

The Malibu, which is already on LWB epsilon, in LTZ trim with the 6-speed auto and the 4-banger gets 32mpg hwy (bumping up to 33 for 2009). And that's with a 2.4L. Obviously, dropping down to a new 1.6L wouldn't cause the car to lose mpg, even with a turbo. I would expect around 35mpg with a much better city rating than the Malibu LTZ's 22mpg.

[Aerodynamix]

^^^ I agree that a 1.6T would probably get better fE than a NA 2.4. Remember that the LNF in the turbo Kappas actually gets better FE than the base cars!

On topic, I'm glad SAAB is going sub-2.0L for their 4 cyl engine lineup. Kinda gives an impression of refinement and economy while providing adequate power.

eb110americana, I agree that a Gamma 9-1 would be a perfect Mini fighter...oh how I'd love to see a 3-door SAAB subcompact hatch

[Astra RL]

Have the 1.6 turbo as a base engine then the 2.0 turbo with a 2.3 turbo at the top maybe even a 2.8 turbo for a viggen model.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Astra RL

Have the 1.6 turbo as a base engine then the 2.0 turbo with a 2.3 turbo at the top maybe even a 2.8 turbo for a viggen model.

I think GM needs to go back to its roots here.
Turbos... and High Output Turbos...

The 1.6L is fine if it cranks out around 160-180HP.
A 2.0L mid-range turbo at around 200-220HP.
And a 2.3-2.4 high-output turbo at 260-280HP.
And a High output Turbo Aero engine at 330-350HP. Possibly a V6... but hopefully an I4.

I still think a V6 is really not the smartest idea in a Saab. I think with what Saab engineering can do with a 4-cyl, they might as well take advantage of it.

[mbukukanyau]

This car does not exist.

[Uligar]

Saab's next-generation 9-5 is to feature an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, in line with the company's new policy on downsizing.

I never heard about an all new 1.6l Turbo Engine.
I bet it will be a re-engineered 1.6l Turbo from the current Opel Models.

Corsa GSI 150hp 210nm-155lbs/ft
Corsa OPC 192hp 230nm-170lbs/ft overboost 266nm-196lbs/ft
Astra 180hp 230nm-170lbs/ft
Meriva OPC 180hp 230nm-170lbs/ft

and next year in spring the Insignia will get an re-engineered 1.6l Turbo
with 6speed automatic transmission, too.
(estimated: i hope it will reach 22-40mpg)
(The 20l Turbo fuel consumption is 19-36mpg)

This car does not exist.

Not yet. but i ve seen the front & Interior of an pre-production model.

[Astra RL]

Originally Posted by Uligar

I never heard about an all new 1.6l Turbo Engine.
I bet it will be a re-engineered 1.6l Turbo from the current Opel Models.

Corsa GSI 150hp 210nm-155lbs/ft
Corsa OPC 192hp 230nm-170lbs/ft overboost 266nm-196lbs/ft
Astra 180hp 230nm-170lbs/ft
Meriva OPC 180hp 230nm-170lbs/ft

and next year in spring the Insignia will get an re-engineered 1.6l Turbo
with 6speed automatic transmission, too.
(estimated: i hope it will reach 22-40mpg)
(The 20l Turbo fuel consumption is 19-36mpg)



Not yet. but i ve seen the front & Interior of an pre-production model.

Is the interior worthy or a Saab or is it a driver oriented insignia?

[Buick Riviera]

Isn't the New Saab 9-5 on EP2 and comeing out in late 2009 as a 2010 model?

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Uligar

Not yet. but i ve seen the front & Interior of an pre-production model.

All I care about is the interior and hope that it's worthy of a Saab, not some Americanized version of what Americans think a Swedish car should be. Nor would I feel it appropriate to have Chevy-like seats.

Saab's got problems. And a lot of them have to do with GM's inability to manage a niche brand.

[ctsmo]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

All I care about is the interior and hope that it's worthy of a Saab, not some Americanized version of what Americans think a Swedish car should be. Nor would I feel it appropriate to have Chevy-like seats.

Saab's got problems. And a lot of them have to do with GM's inability to manage a niche brand.

amen

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

All I care about is the interior and hope that it's worthy of a Saab, not some Americanized version of what Americans think a Swedish car should be. Nor would I feel it appropriate to have Chevy-like seats.

Saab's got problems. And a lot of them have to do with GM's inability to manage a niche brand.

C'mon, I'm sure it will have a console-mounted ignition switch and green IP lighting.