NAIAS 08: Saab 9-4X Biopower

[chevyboy88]

finally a saab that looks decent now do the same thing for the 9-5

[HEVguy]

Originally Posted by zete

To my eyes, totally different.

I prefer the Cadillac. But then, I've never liked Saabs.

And, honestly, the Provoq is not a rebadge. Side-by-side the Vue and Provoq look nothing alike. It's just a bias in folks who know it's on the Premium Theta platform that are seeing similarities when none exist.

The Saab looks squatter and shorter. The Caddy has a higher front fender and sharper lines. Both are different and do not look like they're on the same platform. However, any car in this class will look very similar. Just look at how close the BMW and Lexus look!

I agree with you completely, the only reasons anyone could say these are rebadges is if they are (a) ignorant, or (b) they are a GM hater that wants to spread negative hype. Otherwise, these are obviously both very nice designs that are well differentiated from each other AND the other theta's!

[HEVguy]

Originally Posted by dratnol

I like the view from the front, but not really digging the rear. Nice to see that the Saab does not have the fender vents, something that is getting a little over done in my opinion.

So this is running the turbo/DI 2.0l I4. 295 ft lbs on E85 is nice, looks like there has been a fair amount of tuning between regular gasoline and E85.

I actually REALLY like the rear. It is perfectly in-line with the Saab 'slightly quirky' character, but still attractive, and mainstream.

As far as the rest of it, the more I look at it, the more I REALLY like it. This is an EXCELLENT looking Saab!! Has anyone posted technical details, like AWD, engines, tranny, etc.?

[HEVguy]

Originally Posted by FierySolstice

...If anything it looks like it took cues from the Edge and MKX.

I was detecting a hint of the GM Hy-Wire (that Lambda hydrogen concept a couple years back) in the Saab's greenhouse shape/design. Either way, I like it!

[HEVguy]

Originally Posted by AbsoluteSaab

...From what I have gathered the specs will be

2.0 Bio-Power running with 300hp / 400nm torque on e85
3.2 V6 gasoline
2.9 V6 Diesel... 250hp / 500nm torque

Car will be launched 2009 just before the all new 9-5.

Overall I like these initial pics.
There are some strong Saab cues in here...

Some call it bland I think the word understated it a better. You want to show people that you got money, then buy the BRX or Mercedes GLX. Hard body lines and a good bit of chrome. Saab is more a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Saab's are not about 'look at what I've got.' They are practical, functional and innovative. This car does that. It's only when you get inside the car you think 'yep; I'm going to enjoy being in here for a very long time'. I just hope GM have allowed the budget for Innovation.

Thanks for the guesses in specs.

As far as your 'understated' explanation, I agree that this isn't a really 'flashy' type offering, but is very clean and attractive. I know you aren't being negative, as you said you like it. However, I think it is definitely more than just 'understated.' Its Saab character and somewhat BOLD SUV features add some level of aggression and yet it is still not overdone. IMO it is a good mix of a clean design with nice character and you can also tell it is a mid-lux offering, like an Acura (but better, of course!).

[The Law]

Looks like Saab's Focus, and where Saab should have been a few years ago.
To say this a future model 2-3yrs. away.Saab really need some direction and I feel for the Saab Lovers here who want great products.

[peckwell]

Originally Posted by zete

BTW, most of us here remember this as rebadging:




That's pretty blatant and not what GM is doing now. They're really trying to ensure each vehicle is sufficiently differentiated.

These cars aren't re-badges, mah boy. This is a front drive Caddy (forget which one) and the RWD Caprice. COMPLETELY different platforms.

If you want re-badging, look no further than the Cobalt and G5. Exact same car, different badge.

[nsap]

press released added to first post -nsap

[Joevette]

300 hp and 295 ft lbs is awesome from the 2.0 liter, i wonder what it does on gas? 260?

[Black AH CDX]

I love it. Can't wait to have it in the showroom

[asim]

Yeah, I love how we got a good "preview" of the BRX and the 9-4X, now off to the Chicago and New York Auto Shows!

[SJZ3]

Has anyone seen "real life" pics of this CUV? I like the interior design, but I was curious to see what it looks like with a normal camera and setting.

[csm huber]

I like the Saab 9-4X Biopower just the way it is.... but more importantly is the 2.0L turbo engine producing 300 HP on E-85. I hope GM starts offering that engine as an option on its Chevrolet Division vehicles. I usually have two new Chevrolet cars or trucks in my drive (currently a 2007 Cobalt SS and a 2006 Trailblazer). With the cost of gasoline rising and the availability of E-85 good here in the mid-west, I'd buy a "Biopower" 2.0L Chevy if it were available.