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GMI's Revitalization in Action | The Dream Saab Lineup

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#1 · (Edited)


Welcome to our newest Feature article here at GMI, Revitalization in Action; The Dream Saab Lineup. This article is the latest in GMI's series of dream lineups for each of GM's brands. Revitalization in Action is a collaboration of GMI Staff Member ChevroletRevived and GMI Photoshop Artist fbodyrules. Our mission? To show, with realistic feasibility, how great GM can (and will) be. Revitalization in Action; The Dream Saab Lineup has some important new changes. In the Specifications Sheet we've added some new categories, including Vehicle Type, Size Comparison, Competitors, as well as an introduction to the brand. Not only that, we're also more thorough, with more views and renderings per model. The RIA Mini Site and "Featured Concept" are returning. The Pontiac mini site is also included in this introduction. Saab has the potential to flourish under a complete, Cadillac-style revitalization. Like Saturn, Saab doesn't have negative GM/American perceptions to fight. Saab needs new product and a complete lineup. If it's given a chance to succeed, Saab will be an invaluable part of GM's turnaround. And with GM's product revolution underway, we can look forward to really great Saab products in the future. The Lambda's and what we've seen of the upcoming Malibu and CTS are extremely encouraging. The progress has been great, so imagine what the luxury brand Saab can really be. Volvo is a good example of what can happen. The Aero X is said to be the basis for future Saab styling. How will it look on future Saab products? Will it be done right? There have been a lot of chops and designs directly and blatantly based on this car, however, we'd like to be a little more creative and show you designs that exhibit the same basic design essence, yet aren't directly taken from the Saab Aero X showcar. We'd like to give you a look at the future of Saab, and just what the brand can really be. Thanks, and enjoy!

Model Lineup:

Saab 9-1 - Sport Luxury Hatchback, A3 Sized, Based on Delta II
Saab 9-3 - Luxury Sedan/SportCombi/Convertible, 3 Series Sized, Based on EPI
Saab 9-4X - Sport Luxury CUV, X3 Sized, Based on Theta II
Saab 9-5 - Luxury Sedan/SportCombi, 5 Series Sized, Based on Enhanced EPII
Saab 9-6X - Sport Luxury CUV, X5 Sized, Based on Enhanced Lambda Saab 9-9x - Luxury Sedan, 7 Series Standard Sized, Based on Premium Zeta

x- Denotes AWD
X - Denotes Crossover
t - Low Output Turbo
T - Higher Output Turbo
HOT = High Output Turbo

About Saab And What It's Future Could be Like

Ever since GM bought all of Saab in 1995, the brand hasn't performed as GM expected. Is it GM's fault? Probably. Saab didn't get enough product to achieve the sales goals that were set. The 9-3 was a sign of good things to come, and the Aero X showcar showed that there was yet life and potential in the brand, much like the Enclave did for Buick. GM's new world wide parts database enables brand freedom. Brands can develop their own, unique products off of the database, and because of this, GM can let the brand have more autonomy. Saab's expertise combined with the database will make for some great products. The worldwide parts database is an huge step forward for a more efficient, cost effective GM. This database saves GM money and eliminates redundancy by utilizing parts already used on other GM products, allowing for more money to be spent where it counts. The first vehicle developed off of the database was the Solstice. Now, just about all new GM vehicles are. Many are wondering whether Saab will deliver on the hope of the Aero X. Beautiful styling sells, no doubt - just ask Lutz. But, there is a hidden key in all of this. What if you could give people the style they're excited about, yet be environmentally friendly also? BioPower engines, that can run on E85, E100 and gas. Couple that with Dual Mode hybrids, and you'll have a strikingly beautiful luxury sedan that runs on electric below 25 and on E85 or E100 above. Sound appealing? GM needs to utilize this technology, and bring it to the United States. Acura is trying to remake itself into a brand with a "techno cool" image. Problem is, they don't have the styling to back everything up. Techie? Yes. Beautiful? By no means. Saab can appeal to this market because they don't have any negative perceptions and baggage, and they are perceived to many to be 1. Stand Alone and/or 2. Foreign. They don't have the typical GM buyer base. And that is where the potential lies. Saab really, more than ever, has the potential to be GM's cool, trendy brand. It can be technologically advanced, have styling people are excited about and still be environmentally correct. Think that'll sell?

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2010 9-1




Trim Levels

Base: 9-1 1.8t
Mid-level: 9-1x 1.8t BioPower
Up-level: 9-1x Aero

Introduction

Talk about tapping into largely unexplored new markets. Small luxury is in. A4, 3 Series, 9-3, etc? They aren't the "compact" luxury cars they once were. This new market is occupied by only the A3 and to some extent the Mini. Saab has an opportunity to get a jump in this segment. The 9-1 could come in right as this new segment in the market is opening, establishing a foot hold and cashing in on it's growth potential. BMW's 1 Series isn't here yet, and who knows when it'll arrive, and that leaves Saab with a golden opportunity. Saab character, combined with the environmentally friendly BioPower engine, would make the 9-1 the choice of a ripe market with few entries. A hot little hatch would go back to Saab's roots, selling well and bringing more affordable excitement to the brand, much like the original Saab classic, the 900. The, 9-1, simply put, is a modern day 900, a Saab for the Saab purist. With Subaru no longer available to draw upon for the next generation Saab 9-1, and the car needing a replacement, the next generation 9-1 arrives to take it's place, based on the flexible next generation Delta platform, Delta II. Because of that, this time around Saab will get to be a lot more creative with it's smallest entry, making the 9-1 it's own. Simply put, the 9-1 will be a true Saab. Naming for the next generation 9-2X is not confirmed, 9-2 and 9-1 are both on the table.

Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: 3 Door 3 passenger Sport Hatch
Size Comparison: Audi A3
Competitors: Audi A3
Base Platform: Enhanced Delta II
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD Option, AWD Aero
Engines:
9-1 1.8t: 1.8L 175HP Ecotec Turbo
9-1x BioPower: 1.8L (On E100) 245HP BioPower Turbo Ecotec
9-1x Aero: 2.0L 265HP Ecotec Turbo
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Sentronic

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2008 9-3




Trim Levels

Base: 9-3 2.0t, 9.3 2.0T, 9-3H 2.3T BioPower
Mid-level: 9-3xH 2.3T BioPower
Up-level: 9-3x Aero, 9-3x Viggen
Body Styles:
Sedan, Convertible, SportCombi

Introduction


With the current 9-3 getting a bit long tooth, and the Aura, 2008 Malibu coming out and being redesigned, GM decided that it was time the 9-3 get a redesign based on the current platform instead of waiting longer for a 2009 Epsilon II based 9-3. Given this, we expect the Epsilon platform to solder on a little while longer, with the Epsilon II cars arriving around 2011, not the 2010 we were originally thinking, giving the redesigned Epsilon based cars around 3 or 4 model years on the market. With AWD being a necessity to compete in this segment, the 9-3 will be getting AWD, along with a full Mid Cycle Enhancement (MCE) for the 2008 model year. What Saab has done with the 9-3 under a different style of GM back in the early years of the decade is testament to its expertise and know how. Saab turned a midsize non-luxury platform into a refined, capable one, and they produced one of the best sedans in GM's stable. If this was GM a few years ago, imagine what is in store for the next 9-3, and indeed all of the Saab lineup. The current 9-3 is Saab's bread and butter, and a driving force for Saab's upward sales trend. The redesigned 9-3 better have the goods to compete and style to make it stand apart from the competition. Styled in the mold of the beautiful Aero X showcar, the 9-3 has a youthful "Junior Saab" style that is shared by both the 9-1 and 9-4X, with a bit different style of it's own to set it apart from it's larger brethren, the 9-5, 9-6X and 9-9x.
Using completely feasible technology already developed and in GM's arsenal, the 9-3 adds something that will help it to lead the segment in innovation and environmental friendliness. Our 9-3 offers a hybrid, the first in it's segment, and hugely important for a variety of reasons, not just the virtue of being a hybrid. The importance of this revolutionary hybrid system cannot be stressed enough. Some amazing firsts are evident in this hybrid system. Namely, 1. The first application of the BioPower engine in the US, 2. The first application in the world of an engine capable of running on any mixture of gas/ethanol to a full hybrid system, 3. The first instance of the Dual Mode hybrid being used in a sedan in the United States. Do it, GM.

The current 9-3 is a unique car for GM. It's modern, stylish and is selling well on the coasts. A lot of young professionals are looking to the 9-3 as an alternative option, something competent, different and exclusive compared to the 3-Series or CL-Class. In the fashionable areas of the country, Saab, along with Cadillac are are GM's best opportunity for sales. No question, Saabs are different. But, different can be a good thing, and in Saab's case, looking at the current lineup and the possibilities for the future, it certainly is. The CTS and the next generation Epsilon II based 9-3 are the most important luxury introductions ever for GM. The 2008 Saab 9-3 is coming at a time of GM product renaissance, an era of beautiful design and attention to detail. The next 9-3 as the possibility to make your jaw drop, so expect nothing less. Thanks to our friends at Saab blog Trollhattan Saab (www.trollhattansaab.net), and from reports we've gathered, it's pretty concrete that their will be a Saab introduction in the US, in August of 2007. The most logical vehicle introduction would be the 9-3, as it would be the most farthest along by now.






Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: Small to Midsize 5 passenger 4 door Sedan, 5 Door SportCombi, 2 Door Convertible
Size Comparison: BMW 3 Series
Competitors: BMW 3 Series, Acura TL, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Volvo S60
Base Platform: Epsilon I
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD Option, AWD Aero/Viggen
Engines:
9-3 2.0t: 2.0L 230HP Ecotec Turbo
9-3 2.0T: 2.0T: 2.0L 260HP Ecotec Turbo
9-3H (9-3xH) 2.3T BioPower: 2.3L 280HP (On E100) BioPower Turbo w/Dual Mode Hybrid System
9-3x Aero: 2.8L 320HP HF Turbo V6
9-3x Viggen: 3.0L 350HP HOT V6
Transmissions: 6 speed Manual, 6-Speed Sentronic, Aero: 7 Speed DSG

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2009 9-4X



Trim Levels

Base: 9-4X 2.8t
Up-level: 9-4X Aero


Introduction

Wagons, Minivans, SUV's. There have been a lot of different fads. The crossover is shaping up to be biggest market segment over the next few years. Highly competitive, and with a lot of new entries, GM has made sure to establish itself in this market with it's class leading Lambda platform mates and the Cadillac SRX. However, given the reality of high fuel prices, there is an emerging trend within the move to crossover vehicles. And, what is that, you might ask? It's the small luxury crossover segment. X3, RDX, upcoming Q5 and BRX. These small, fast and relatively efficient vehicles are replacing midsize BOF SUV's for a lot of customers. And, the move to a smaller vehicle allows buyers to look for a luxury offering. GM has small non-luxury crossovers covered with the Equinox and Vue platform mates. However, they need an offering at the luxury end of this segment. Relatively high-volume, BMW has met success with it's X3, and Saab needs something to combat it and the Acura RDX. That's the mission of the 9-4X. Yes, Cadillac should and will be getting it's BRX also, but Saab has a better chance to appeal to buyers of the Acura RDX specifically, considering it's the "thinkers" favorite, the exact market Saab should be going for.

The 9-4X is based on Theta II; a combination of EPII and the previous Theta platform.
Built in Mexico, the 9-4X is powered by a 2.8L 255HP Mild Turbo HF V6 on the base end, and for the upscale, sports Aero model, a 3.0L 300HP Turbo HF V6. A sports luxury crossover like the 9-4X will be very successful, a hit with the 20-30 male professionals segment. A case of "unless GM decides to pull this thing forward", expect the 9-4X to show around this time, but certainly not any later.

Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: 5 Passenger Small Sport Luxury CUV
Size Comparison: BMW X3
Competitors:BMW X3, Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Cadillac BRX
Base Platform: Theta II
Drive Wheels: AWD
Engines:
9-4X 2.8t: 2.8L 255HP Mild Turbo HF V6
9-4X Aero: 3.0L 300HP Turbo HF V6
Transmissions: 6-Speed Manual, 6 speed Sentronic

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2009 9-5



Trim Levels

Base: 9-5 2.0T, 9.5H 2.3T BioPower
Mid-level: 9-5x 2.8T, 9-5xH 2.3T BioPower
Up-level: 9-5x Aero
Body Styles:
Sedan, SportCombi

Introduction


Without a doubt, the current 9-5 is overdue for a replacement. The update for 2006 was not enough to make the 9-5 a true contender again. Volvo's recently redesigned S80, while competent, fails to excite in the design department, or even provide a striking change on the exterior for the undiscerning eye. The technological advancement and interior refinement/design displayed by that car are admiral qualities however, and something that Saab should keep in mind. Technology and design. If Saab can get those two right, the 9-5 will be a hit. We've already got the refinement and quality down, but the two aforementioned areas need to be emphasized. The 9-3 and 9-5 are two of Saab's most important models, the profitable volume sellers, and they can't be taken lightly. The 9-5 should be embody everything Saab is, and what it stands for.

Most specifically, BMW is the company to beat in the midsize luxury segment. They've got perception on their side and they enjoy high profit per vehicle margins. This segment is probably the most important of all to the luxury manufacturers. It's combination of high volumes and high prices make for a powerful and profitable ****tail. BMW's commandeering of this segment is impressive. However, there is potential for success here. The 9-5 can bring exclusivity and difference to a seemingly "me too" segment. Yes, BMW has the technological edge, but they have put off many consumers with their controversial styling and confusing iDrive controller. A combination of GM's best technologies will make for an advanced display of what GM can do in the midsize luxury segment, along with the upcoming Cadillac CTS. However, this has to be an all-out attempt, and Saab needs to work on it until they get it. If they can do it, the profits and perception of success will be invaluable to GM in aiding the turnaround.

Based on an enlarged and enhanced Epsilon II platform, the 9-5 2.0T and 9-5H 2.3T BioPower are powered by 2 Ecotec engines. The uplevel 2.8T, by an 2.8L 300 HP HF Turbo V6. The Aero high performance model is powered by a 3.0L 350HP High Output Turbo (HOT) HF V6. All wheel drive is standard on the 2.8T and Aero models. AWD on the hybrid is also available, as the 9-5xH 2.3T BioPower. Starting out at $37,995*, the 9-5 brings a lot of innovative features to the table. Doing much in the way for innovation, not only for it's segment, but the 9-5 will mark the second introduction of a hybrid mated to a motor capable of running on any mixture of Ethanol fuel, as well as gas. It also marks the first introduction of GM's dual mode hybrid technology in a midsize luxury sedan. Truly a win win win situation, the 9-5H is a hybrid that makes sense. It gets excellent gas mileage due to the small Ecotec engine and Hybrid, therefore using less fuel. And the fuel that you would be using can be any mixture of Ethanol and Gas. How is that for solidifying Saab's technological prowess and in establishing a green image? These are the 2 key points in helping Saab become GM's leading conquest brand, with high profit margins and a sparkling image. The 9-5 brings style, coolness and environmental consciousness to the mid-luxury segment. Our proposed 9-5 arrives in late 2008, as a 2009 model. We've heard different reports on the arrival of the production 9-5, but we feel that the timing of our 9-5 is correct for the production model.



Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: Midsize 5 Passenger 4 door Sedan and 5-Door SportCombi
Size Comparison: BMW 5 Series
Competitors: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Acura RL, Audi A6, Volvo S80, Jaguar S-Type, Cadillac STS
Base Platform: Enhanced Epsilon II
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD Option, AWD Aero
Engines:
9-5 2.0T: 2.0L 230HP Ecotec Turbo 4
9-5H (9-5xH) 2.0T BioPower: 2.0L 280HP (On E100) BioPower Ecotec Turbo 4 w/Dual Mode Hybrid System
9-5x 2.8T: 2.8L 300HP HF Turbo V6
9-5x Aero: 3.0L 350HP HOT V6 w/DI
For the European Market, a 2.0L 260HP Ecotec Turbo is in place of the 9-5 2.8T model
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Sentronic, Aero: 7 Speed DSG


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2009 9-6X





Trim Levels

Base: 9-6X 3.2t
Mid-level: 9.6XH
Up-level: 9-6X Aero

Introduction

With the 9-4X covering the smaller end of the luxury crossover market, there is a gap left in the larger, more upscale section of the segment. That is where the 9-6X comes in. A mid to large crossover, the market targeted by the 9-6X specifically includes the Q7, X5 and MDX. A lot of customers have been leaving Saab for the other makes because of Saab's lack of a crossover. Saab needs something to offer that not only will keep those customers, but gain some new ones too. It's easier said then done, because succeeding in this highly competitive market requires having the goods to compete, while offering something the others don't. Good thing, because the 9-6X packs some innovative features. These features include running boards integrated into the body work and swiveling heated/cooled second row captains chairs. On top of this, Saab has the stylistic edge. Simply put, GM has the stylistic edge here. With the Enclave and 9-6X, GM will have some competitive entries with beautiful styling.

Based on an Enhanced Lambda platform, with 4 wheel independent suspension, ReAxs system and 1" lower ride height, the 9-6X is powered by a 3.0L 300 HP HF V6 and the Aero by a 3.6L 380 HP HF Turbocharged V6. The 9-6X is a sport luxury crossover, with performance rivaling the Porsche Cayenne and the recently introduced Acura MDX. Sporty, stylish, luxurious and spacious, simply put, the 9-6X is the sports car lovers luxury crossover. Another Saab first for it's segment, the 9-6X is offered with the Dual Mode hybrid option. Like midsize BOF owners with the 9-4X, a lot of full-size non-luxury buyers are moving down. With a vehicle like the 9-6X, not only do they get better gas mileage because it's smaller, lighter, etc, but also because of the availability of the Dual Mode hybrid system. The production 9-6X would arrive for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: 7 passenger Sport Luxury CUV
Size Comparison: BMW X5
Competitors: Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Buick Enclave, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX
Base Platform: Enhanced Lambda
Drive Wheels: AWD
Engines:
9-6X 3.2t: 300HP HF Turbo V6
9-6XH: 3.2L 330HP Turbo HF V6/w Dual Mode Hybrid System
9-6X Aero: 3.6L 380HP HOT HF V6
Transmissions: 6 speed Sentronic


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2010 9-9x




Trim Levels

Base: 9-9x 4.0t
Up-level: 9-9x Aero

Introduction

No luxury brand is complete without a range topping luxury flagship. It's a necessity to be taken seriously and to truly compete. The positive image of a luxury flagship rubs off on the whole lineup. Nothing less then an all out Cadillac style revitalization will be enough to truly bring Saab into contention for mainstream luxury buyers in the US. Saab needs a competitive, stunning Full-size luxury sedan. The 9-9x is that car.

The import makes (most specifically, German) guard the upper luxury segment that they control aggressively. Only Lexus's recent offering is a credible attempt at breaking into this market. The German automakers don't take this lightly, they're on their game, and GM needs to be focused on making sure that the 9-9x works. A standard complement of Saab features, such as driver’s oriented ****pit, NightPanel, SID, SAHR II and anti-submarining seats are included. Additional luxury features in the interior abound, and include reclining rear heated/cooled/massaging seats, 4-Zone Digital Climate Control System, Heads Up Display, Night Vision, Green LED Ambient Lighting, genuine dash wood, Alcantara leather and a lane change warning system. The 9-9x isn't something that can be done cheaply, or quickly. It has to be done right. Exclusivity, attention to detail and beautiful styling will be the 9-9x's selling points. Even in a high end market like this, there is no exclusivity. On America's populous and fashionable coasts, luxury makes are common place, and S-Classes and 7-Series sedans are seen everywhere.

By targeting the performance segment of the premium sedan market (7-series and XJR), Saab can effectively cohabitate with future high end Cadillacs, which would most likely target the sophisticated luxury segment (S-Class, 760Li). GM needs a piece of this profitable market, and the 9-9x could be a way to get it.

Based on an premium version of the Zeta platform, the Saab 9-9x utilizes some engine and platform components that are rumored to be in development and or should be developed by the time we are proposing this car be introduced. For the engines, we start out with the excellent HF series. The HF has the capability to go to 4.0L in size. This would be the engine that would go into the base model 9-9x. The Aero sport model would utilize GM's Ultra V8, itself a variation of the HF series engines. A 4.6L Turbo Charged Ultra V8 powers the AWD system. Unique features abound, and the styling sets the car apart from the competition, along with Saab's excellent reputation for safety and innovation. The 9-9x utilizes all of Saab's technologies and is a safety showcase.

Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: 5 Passenger Full-size Premium Luxury Sedan
Size Comparison: BMW 7-Series Standard
Competitors: BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Quatttroporte
Size Comparison: BMW 7-Series
Base Platform: Premium Zeta
Drive Wheels: AWD; 50/50 split
Engines:
9-9x 4.0t: 4.0L 380HP HF Mild Turbo V6
9-9x Aero: 4.6L 480HP Turbo Ultra V8
Transmissions: 6-speed Sentronic, 7 speed DSG

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Ghrankenstein's Take: Saab Hybrid Biopower could become a Saab catch phrase. So, however, could TD. Saab (+Cadillac) and Opel build torquey small-displacement diesels for the European market, and a 9-3 2.0D would be a product with instant demand. We know the regulations, and if we just had the product, we'd capitalize.


Closing

We can say with reasonable certainty that the 9-3 will be arriving for MY 2008, with the 9-4X and 9-5 coming in 2009. What we don't know is the other three models that are integral to Saab's success. Saab is getting it's product revolution, and it needs to be done right. RIA's Saab lineup is a product blitz that would leave the lineup complete, with new and fresh product every year from 2008-2011. We add, 9-6X for 2009, and 9-1 and 9-9x rounding out the lineup on the top and bottom ends in 2010, with the all new, Epsilon II based 9-3 coming in 2011. Lutz is the best thing that has happened to GM. He's cut through the beauracracy, renewed the spirit of design, and cut down walls to producing innovative, competent vehicles. He has set GM's designers free, unleashing GM's design and engineering prowess. What was previously scoffed at is now welcomed. And we're just starting to see the fruits of this. The best product is yet to come. Most of what we've since the initial Cadillac revolution hasn't been luxury product, with the exception of the redesign of the interior on the SRX for 2007. Saab is a luxury brand, and it'll be getting it's complete revitalization under this new philosophy. Saab safety and innovation is top tier, and coupled with beautiful styling and well executed interiors, it will make for a winning combination. GM can use Saab as a weapon to gain and keep market share in the United States. Let's take "Born from Jets" to a whole new altitude. Ready for takeoff?


GMI's Revitalization in Action | The Dream Saab Lineup

Writer/Design Director: GMI Staff Member ChevroletRevived
Vehicle Design Artist: GMI Contributor FBODYRULES (George Loizou)
Future Engines/Product: GMI Administrator NSAP
Saab Knowlege/Information: GMI Staff Member Mgescuro
9-3 Story: Trollhattan Saab

For larger and more high quality model imagery, please go to the RIA Mini Site, then select your model and click on the picture you wish to view.

Check out these GMI Staff Member RIA Commentaries Below:
Mgescuro's Revitalization in Action Commentary on the 9-9x
NSAP's Saab/Revitalization in Action Commentary




Take a look at the 9-3 Coupe Concept!


RIA Buick Lineup HERE
RIA Pontiac Lineup HERE
RIA Saturn Lineup HERE
RIA Chevrolet Lineup HERE
Mini Site Homepage HERE

GMI Introduces SAAB RIA Wallpaper
9-1 800 x 600
9-1 1024 x 768



 
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11
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
#7 ·
nice read for the SAAB section, makes me more interested in the brand. just wondering about the 9-5 on Epsilon2. how big is Ep2 supposed to be? battleing the 5 seires and the STS. i thought the next CTS was going for the 5 seires. and STS the 7. other than that its all goood. i would love a little 9-1

good work guys
 
#10 ·
#13 ·
Me liking big cars my absolute favorite is the 9-9x if they were on sale i'd be the first in line. I love the rest of the line up too, the 9-6x is exactly what they need and the look jus screams SAAB at the top of its lungs.
 
#14 ·
Damn, that's awesome. Excellent job guys. This would really be sweet.

The whole line-up is stunning, especially the 9-3 Convert. and the 9-6X. Even blows away the Enclave. I didn't know the brand had that much potential. Hopefully, GM puts these ideas into actual use.

Job well done.

I love the Revitalization in Action series you guys do.
 
#15 ·
Why does Saab need a full size luxury car? Why on earth would GM invest all that money on Saab when Cadillac has needed a good luxury car for decades. It would be just like what they did to Pontiac with Saturn.

And if you ask me all of these car's front ends are identical.
 
#16 ·
GotAWD said:
nice read for the SAAB section, makes me more interested in the brand. just wondering about the 9-5 on Epsilon2. how big is Ep2 supposed to be? battleing the 5 seires and the STS. i thought the next CTS was going for the 5 seires. and STS the 7. other than that its all goood. i would love a little 9-1

good work guys
Epsilon II will be fully extensible, with multiple variation of length and width, with 3 different sets of mechanicals underneath. Obviously, Saab will have the most advnaced machanicals.
But as of now, not much else is known. We don't even know if the AWD system is a Haldex or a Torsen diff.

9-5 was historically a competitor to the 5-series. Since 2002, the 9-5 has fallen back a bit with stalled updates, and it couldn't catch up. I'd expect the next-gen 9-5 to bring it back to competing form.

monza164 said:
Why does Saab need a full size luxury car? Why on earth would GM invest all that money on Saab when Cadillac has needed a good luxury car for decades. It would be just like what they did to Pontiac with Saturn.

And if you ask me all of these car's front ends are identical.
The assumption behind the 9-9x is that it's going to be on a premium Zeta. Concurrent development of a premium Zeta would assist Cadillac as well. Cadillac would target the S550 side of the market, while Saab would target Quattroporte and XJR.

Read my thread on the matter. I think it makes sense. :D
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40017

Also, the key with Saab is that it is in more global markets than any other GM brand currently. Saab can penetrate the market where function and style and sportiness are paramount, and a European heritage is highly regarded (Asian countries and the Europe).

Cadillac, for all it's North American heritage, is a virtual no-name else where. Where it is known, the reputation is tarnished. Saab can make an immediate impact while Cadillac ramps up. Because, like it or not, Cadillac's ramp up will be measured in decades, not years.
 
#17 ·
ocmdog said:
Damn, that's awesome. Excellent job guys. This would really be sweet.

The whole line-up is stunning, especially the 9-3 Convert. and the 9-6X. Even blows away the Enclave. I didn't know the brand had that much potential. Hopefully, GM puts these ideas into actual use.

Job well done.

I love the Revitalization in Action series you guys do.
asim said:
I'm really going to have to congratulate this team for the 3rd time. They continue to do great work!

I really love the ideas you have here, all of them. The models you have look great, and I hope that GM will check out this site. Maybe they will get some inspiration. xD

thanks!
 
#20 ·
9- 3, 5 and 9 I like a lot. (sedan forms not wagon)
 
#22 ·
Great Chops/Pics of the dream lineup. 9-5 is definately my favourite. I especially like the black trim around the lower skirts of all vehicles. The problem with most marques at them moment is a lack of exterior contrast, robbing form from the design unless it is in favourable lighting. I would really like to see the rear treatment though as I want to see how the taillights are translated for this theme.
I think one of the major concerns for SAAB, however, is their handling characteristics. Currently the FWD is not held in great regard in Oz. Hopefully an AWD setup or even just the new platforms will be enough to alleviate this.

Nice job!:cool:
 
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