First Photos of New SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

On Wednesday, February 23, SAAB will host a special party at its Trollhättan plant in Sweden to celebrate what it describes as "the first anniversary of Saab’s rebirth as an independent carmaker".

I'd argue if Saab is really independent given that the company heavily relies on GM for its current portfolio (one example is the new 9-4X which is based on the Cadillac SRX and is built at the Detroit automaker's Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico) and is actively seeking help to develop its future models having already sealed a deal with BMW for the supply of 4-cylinder engines, but that's another story for another time.

Case in point is that at the birthday party, the Swedes plan to debut a commemorative edition model based on the 9-3 Convertible, the first pictures of which were spilled on the internet today. According to Saabsunited, the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition will be built in a limited run of 366 units, apparently one for each day that passed since Spyker Cars took over the company from GM.

The special edition model gets a 220HP 2.0T Biopower engine and will boast several unique features such as the bespoke Sunset Red color, new 18-inch alloy wheels, gray leather seats with a center strip and piping in orange, numerous Hirsch interior appointments and an orange-colored turbo instrument needle.

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First Photos of New SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

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Saab Confirms BMW Talks on Engine Supply, 2012 9-3 May be the First Model to Benefit from the Deal

The next generation of Saab models may very well be powered by BMW engines if negotiations between the two automakers are successful. Following widespread media speculations on the matter, Spyker N.V., the parent company of the Swedish carmaker confirmed talks with BMW. Here's the official statement:


"Spyker Cars N.V. ("the Group"), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached."


A report from Bloomberg citing an unnamed person with direct knowledge of the matter said the first Saab to benefit from the proposed deal would be the next 9-3 model, due for release in 2012. According to the source, Saab will make use of a new 222-horsepower that BMW is developing and has not yet been introduced in any of the Bavarian automaker's cars. The same engine would find its way under the hood of the new 9-5.


The person said the two automakers are also in talks about Saab buying diesel engines from BMW as well as the possible use of the MINI Countryman's platform for the future 9-2 premium sub-compact.


A final announcement on the deal could be made as early as the end of this week. We will continue to follow this matter and will provide updates on any new developments.


Source: Spyker / Bloomberg

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Saab Confirms BMW Talks on Engine Supply, 2012 9-3 May be the First Model to Benefit from the Deal

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Saab Reveals its First-Ever Pure Electric Model: 9-3 ePower to Debut in Paris

This month's Paris International Motor Show will host the world premiere of Saab's first ever EV, the 9-3 ePower. Based on the SportWagon variant of the current 9-3, the prototype model will lead to a test fleet of 70 vehicles that will participate in field trials in Sweden early next year.

The car is motivated by a 184HP electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. Energy is provided by a compact 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located in a modified floor-pan, in a space occupied by the exhaust system and fuel tank on the standard 9-3 SportWagon

The Swedish automaker says the EV can accelerate from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in a respectable 9.5 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 150km/h or 93mph.

The projected driving range on a full charge is approximately 200 kilometers or about 124 miles. Saab said the battery can be fully recharged from a domestic mains supply in three to six hours, depending on depletion status. However, the company claims charging times can be reduced significantly if the voltage of the electrical feed is raised.

The only noteworthy styling changes over the regular gasoline/diesel models concerns the new gearshift lever that provides selection of 'drive', 'neutral', 'park' and 'reverse', the revised instrument cluster that gains read-outs for battery status, power consumption and driving range, as well as the addition of an electric park brake.

Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's CEO said: "By 2015, annual global sales of electric vehicles are expected to reach 500,000 units and Saab is determined to be represented in this important, growing segment."

"The 9-3 ePower programme is our first step towards developing a potential production vehicle that will deliver the sort of advanced performance our customers expect."

The 9-3 ePower is the result of a co-operation between Saab Automobile, Boston Power (batteries), Electroengine in Sweden AB (electric power trains), Innovatum (project management) and Power Circle (Sweden's electric power industry trade organization).

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Saab 900 Loses its Hunch: El Camino Version Spotted at Enthusiasts Festival

The Griffin loving folks over at 'Saabs United' have nice little write-up of the International SAAB Club Meeting in Interlaken (color me jealous). The 900 El Camino pictured here is one of the quirkier cars from the show, proving that some cars just don't work out as a pickup. One thing's for certain: this 900 is definitely doing its part to stand out.

By Phil Alex

Photo: Saabsunited

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Saab 900 Loses its Hunch: El Camino Version Spotted at Enthusiasts Festival

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Spyker Details Strategic Plan for SAAB, Says New 9-3 with Hatchback Variant Coming in 2012, Smaller 9-1 Under Consideration

In anticipation of a general meeting on February 12 where Spyker shareholders will officially approve the purchase of Saab, the tiny supercar maker from Holland went ahead and outlined its future plans for the ailing Swedish automaker that include the presentation of a successor to the 9-3.

First of all, Spyker confirmed that Saab will be a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines and that the Swedish brand will continue to be positioned against other premium brand brands such as Audi and BMW.

According to the plan, Saab's product portfolio will be completely renewed over the next few years beginning with the launch of the all-new 9-5 sedan early this summer, followed by a station wagon version and an Audi A6 Allroad-rivaling 9-5X crossover variant.

In 2011, Saab will introduced the Cadillac SRX-based 9-4X Crossover that will be built in Mexico, while a year later, the company will launch the all-new 9-3 that will eventually grow to include sedan, sports estate, 'X' crossover, convertible and for the first time in many years, hatchback body styles.

Spyker added that it is also looking into the possibility of adding a fourth smaller model called the '9-1', which would compete in the premium C-Segment against the likes of the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.

However, Spyker noted that such a car isn't currently included in the official Business Plan, so if the company decides to go ahead with the development, addition financing would be required.

With the exception of the 9-4X, all other models will be built at Saab's Trollhättan factory, with Spyker aiming to produce and sell between 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles per year.

The Swedish automaker will continue to collaborate with GM after the completion of the sale, but Spyker's plan is to gradually "reduce dependency and obtain improved access to other suppliers and the co-development of unique innovations."

Spyker business plan also makes word for Saab's current dealer network which will be re-energized with a new sales and distribution approach in certain markets, starting from this year.

The business plan that was drawn up by Saab management over the past ten months, is said to have been analyzed and supported by Spyker in assistance with the firm's advisers Booz & Co and KPMG Transaction Services, as well as several advisers to the Swedish Government and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

EIB will provide a €400 million loan -guaranteed by the Swedish government- to the newly formed company.

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Spyker Details Strategic Plan for SAAB, Says New 9-3 with Hatchback Variant Coming in 2012, Smaller 9-1 Under Consideration

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Used Saab Prices Drop in the UK, but Experts Say it Won't Last Long

It's only logical that consumers either turn away or are more cautious price-wise when it comes to buying a used car from a brand that has an unsure future like Saab. And while many people are patiently waiting to see what's going to happen with the Swedish carmaker, "Used Car Expert Magazine" says that used Saab prices in the UK have been falling for the past 18 months.

As an example, the magazine says that the average price for a two-year-old Saab 9-3 2.0t has dropped from close to £14,000 in the January '09 to just over £11,000 in January '10.

"The Saab brand has long been under-supported by GM in the UK and dealers have been discounting stock to get rid of it - most notably Stratstone who have been advertising a half million pound Saab stock clearance," said the magazine's Editor, Matt Tumbridge.

However, Tumbridge believes that the price drop is only temporary and that used Saabs will go up again.

"Prices won't be soft forever, even if they close it down. Rovers, which are nowhere near as good, are now very firm in terms of used car residuals. Saab have a following, are close to BMW in terms of style, performance, comfort. It's lunacy that prices have been so soft so long and as soon as Saab's future is clear, prices will firm up. Now is the time to buy," Tumbridge said.

According to the magazine, a 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0t with average mileage of 12,000 can be yours for £11,000 - £14,000 (more than £10,000 down from a new one) while 2006 year model with 40,000 average miles can be had in the UK from as low as £7,000.

In comparison, the magazine says that a £7,000 budget will only buy you a 2003 3-Series at best. For a 2006 BMW 320i ES (2.0-liter, four cylinder model with 150HP) with average mileage of 29,000, prices are said to start from around £11,500 but the magazine claims that £14,000 is a more realistic price.

Source: Used Car Expert - Today's exchange rate: 1 British Pound = 1.62 USD


2008 SAAB 9-3 GALLERY

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