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 9-5 Convertible Design Study: What do you Think?

Courtesy of SaabsUnited, the people who provided pics of the nice but ill-proportioned 9-5 Coupe rendering (see here) we recently showed you, here is a look at a second possible 9-5 variant. It's a computer generated image for a large, 4-seater convertible that could compete with the Audi A5 Cabrio in the future world of what-ifs.


Using a traditional soft top and nicely-equipped with a turbo-six and all-wheel drive, this car could be a wonderful option for families looking to buy into the Swedish design scene and who also want a unique mid-size convertible that comfortably seats four.


Even better is the potential for Spyker to move itself down-range a bit and receive its own coachbuilt version of the car (and maybe even the 9-4X crossover).


What say you, dear readers? Is this 9-5 'vert an interesting niche vehicle for the Swedish niche brand, or is it simply a waste of time to hope for this?


By Phil Alex


Source: SaabsUnited , Via: Autoblog.nl

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Saab Enhances 9-5 with New 1.6-liter Turbo Petrol, 190HP Diesel with XWD and Flex-Fuel Versions

Along with presentation of the tweaked 2011MY 9-3, Saab today also announced that it is broadening the appeal of the freshly launched 9-5 sedan with the introduction of three new engine options, including a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 2.0-liter turbo BioPower flex-fuel unit, which double the size of the premium saloon's powertrain menu.

The new 2.0-liter TTiD two-stage turbo diesel engine produces 190HP and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm, and can be specified with XWD, making it the first Saab diesel model to be offered with the Swedish firm's all-wheel-drive system.

Saab said the diesel-powered 9-5 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in under nine seconds, while returning a projected combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.0 lt/100 km (39.2mpg US or 47.1 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

The 9-5's gasoline line-up is extended by the addition of a smaller displacement 1.6-liter turbocharged four-banger churning out 180HP and 230Nm (169.6 lb-ft) of torque from 2,200 rpm to 5,500 rpm. Combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 7.8 lt/100 km (30.2mpg US or 36.2mpg UK) and 179 g/km respectively.

Finally, there's a new 2.0-liter turbo BioPower engine that is able to run on gasoline and/or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) in any blends. According to Saab, it delivers an output of 220HP and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of peak torque regardless of the fuel type or mixture. The BioPower model is available with two-wheel drive or XWD in all model specifications.

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Saab Fan Renders New 9-5 Coupe

Even though a coupe version of the new 9-5 saloon isn't among the Swedish automaker's top priorities, the idea has been circulating around Saab enthusiasts for a while. This here photoshop of a 9-5 Coupe was crafted by a reader of the 'Saabsunited' website. Technically speaking, the artist's rendition is quite good, but style-wise, the 9-5 Coupe doesn't quite make the cut. It could be improved though with a few tweaks here and there including a longer set of doors and larger alloy wheels. Make sure you tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Source: Saabsunited

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VIDEO: Saab Design Chief Jason Castriota Drives the New 9-5 Saloon

Saab's newly appointed design boss, Jason Castriota of former Bertone and Pininfarina fame, wasn't around when the Swedish automaker crafted the all-new 2010 9-5 saloon, so it's interesting to see what he has to say about the styling of the premium sedan. In this video, as well as sharing his insight on the 9-5's design, Castriota also took the car for a quick spin.


The first official assignment at Saab for the 36-year-old Italian-American who is known for his work on the Ferrari P4/5 one-off special, Bertone Mantide and Maserati GranTurismo, will be the redesign of the Swedish firm's 9-3 range, which is expected for release in 2012.

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VIDEO: Saab Tester Takes New 9-5 for a Spin on the Track

Saab continues to publish new promotional material on its freshly revealed 9-5 sedan. This time the Trollhattan-based automaker has released a video with Stefan Runquist, Vehicle Dynamics manager for the new 9-5, behind the steering wheel. Runquist took the executive saloon for a spin on a Swedish test track and offered an overview of the 9-5's ride and handling characteristics. Watch the clip after the break.

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Saab Releases New Promotional Video for 2011 9-5 Sedan

It's been a tough year for Saab, but for time being and with the help of its new owner, Spyker Cars NV, the Swedish carmaker seems to moving on to better days. By far the company's most promising asset is the all-new 2011 9-5 sedan that goes on sale in the U.S. this summer. Saab has already started promoting the 2011 9-5 with a new online commercial that you can watch right after the jump.

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Saab's U.S. Boss Talks About the Future and How the Brand will Tackle the Perception that the Brand is Dead

Automotive News recently had a chance to sit down with the COO of Saab North America, Mike Colleran, and discuss the future of Saab. perception


One of the first questions posed was the extent of damage to Saab's brand image during the past year and a half and how the Swedish automaker plans to improve its image in the near future.


"It is difficult to understand the complete depth of that damage. Certainly the brand did suffer" said Colleran. "I think there are a number of consumers who have the perception that Saab is gone."


Saab's North American boss believes that the company's image will be significantly improved with the launch of new products such as the all-new 9-5 in July as well as through the use of social media marketing (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) and traditional advertising venues like TV, news print and radio.


Colleran also went into a few of the details regarding the future of the Spyker-owned brand, including its remaining connection to GM and plans for modernizing the lineup.


Regarding the connection to its previous owner, Colleran said Saab will "rent back" certain services like IT/database management and dealer-support networking, because "you just can't reinvent those overnight."


Also, Saab's upcoming 9-4X will be built by GM in Mexico. None of this results in any control by GM, though.


After the 9-4X bows next April, a new 9-3 should arrive in 2012. Colleran in no uncertain terms says that by then, the new 9-5 will be the old news in Saab's lineup.


In the interview, the 9-5 also had its official target set: Audi's A6. Other competitors will be the 5-Series and S80.


Considering the old 9-5 and 9-3 had an bit of an overlap, Saab was quick to address this. The new 9-3 and 9-5 will be more distinct in price and size, allowing for a wider consumer base. With the 9-5 being set against the Germans and Volvo's S80, the 9-3 is going to be locked onto the 3-Series and S60.


Future success wasn't to be jinxed, though; no official sales goals were released, although Colleran did mention that Saab can build up to 15,000 units this year.


Attractive product, aggressive marketing, and a competitive drive. Fans will be happy to have a Saab brand worth following.


By Phil Alex


Via: Autonews [Sub. Req.]

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New 2010 Saab 9-5 Configurator Goes Online

Saab has opened up the doors to customizing its new 9-5 with a configurator, albeit a bit of a teaser version. With only colors and wheels available to choose from at the moment, there's only so much fun to be had.


As soon as the full configurator gets online, buyers will be able to get a better look at how they're going to justify a $50,000+ Saab. With a model that looks as funky and feels as Swedish as this, I can't wait.


By Phil Alex

Link: Saab

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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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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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