2009 Saab 9-5 spied

Saab's new 9-5 continues testing – as the Swedish car maker continues to fight for its survival. These latest spy photos, taken yesterday at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, are proof that Saab does finally have the new product for which its dealers are clamouring.

Pending the sale of Saab, the new 9-5 is due to be shown this autumn at the September 2009 Frankfurt motor show, ahead of a showroom launch in winter 2009-10. It's a step change for Saab's range-topper; after a decade of stagnation in the exec sector, the 9-5 is finally brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Our latest spy photos confirm a more low-slung style, with an especially noticeable fastback rear screen (a touring estate will also be offered later in 2010).

GM might have turned its back on Saab 9-5, but this car was engineered under its watch – so the global Epsilon II architecture underpins the new 9-5. That means a similar engineering set-up to the Vauxhall Insignia, with the option of front- or four-wheel drive and the likelihood of turbocharged Aero models. Downsized, four-cylinder turbo engines form the backbone of the engine line-up and – this is cuddly, enviro-conscious Saab, don't forget – eco-friendly E85 biofuels will be available.

© Source: carmagazine
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2009 Saab 9-5 spied

These will most likely be the last spy photos we see of the Saab 9-5 in prototype form as it prepares for its first public appearance later this year. The prototype captured here on the Nurburgring wears a substantial amount of camouflage although the production version is unlikely to waiver from typical Saab styling.

These images also reveal the much shallower rear roofline, giving the new 9-5 a more coupe-like silhouette - with the car taking many of its styling cues from the 9-4X BioPower concept. The new 9-5 is likely to gain some extra weight, with a greater length and height than the current model as well as a longer wheelbase, making it a closer competitor to models such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.

The prototype in these images uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine making 160kW, while a 2.8-litre V6 will be available in the European market with the US getting an even bigger 3.6-litre V6.

Saab 9-5 diesel model is also a given along with a hybrid model, with its first public unveiling scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

© Source: caradvice
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Saab 9-3X SportHatch

Saab did its best at the Geneva motor show, presenting its new 9-3X SportHatch, which follows in the footsteps of some offroad offerings such as the Volvo XC70 and Audi’s allroad range.

The model is equipped with either the 2.0L turbo engine at 210hp, or the 1.9 litre TTiD at 180hp. The petrol version has all wheel drive, while the diesel features rear wheel drive. The higher wheel base, XWD, and rear electronic differential with anti-slip eLSD, make this an excellent competitor in this segment, compared to some of the soft-roader options.

Other Saab 9-3X SportHatch features include the transmission offered, a six-speed manual or automatic, and the boot, which has a variable capacity of between 477 and 1331 litres.

© Source: eurocarblog
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2009 Saab 9-3X wiil appear at Geneva motor show

Saab has officially unveiled 2009 Saab 9-3X - the new sports wagon ahead of its official debut at the Geneva motor show. Positioned as an ideal alternative to large and heavy crossovers or SUVs, the new 9-3X range incorporates two efficient engines into its range.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 157kW and 300Nm between 2500 and 4000 rpm mated to either a six speed manual or automatic transmission. Coupled with Saab’s advanced Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD) the 2.0T reaches 100km/h in just over 8.2 seconds (0-60mph quoted) from a standstill with the manual, whilst returning fuel economy of 6.9-litres per 100kms.

The XWD system is capable of continuously distributing engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and traction in all conditions by employing an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD). The standard fit rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same principle, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more traction. The diesel option is a 1.9-litre twin turbo engine which produces 134kW and 400Nm with power sent to the front wheels via either a six speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The sprint from zero to 100km/h is roughly the same as the petrol model at just over 8.3 seconds (0-60mph quoted) while fuel economy stands at 4.6-litres per 100km.

© Source: caradvice
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