Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in. It was really inevitable. When two companies spent that much time in the same house the split would be hard, especially on the kids: OnStar and Cadillac.

Evidently, GM developed the Cadillac BLS on Saab dime before the split. Bob Lutz insisted for reasons unknown that Saab foot the bill for the runt Caddy, which employees referred to as the Bob Lutz Special. We can just hear the bitterness dripping off the internal name.

It hasn’t stopped Saab from trying really hard to make it work. For 2010 Saab will still use the Generals OnStar system. GM sharing it’s OnStar services isn’t new, having provided it to VW, Audi, Subaru, Lexus, Acura and Isuzu in the past.

Via egmCarTech, Autoblog

Meeting with a small group of journalists from the New England Motor Press Association, Mike Colleran, President and COO of Saab Cars North America gave more details into how he and Saab management will steer the newly independent Swedish automotive brand. The automaker plans on launching four new models during the next year; The 9-3X, a new 9-5, a 9-4X crossover, and the 9-5 SportCombi.

One of the first steps the automaker will take under Spyker ownership will be to expand its product range. Between now and spring of 2011, Saab plans to introduce four new models. In April the company will start selling an Audi All-Road like 9-3X. The new model will sport unique sheet metal over the standard 9-3, Saab’s XWD system for gas models, a new 1.9L turbo-diesel for 2WD models, and raised ride height.

In July, the heavily anticipated and completely new 9-5 sedan will start landing at dealerships. In early 2011 the Saab 9-4X, a new crossover based on the Cadillac SRX, will go on sale. Finally, in spring of 2011 the 9-5 will be available as a SportCombi (wagon).

The second step for the brand will be to reinvigorate the Saab message. A new brand slogan, “Move Your Mind” will be launched in the US. Mr. Colleran expressed the brand’s previous “Born From Jets” campaign didn’t work and was quickly ditched. Acknowledging that current pricing was too steep to be competitive, Saab-Spyker management has also dropped the MSRP on the 2010 9-3 from between four and twelve percent. “Audi is a target for Saab”, Colleran noted as he explained the new strategy.

Management isn’t focused on just expanding the brand up. Smaller and cheaper models, like a potential 9-1, are also very much under consideration. At the same time, Colleran does not rule out  the possibility of a  high end sports car. New Saabs going forward will carry more style and refinement without losing any signature Saab quirkiness. Fans of the center console mounted key rejoice; It’s not going anywhere.

Unlike their previous owner, General Motors, the new Saab will not be forced to cut any dealerships out of its network going forward. Every Saab dealer that is still in business has been invited back to participate in the new company. To support that dealer network Mr. Colleran expects Saab to be selling 125,000 vehicles a year by 2012.

Lastly, while the company is free from GM ownership, there are still several engineering connections. The new 9-5 and 9-4x are based off GM platforms and were engineered while the brand was still under the larger company’s fold. Saabs built under GM ownership will also be warrentied by GM, although through current Saab franchises. Being relieved of old warranty claims will give the new company some financial breathing room going forward.  Colleran also told journalists to expect that the company will search for new and/or additional engineering and platform partners, aside from General Motors.

Mr. Colleran, who just took on his new job just last month (February 2010) seems especially suited and excited to lead Saab North American operations going forward. He’s been at Saab since 2005 as the National Sales Director, taking on responsibilities at for Cadillac and HUMMER in 2008.

Mr. Colleran was in Boston attending the very first dealer conference since the brand took new ownership.

It’s the final day of the bidding process for the beloved Saab brand and despite GM CEO Ed Whitacre being pessimistic about the brands future, rumors have it that Genii Capital is readying a last minute rival bid.

Never heard of Genii Capital?  Until a few weeks ago, not many in the auto industry had either. On December 16th the company, a large investment firm based in Luxembourg, purchased a large portion of  the Renault F1 team.

Up until now, Spyker has been the last serious bidder left after Koenigsegg dropped out of the process for the brand.

Read on for the F1 purchase press release and some more info on Genii Capital.  The process closes at 5pm today, so expect some big news later tonight or tomorrow.

Source: SaabsUnited

Luxembourg, Dec. 16, 2009 – Genii Capital, the Luxembourg investment firm specialized in new technologies, brand management and motorsport, announced today that it is to acquire a large stake in Renault F1 Team Ltd.

“We are delighted to have been selected as Renault’s strategic partner for the Renault F1 Team,” said Eric Lux, CEO of Genii Capital. “Our long-term vision for this challenging venture aims to return Renault to the forefront of Formula 1. Together with Renault, we intend to run the team with the same values as any of our other investments, prioritising ambitious performance targets without neglecting cost efficiency. We strongly believe that on-track performance can be compatible with business performance, and we will use all our entrepreneurial spirit and commercial know-how to achieve this goal.”

Genii Capital will work in close strategic partnership with Renault to give the team the stability and the resources it needs to succeed in the years ahead. This innovative partnership means that the team will continue to race under the Renault name, powered by Renault engines.

The agreement between Genii Capital and Renault concerns the team’s facilities at Enstone, UK which played a major part in winning two consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ world championships in 2005 and 2006. The Enstone site includes state-of -the-art aerodynamic facilities, such as the recent Computational Fluid Dynamics centre, and is home to one of the sport’s leading engineering teams with recent title-winning pedigree.

Genii Capital will also explore opportunities f or synergies bet ween companies in its investment portfolio and the Renault F1 Team. One example is Gravity Sport Management, a career- management company for young drivers that will leverage the experience of the Renault Driver Development programme. Furthermore, Genii Capital hopes to play an active role in the overall strategic development of Formula 1 through its knowledge of, and access to, new technologies.

“This is a period of opportunity for Formula 1, not a period of uncertainty,” commented Gerard Lopez, managing partner at Mangrov e Capital Partners and board member of Genii Capital. “Formula 1 has an extraordinary level of global awareness that can be used to develop new business-to-business opportunities in traditional and developing markets, and there are exciting new revenue streams to be explored.”

About Genii Capital

Genii Capital is a private investment firm that places common sense and business sense at the heart of the investment decision-making process while targeting solid performance. Genii Capital’s investment philosophy is to create value by investing in ideas, brands and projects that are innovative and of ten disruptive to their business environment. Active in North America, Europe and Asia, Genii Capital’s core investment target areas include brand management, emerging technologies (including public health, energy and environmental technologies), hospitality, entertainment and the automotive industry, including: MOV’IT – a highly specialized high-performance brake systems design and manufacturing company; and MCE-5 – a variable compression ratio engine technology.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its list of cars awarded Top Safety Pick. The 27 vehicle list includes 19 cars and 8 SUV’s. The Big Winner? Subaru, with five of its cars winning the awards from the IIHS. The Subaru Forester, Subaru Impreza (except WRX), Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback and Subaru Tribeca were selected, that’s almost Subaru’s entire lineup.

Volvo and Volkswagen also cleaned up with four cars a piece taking home a trophy. Detroit was not to be out done, each Big Three Automaker had at least two cars make the list.

The IIHS points out that Toyota and it’s subsidiaries were absent from the list after receiving 11 awards last year, as well as BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Saab for not having qualifying vehicles. Other big surprises include the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion missing the grade for only meeting ‘acceptable’ standards in the new roof safety standards.

27 winners of 2010 Top Safety Pick award
New requirement to win is good rating for protection in rollovers

ARLINGTON, VA — Nineteen cars and 8 SUVs earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2010. For the first time, good performance in a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover is required to win. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rear, and now rollover crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have electronic stability control, which research shows significantly reduces crash risk. This is the second time the Institute has tightened criteria since announcing the first recipients in 2005.

Subaru is the only manufacturer with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. This automaker earns 5 awards for 2010. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have 6 winners, and Volkswagen/Audi has 5. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a recent trend of improving the crashworthiness of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul, join the Top Safety Pick list for 2010.

“With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.”

Good rollover ratings: A new requirement for strong roofs winnows the list of Top Safety Pick winners from a record 94 in 2009. The addition of this criterion recognizes manufacturers with vehicles that provide good protection in rollovers, which kill more than 9,000 people in passenger vehicles each year. The first rollover ratings were released in March. Vehicles rated good have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The Institute estimates that such roofs reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollovers by about 50 percent compared with roofs meeting the minimum requirement.

“Cars and SUVs that win Top Safety Pick are designs that go far beyond minimum federal safety standards,” Lund points out.

Missing the mark: Not a single model from the world’s biggest automaker by sales is represented among this year’s winners. Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries had a strong showing in 2009 with 11 winners but were shut out for 2010. Four other manufacturers whose vehicles have earned Top Safety Pick in the past didn’t have a qualifying vehicle for 2010: BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Saab. The Honda Accord picked up the award the past 2 years, but the 2010 didn’t earn the required good roof strength rating to qualify (the roof is rated acceptable). The Ford Fusion is another midsize car that dropped off the list for the same reason.

“Honda and Ford would have to make only minor changes to achieve good ratings for roof strength, as the Accord and Fusion just missed the mark,” Lund explains.

The midsize Toyota Camry would have qualified with good ratings, except for its rear crash evaluation. This car’s seats and head restraints are rated marginal for protection against whiplash injury. A change to good would have earned the Camry a Top Safety Pick for 2010. Other automakers have improved head restraints to win. For example, inadequate head restraints kept earlier Chrysler models from earning awards, but in 2010 the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Journey, and Jeep Patriot all earn good ratings and Top Safety Pick. Likewise, General Motors upgraded the seats and head restraints in the Chevrolet Malibu to win.

Volvo glitch: The Institute identified a problem with the Volvo XC60 in the side test. A piece of plastic trim on the driver seat pushed against a service release button for the safety belt, which then detached from its anchor during the test.

“This would be a serious issue if it happened in a real crash, but it’s not likely to happen and it’s fixable,” Lund explains. “Still, belts shouldn’t come loose in a crash test. Volvo is fixing the problem so it won’t be an issue with XC60 models produced after November 2009. Top Safety Pick applies only to these modified XC60s.”

Consumers who own 2010 XC60s already on the road should see their Volvo dealer for repairs, Lund advises.

Improved protection: Front and side impacts and rollovers killed 24,056 passenger vehicle occupants in 2008. Rear-end crashes usually aren’t fatal but result in a large proportion of crash injuries. Neck sprain or strain is the most commonly reported injury in two-thirds of insurance claims for injuries in all kinds of crashes.

“In safety terms, we’ve come very far, very fast in just the past decade,” Lund says. “When the Institute began conducting frontal tests for consumer information in 1995, few vehicles earned top ratings. Now almost all do. Most cars failed the side tests we added in 2003. Test results in that initial round were so bad we nearly broke our budget for repairing the crash test dummy, but now most vehicles ace the side test thanks to side airbags and stronger side structures. Factor in improved head restraints to protect against whiplash and electronic stability control to prevent crashes, and consumers are the clear winners.”

Safety equipment is increasingly standard. Ninety-two percent of 2010 model cars, 99 percent of SUVs, and 66 percent of pickup trucks have standard side airbags with head protection. Electronic stability control is standard on 85 percent of cars, 100 percent of SUVs, and 62 percent of pickups.

“Now that roof strength is a priority, we think manufacturers will move quickly to bolster roofs to do well in our roof strength test. This means consumers likely will have more Top Safety Pick choices for 2011,” Lund predicts.

Keep in mind vehicle size and weight, he adds, because larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better protection in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones. Even with a Top Safety Pick, a small car isn’t as crashworthy as a bigger one.

The Institute awarded the first Top Safety Pick winners to 2006 models and then raised the bar the next year by requiring good rear test results and electronic stability control as either standard or optional equipment. Early this year the Institute alerted auto manufacturers to the new criteria for roof crush and asked them to nominate candidates for testing.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute’s frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle’s structural performance during the impact.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a two-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can’t be positioned to protect many people.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle’s weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is rated poor.

ALL 27 WINNERS

Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu built after October 2009
Chrysler Sebring 4-door with optional electronic stability control
Dodge Avenger with optional electronic stability control
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Passat sedan
Volvo C30

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Volkswagen Golf 4-door

Midsize SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Original Press Release

It’s sleek, carrying some of the same lines off the Aero-X concept, yet still quirky- as any true Saab must be. It’s also officially official that the new 2010 Saab 9-5 will debut in Frankfurt next month- but we have the first photos and information right now.

2010 Saab 9-5 – The Details

• On sale “later in model year 2010″ (which means late 2010 or early 2011)
• Designed and Engineered in Trollhättan
• Shares the same basic structure as the 2010 Buick LaCrosse (but you’d never know that reading the press release)
• Styling cues taken from the Aero-X Concept car
• Features many “high-tech” features including; heads up display, adaptive bi-xenon lighting, adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis with real time damping, keyless entry and start, tri-zone air conditioning, dynamic parking assist, all-wheel-drive (XWD)
• Every avaliable engine will be turbocharged
• Engine options: 1.6L/180hp, 2.0L/220hp, 2.8L/300hp
• Diesel engine will be offered – 2.0L/160hp

Our take

HOT. A Saab that looks beautiful and with the 2.8L 300-horsepower turbocharged engine should go like stink. Features all the options we loved on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse and more without giving up the quirkiness we’ve long loved- like the center mounted start key (now button). Tons of LED lights and Xenon headlamps will make certain this new 9-5 looks the high-tech part the company is telling us it fills.

2010 Saab 9-5 Photo Gallery

 

Official Press Release

Making its public debut at next month’s IAA in Frankfurt, the all new Saab 9-5 sedan announced today signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in model year 2010.

The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO 2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”

Scandinavian Design

Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.

The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Driver-focused cabin

Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium appeal.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an

8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.

On the road

An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5’s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with the 2.0-liter gasoline, BioPower and 2.8 V6 turbo engines. Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Two different suspension layouts are factory-fitted according to engine power and both are available with a sport chassis setting.

Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO 2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.

Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.

New era

Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.

Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!

Zurich.  General Motors Corp. and Koenigsegg Group AB, a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, today confirmed the details of a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of Saab Automobile AB that secures Saab’s future.

The sale, expected to close by the end of the third quarter of this year, includes an expected $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government.  Additional support is to be provided by GM and Koenigsegg Group AB to fund Saab’s operations and product program investments.  This includes plans to launch several new products that are in the final stages of development.  Saab had filed for reorganization under Swedish Law on Feb. 20, 2009. This tentative agreement is a key milestone for Saab to successfully emerge from its reorganization process.

“This is yet another significant step in the reinvention of GM and its European operations,” said GM Europe President, Carl-Peter Forster.  “Saab is a highly respected automotive brand with great potential.  Closing this deal represents the best chance for Saab to emerge a stronger company.  Koenigsegg Group’s unique combination of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and financial strength, combined with Koenigsegg’s proven ability to create world-class Swedish performance cars in a highly efficient manner, made it the right choice for Saab as well as for General Motors.”

As part of the proposed transaction, GM will continue to provide Saab with architecture and powertrain technology during a defined time period. Additionally, Saab plans to produce its next generation 9-5 models in the Saab production facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.

“The proposed agreement will enable us to maximize the brand’s potential through an exciting new product line-up with a distinctly Swedish character.  Today’s announcement is great news for Saab’s current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe, said Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile AB.

The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals.  Other terms and conditions specific to the sale are not being disclosed at this time.  Deutsche Bank acted as financial advisor to General Motors Corporation.

Automotive News is reporting this afternoon that General Motors (GM) cannot find a potential buyer for their Swedish luxury marque- Saab.

The initial reports of interest in selling the brand came about when General Motors was pressed by congress to submit a viability plan in order to receive government loans that would prevent it from going bankrupt.  Under those viability plans, the Saab brand was placed under “strategic review.” GM executive Bob Lutz acknowledged that the term “strategic review” is basically code for “we realize they’re not working and something needs to be done.”

Although no public shopping has been done, rumors of GM secretly gauging interest in Saab have been rumbling around for weeks.

GM has also openly expressed interest in selling its Hummer brand- which was placed on strategic review last June.  Like Saab, Hummer has not found much interest.

The Swedish government has indicated it would be open to providing up to $3.8-billion in government loans to Saab and Ford owned Volvo, which is also openly up for sale.

Just last week GM deposited the first $4-billion bridge loan it had asked for from the US government.

Source: Automotive News

Saab isn’t letting rumors of a sale prevent it from putting out another special edition model. Hot on the heels of introducing a special edition 9-3 convertible at the LA Auto Show, the company has announced it will introduce the 2009 9-5 Griffin Edition at next months 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The Griffin Edition takes it’s namesake from Saab’s new Gripen Aircraft.  In case you were wondering, Gripen is Swedish for Griffin.  The 9-5 Griffen Edition coincides with the first Gripen Fighter (photo below) to enter service. You can check out more information on the Gripen Fighter Jet at their website.

While the Gripen is limited to a one cockpit- two wing configuration, the  9-5 Griffin will be avaliable as either a four-door sedan or five-door SportCombi.  All Griffin Edition models will be powered by Saab’s turbocharged 2.3L four cylinder engine. Those 260-horsepower should allow the Griffin to cruise quite nicely. A five-speed manual or automatic transmission is your choice- with no premium charge for either.

The exterior of the Griffin has influences from the recently updated 9-3, including a matte chrome grill and headlamp frames.  Both the sedan and SportCombi have unique spoilers, unique five-spoke wheels and Griffin Badges.

On the inside the Griffin gets standard rear parking assist, heated/auto dimming outside mirrors, and leather seats.

You can purchase your 9-5 Griffin in any one of six colors when they start arriving in showroom in January 2009.  Pricing for the 9-5 Griffin Edition starts at $42,775 for the sedan – $44,045 for the SportCombi. Premium metallic paint and a navigation system are the only options.

We’ll have more photos of the 9-5 Griffin as they become avaliable.

The Saab 9-5 Griffen Edition and it’s namesake- the Gripen Figher Jet

Saab isn’t letting the economy take the wind out of their…convertibles. Having already introduced a special edition 9-3 2.0T a few days ago, Saab is reinforcing its convertible heritage with a new concept car based off the 9-X BioHybrid.

Highlights

• “A design vision exploring what a future open-air Saab could look like”
• Innovative glass canopy
• Powered by Saab’s 1.4L BioPower Engine (E85)
• 200-horsepower & estimated 0-60 of 8.1 seconds
• Driver information zone uses five embedded display screens
• Features Sony Erikson technology for bluetooth integration from multiple sources
• Bluetooth devices can be programed to lock or unlock the car and/or even open the canopy top.

The Pics

 

The Press Release

LOS ANGELES – The Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible Concept, which makes its North American debut today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, is a design vision exploring what a future open-air Saab could look like. It features a unique Canopy Top (patent pending) and the close-coupled proportions of a sports car, as well as seating for four.

In breaking the mold of conventional convertible design, the bodywork of the 9-X Air incorporates prominent rear pillars that curve upward to mount the flat-folding Canopy Top. They also anchor a distinctive, wraparound glasshouse, including a separate, recessed rear screen.

Lead designer Anthony Lo and his team executed this design while still offering the four-season, four-seat practicality pioneered by Saab when it premiered its first convertible concept 25 years ago at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Top down or up, the 9-X Air cuts a distinctive silhouette. With the canopy stowed and the rear screen up, occupants can enjoy open-top motoring free from buffeting. Top up, the 9-X Air assumes the appearance of a true coupe, with a cohesive design that eschews the looks of a conventional, four-seat convertible.

Designed in parallel with the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept, the 9-X Air shares its distinctive frontal styling, together with its highly efficient powertrain. The small, 1.4-liter Saab BioPower engine combines a series of steps for more responsible performance: engine rightsizing, turbocharging, the use of biofuels and hybrid technology.

Running on E85 fuel (85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent gasoline), the engine delivers a sporty 200 horsepower (147 kW), providing 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) acceleration in 8.1 seconds and projected carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle. Compared to gasoline, the overall source-to-wheel environmental impact of using E85 is even more beneficial.

Progressive design

The clean, sculpted body contours of the 9-X Air give fresh expression to Saab’s Scandinavian-inspired design ethos and its aircraft heritage. The purposeful stance, with minimal overhangs front and rear, is complemented by a single, wraparound window graphic, smooth uncluttered body surfaces and “ice block” lighting themes.

The exterior look is defined by the prominent C-pillars, or buttresses, that provide the rear mounting for the unique Canopy Top – a powered, flat-folding roof. This innovation in convertible design, which distinguishes between a folding roof and a complete folding soft-top or hood assembly, is subject to a Saab patent application.

The Canopy Top is fabric, rather than metal, to save weight and provide more efficient packaging. It is fully automatic in operation and folds neatly in three small sections under a rear tonneau cover in the trunk. The rear screen between the buttresses retracts automatically into the underside of the raised tonneau cover to allow stowage of the Canopy Top. The screen moves back into position to provide a complete glass surround for the cabin in open-top mode.

This “surround glass” feature, together with an active wind deflector on top of the windshield header rail, provides enhanced occupant comfort. It minimizes buffeting, reduces back drafts and eliminates the need for a wind deflector net. Separating the rear screen from the folding top also enables a glass area larger than feasible with a soft top and integral screen.

In a further break with design convention, the 9-X Air dispenses with a trunk lid. Instead, a large storage compartment, big enough to accommodate two golf bags, slides out from underneath the rear light bar. To save weight, it is spring-loaded, without any power assistance, and slides effortlessly on rollers. Revealed underneath the sliding drawer is a separate compartment for stowing smaller items.

Driver focus

Inside, the 9-X Air features innovative developments in its driver-focused cockpit design and the provision of seamless connectivity for personal electronic devices, both first seen in the 9-X BioHybrid.

The driver information zone encompasses the top of the door molding. It is a fresh execution of Saab’s traditional, driver-focused cockpit layout and dispenses with a central, floor-mounted console. The zone is a flat, arc-shaped surface, within which a row of five display screens is embedded and illuminated in green 3-D graphics, including an “infotainment” screen and control panel in the driver’s door.

In co-operation with Sony Ericsson, the 9-X Air and its hatchback sibling also showcase the potential for seamless, wireless connectivity (Bluetooth) with one or more multiple devices (mobile phones, PDAs, etc.). The in-car interface enables streaming of data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions, which are transferred automatically to the car while the device remains in the user’s pocket.

The smarter the device, the more functions in the car. The same unit can also be programmed to remotely lock or unlock the car, raise or lower the Canopy Top, and even remotely change in-car presets. The 9-X Air eliminates the need for a separate car key fob or remote controller.

Efficiency in design and performance

The 9-X Air was created by a team headed by Lo, director of advanced design at General Motors Europe, working in cooperation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

“Like the 9-X BioHybrid, this car is all about efficiency in design and performance, and that includes the Canopy Top.” said Lo. “It offers important benefits in weight-saving and packaging, as well as giving us the freedom to take convertible design forward in a very Saab way.”

The 9-X Air underlines Saab’s leading role in convertible design, and will be revealed 25 years after the first convertible from Saab was shown at the international Frankfurt Auto Show.

Waaay back in 1983, Saab pioneered the concept of a “four-seat, four-season” convertible.  25-years later the company has sold over a quarter-million drop-tops and is celebrating by introducing a special edition 9-3 at this year’s LA Auto Show.

The Saab 9-3 2.0T “Special Edition” Convertible will have a few nice touches from other Saab models.  The front bumper and carbon fiber interior accents are taken from the Turbo-X.  The rear dual exhaust pipes and bumper are taken from the Aero. 17-inch five spoke wheels are standard.   Only three colors will be offered: Jet Black, Carbon Grey, and Bright Champagne (pictured).

The Special Edition is unfortunately an appearance only package.  It’s powered by Saab’s standard 2.0-liter 210-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and comes in a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The commemorative 9-3 will start showing up at dealers in January of 2009 and will start at $46,725.

2009 9-3 Special Edition Convertible

The First 1983 Saab Convertible