The new Saab 9-5, while basically designed and developed under GM’s aegis, is a wonderful, more American car than the previous edition. It still retains its Saab-ness, which is Saab’s unique character. The production of the 9-5 is a strong indication of Saab’s health under Spyker and its prospects for the futureFear not, Saab lovers, Saab is not dead. Although abandoned by government-owned GM, it survived not being bought by Koenisgburg, lay in purgatory for a couple of months, and was revived when Anthony Muller of Spyker put together a financial package and bought Saab at a bargain-basement price. The future is surprisingly rosy for the once almost-dead company, which is acting more like a skunk works for the near future, but with a GM-modernized factory to build its carsThe 9-5, Saab’s new flagship, has grown to nearly mid-size, with a 111.7-inch wheelbase. It’s built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Malibu, with almost an identical wheelbase. It has a wider track, however, which creates additional shoulder spaceStyling is pure Saab with a short nose section and longer rear overhang. The design was inspired by the Aero X concept car. There’s a new trapezoidal grille design that resembles an old Chrysler (modernized) and a new rear light cluster using LEDs. In addition, at night there’s a light bar that sweeps the entire width of the car, so you’ll know when you’re following a 9-5.Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that delivers a healthy 300 horsepower. Saab has more than 30 years experience with turbocharging, and the engine doesn’t exhibit any of the dreaded turbo steer that can be found in other cars.
Handling is superb. We had an opportunity to drive the 9-5 on the wonderful Monticello Motor Club track and it handled like a dream.As a full-size car, it’s surprising how well the 9-5 handles on the track. The 6-speed automatic transmission can be manually shifted, and in track mode we kept it in third or second most of the time. I had no feeling of pushing the 9-5, yet I knew my times were decent. On the highway, however, we kept it in automatic.Article Source: theautochannel.com all new Saab 9-5 Saloon 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 this year. 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 all new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.o settle from the bruised automaker’s shakeup, the 9-5 offers a kernel of substance for the company’s new ownersWhat they didn’t say: Whether or not Spyker will ultimately be rewarded with a happy ending for its plucky resolve to keep Saab afloat. To compete, the Saab 9-5 must woo buyers in a heavy-hitter league that includes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6. Success rides on how much Spyker is willing to invest in the long-term game to regain consumer trust and dedication to the discerning high-end Swedish aesthetic.What makes it tick? Feisty turbo power, nimble all-wheel drive and smartly placed aeronautic references like the Pilot Head-Up display. The initial 2.8-liter V-6 engine offering spouts 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged BioPower 4-cylinder E85 engine will follow. All transmissions will be 6-speeds.How soon? How much? The 9-5 is due in dealerships this summer with estimated prices upward of $40,000.How does it look? Like a Saab, which is a compliment for a company that has traditionally been on the fringes with athletic, functional forms. The 9-5 is the thinking person’s sports sedan with sweeping spatial proportions extracted from the concept Aero X. * Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X and Saab heritage
* Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
* Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
* Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech’ featuresThe all new Saab 9-5 Saloon 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 this year.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 all 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 (HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and XWD with electronic LSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 litres 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 - petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the all new 9-5 offers CO2emissions as low as 139 g/km. 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 all 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 saloon. “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 all 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. The proportions of the windscreen 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 Saab logo embossed in the centre of the grille characterises the more assertive, self-confident design language.The car’s dynamic character is emphasised by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress into a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by wings that are subtly pulled out to blend into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.The all new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box saloon silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupéDriver-focused cabinInside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the all new 9-5’s premium appeal.The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep centre 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 an aircraft instrument-style speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, 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 shiftInfotainment choices include a top-of-the-line Harman/Kardon 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 centre console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.Rear passengers can listen to their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre 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.On the roaAn 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 all engines except the 1.6-litre gasoline and 2.0TiD 160 hp turbo dieselAvailable throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and adaptive 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 all new 9-5 further develops Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice compris
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
2011 saab cars
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