The search for an executive car can be a minefield. With increasing awareness of motoring's impact on the environment alongside ever changing fashions, many people are seeking a model that will not only be eco-friendly but also trend-proof.
Whether you frequently travel afar for business or simply need a good-looking vehicle for the daily commute, not everyone has the luxury of a company car. Therefore it is vital to research thoroughly in order to find the car that will suit your budget as well as your needs. The current economical situation has lead to a boom in the second hand car market, and with used car sales thriving there has never been a better time to make a purchase.
In a world where the badge on your bonnet can influence perception, a Saab could be the choice that sets you apart from the crowd. Everyone has a BMW or Audi, but if you're looking for a car that cocks a snook at other more flashy and indeed stereotypical brands, a Saab model is a statement of individuality. Supplying a wide range of models with several engine options, a used Saab model is environmentally friendly whilst still looking stunning.
Saab's fortunes began to decline when GM began to pour more money into Hummer and several overseas operations while neglecting the Saab product line. Adding insult to injury, GM developed an SUV model for Saab, the 9-7X, a vehicle based on the unpopular platform of GM's mid-range SUVs. That move further sullied Saab's image, resulting in sales declining sharply and damaging the brand.
2012 Saab 9-4X at 2010 LA Auto Show
2012 Saab 9-4X Rear Side View
Today, Saab is on the eve of getting several new vehicles including the 9-4X crossover to replace the forgettable 9-7X and will soon see its flagship 9-5 line overhauled. The 9-4X will be built by GM who will continue to supply parts, engines and transmissions for the foreseeable future as many Saab models share components with other GM vehicles. Indeed, the Saab 9-4X is based on the same platform powering the all new 2010 Cadillac SRX. Saab is on the eve of getting several new vehicles including the 2012 Saab 9-4X
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 Saab 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km. Saab 9-5 Sedan The 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.
The new Saab 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 Saab 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.
The 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-our 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.
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 Saab Aero X Concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new Saab 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.
On the road An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the Saab 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 2.8V6 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 Saab 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.
Inspired by Saab's aviation heritage and Scandinavian roots
Previews more progressive design language
Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars
"Green Power" from 400 hp BioPower engine using 100 percent ethanol fuel
All-wheel drive, carbon fiber bodywork
The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.
As one would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupe breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.
First, there are no doors... or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.
Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400-hp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by ethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The "green power" of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase "performance with responsibility."
Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images. Saab Aero X Concept
With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 60mph/100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph/250 kph (limited).
Despite being so tightly driver-focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.
"The concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."
The Saab Aero X is the latest in a series of concepts from Saab, each accentuating different brand qualities. These include the 'four-dimensional' 9X (IAA Frankfurt 2001), the 9-3X Cross-over Coupe (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003).
Do these images actually show official manufacturer renderings of the 2010 Saab 9-5 sedan and 9-5 wagon? Two different blogs seem to think so.
Both Autoblog.nl and Saabunited.com believe that the source of these images is Saab itself. We're not so sure. The images are far from perfect (is that a scratch on the front bumper of the 9-5 sedan?), showing two drawings that need some finishing touches. Most recently, the wagon was seen under a tight-fitting cloth cover teasing us with an idea of what the vehicle will look like.
However, what the artist seems to have been accurate on is the overall shape of the front bumper, including headlight placement, air intakes, grille shape, and fog lght location. Also, the wheels appear to be fairly close in design to what Saab has included on their teaser car.
Comparing these pictures with the rendering, we think we can spot a few differences. The rendering does not appear to have a steep enough angle just over the rear headlights. Rigidity looks to be key in the back end of the covered up car, as opposed to the smoothness seen in the drawing. Also, the rendering shows a roofline that plunges down at the back quite a bit more than the concealed 9-5 wagon, which shows a flatter roof.
The car should be available with a mix of four and six cylinder engines (petrol/BioPower) and a four cylinder diesel. The six cylinder diesel that was planned for the car was cancelled by GM. via:worldcarfans
Swedish sports car maker Koenigsegg is to buy Saab Automobile from US giant General Motors with support from Norwegian investors, a broadcaster reported on Thursday. The buyers have signed a letter of intention to buy Saab, Swedish television station SVT reported on its website, citing anonymous sources and naming Koenigsegg. It said negotiations to wrap up the deal would last months. more detail. ...
These images of a covered-up 2010 Saab 9-5 Wagon come from Saab's "showroom of the future" and they reveal a deeper-grilled familiar Saab face, sweeping headlights and a dollop of chrome.
The grille keeps the "SAAB" text front and center flanked by what appears to be a set of plane-inspired wings. 'Round back there's not much to see except the sailing C-pillar as on the current car and Saaby window lines, a cross-car piece of trim we're assuming is chrome and some undercut detail down low on the side of the bumper. We're expecting Saab to milk this baby for all it's worth, as the new 9-5 is really the only interesting thing in its quiver for some time. via jalopnik
Our spy photographers outdid themselves this time snapping the first undisguised shots of the all-new Saab 9-5 as it was being transferred on a trailer. The photos reveal the premium sedan's swoopy, almost coupe-like roofline as well as its curvaliscious rear end with the distinctive LED tail light assembly. A closer look at the images indicates that Saab's designers have opted for a traditional boot instead of fastback rear gate. Exterior photos aside, we also have by far the best spy shots yet of the 9-5's interior providing us with our first uncluttered view of the premium sedan's newly designed dashboard. While we can't gather a complete picture of the new 9-5's overall design, the pictures show us a shapely rear end with taillights inspired by the 9-4X BioPower Concept which debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Another picture provides a partial glimpse of the car's rear greenhouse which boasts a dynamic sweeping appearance but thanks to an unfortunately parked Opel, details are limited.
Saab aficionados with a strong memory will recall that the same exact dashboard design -minus a few minor details- was previewed on last year's 9-4X prototype. Same goes for the newly designed three-spoke steering wheel which Saab refers to "aircraft-shaped trimmed".
The interior also echoes the 9-4X Concept as it features Saab's trademark "7" dashboard, complex air vents, and a button intensive center stack. Judging by the looks of this prototype, the cabin seems rather somber so hopefully that will change by the time the 9-5 heads into production.
Underneath the sheetmetal, the new 9-5 uses the same Epsilon II chassis as the Opel Insignia. Saab of course has not released any details, but it's no secret that the engine range will be common between the two models. This means that the 9-5 will be offered with 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as with an updated line-up of 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.
Riding on the new Epsilon II platform, the 2010 9-5 will feature a variety of engines including a host of updated four-cylinder gas and petrol units as well as a new 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 with 300 horsepower.
Saab's new executive sports sedan is expected to make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales following in early 2010. Source:carscoop
At this point, it's not a certainty that Saab or even parent company General Motors will still be in the car business in the year 2012, but let's not let that tidbit get in the way of an interesting concept car. Authored by Mayeul Walser, a fourth year design student at Creapole-ESDI, the Saab Fashionista is a 2+2 sport coupe that is reportedly inspired by the designs of Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel. Read More
The new car is clearly larger, with a long wheel base that suggests ample rear-seat legroom. Speculation calls for the new 9-5 to be almost six inches longer than the current car. The size increase will enable it to compete with vehicles like the Cadillac STS, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, not to mention the Volvo S80. The wheels and vehicle silhouette visible in these photos suggest that the STS and A6 are targets. The use of LED taillights is again visible, though the new 9-5's overall look seems to be conservative and evolutionary rather than radical.
Clearer images have surfaced of the heavily-disguised 2010 Saab 9-5 caught on video recently during winter testing. The next-generation 9-5 was spied at the Nurburgring, wearing the same dazzle camouflage and heavy cladding, but some details are nonetheless visible.
No mechanical details have escaped as yet, but Saab still has access to GM's stable of engines for the time being, whatever the brand's future may be. That means a range of 2.0 liter gasoline and diesel engines, with about 210 horsepower from the turbocharged 2.0 gasoline four-cylinder. A 3.6 liter V6 and turbocharged 2.8 liter V6 are also possibilities. A choice of front- or all-wheel drive is likely, in keeping with Saab's current lineup.
The 2010 9-5 is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show later this year. Source:World Car Fans
In order to successfully defend against these kinds of attacks, BMW has specifically outfitted the X5 Security Plus with high-performance steel moldings and panels, added body joint protection, a fragment resistant polycarbonate coating, splinter resistant technology, and special tires which can be driven up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) at a speed of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) even if they are completely deflated. To deal with this added weight, the company equips the armored X5's with stronger springs and dampers, a high-performance braking system, and a revised chassis control system with active roll stabilization. The X5 Security is built completely in-house at BMW and is available directly through the carmaker’s dealerships. The vehicle still retains its dynamic character, with its powertrain and chassis modified in line with the increased weight.
Power is provided by BMW's 4.8-liter V8 engine which produces 261 kW (355 hp) and 475 Nm of torque. The X5's performance is seriously hampered by the additional weight of the armoring process as 0-100 km/h takes 8.2 seconds and the top speed is limited to 180 km/h (112 mph).
Key elements in its construction are the heavy-duty material and ballistics-resistant steel and 22mm-thick bullet-proof safety glass all around. Other safety features include an intercom system and a camera monitoring set-up. The vehicle’s passenger cell has been designed to protect its occupants from violent crimes such as robbery, kidnapping or carjacking, and it can even sustain a blast from a small explosive.
Previous spy shots revealed a prototype 9-5 fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 210 hp. Also available for the future 9-5 will likely be a 2.8-liter V6 as well as a 3.6-liter V6 from GM for the US market version - an engine found in the current Buick Lacrosse. Here we have some more spy shots of the next-generation Saab 9-5 model. The camouflage is heavy and it's hard to tell where the car is going design-wise. But the main cues can be spotted, such as the sloping rear roofline which give this car more of a coupe look than the currently more upright 9-5.
But it has been reported that the 9-5 will be a taller and longer car than its current incarnation. So that sloping roofline doesn't necessarily mean less headroom for taller drivers and passengers. The car is also said to be gaining weight. An obvious result of its growth in dimensions as the wheelbase will be extended by a substantial 14 centimeters. This will make the 9-5 more competitive in its segment as it goes up against the likes of the Volvo S80, the E-Class Mercedes, BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6.
A diesel is also expected as is a hybrid version but no solid details on those are available from GM quite yet.
The next generation Saab 9-5 is scheduled to take its first public bow at the Frankfurt motor show this September. More Photos
