Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X Interior Photo

Saab's new 9-4X SUV spotted entering the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The 9-4X shares the same platform with Saturn Vue and Opel Antara but will be revised to fit the premium segment.

Sources have claimed this prototype has a 284 horsepower V6 engine under the hood mated to an automatic gear box. The dimensions of the model stand at a length 495cm and 192cm wide bringing an estimated weight to around 2180kg.

The car carries some similar design cues to the 9-4X BioPower Concept with the aggressive half oval grille. But the overall profile of the vehicle had to be heavily toned down for production.

The car is expected to make its world debut at next year's Detroit Motor Show before production commences at the GM factory in Mexico. - More pictures after the jump...

Saab Shows Off Second 9-1 Teaser

After last week's release of a teaser showing the front end of the Saab 9-1 concept, Saab released today a teaser image of the 9-1 concept, which shows profile of the car.

As we can see in the picture, Saab's designers decided to shape the rear hatch. That means a spacious rear-seat headroom and cargo capacity. The subtle rear wing looks like it integrates nicely into the roofline.

The car will be debuting at next month's Geneva Show.

Geneva 2008 Preview: Saab 9-1X Teaser

We have previously reported that Saab will be showing its 9-1X concept at Geneva Motor Show. And GM announced today with a teaser image, that Saab would be releasing a whole new concept car called Saab 9-1X at Geneva next month.

The picture doesn't show any essential details of the car. But it’s obvious that it has similar lines to the Saab Aero-X Concept. Although the head-on shot gives us some clues about the concept's wide stance and aggressive snout, we are still wondering to know how the the rear hatch shaped. While it's assumed that a sloping rear roofline will terminate into a bulbous back end, there are some rumors that a large overhang will be fitted at the top of the roof to give a sort of reverse-ducktail.

This new hatchback will be competing against rivals such as the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, and Volvo C30.

Rumored: Saab's MINI Rival

There are some sketches on the internet that were rumored to be found in GM design studio and they're a little interesting: a MINI rival from the General Motors. But it's not clear which GM division's badge would the car carry.

While the drawings spotted reportedly featured Chevy design cues, the scribes over at Motor Trend venture that Chevrolet couldn't sell it at high enough a price-point to make it a viable option. It'd be too small for Buick or Cadillac, and too European-flavored for Pontiac. It doesn't fit Hummer's and GMC's lineups, either. That leaves Saab and Saturn, either or both of which (in possible collaboration with Vauxhall/Opel) could present a good alternative to BMW's popular MINI retro-hatch, which will compete with Fiat's hot-selling 500 and Alfa Romeo's upcoming Junior model soon.

Saab To Unveil 9-1 Concept At Geneva

It's confirmed by Saab designer Anthony that Lo has confirmed, that Saab will show its new Saab 9-1 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. But not released a teaser image. Previous rumours hinted that London would receive the honour to debut the Volvo C30 competitor.

The Saab 9-1 Concept is based on the Opel Astra platform, and will compete with rivals such as the BMW 1 series, Volkswagen Golf and Volvo C30. Power is expected to come from a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine and a BioPower version will be available too. The car will make its world debut at Geneva in March.

Officially Unveiled: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

The car you see above, the Saab 9-4X BioPower concept, was shown at Detroit. The 9-4x is badged as a concept, but the reality is that we will see new CUV probably sometime in 2009. The 9-4x will be based on an entirely new CUV architecture not connected with currently sold GM models .

The 9-4x carries some real Saab styling cues that tie it to the rest of the lineup. The Concept is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder enginer, typical Saab fare, that produces 245 HP/260 ft. lb. of torque on gas and 300 HP/295 ft. lb. of torque on ethanol. There's also an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can split power between the front and rear axles, as well as between each side of the rear axle depending on which needs it most. -Press release after the jump...

Gallery: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

PRESS RELEASE:

INNOVATIVE 9-4X BIOPOWER CROSSOVER CONCEPTSIGNALS SAAB PRODUCT EXPANSION

DETROIT – The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, revealed today at the North American International Auto Show, confirms Saab's plans to enter the growing crossover segment with a dynamic, driver-focused vehicle inspired by Scandinavian design values and respect for the environment.

The concept's progressive design features are combined with a responsible, fun-to-drive appeal based on BioPower engine technology and a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system.

"This concept is a clear statement of what our brand is about," said Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile Managing Director. "It is also an important next step in our plans to enter new market segments with distinctive product offerings."

The design of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept reflects a Scandinavian principle of simplicity of form, with clean and uncluttered lines, free of any cladding, moldings or roof bars, and defining "ice-block" surface and lighting themes. The progressive frontal styling and interior design elements also draw inspiration from Saab's widely acclaimed Aero X concept. Innovative load-carrying solutions include a unique ski equipment stowage system, developed with mountain sports specialists Salomon. (Please see accompanying Salomon release.)

Optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel, t he four-cylinder, 2.0-liter BioPower turbo engine demonstrates Saab's commitment to "rightsizing" – achieving sufficient levels of performance with a smaller, more efficient engine – by delivering 300 horsepower (221 kW) and strong torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm), together with substantially reduced CO 2 emissions on a source-to-wheel basis. (Please see accompanying Powertrain release). The key enabler for rightsizing is turbocharging technology, which Saab pioneered 30 years ago.

Mated to the industry-leading Saab XWD ("cross-wheel-drive") system, this advanced powertrain promises to make driving to a destination as enjoyable as the adventure itself.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept was developed by a team headed by Anthony Lo, GM Europe's Director of Advanced Design, in cooperation with designers and engineers from the Saab Brand Center in Sweden. "We focused on incorporating design themes from the Aero X in a crossover execution, adding functional, lifestyle features to support the activities of customers using this type of vehicle," Lo said.

The driver-focused cockpit in the sporty, four-seater cabin features an Aero X-inspired "clear zone," with a flush-mounted starter button and infotainment controls, that sweeps up from the central console to the main display screen. Signature green lighting is used for all instrument illumination, while other subtle references to Saab's aviation heritage include the "altimeter" speed read-out scale and aircraft-shaped trim on the steering wheel. The panoramic glass roof is in harmony with a car designed to deliver the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.

Saab designers worked with top Saab Salomon Big Mountain skiers to devise an innovative storage system for stowing skis and equipment inside the car. The rear cargo deck features a sliding floor with a fold-out aluminum ski holder, through which up to three pairs of skis and poles can be slotted. Boots are stowed in an underfloor, heated compartment and, for maximum practicality, the entire rear cargo area is covered in a waterproof and scratch-resistant rubber skin.

The compact, all-aluminum, four-cylinder BioPower engine combines the benefits of turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing for the first time with high-octane E85 fuel (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). It's a green, rightsizing formula that gives strong power (300 horsepower [221 kW] and 295 lb.-ft. [400 Nm] of torque without the additional weight, size, fuel consumption and higher emissions of a larger, naturally aspirated engine offering similar performance.

Driver involvement is taken to a new level by the innovative all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, already available in the 9-3 range. Active management splits torque delivery between both the axles and the rear wheels, via an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). This responsive system rewards the driver by giving an enhanced, "positive force" chassis balance. Overall, the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept is a vivid demonstration of Saab's commitment to customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience that is in harmony with nature.

Saab 9-4X Concept: Technical Specifications

BioPower engine

1998 cc; four cylinders; 86.0 / 86.0 mm bore / stroke; aluminum cylinder head and block; DOHC, chain-driven. four valves per cylinder; twin counter-rotating balancer shafts; forged steel crankshaft; steel connecting rods; aluminum pistons; oil spray cooled; direct injection; VVT; inlet and exhaust sodium-filled exhaust valves; Saab engine management system; twin-scroll turbocharger; intercooled

BioPower engine data

* Max. boost pressure at maximum torque: 1.2 bar

* Compression ratio: 10.5: 1

* Max power (E85): 300 hp (221kW) @ 5400 rpm.

* Max. torque (E85): 400Nm (295 lb.-ft) @ 2600-5100 rpm

* Max power (gasoline): 245 hp (180 kW) @ 5300 rpm

* Max. torque (gasoline): 353 Nm (261 lb.-ft.) @ 2500- 5250 rpm

* Fuel consumption (combined): 10.5L /100km (22.4 mpg) on gasoline

Transmission

* Saab XWD ("cross wheel drive") all-wheel-drive system, electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)

* Six-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel controls

Suspension

* Front: MacPherson struts, aluminum control arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar

* Rear: Multi-link, aluminum H-arm and knuckle, anti-roll bar

Steering

* Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance

Wheels, tires

* 21inch, 245/55R21

Brakes

* Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster

* Discs front / rear: 378 mm / 378 mm (all ventilated)

Performance data (preliminary)

* 0 - 100 kph: 8.0 sec

* 0 – 60 mph: 7.9 sec

* Top speed: 235 kph ( 146 mph)

* O 2 51 g / km (gasoline)

2008 Saab 9-3 Officially Released

Saab officially released the first photos of the facelifted 2008 Saab 9-3.This is basically a teaser ahead of the full release that's coming next month, when we can expect to see the convertible and the rear ends of the sedan and wagon.It'll bow with gasoline, diesel, and BioPower engines.

New Saab 9-3

The new Saab 9-3 for 2008 is set to make its international debut at the Saab Festival in Trollhattan, Sweden, on Sunday June 10th, 2007-the 60th anniversary of the unveiling of the first Saab-, the 2008 Saab 9-3 will have an option for a new all-wheel-drive system.The car will also feature a new active stability control program.

The new 9-3 will likely be available shortly after it's unveiling.