German Car Zone

Geneva '08 Preview: Saab releases 9-1X teaser shot


We've got to give GM props on this one, since, unlike other automakers, it's blacked-out teaser isn't nearly as susceptible to Photoshop trickery. Regardless, Saab put up the image above on its media site announcing what we already knew: the Saab 9-1X concept is coming to Geneva and it's going to take all the right cues from its bigger brothers. Although the head-on shot gives us some clues about the concept's wide stance and aggressive snout, what we really want to know is how the designers have shaped the rear hatch. While it's assumed that a sloping rear roofline will terminate into a bulbous back end, we've heard rumors that a large overhang will be fitted at the top of the roof to give a sort of reverse-ducktail. The Geneva Motor Show is fast approaching and we're looking forward to seeing how Saab plans to do battle with the Audi A3 and Volvo C30.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/15/geneva-08-preview-saab-releases-9-1x-teaser-shot/

New teaser from WCF...

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Unveiled

Saab rolled out two new concept cars tonight in advance of the Geneva Motor Show. Seen for the first time was the Saab 9-X BioHybrid and Europe got its first glance at the Saab 9-4X BioPower.
The 9-X BioHybrid is planned to have a 200 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbo engine, running on bio fuels. Also operating as a hybrid, the car emits an amazingly low 105g/km of CO2.
Unfortunately, the 9-X BioHybrid we saw had no engine, and ran on 6 hp (human power; see photo gallery).
With wheels inspired by turbine engines, and a body made to resemble a fuselage to recall Saab's heritage as an aircraft designer. Theoretically, this car's body “reshapes” above 70 kph, with an automatic rear roof spoiler, an extending rear upper body, and an underbody diffuser extended off the rear bumper.
The white and black interior on the concept looked very attractive, and matched the dark tinted glass with white pearl metallic paint. A flowing design gives the car an evocative feel, but one that is not loved by everybody. Push-button turn signals are attractive, as are fully automatic climate control options.
The 9-4X BioPower Concept, looking very near to production, has a four-cylinder 2.0-liter BioPower turbocharged engine attaining 300 horsepower and 295 ft-lb of torque. Running on the Saab XWD system, this cross wheel drive is meant to bring the highest level of enjoyment to the driver.
Both vehicles make their appearance at the Geneva Motor Show beginning on Tuesday 4 March.


http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080304.003/saab-9-x-biohybrid-concept-unveiled

LINK

sweet concept hey guys just lol just to let you know my name is hussein SAAB

Finally, a concept version of the 9-1. The front and the side is looking great, the rear end styling will take some time to get use to, but I like it very much, it is unique in traditional Saab style.

LISTEN GUYS THERES SOMETHING ABOUT SAABS THAT I DONT LIKE. LIKE WHEN EVER I SEE A SAAB I LIKE SOME OF IT THEN SOMETHING ELSE POPS UP THEN ILL HATE IT EVEN THINS 1 I HATE THE BACK ONLY

Saab 9-1 being strongly considered for U.S. market

At this year's Geneva show, the biggest splash GM is making without question is the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept. The 9-X BioHybrid foretells the Swedish automaker's upcoming 9-1 and signals Saab's intentions to make a go of the premium hatchback segment, a vehicle niche that's big in Europe and making inroads in the U.S. in the form of vehicles like the Mini, Volvo C30 and Audi A3.

The 9-1 will reportedly be based on GM's next-generation front-drive small car platform that will underpin the next Astra, among others, and it should come in both front drive (9-1) and all-wheel-drive (9-1X) variants. It is a massively important vehicle for Saab, a company that has struggled to find its way under GM's ownership. With its strong design cues taken from Saab's well-received Aero-X and 9-X concepts, the 9-1 is a car that would help re-establish the brand's unique character and heritage.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the 9-1, which should make it to production sometime after 2010, is if the vehicle will eventually make its way to North America. While the compact luxury segment is emerging in the U.S., so far, only Mini has been able to gain real sales traction in the States.

Despite the significant hurdles Saab would face bringing the 9-1 stateside, Saab officials have made it clear to us that they are strongly considering bringing the vehicle to North America. There's apparently the feeling out of Trollhattan and its GM mothership that if Mini can do it and be successful, why can't Saab?

Well, Mini had some inherent advantages that Saab does not have out of the gate: an already established iconic status and quirky nature, and a parent company in BMW that was in a much better financial position to launch the vehicle.

For the 9-1 to have a chance at being successful in the U.S., it must look great (the concept, at least from the front, is solid), drive great and have all the luxury touches of similar vehicles at a similar price point. Not to mention getting some real advertising dollars behind a launch. It will be a massive challenge for Saab, but one that many in the company clearly believe is possible. Best of luck to ya, Saab.


Saab 9-1 being strongly considered for U.S. market | Auto Shows Blog at Motor Trend


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Saab 9-X BioHybrid Voted “Best Concept” at the Geneva Motor Show

And the Best Concept Award goes to…(drum roll) SAAB 9-X BioHybrid (clap clap clap)! GM’s latest SAAB concept has been named as such at the Geneva Motor Show.

“We are thrilled that our work has been recognised with this prestigious award,” said Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design t GM Europe. “The 9-X BioHybrid is a vision of what a future compact car from SAAB could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.”

The 9-X BioHybrid uses a 1.4-litre BioPower turbo engine with a next-generation hybrid system that produces some 147kW.

[Source: Newspress/WCF]