Saab Launches Countdown Site for 2010 9-5 Sedan
2010 Saab 9-5
The Saab 9-5 is long overdue for an overhaul, with the same basic mechanical underpinnings as the current model first hitting streets as far back as 1997. A totally redesigned model was expected to make an appearance last year but its release was pushed back due to limited resources at Saab and the introduction of the facelifted 9-3, not to mention the company’s then-ongoing ownership limbo. But the wait for the next 9-5 can now be measured in days, and Saab has launched a site to do just that.
We confirmed back in July that the new model will make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and shortly thereafter two dozen images of the sedan leaked online. The images show a clear resurgence of Saab’s past design traits married to a modern, sleek profile. The countdown site reveals that though its first public outing may be reserved for Frankfurt, it will be officially unveiled in just under 7 days. The model will be shown by Saab Design Chief Simon Padian.
Underneath the new sheet metal will be a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, which is also shared by Opel for its new Insignia range. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. The car’s wheelbase will stretch 9.3 feet, which is up 5.5 inches on the current model, and the overall length will stretch just over 16 feet.
Engine options will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units including a biofuel model. There will also likely by an AWD flagship model with a turbocharged petrol V-6 displacing 3.6-liters and developing upwards of 350 horsepower. Other engines will include a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter unit and mid-level 2.8-liter V-6. A petrol-electric hybrid model is also expected.
Saab’s sale by GM to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg was announced early this week, and it seems the transfer has done nothing to dampen the company’s plans for the future.
The new 9-5 will be built at Opel’s Ruesselsheim plant in Germany with production tipped to start in the middle of the year. Head over to Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport to see more than 20 shots in all their high-res glory.
Source:motorauthority.com
Comments