Saab USA have all three ‘Born From Jets’ ads on their website. You can view them by clicking here: Born From Jets.

I’m not sure I’d bother if I were you, though. It’s truly a case of “Seen one, seen ‘em all” as all three ads are exactly the same, except one has a convertible, one a sedan and the other a Sport Combi. I guess Jay was right when he said they were working within a tight budget.

The interesting thing on the cover page, however was the link to Saab concept vehicles, with the by-line: “It’s your chance to see what’s just down the road”. Now, I don’t take that as any sort of promise that we may see a 9-3x some day, but it’s interesting to see them push it that way.

Interesting too, was the fact that the 9-3x press release says the following about Bob Lutz:

After a few minutes of prepared speeches, a surprise guest took the stage – none other than GM’s own Bob Lutz, driver of an ’02 Aero SportWagon and an avid supporter of the Saab brand. Lutz spoke briefly about the dedication and loyalty that buyers have shown to the Saab brand, and promised that GM shared the same dedication.

First up: I wonder if Bob’s still driving a Saab on occasions.

Second: I wonder how that promise in the last line is holding up.

If posting is light at the end of this week, it’s because I’ll be in Melbourne picking up my new ride: a 1999 9-3 Viggen. The car has been scrutinised by more men that Elle McPherson and finally, the price has been negotiated and agreed. All that remains is for me to jump on a plane on Thursday night, drive it for myself and then hand over a cheque.

Needless to say it’s going to be a long week while I wait for all that to happen.

Thanks to everyone for your words of wisdom, caution and encouragement in previous posts on this topic. I’ve always been after something that’s a little bit different and a little bit special. The Viggen fits this bill perfectly both in it’s authenticity and rarity.

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Thanks to Eduard for providing the rest of the AutoNews article on GM mulling over the new Saab crossover. The article, unfortunately, doesn’t say much that’s Saab specific. I’ll be doing a summary on the known factors involving the 9-4x shortly, though it’s possible the crossover they’re talking about in this article is an entirely different vehicle.

The AutoNews article can be read here in comments.

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Who wants to take bets on what new Saab model we’ll see at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2006? The contenders:

9-2 replacement concept vehicle – the so-called spiritual successor to the 900
9-4x – smaller SUV than the jurassic 9-6x
Sonett concept – yes please! But not a likely starter IMHO.

I think the 9-4x is the most likely. All I can say is that there better be something new shown in 2006.

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In addition to negotiating the purchase of the Viggen this week, I’m pleased to report that I’ve also sold my old 99 Turbo to a Saab Car Club member here in Tasmania. Bill has several other Saabs, including a nice, red 9000 Carlsson. The 99T will sit for a little while as he collects bits and pieces to fix it up a little. Great to see it going to a good home.

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It’s hell trying to search Google News for Saab stories here in Australia. Last Saturday saw the running of the “Saab Quality”, an important horserace in the leadup to tomorrow’s Melbourne Cup – the race that stops the nation. You search for Saab and it’s all horses, horses, horses!

At least it’s generating some good publicity amongst the punters.

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Now, if I can just find an Australian supplier for the Viggen Rescue Kit…….