This may lead me closer to a head-on collision with the Karma Train, but it cheezes me off when these big sites get it wrong and don’t take any notice of people that try and get them to get it right.
They do it often enough with car reviews, too.
Saab is set to wow the crowds at next July’s London motor show by unveiling a concept version of its new 9-1 entry-level model.
And by unveil, they mean debut, like the 9-4x was unveiled in Detroit.
Trollhattan Saab, December 6, 2007:
I’ve just received word through from one of the most reliable members of the Djup Strupe collective that there is – Don’t bet your house on a Saab 9-1 concept being shown in London next year.
Don’t even bet a dollar unless you’ve got a dollar you want to lose.
There were no amendments or corrections to Autocar’s story, nor any of the many blog stories that followed it, despite numerous emails and the posts appearing on this site (which are read via feeds by many of the bloggers).
The main attractions expected to be at Docklands’ ExCel centre from July 23 are Ford’s Focus RS concept, Ferrari’s new ‘F149’, Vauxhall’s Insignia, the Lotus Eagle – potentially even Saab’s preview concept car for its 9-1.
So it’s gone from an unveiling to a potential attraction?
——
The good news for Brits reading this is that the second post listed there contains some info on how to get some cheap tickets for the show.
Off you go, then. Queue to the right, please.
Autocar also states in the article that the 9-1 will be a “99 Combi Coupe for the 21st century”, taking it’s inspiration from the original 99 3-door. I wonder where that information came from and if there is any truth in it? I’m hoping the 9-1 will have a strong family resemblance to the 99 and classic 900, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see…
The funny thing about this is that only hardcore people will remember the false claim after the fact anyway.
Who except Saabers will pay any heed to the claim Saab will debut the 9-1 at London?
I mean, this doesn’t even pass the “smell test”. Saab has never debuted an important new release at London, have they? The 9-1 is possibly one of the most important new releases Saab will have in the next decade. Why would they waste it (sorry, Londoners) by debuting it at a more minor auto show? Not that London is a minor show, but it’s certainly not as prestigious as many of the other shows.
Back to ‘blog accuracy, an example is last February Autobloggreen claimed that ovloV would be debuting their diesel-powered series hybrid version of the C30 at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai in Autumn, 2007.
Well, the event came and went and lo and behold ovloV was a no-show! However, nobody was asking where this alleged diesel hybrid was except me. Nobody seems to hold ‘blogs (or even legitimate news outlets) responsible for what they report when it proves to be wrong. We all apparently have very short memories.
Well, there you go.
So its debut is less than 2 months away? I didn’t realize it would be so soon. Oh, the agony of anticipation!
saabyurk: keep in mind it’s the CONCEPT debut. The production version is still likely a couple years off if the 9-4X concept is any indication.
The 9-4X seemed too finished to be just a concept vehicle. IMO, the 9-4X looked closer to being a production model than being a concept vehicle.
Hopefully this is the case with the 9-1. I hope Saab debuts a 9-1 with full interior, exterior, and drivetrain. Something to give us a complete picture.
Tried to book test drive at SAAB.COM, but can’t find the link …
(so it’s wait and … looking forward to it).
Just kidding.
But this autoblog-link called ‘related headlines’ got my attention, the loremo-prototype was already interesting, now a convertible is in the pipeline.
If you ask me, this downsizing and keeping weight low is the way to go. If Saab could merge that with is safety-issues, they would have got something more revolutionary and quirky than just another ‘ovlovC30-bmw1-audiA3-contender’ , with only outstanding design (hopefully) and a BioPower-option (which in some countries you simply can’t benefit from) !
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/29/high-mileage-loremo-convertible-in-the-works/
NineTwoX – Personally, I doubt the skiing stuff will make it to production on the 9-4x, but other than that, I agree with you.