Pollhattan Saab - The BioHybrid rear
It’s time to gauge some public feeling on one of the more controversial parts of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid: the rear.
The long roof makes for a shooting brake style rear end. It allows for a practical storage area at the back with a full load height at the rear door, and it has certain aerodynamic advantages as well.
It’s an unusual look, to see what’s in reality more of a wagon look so sporting. And I’ve gotta say I love it.
It’s evident, though, that some people consider these advantages come at the expense of aesthetics. So there’s been a number of attempts at giving the rear end a more traditional Saab-ish look.
One such attempt is over at Saab History, where Ryan has grafted a SportCombi rear end on to the car. Click here to view that one.
Another one came through in comments, done by Jeff:
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It’s poll time.
Bear in mind that the 9-X shown at Geneva was styled by real, employed automotive designers over a reasonable period of time. The two photoshops have been done on the fly by two people who…….aren’t real employed automotive designers (not to detract from what are obviously quite good attempts here).
You’re voting on the idea more than the actual execution.
Off you go!
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is everyone up to date on Saab’s new rear spoiler design, or what its supposed to do? from what I gathered, once you get up to speed, the rear spoiler sticks out a little bit further (along with the front, lower spoiler stickin out forward a little) to be more Aero…
Also, during any kinda intense braking, the rear spoiler pops up to provide downforce on the rear of the car so, that, eventually means more braking power…
i think these are AWESOME ideas, and i love how they are all Aerodynamics-related. ‘Aero’ :D:D
I would love for them to make it into some kinda production 9-1, but for some reason i see that active spoiler getting shafted (cut, thrown out) in that process.
Thats y I voted for Jeff and Ryans designs. Jeffs looks very well done. If you look at Mr. Ryan’s design, it’s got the hockey stick rear end back too!!! me gusta
There is a reason it got so much attention *and* was voted for as best concept…
I posted this.. uuhhh. http://upload.isaab.net/Saab_9-X_render.jpg
Does every car have to look the same?
Anthony Lo and team.. Kudos to you!
The 9-X BHC looks great the way it is thank you..
And… I actually find the interior more controversial than the back.
Yepp me too. The interior of the 9-4x is brilliant.. This is to much year 3000 to me. But it´s a design study. The 9-4x is closer to production.
I voted Anthony Lo’s style, it’s smooth and cool to me.
Question though: I read where Subaru (IIRC) was seeking suggestions on a blog/forum regarding an upcoming model. Does Saab have any avenue for suggestions? For example, I’m hoping the 9-4X has removable rear seats ala the Peugeot 308 SW. I can’t even consider it if it doesn’t. But I’ve got nowhere to suggest it, except here of course, which might be good enough. Anyone have Jan-Åke Jonsson’s email address?
The look has grown on me the past couple of days, but if the pop up spoiler doesn’t make it to production, the rear wiil need some work. It’s then I think more slope will be needed. The rear hatch doesn’t look quite there either.
I hope it doesn’t end up like another NG900. That hatch took years to fix!
Anyone notice that there are no dimmensions for the 9-X BioHybrid? No wheelbase, no front track and rear track measurements. These were supplied for the 9X and 9-3X. Maybe this suggests that the car we’ve seen doesn’t use anything resembling the new Delta II platform?
Perhaps the basic shape of the car will be the only thing in common with the 9-1. There could be many detail changes in the production version. I hope they remember to give it a proper bonnet!
Here’s a sketch of what it would look like with a more 9-4x style to the rear.
http://www.nordesjo.se/pics/ts_9x-alternative.jpg
It acutally does lose some of its dynamics. More Golf, less Lotus Europa.
well, it’s grown on me as well. both of the ‘ chops don’t mesh with the car (altho well-intentioned, I think they totally miss the proporations and ruin the lines of the car).
I’m now digging the block rear and even the window slope. I think it could be a truly practical small “hatch”/wagon combo in the same vein as the Mazda 3 hatch.
“So there’s been a number of attempts at giving the rear end a more traditional Saab-ish look.”
That depends where you decide tradition begins - the 95 had a square back and the world did not end. There is no 9-3 or 9-5 hatch and the world has not ended. Not every 900 was made in Sweden.
Chop the arse off a 9-3 estate and shorten the front a little and you’ve pretty much got a 9-1. Aerodynamically I’d guess the biggest problem caused by such a vertical end is drag. A spoiler across the rear at the top could provide both downforce and bend airflow down over the rear window. It needn’t be as fancy as the concept.
A quick comparison would be the old Ford Focus and the current one. I much prefer the old one and see the more slopey rear hatch as wasting space on such a small car. However, Saab should stick to what makes sense. If a half-way hatch was sufficiently more aerodynamic and consequently fuel efficient they would do it.
The falling roofline as you approach the rear reminds me of the Honda CRX hatch.
BTW… Anyone here good enough with apps like Photoshop to give this car some other colours? I like to see it in black or titan grey…
Definitely the shooting brake… the profile is distinctive and the rear looks really smooth when viewed in perspective.
a 9-1 like this will be an true SAAB Icon
I was a real 9-3X enthusiast but that concept had the rear design language going into the 9-3 SC, to me the best looking SAAB model in production at this very moment… You really can’t use the same architecture over and over again…
here you go ctm:
a quick and dirty color change to a dark grey. I really like it!
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh209/triplemilled/Saab9-2colorchangecopy.jpg
Shooting brake. It’s bound to become a new Saab icon.
I prefer the slope photoshops.
The vertical line between the hatch and body looks awkward to me. Why not just make it flush with the back of the car?
The lack of bumpers may be more aerodynamic, but I would hate to pay for repairs after an accident. I guess I’m still stuck in the 80’s.
Andy.. Yes you are.. How many cars out there has got huge ol 99 och Ovlov 250 bumpers nowadays? And how many of the new cars does not have colormatching bumpers?
Swedish mixing with english there (ol 99 och Ovlov haha) ol 99 AND Ovlov..
Did I just write Ovlov 250? Oh, I´m sorry. My three kids are running around messing my head up
triple,
Thanks a lot! Looks great!
I like Tompa’s version with the mildly sloping hatch.
I like that the car is different from anything on the road… BIG props on that Saab. However, the side profile looks like it is supposed to be a sedan rather than a coupe without the B-pillar. I aslo wished that the 9X back was kept but with the AeroX type lighting used on this concept. Maybe someone can put a 9X back on it for us to see what that would look like. With those changes I would almost buy this car… I want the next 9-5 so nothing Saab builds will distract me however if they mess-up the 9-5 then it would nice to have another Saab option… I don’t want to go back to Audi.
How about a sloping glass hatch like a 900 3-door?
Visibility would be terrible with C-pillars that huge (besides the ugliness).
I think it’s a little stupid to judge interest in the vehicle from the motoring press and suggestions taken at the auto show. I mean, these are the least likely customers for the actual car. Why don’t they judge interest in the car from the actual general population or the demographic most inclined to purchase such a vehicle.
You could show the car at a convention of aerodynamics experts and they’ll all rave over how great the car is. Then you sell it to the general public and the only people who buy it are aerodynamics experts…
Gareth: “The falling roofline as you approach the rear reminds me of the Honda CRX hatch.”
This is an aerodynamic feature known as a “kammback” designed to reduce drag.
I don’t care for the look of the rear profile, I think because there is too much space between the rear side window and the back of the car. Also, it’s too square. A more gradual or rounded look would look more subtle to me. As mentioned in comments above, it looks to me like someone just chopped-off the rear of the car. The back is too “slab” looking.
Doesn’t matter anyway as this car is still at least three years away and will likely be VERY different if/when it hits production. They have more time to work on the overall design. Look at the Chevy Volt. The concept was found to be about as aerodynamic as a brick after the fact so the production version will look quite a bit different than the concept did.
I suspect most people frequenting this website are amongst those least likely to buy the actual car (brand new). I certainly can not afford any brand new Saab.
That’s why they use focus groups and, I daresay, other means.
It is no bad thing to receive a positive response from the motoring press - just read through this website to see all the people moaning when Saab gets poor reviews in the press.
Normally we are requesting a surprising and outstanding design of a Saab. Now the make is trying this inter alia by this special rear. But some people are obviously thinking in well known lanes and are grafting actual elements of Saab cars we everyday are looking at.
This communtity what does it want? What?
It’s interesting to read some comments on this. It’s like a Saab must have the same rear end as the old 900 or it’s not a Saab. If every Saab in the lineup more or less look the same as they always have, they never sell more than 130,000 cars a year.
/john: I was referring to Saab’s requesting of input from show attendees via the MacBook Air stations around the display.
ctm: am I not allowed to dislike the rear design? I think it’s butt-ugly. And it’s not because it doesn’t resemble the C900 (or the Aero-X, for that matter). It’s because it’s ugly.
I don’t like that Honda Civic with the same style rear-end or the Golf with the same style rear-end either. There’s far too much space between the rear side window and the rear of the car (and what’s with that sharp point on the rear side window?). This might be due to the spoiler, which I’m guessing is a gimmick which won’t make it to a production car anyway. How much functional use is this motorized spoiler?
Just because you stick a Saab badge on something doesn’t demand that I’m enamored with it. I’m not even totally crazy about the Aero-X (I guess I’m the only one) front-end design, which is the least offensive exterior design element on the 9-X BioHybrid concept, IMO.
I think that this car would sell worse than the C30 has in the U.S. Who wants a really expensive two-door hatch? To save on fuel costs? How long is that fuel savings going to take to pay off the hybrid premium?
The rear end of the 9-X is stunning. It’s clean, uncluttered and cool. Every Saab does not need a forward sloping rear hatch.
I’m torn- I voted for the hatch because I like the look better…yet I realize the “shooting brake” design is more true to the “form follows function” mantra. I actually do like the rear look as is. I disliked it at first but it’s really starting to grow on me.
1985 Gripen,
Of course you can. No need for you to take offense. I was just having a general reflection on the matter, and it’s something I have seen before.
When a concept is on its way, we ask Saab for something new, stunning, modern, inspiring… But when they deliver that, there is complaints about the car doesn’t look like a Saab always have looked like ( = hatch)… I don’t rerally know what people expect. A model lineup of 5 cars all looking the same?
Saab need to move on from the 900 design, that’s why I really like this design, it brings new ideas to saab, which they need, it makes it looks disinctive and different with the shooting brake. If it didn’t then i don’t thnk that I would like the design that much.
The design is Saab’s but its new saab, not old saab, which is one waqy Saab are going to get new customers.
I am a big fan of what Anthony Lo and his team our doing and would really like to see more designs which are like this
Hey guys,
Remember that Saab invented the “air wiper” on the rear roof of the 1960s Saab 95 estate - the rear edge of the estate roof- the critical separation point (CSP) for airflow, was moved back and an open channel made between the roof and the spoiler.
This kept the rear ’screen clean by tuning the separated air downwards and inwards to both wipe the screen and reduce the drag envelope-and made the most of the Kamm theory.
So this new movable rear hoop is nothing less than the re-invention /development of the saab air wiper spoiler on the old 95 estate circa 1960 something.
By extending the roof line, boundary layer airflow is cleaner, the CSP is fine tuned, the vortex envelope (vacuum) behind the car is reduced and their for so is the coefficient of drag. Their is better wake control, better pressure distribution and less lift.
The key (as with Kamm) is to tie down where the airflow separated off the car. A fast back can keep its airflow attached down to the rear boot’trunk lid edge if it is designed properly, but thr reason most hatchbacks have a ridge, lip or trigger line above the rear window, or half way down it in a poiler, is that they are too steep an angle and the airflow CSP breaks very messily half way or so up the back. So teh trick is to make sure the CSP airflow separation point is tied down, stable and does not wander up and down and across the back of the car- if the CSP did this, the back end would eb unstabel adn teh CD and Cdx(cross sectional cd) would eb all voer the place and the buffet/turbulence would ruin the Cd and ruin the cross wind stability.
Here endeth the lecture..
So Saab have triumphed in airflow management -again.
1985 Gripen wrote “How much functional use is this motorized spoiler?”
Well ask Porsche
Saab always looked forward, and now is one of those times when Saab shouldn’t start looking back: that always announces the end…
I’m quite happy with this design!!!
..but if you are so into the heritage theme, the Ur-Saab didn’t have a hockey-stick C-pillar, wrap-around windshield, 99ish slopping rear-end or clamshell bonnet, and still is unmistakingly a Saab (as were all Saabs until the 99). I always found that Mauer’s Saab concepts related to those cars, specially in the way the bonnet, grill and head-lights related…
…and I find the 9-x BioHybrid similar to the 95 in many ways!
ctm: what got me excited about the prospect of a decent-looking rear end on the concept was all the talk about the “spiritual descendant of the 99/900″ we were hearing about the prospects for the 9-1. In what way is this concept a “spiritual descendant of the 99/900″?
And who is it that’s complaining that there isn’t a hatchback on this car? I kind of assumed it would be a small wagon rather than a hatchback, judging by the fact that Saab has refused to make a hatchback since 2002, though admittedly I was hoping for a rear end design like the Aero-X (fastback). I just didn’t think the back end would be so slab and ugly.
Dan9-1: Saab needs to move on from the C900 design? Seriously? The C900 was discontinued in 1993 (15 years ago). I think they’ve moved-on. No Saab designed since GM took full control (around 1999) has looked at all like the C900. Even the NG900 didn’t look all that much like the C900. The 9000 was designed by Giugiaro and is very blocky and wedge-shaped. I think the 9-5 has the same blocky style. A Saab doesn’t have to look like the C900 to be a Saab.
lance: that’s all fine and good, but does the thing need to be motorized so that it’s in a different position at low speeds than high ones? This seems to simply be a gimmick to capitalize on the aircraft “heritage” of Saab. A fixed “cheese slicer” like on the 95 would have been sufficient for the purpose and I think would have been more aesthetically-pleasing. How much stopping power would these “air brakes” really provide functionally? I’d like to see a test of braking distance versus braking distance utilizing these “air brakes”. I’m guessing the difference would be quite small, if anything. More “aircraft heritage” gimmicks. Well, whatever sells. Oh wait, it doesn’t!?!?
Tompa: the motorized spoiler on Porsches keeps the rear end down at high speeds. They’re rear-wheel drive. Saabs are front-wheel drive.
Judging by the comments here at TS if Saab ever gets their butt in gear and sells this car they’ll sell a heck of a lot of them to Saab aficionados. I’m the ONLY one who doesn’t care for this concept or the direction Saab is and has been going. So kudos to Saab design. Now let’s see if they can transfer this interest into actually moving metal off showroom floors. Anyone want to set odds?
Gripen,
I guess you could argue its a touch gimmicky, but, pressure distribution and boundary layer stuff does change with speed and angle, so moving the thing and changing the angle could massively increase or decrease turbulence dependent on angle. So maybe its an air brake or a slotted flap or slat that delays separation or creates it…
All aeroplane stuff then!
1985 gripen- refering to your Kammback idea, i’m not sure how well it would work, the spoiler bit on most of them goes right through the middle of the window and also I REALLY don’t want to see a Saab prius or A2 style car, thats not the way they should go.
It’s nice there is a debate about the design though, this means that its a love it or hate it design, which means its not conservative and also will drum up support for the brand?? We’ll have to wait and see on that last one….
1985 grpen.. The rear end neads to be pushed down on a fwd car too. And the spoiler comes up on Porsces att higher speads and in breaking.
It’s a brilliant forward thinking dare I say “iconic” design which is what Saab needs to flourish again. They’re taking chances and I’m utterly thrilled to see this development. Not since the 900 has Saab seen such a distinctive shape, and a sexy one at that. My only concern is how quickly they can bring this to market. As a side note, I used to hear the “butt ugly” comments about my “quirky” 900 in the 80’s… puts a smile on my face and reinforces my belief that Saab is headed in the right direction.
I like the back from profile, but I’m not sold when looking at it strait on.
I still say that a modern interpretation of the classic 900 (although it would have been just slightly bigger) could have been much more stunning and even more utilitarian. As 1985Gripen points out, Saab abandoned the classic 900 design 15 years ago and there has not been anything quite like it since. The 900 is still brilliant in many ways and in my opinion is worth taking to the next level. I think there are some great ideas in the 9X concept, but in terms of aesthetics, it’s just too Volkswagen Golf in my opinion and certainly not ICONIC (for Saab). Just my two-cents folks…
(click below for eye candy)
http://www.saabhistory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/saab_900_talladega_600.jpg
kn:
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Hey Swade, most of the people who made comments like that drove Oldsmobiles (hahaha)! Some people can look at a Leonardo daVinci drawing and make similar comments…but it doesn’t mean you should listen to them….
MarkS:
“in terms of aesthetics, it’s just too Volkswagen Golf in my opinion and certainly not ICONIC (for Saab)”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
MarkS: I think a “modern interpretation” of a classic 99 would have worked best. The C900 would’ve made it too long. A rounded classic 99 Combi shape with a trannsverse engine and integrated bumpers would have made it about the right size I think.
I don’t think the 9-X BioHybrid is “butt ugly”, but there is definitely room for improvement.
If the rear spoiler is not a reality, the whole rear needs a redesign as the C Pillar is much too thick. It will then need more slope and a Scirocco type spoiler: http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plugins/iimage-gallery.php?idpost=6653&idg=1&idi=2
The “van style” hatch is the worse part I think, but maybe with some fuctional tail lights it will look better?
Staring at it really hard repeatedly I guess the rear profile isn’t all that bad. I guess it’s growing on me. I think what I object to most about the rear profile is the look of the spoiler when it’s retracted. It looks very Nesbitt “PT Cruiser-esque” or “HHR-esque” to me. Maybe with the spoiler in the extended position it’d look better as there wouldn’t be as much space between the rear side window and the rear of the vehicle.
The back straight-on reminds me of this for some reason though. Am I going completely nuts?
Another thing that bothers me is I have to talk myself into liking this car. The average car buyer isn’t going to spend the time to talk themselves into the car. The first impression is what will sell the car. If they don’t like it at first they won’t pursue it. We all LOVE the C900. But truthfully, it’s sales in the 80s wouldn’t cut it today. Saab has to sell a heck of a lot more cars now than they did in the 80s to be profitable.
Markac: TOTALLY! You are exactly on the same wavelength as I am here. I thought I was the only one with this line of thinking.
The sad thing is if they put a three-hole Saab Aero-X grille on the front of that Scirocco and Saab badges I think a lot of people here would be screaming it’s absolutely brilliant and so totally “Saab”.
To me the 9-X BioHybrid is more the spiritual descendant of the 9-2X than the 99/900.
The 9-X BioHybrid rear end is reminiscent of this:
http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Lotus_Elite_Red.jpg
or this:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Lotus_Elite_Brentwood_1976.jpg
By some people regarded as the ugliest car or lotus ever. In my opinion the elite II & the 9-X BioHybrid share the most brilliant design features ever used to make a proper C-pillar.
Sorry Trolls, first link didn’t work, try this (2nd last row end aof page - pict on the left) :http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Castle_Combe_Track_Day_2005.htm
I will take the Anthony Lo design over any of the others I have seen. For one, Jeff’s photo makes the car look like a Malib Maxx, which is one ugly car. I have shown concept photo to friends who appreciate cars and they all seem to love it. It is different from the old Saab’s, but I like the aggressiveness of it. For me it seems to be a bit long when you compare to Mazda3 and WRX, but I may just have perception issue. I would love to see a 9-1x that is roughly the size of 9-2x that has the value, safety, and feel of Saab. Give me that comfort and speed.
Overall, the design is a winner and if they produce a car that looks like this, it will sell. It need not be totally quirky or different to sell, just cool looking and a great product. And as always, advertise the darn thing.
1985 Gripen: As I said in my earlier post, I don’t think the concept car we’ve seen is built on anything approaching a Delta II platform, hence the lack of any dimensions being supplied?
I agree with your comments about the Scirocco.
You could say the same for the Audi “shooting brake” concept. Put Saab badges and an Aero-X grille on either of them and I’m sure you would have got a similar reaction to what we’ve seen with the BioHybrid!
Don’t get too dissapointed with the concept car. What we got to see is probably a long way removed from any production vehicle.
I have an uncomfortable feeling that the Aero-X nose may date quite quickly. So about the time the 9-1 makes it’s debut, it will already be “old hat”? Perhaps the new 9-5 will be the only new car to incorporate that look?
You guys are starting to sound like a bunch of country and western singers….
Gripen, I think you do need to reassess and possibly start up a FriscoTesla website or something. And you know I’m not being a smartass by saying that, it’s something we’ve discussed briefly.
The future of Saab design lies in the DNA of the Aero-X. They’ve said that quite plainly. For me, that’s a great thing as I loved the car and as long as they keep building them with the drivetrain and ergonomics I expect from a Saab, I’ll be a happy camper. I don’t think you will be, though.
And no, I don’t think the Aero-X grille on the Scirocco would have worked. I think that line of thinking is selling all the fellow readers here quite short.
What’s happened with these concepts in the last 7 years is an evolution and you can trace more than just a three hole grille through them. I think what we’ll see in the next seven years will also be an evolution. When it stops being a Saab evolution, I’ll reassess.
The 900 is gone. Long live the 900. I own one and I love it. But take the 9-X concept for what it is, not whether it’s reincarnation of that in the manner you’d like it to be. It’s a blueprint for a smaller Saab in the future and hopefully it’ll have the practical and performance characteristics that we’d expect from Saab. Whether it looks like the 900 or not isn’t the deciding factor in whether it’s a spiritual successor.
*applause for swade*
Don’t know if this has mentioned but there’s another podcast on the Saab International site. Some great views of the car and the blond.
I have to listen to the referee! I was neither really excited or dissapointed with the 9-X BioHybrid when I saw it, and it has grown on me more since. I think their are elements in that car and the 9-3X and 9X that could be combined to make a fine small car.
However I do think it’s time for some ‘revolution’ instead of evolution at Saab, because nothing ever seems to evolve. The only thing that’s actually seemed to evolve out of any concept since GM bought the rest of Saab is the 9-3SC. I’m sure we’re all still getting over our excitement about that one!
I love Saabs and have driven them for 20 years.
I actually would like to see a new Saab that I really want to buy for a change. There hasn’t been one in quite a while. The 9-X BH has given me some hope again.
As the one who perhaps started the 900 string here, I have to chime in.
I don’t mind the square back. I just bought a new car and I’d have bought the C30 if I could have afforded it. However, I hate the rear end on this 9-XBH. It’s butt ugly because it’s butt is ugly. Really, really, ugly; like a bus.
And no, making a glass sloped hatch wouldn’t make all Saabs look alike, it would be the only one!! This small car would be exactly where to put a hatch back into the line-up.
So keep the windshield, ditch the back, and while the Aero-X front end does nothing for me I’ll tolerate it if it helps sell Saabs.
Wow, it’s fun to see a crappy photoshop I did in 5 minutes made it to the front page here. Pretty fantastic. My gut reaction to first seeing the concept was mixed. After having anticipated the launch of the car for so long (how many years now?) and owning an 01′ 9-3 SE myself, I was hoping that we would see something really progressive, really edgy, really tight, and really SAAB.
Well, I can’t say as though I’m disappointed. Hats off to Anthony Lo and the rest of the Saab/GM design team for being brave enough to think unconventionally. If what Swade hypothesized is true, and I suspect he’s dead on, that the showing of this concept had been moved up several months and that what we saw was a very raw (or medium-rare perhaps) version of a final concept, then it is an even greater accomplishment. Yes, the interior may look like crap, but come on, you all have to admit, putting driver information displays on the upper door area is pretty genius, and very very jet-cockpit inspired. While the information bar across the top may seem very Honda Civic, the intent for it has been there since my first 900, and evolved into the blip in the current 9-3 dash. This leads me to my most important point about why this whole exercise is intriguing at all.
We often forget about conceptual design and its role in defining a creative vision. I’m an architect, and I can tell you first hand that the creative process is only truly successful when rooted in brave conceputal thinking. It’s clear that the priority of the Aero-X was to explore Saab’s relationship to its jet manufacturing heritage. Perhaps it was a tad literal with the cockpit door, but those details all added up to a beautiful package that we all can agree stopped us cold. I have heard many complaints that Saab should be releasing new products, closer to production grade with interiors more in line with the 9-4x. But I think this concept is really encouraging because it shows us that Saab really is a brand that is trying to completely redefine itself. In the design world, often pin up our work on the wall for each other to see quite often during the initial design phase and be collaborative about ways that fresh eyes could take our visions. These auto shows provide the designers with a real review from the public to gauge if they are on the right track. Both of these exercises are critical (thus the word, critique) in the creative process. So while I’d like to go out and buy one in three months, I’m really happy to see the behind the scenes inner workings of GM/Saab, and I’m very happy with what I see.
With the 9-X BioHybrid, I feel the designers did what one of my best design professors liked to call “Frankensteining;” obviously the Aero-X nose and 9-X tail had to be reconciled somehow. This is where the controversy starts.
First off, I’ll argue that the silhouette of the 9-X BioHybrid is not simply VW Golf, see:
http://www.autobytel.com/images/2007/volkswagen/golfr32/400/2007_VW_GolfR32_exdrvr34.jpg
The proportions of the sloping roof and rising window line certainly set them apart. I would argue that Saab is onto a new idea that Land Rover is working with as well in their new LRX concept:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/land-rover-lrx-concept-1/531325/
which quite frankly, looks stolen as one of the commenters on autoblog noted from the Saab 9-3x concept:
http://www.km77.com/marcas/saab/prototipos/9-3x/gra/5.jpg
Either way, it’s no VW Golf. And instead of calling it a bus, how about we refer to the profile as a bullet? Sound better?
The reverse hockey stick (started by the Nissan Murano in the US I would say) is pretty damn brilliant, and gives the tail a sense of lift to the rear of the vehicle that has been missing as of late in the latest generation 9-3. The kink also gives that brilliant front angled shot that plays perspectival tricks with itself:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/gxenevya-08-sa9xab-9x-bioh-ybrid-concept/673309/
Notice how the kink has straightened itself out and now resembles the vertical 9-X original. I am sure there are others out there, besides myself, who wonder why they love the car so much from this angle, but not so much the direct side profile. I’m tempted to glob the back of the 9-3 SportCombi (ugh, I hate saying that name so much, anything that rhymes with Barbie should not be in a name for a car, let alone a Saab). That would result in the photoshops from Ryan and Tompa. I completely understand the gripe at the lack of inclusion of the forward sloping hockey stick, I get it…it’s as Saab as the Hoffmeister kink is BMW. But come on, that reverse kink is totally hockey stick, actually, its MORE hockey stick. Instead of the C-Pillar sheetmetal as hockey stick, the inside profile of the glass takes its place. It works, and it works well.
But here’s the sticky part: that big, huge honking C-Pillar. Let check out the rear 3/4 view as well, the balance of the window glass to the C-Pillar really does play tricks on your eyes just as the front angle shot did:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/gxenevya-08-sa9xab-9x-bioh-ybrid-concept/673313/
What’s going on here? Is the sheet metal really THAT big? Maybe it’s the spoiler? And what is with the sloping rear glass but the rigid spoler.
Lets shrink it. Why not go all the way and slope the spoiler back for a really edgy profile?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24332454@N07/2317415601/in/photostream/
Mmmm, me gusta, much better. Now just for curiousity’s sake, I lopped off the back into a wedge, just to see if this perspective would help out a bit.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24332454@N07/2318251258/in/photostream/
Hmm. I’m not such a fan come to think of it. Maybe it’s just my sloppy 5 minute photoshopping, but the proportions still concern me. What actually might help here is to rework the lower bumper to taper in as well. All fun questions to ask, all of which I’m sure were already asked by the design team before. But here’s what really gets to me about the whole thing.
I’ll preface in saying, yes: Saab should always be a step ahead of the competition, they should be revolutionary with their styling and really give us something inspiring with their design, technology, and feeling. I think the rear of this concept is onto something in small car design. I honestly think a few minor tweaks, a little more time in the oven, and this 9-1 is good to go. But damn, I will say it is polarizing. They went so far as to put MacBooks around the thing to see what reactions were. And you know what? Just like here, motorshow elite or not, I guarantee people either love it, or hate it. They feel passionately one way or the other, and there you have it: people will see this car and feel that word…passion, towards a Saab. And whether it’s in a positive or negative way, it’s challenging us to react. That’s what good concepts do, they make us rethink our norms (which consequently is probably why this car looks better everyday you come back to see it). It’s the same phenomenon Apple has seen as of late, people love or hate them, but their intrinsic philosophy has stayed the same, and eventually, that attention has brought people to their brand, and marketshare and revenue have come with it.
But as far as styling trends are concerned, we all saw that the coupe rear end is where car design is headed. Not only the Mercedes CLS, BMW GranTurismo (future 7-series), Aston Rapide, Jaguar XF etc etc have adopted this, but even the BMW X6. And while the back of the X6 has received some bad press and I’ll agree, the front and the back don’t match, undeniably, it shows that sporting profiles are what people want. Isn’t it ironic that at a time when everyone else is adopting a trend, Saab has dumped it while their current lineup apes sedans designed 10+ years ago. When something is your trademark for so long, and everyone else comes along with their own version of it, you don’t just drop it, you enhance it and celebrate why yours is the original and the best. I’m tired of Saab being regarded publicly as just “that quirky brand.”
And it’s about damn time good ol’ Maximum Bob Lutz got to see first hand that this brand can ignite this passion. Wouldn’t it be remarkable if they capitalized on this? If they started working with Hirsch in house as an AMG/M/RS tuner to compete with those Germans? Wouldn’t it be great if GM finally saw this brand as its premium European sporting arm, and let Cadillac take a more premium luxury angle? Why can’t they coexist like BMW/Mercedes? Wouldn’t it be amazing if Saabs started showing off the E-Flex architecture showcased within clean Scandinavian designs? Wouldn’t it make sense to promote the fact that Saab’s are universally safe? Wouldn’t it be fair if Swade got embargoed materials before anyone else on the planet? I’m serious about this. Any politician knows that cultivating your base is how you win over hearts and minds, politicians know it, brands like Mini know it, VW is starting to catch on, and Mercedes certainly is getting back to its roots as a solid, safe investment. It’s reflected in their sales data, too.
In an ideal world, Saab would release the 9-1 as a coupe with a sloping rear that looks a hell of a lot sleeker than my nasty photoshop, a shooting brake similar to the concept, and a convertible. Hell, call the coupe the Sonnet and really get people juiced up. The lineup wouldn’t be all that different than the BMW 1-Series, and isn’t that what we should be fighting/compared to anyhow?
Alright, I admit this may be the biggest comment in the history of all time, and I hate to rant, but I love this blog and respect Swade and the other posters here greatly, and love this brand. I also really, really, really want a new Saab goddamnit. I can’t stand the current 9-3 SS or SC, I’m sorry folks, it’s just so conventional. And those new ice lights are like lipstick on a pig for me. As for the SC, well, I hate wagon proportions. The 9-1 is the car I have been waiting for. I pray that it is released soon, funky C-Pillar or not. Either way, I know I’m getting one.
As a last side, over on autoblog they caught the new Skoda’s trunk (it’s basically a Czech VW Passat). And might I say, it’s damn cool, and Saab should have been all over this years ago:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/skoda-superb-twindoor-system/688259/
If Saab would come out with this in the new 9-5, in a sloped back coupe concept style rear like CAR magazine or the spanish competition posted here a few weeks ago’s first prize entrant, I would shit magical bricks.
Anyhow, I’m working on a CGI concept of my own for the 9-1 Series in 3D studio max incorporating my thoughts, and hopefully I’ll be able to post those soon. Hats off to everyone for being so passionate about this concept, and this brand.
Yes Jeff, definitely the longest comment in history, but also maybe the best.
I particularly liked the remark about rethinking our norms which is why this car looks better everyday you come back to see it. That remark is right on. I was disappointed on my first look, but I want it more and more every day, and they don’t have to change a thing except maybe finishing off the interior (and putting an engine in it).
Jeff: Thanks for the post. It was a great read!
Saab really needs that Skoda twin door system for the next 9-5. It will keep those people who lament the passing of the 9000 hatch happy.
I’ve never liked the 9-3SS or the 9-3SC much either. Saab’s idea was that BMW and Audi buyers didn’t go for hatches so they needed to follow them. It would be interesting to see the sales figures, but I doubt if the 9-3SS range has ever achieved better sales than the NG900/OG9-3?
I think the back of the 9-X BH will only work if the pop up spoiler is implemented on the final product, otherwise the C pillar is too broad.
The hatch door definitely needs work too.
Yes BMW does make a 3 door hatch, a 5 door hatch and a coupe for the 1 series, but very few markets seeem to get all the bodystyles.
If Saab want to tackle BMW it may have to look at that. At the moment the closest competitor to the 9-X BH seems to be the Volvo C30.
I look forward to seeing your 9-1 CGI concept.
Don’t forget to give it a proper clamshell bonnet/hood!
right on Jeff. Look forward to seeing your full-on 3D remix. How about integrating a different color (shameless bid to plug my dark grey version). I think seeing it in a different light, so to speak, could help. That white just doesn’t do it for me.
Very interesting comment from n architect.The only reason I don’t like the MY2008 9-3and 9-5 is thant I’m missing a hatchback>In the past ,Saab was so successfull with their hatchbak models. Why did
they give up theidea?to imitate BMW,Honda,etc..? stupid decision! I don’t want a Saab which is mistaken for a German or Japanese car.
I hope the 9-1 will be affordable.
Well, I’m an architect too, but I’m afraid I slightly disagree with Jeff: to my eyes they made the best form from the required function
and that’s just beauty to me…
Shape for shape’s sake is only decorative: the 99 and the 900 weren’t decorative at all, and neither is this 9-x (but, in the XXI century, a retro-pastiche 99-900 rear-end would be, in my humble view: times do change and Saab never was a brand that distracted itself looking back).
I’m really happy with this design: it’s honest, it’s clever, it’s true to it’s function, it’s original and has a beautiful and clearly saabish personality, as far as my view goes.
…and yes, just like the heritage Saabs we love, it is far from consensual.