Comments on: Saab 9-X convertible cgi fun

By: Markac

Markac — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:13:02 +0000

Martin N: The next Astra ( and the 9-1 ) are scheduled to be on the Delta II platform and slightly bigger than the current Astra, so I doubt that the Saab will be much smaller.
It’s a pity Saab hasn’t given us any dimensions for the 9-X BH, but I think that car is only a hint of what the 9-1 might be like and not a true representation of what they could build on the Delta II floorpan.

I suggested the twin top idea because that way we get a convertible and a coupe. I somehow think that’s the only way we could get both?

By: MarkS

MarkS — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:24:01 +0000

Folks, check this out. After reading this post about an Astra convertible I wonder if it’s true? This guy says the hard retractable top deposits water on the front seats if there is any water on the roof when you put the top down:

http://www.goodexperience.com/tib/archives/2007/01/opel_astra_twin.html

(this link shows some images of the car)
http://www.caradisiac.com/media/images/le_mag/mag270/opel-astra-tt-3b.jpg

Interesting…but true or not, I haven’t seen a retractable hard top that I’ve really liked. Rag-tops generally (in my humble opinion) look better and take up less space when retracted. Anyway…a convertible 9X is an interesting idea…..

By: Mike C.

Mike C. — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:52:59 +0000

I WANT ONE, (Rag top please.)

By: Martin N

Martin N — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:31:54 +0000

Marcac,
Astra (and the smaller Tigra) has a wedge shape that allows the rear to be quite high. The 9x doesn’t. Andt he 9x is probably a smaller car than Astra.

I agree with Eggsngrits: Mini style!

By: eggsngrits

eggsngrits — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:02:27 +0000

Rag top: yes. Have it open part way or all the way as on the Mini.

Could do a targa top thing that would look great on this car — open roof and have the hatch window roll down. It would be great. I’ll try to show what I’m talking about….

By: wilfried

wilfried — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:53:50 +0000

mmmmmarvelous

By: saabyurk

saabyurk — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:12:31 +0000

Markac, I don't think the the Astra Twin Top looks so good with with the top up. I like ctm's 9-X convertible, but I'm having a hard time visualizing it looking good with the top up, either rag top or hard top. Wish I had drawing skills.

By: Ivan (MuzX)

Ivan (MuzX) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:14:56 +0000

It looks were boring like this for me.
Completely lost its character.

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:35:22 +0000

I disagree with calling it the “Sonett”, I think Saab should save the Sonett name for something a bit more special than a hardtop vert. I really like that top-down profile of the car though and I definitely think that the 9-1 lineup should include a 3-door, 5-door, and convertible in it’s lineup.

As for the Sonett I’d like to see them do a production version of the Aero X on the wide-track, double-wishbone equipped EPII that’s supposed to underpin the new 9-5. Maybe use the 9-3 wheelbase to keep it smaller and lighter, but definitely give it xwd with FWD-biased handling like the Turbo X has so it feels like a real Saab. Anywhere between 280 and 400 horsepower would suit it nicely and give Saab a much-needed halo car.

By: Markac

Markac — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:24:33 +0000

Actually I don’t think the Astra Twin Top came out too bad: http://www.worldcarfans.com/7060720.001/photo1/opel-astra-twin-top-by-steinmetz

If the next Astra gets a twin top, there’s no reason why Saab can’t have one also.