Gotta be quick.
Tobias has been kind enough to provide a translation of an article by Robert Collin from Aftonbladet that extends what we’ve heard already about the 9-3 being made on the Delta platform.
——
The new car from Trollhättan is an old classic in new form
The Saab 9-1, 9-2 or 9-3 -what kind of car is to be produced in Trollhättan from 2011? Aftonbladet (Swedish sort of newspaper, tabloid) reveals that the new 9-3 and 9-2 is virtually the same car. The 9-2 is a hatch back and the only thing to differ from the 9-3 is the rear end.
When Trollhättan lost the battle in 2005 for the future 9-3 and 9-5 things were dark in Trollhättan. GM promised that the company would remain as a niche manufactory didn’t give much comfort. Many workers would be unemployed and Saab would be gone from Sweden. But soon Aftonbladet could reveal (yeah right) that Saab developed a new smaller car that was supposed to be manufactured in Trollhättan. The factory was saved and plans were made for 40,000 small Saabs and capacity should be filled with its sibling Opel Astra.
This winter things changed, the talk about global warming gave GM cold feet. The cars consumed too much fuel they were too big and heavy. Downsizing and scale down got important and someone come to the conclusion that the future 9-3 should be smaller and based on the lighter architecture that is found in the future smaller Saab. The 9-3 is moving to Trollhättan and Aftonbladet can reveal that the future 9-3 and the smaller Saab is virtually the same car.
9-3 will be 4-doors sedan, cabriolet and a kombi. The 9-2 will be a hatchback about half meter shorter than the 9-3.
The result is that the 9-3 shrinks a bit and the 9-2 gains a couple of centimetres and would be a bit bigger than Golf and Astra. Production of the 9-2 and Astra begins in 2011 and the 9-3 follows the next year.
A cheer of joy in Trollhättan but things in Rüsselsheim is dark. They were sure of three new models. Two models will disappear from production in Rüsselsheim and about 100 000 cars per year. You can count on big protest from the German union if this is realised. What happens to the 9-1? The name and car will have to wait for a new smaller car.
——
Thanks Tobias!!
This is good news. It returns Saab to its roots, it gets a hatchback back in the lineup, it helps differentiate the 9-3 from the 9-5, and increases the percentage of Saabs made in Trollhattan.
Win. Win. Win.
The only thing which would be better is if the new smaller 9-3 has competitive hybrid drivetrains.
If this occurs, a Saab 9-1 model will probably end up being based onthe next Opel Corsa. I’m guessing if this happens, it will be much more badge engineered than the 9-2 or the 9-3?
How does the 9-X BH relate to any of this?
Like Markac said, what will the effect be for the 9x which is awardwinning…?
I doubt that when they talk about hatch back that is what they are referring too? Also, think that a 4 door version is needed (look at the A3 where most of the sold cars are 4 doors)
Well I like the 9-2 name better than 9-1, but that might just be me. I would guess that this means that the next 9-3 will look a lot like the 9-x for the first 2/3 of the car. I am fine with that, and with the 9-3 and 9-2 being similar cars. All in all I think this is a pretty good plan.
I agree, I think it means that the 9-3 will look a lot like the 9-x. The cool thing is that the hatch might be coming back.
Whilst I think the 9-X BH concept would make a fine Golf/A3 style hatch as the 9-1, I don’t think it will adapt well as a 9-3 or even a 9-2 hatch. A 9-3 or 9-2 hatch needs to be longer with more load carrying area like the OG9-3. Do we really want Saab to make VW Golf/Jetta style 9-2/9-3?
9-3 will never compete with A4 or 3 series – they don’t share 3/4 bodywith A3 or 1-series (admittebndly they look alike, but they are bigger!!!). 9-3 needs to be as bif=g as C-class, 3, A4 or we admitting we’re notin that space now and might as well compete against Jetta, Octavia and 159?
Every 5 years, GM changes the strategy of Saab, product development, delays, projects and so, I am really tired of this situation……… The best way to reflect that?? with a song, jejejeje
Bee Gees, Tragedy,
Here I lie
In a lost and lonely part of town
Held in time
In a world of tears I slowly drown
Goinhome
I just cant take it all alone
I really should be holding you
Holding you
Loving you loving you
Tragedy
When the feelings gone and you cant go on
Its tragedy
When the morning cries and you dont know why
Its hard to bear
With no-one to love you youre
Goin nowhere
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
Its tragedy
When the morning cries and you dont know why
Its hard to bear
With no-one to love you youre
Goin nowhere
Night and day
Theres a burning down inside of me
Burning love
With a yearning that wont let me be
Down I go
And I just cant take it all alone
I really should be holding you
Holding you
Loving you loving you
Tragedy
When the feelings gone and you cant go on
Its tragedy
When the morning cries and you dont know why
Its hard to bear
With no-one to love you youre
Goin nowhere
Tragedy
When you lose control and you got no soul
Its tragedy
When the morning cries and you dont know why
Its hard to bear
With no-one to love you youre
Goin nowhere
Regards….