Also, something that has been completely missed is the hybrid… in europe there are harly any hybrids yet and there is definately room to carv some environmental points on that, especially given the fact that GM already sell hybrids in north america so the technology is there.

I thought that there was talk that the new 9-5 was going to be the highest-tech Saab to date. It is to be the flagship.

There was talk that there would be some sort of a hybrid engine available in the 9-5.

There was talk that the 9-5 would get the same VM Motori diesel (outside the N.A. market) that Cadillac gets for the Euro-spec CTS.

These engine options look like something that would work for the 2009 9-3, but certainly not the next-gen 9-5. The next-gen 9-5 is supposed to be bigger (and therefore heavier) than the prior generation. The engines are going to have to output more power to push that weight.

No disrespect meant to Saablover, but this info doesn’t seem to pass the “smell test” to me.

If the power levels are upped from the 1.9 significantly, like it says at the top, but seeing how some of Saab’s products have gone and the money being put into the company from above I don’t know whether the advancement will be enough, and hopefully they won’t be hand-me-down engines from other companies given to the “mad swedish uncle” to use, becuase that would be sad for a company which I believe still has so much potential, and if the designers are to be believed, then the design will be brilliant. Please Saab, don’t ruin the car because of the engines, as I’m sure that could annoy alot of people here……

Fuel economy could dictate their decision. In addition, utility/storage could be another factor that influences their decision as people may buy smaller SUVs for better fuel economy but still want the room.

If that’s the case, I sure hope offers a 9-4X that is innovative (plug-in hybrid technology?).

“Insignia’s engine range.
Starting off with gasoline models, the Vectra’s successor will be offered with five petrol units: 1.6-liter with 115 Hp; 1.8-liter with 140 Hp; 1.6-liter Turbo with 180 Hp; 2.0-liter Turbo with 200 Hp and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo with 260 Hp. The Insignia’s diesel engine range will include four units: 2.0-liter available with 110, 130 and 160 Hp and a top notch 2.9-liter V6 with 250 Hp.” We don’t know for sure if Saab are just going to use the exact same set-up as Opel. The engines for Saab could and should be tweaked before launch,to create some seperation between the two brands. Think about it, if GM plans to take the Insignia upmarket and Saab offers the same power plants as a an Opel. What’s the incentive in purchasing a Saab then?

As for the 9-4x, another SUV gas guzzler might be too little too late.

So I truly beleive that if Saab can deliver a car that is worthy of the name in terms of design with engines that are smooth, effortless and economical with acceptable perfomance, then they can compete.

Most real world buyers dont look at the figures, they drive the car and buy it because it feels good and ticks their respective boxes.

300 or 400 BHP is useless if you have a lousy chassis, brakes, steering and gearbox !!

So the 9-5 must be destinctly SAAB in its look, be very comfortable, practical with a good “real world” performance.

If the new 9-5 only comes with 220HP but still weighs significantly less than the 528 & A6, then there shouldn’t be an issue with performance. In fact the 2.0T might be “right-sized” for it’s application.

It seems like the trend for all manufacturer’s is to produce vehicles that are bigger (heavier) with more HP (bigger engines typically mean worse fuel economy).

How is following the leaders considered being innovative?