Saab at the 2008 Paris Motor Show
The Paris Motor Show is almost upon us, starting on October 4th and continuing through to October 19th.
Saab can look forward to a great show with plenty for people to see. All the hype, naturally, has been about the Saab 9-X Air concept vehicle, which does look absolutely stunning and I’m sure it’ll set the show alight. But that’s not the only new car that I expect Saab to show in Paris - Yes it is. I’ve just received word that it’ll be the 9-X Air only in Paris.
We’ve seen most of what there is to see with the Saab 9-X Air, although they’ve still got a trick up their sleeve: they’re yet to show the actual roof mechanism in action. Early reports indicated that they held this back because of patent concerns, but I’m not so sure. I think they just held it back for the sake of holding it back. Showing pictures of the car two weeks ago has built a lot of anticipation. Withholding the roof mechanism means that we’ve still got something to look forward to.
So what’s the other vehicle I expect to see at the Saab stand in Paris?
It’s the one we’re tentatively calling the Saab 9-3x - a raised and body-cladded XWD version of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi. Here are the preview pictures I broke here at Trollhattan Saab back in July this year:
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Here’s the brief coverage I provided about this vehicle at that time:
For those who are unfamiliar with this future model, the car is being referred to for the time being as the Saab 9-3x. Saab showed a concept car with the same name around 7 years ago, but this car is no relation to that concept.
The Saab 9-3x seen here is what you might consider as a Saab response to an Audi Allroad or a Subaru wagon. It’s raised by approx 30mm, is fitted with Saab’s groundbreaking Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) as well as some scuff plating at the front and rear, twin exhaust, some cladding on the sides and some bling here and there.
Whilst the earlier mail had the car debuting in London this month (July 08), recent speculation from Auto Motor and Sport in Sweden has the car showing at the Paris Motor Show in October.
I think this is going to be a fantastic addition to the Saab range. Hopefully they’ll make it available with a full engine range. I could well imagine a TTiD version of this selling like hotcakes in Europe, but given that Saab haven’t managed to combine XWD with the TTiD before now, I’m doubtful.
Anyway, not long to go now. Roll on, Paris!
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Great idea and well executed on first looks. Same thing should happen to the new 95. Its an obvious line extension with minimal R&D spend that opens up more market segments. Appeals nicely to the outdoor image that Saab has ( along with Volvo/Audi/Subaru). Would work particularly well with TTID but also 2.0T or 2.8V6.
I don’t think you need an Aero in this config - keep that as a road-based performance model.
I’d buy one.
Hopefully the raised body will give them the room to combine diesel with the XWD system as it has been the packaging issue that has held them back. Looking forward to all the news from the show.
I can only hope we’ll see a production-ready 9-3X in Paris. It’s one car my family and I could seriously consider buying given the right pricing (+ incentives of course).
I love the 9-X concepts but am getting tired of seeing nothing BUT concepts from Saab these days. The 9-4X is a given by now so it’s simply a matter of time, as is the next 9-5. But as the bread & butter model (and the fact that the next replacement may come as late as 2012/13), the 9-3 line NEEDS the 9-3X to flush out more segments. If only there’s a 2-dr coupe to add to the range, the 9-3 could be a full brand to its own !
Crossing fingers ………
SAAB needs a small car like the 9X,my local saab dealer of 30 years is about to lose its franchise this December because it can no longer afford to buy and pre register cars and sell them at a loss plus incentives of course. I cannot name it yet since it has not been announced but I have bought two new saabs and many used cars from them and had fantastic support I am gutted that such an excellent dealer should be forced to go because they are forced to buy cars they cannot sell at a profit.
“Yes it is. I’ve just received word that it’ll be the 9-X Air only in Paris.”
Once again Saab disappoints on the new product introduction front
I have a ‘08 9-3 and will be probably switching in to a new car late 2010. If Saab hasn’t introduced any interesting products (not concepts!) by then, it’s bye-bye Saab! Sad, but by any other brands measurements there would be plenty of time…
While the 9-X Air is a lovely car isnt it about time we got some new models?
Cant wait for the Geneva Auto Show when they actually have a new production car on the Saab stand. And before anyone asks I can take pictures and give you a full rundown on wht she looks like in the flesh.
Moosex, unfortunately, that is my position. After 2 years lease with my 06 9-3 wagon 1.9 150 Vector Sport, I am reluctantly leaving Saab for a while. I see no model in the current line-up that warrants my hard-earned cash and have decided to take a 12-month lease on a complete wild-card choice, wait for it, a Chrysler 300c V6CRD Touring estate. Why? It’s cheap, very cheap to lease, its huge and it’ll be fun for a change. Maybe after 12 months of that I’ll again appreciate the finely designed Saab cockpit (I know the Chrysler is rather crudely designed inside).
I’m really hoping by next winter the 9-4x is available or maybe even the 9-5 (if it affordable). But the 9-3 for me is losing attraction month by month. Fine as the facelift was, I fear it is already a familiar sight and aging like Joan Rivers, how it going to look in 4 years’ time when the next gen is suggested to be ready (if we’re lucky?). The 9-3 by then will make the current 9-5 look like a spring chicken.
I have had Saabs in my family all my life and it saddens me to be leaving when I know they need me, but I can’t single handedly shore-up the aging belly of GM, I just hope the new lifelines are in place in 12 months!