There’s a news story today in Trollhattan’s local newspaper, TTELA, covering the possible return possible decision to bring convertible manufacturing to the Trollhattan plant. (Hey, I get tired from time to time – sue me! )

The report states that the contract with Magna Steyr, who currently build the convertible in Graz (Austria), will cease at the end of next year. IF Metall spokesman, Paul Akerlund, states that there’s a good chance that the Trollhattan plant will secure the production of the convertible at that time.

Production of the 9-5 will cease at Trollhattan during 2009 so the addition of the convertible would be a welcome one. In a good year, Saab produces around 18,000 convertibles, though 2008 hasn’t been a good year.

The big obstacle to getting this done is the capital investment required to tool the plant for the convertible. Getting capital is going to be difficult in the next 18 months, let alone getting capital to merely shift production of an existing vehicle. If they were adding a vehicle and thereby adding sales, it might be a bit easier.

Making the convertible at Magna Steyr imposes an additional cost to production, however, and Saab believe that the cost of re-tooling for the irresistivertable could be recouped in a reasonably short time.

The cost of re-tooling would be around 100million SKR, which isn’t heaps in automotive terms, but doesn’t grow on trees.

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The Los Angeles Auto Show has begun and despite the fact that Bob Lutz and a million other execs are missing, the Saab 9-X Air is there and on show.

If you’re in the LA area then I reckon it’d be well worthwhile getting there to see it.

This is the Saab concept car that has more excited than any other. It’s the best looking concept since the Aero X and more importantly, it contains a lot of elements that we’re likely to see in a future Saab convertible.

The LA Auto Show is on until November 30 at the LA Convention Center.

Here’s a few pics of the car in LA as picked up on Flickr. Keep scrolling down for an interesting little discussion point.

Don’t those lights look awesome?

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The Drive blog had an interesting discussion earlier today about hardtop convertibles.

Most manufacturers are moving to hardtops and I was overwhelmingly pleased to see the 9-X Air with a soft top. I’ve rarely seen a hardtop that looks natural. They almost always look a little stylistically awkward with the roof up.

Add to that the fact that a modern soft top is very well insulated both from noise and the outside elements and I can’t see why you would want to disguise the fact that your convertible’s a convertible.

Drive brought another concern into discussion today, using the Astra convertible as an example:

The neatness of the Astra’s roof, whether in situ or all clamped down, is enough to please even the most Howard Hughes-like obsessive-compulsive personality.

However, it’s enormously complex. On the way up or down, you can see an amazing assortment of panels, arms and levers that spin, swing and pivot like the phases of the moon on one of those bizarre and outrageous mechanical clocks housed in technical museums. The plethora of electric motors that you just don’t want to be responsible for in five or 10 years even extends to the boot.

Sure, soft-tops have to have motors in place as well, but the weight and stress on them has to be a lot less.

Awkward styling. Complexity. Little added benefit.

Make my Saab convertible a soft top, any day!

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UPDATED below!!!

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In Australia it was unveiled as the Spring Edition Convertible just over a week ago.

Today, SaabUSA announced it as the Special Edition, and it’ll debut at the LA Auto Show. Here’s the press release.

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Saab Celebrates 25 years of Convertibles with Special Edition

DETROIT – The first ever Saab Convertible made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall of 1983. Now, 25 years later, a Special Edition makes its American debut at the Los Angeles International auto show which opens to the public on November 22. This new version of the Saab 9-3 Convertible will be showcased in a unique bright champagne metallic color.

Saab surprised the automotive world when it pioneered the concept of a ‘four season, four-seat’ soft top Convertible. Designed to be practical and stylish, the Scandinavian-styled convertible changed the perception of open top vehicles to be used all the year round.

“Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the timeless design and responsible performance that Saab convertibles have always represented,” said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

The special edition Saab Convertible will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne. It will feature Saab’s signature 2.0-liter, 210 hp four cylinder engine and can be matched to six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Special content includes influences from the Turbo X performance model, such as the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with grey binding. Like the Aero version, the rear shows dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite grey bumper insert. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard.

Expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Saab 9-3 2.0T Special Edition Convertible will be priced starting at $ 46,725 including destination charges.

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One note about this car……

Could this be the first inkling of Hirsch appearing in the US market?

It’s a 2.0T model, but it’s available with twin exhaust pipes? There’s no 2.0T with dual exhausts in the US market, or any other market. The only way you can get twin exhausts on a four cylinder Saab is to buy a TTiD Aero or get a twin exhaust kit from Hirsch.

I won’t count on getting a straight answer, but I’d be very interested to know if Hirsch are involved in this one.

UPDATE: Dual exhaust pipes were mentioned in the 2009 Saab 9-3 model details that I published back in July. It seems it’s going to be an option on the “Sports” package that’ll be available to Aero-up your 2.0T.

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David Thomas from Cars.com has a Saab review published in the Boston Globe this weekend. The cars under the microscope are an Aero Convertible and the Turbo X and the review is interesting from a couple of perspectives.

The first point of interest is from my perspective as a reviewer of car reviews. David Thomas hasn’t been too reserved (or kind) when it comes to Saab in the past. I can recall having a couple of issues with his writeups with prior publications, but this one seems genuinely complimentary in a number of areas, whilst also maintaining a level of criticism where warranted. It’s a well rounded piece and whilst I don’t necessarily agree with some the points raised (see below), it’s worth a read.

Let’s take a look here and there:

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to like about this eccentric, turbo-powered small luxury car, especially if you’re a station wagon fan. However, the competition is tough, and the 9-3 is only a bargain when you take into account incentives, and those won’t continue indefinitely.

Wanna bet? I digress:

The 2009 versions are on sale now, and the only change is that the company’s all-wheel-drive option is now available on more trim levels. There are no other significant upgrades.

I might just be me, but I think that glosses over the XWD just a little too much. Given how much people like to moan about torque steer, I’d have thought the addition of XWD and a fuller explanation about the system is in order. Unfortunately we don’t get it here, though there is a little more about it later on.

Overall, the sedan, wagon, and convertible are all relatively handsome on their own. The convertible received the most positive remarks during my testing, but it sure didn’t elicit any head-turns from passersby.

Many Saab owners like it this way. Understated design that’s appreciated by the few who take time to really observe it – that’s much more the Saab style IMHO.

Because the Saab is an aging model, the interior appears more dated than the competition’s. In some ways I thought the interior felt cheap, especially the fit and finish along the dashboard, where major panels meet the top of the dash. You could feel a very rough cut of plastic there.

Agreed. Overall, I like the 9-3’s interior design (even if I’d be overjoyed at the return of a button dash) but it’s let down a little by some materials. That’s why I go on so much about the Hirsch leather dash. There I go again!

The rear seats in the SportCombi Turbo X I tested were plenty roomy compared with a BMW 3 Series wagon. My wife also commented on how much more room there was than in our own Subaru Outback’s backseat. We had our same child-safety seat in both cars, and it clearly fit into the Saab more easily while still allowing more seat room for passengers.

That’s an unusual but welcome compliment for the 9-3’s rear seat. If you’ve got tall people in the front, it can be a little crammed back there.

My test of the Aero was in the convertible. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Aero convertible jerked between shifts, and the turbo kicked in far too often. This is typical of turbo engines . . . from five years ago. Most newer turbo engines have wrangled in turbo lag so well that most novices won’t even notice it. Not in this Saab.

Still, when the turbo kicks in under heavy acceleration it offers a thrill that most normally aspirated engines with the same power ratings can’t replicate.

This is one bit I just don’t understand. Is it kicking in to often or lagging to much? Is it annoying or thrilling?

I think a regular Saab driver finds it to be just fine and being a Saab owner and having driven the V6 a number of times, I have to say it’s a gem. I’d like to suggest most people get used to a Saab turbo pretty quickly – and most will find it much more thrilling than annoying.

For 2008, Saab produced a limited-edition Turbo X version of its 9-3 sedan and wagon. It features a more powerful version of the turbo V-6 that packs 280 horsepower. The extra 25 horsepower is very noticeable, and if you can find one of these cars still on a lot it will be well worth testing.

For me, it’s sad that he even had to write this. There shouldn’t be any more of these for sale. What a shame.

But here’s the good bit:

The bigger engine plus all-wheel drive give the Turbo X a performance-car feel that I’ve never experienced in a Saab.

The Turbo X really is a quality vehicle in every way. It’s a shame that history might recall it more for not selling out quickly than being the introduction of a new XWD system and one of the best Saabs ever.

I’ll let you read over the rest in your own time. I’ve got issues with David’s complaints about equipment levels, though it must be said that I’ve also got complaints about the fact that you have to pay for heated seats in the US market. That’s a crime for a Saab, where heated seats should be part of the standard Scandinavian heritage.

It’s an interesting and well considered piece. Kudos, Dave.

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The Spring Edition Saab 9-3 Convertible will make it’s worldwide debut next week, right here in Australia!

Here’s the press release from GM:

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New Saab Convertible Celebrates Spring with a World Debut in Melbourne

To celebrate the arrival of spring and the season of racing, the Saab Special Edition 9-3 Aero Convertible will make its international debut at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

In keeping with the racing theme, the new convertible will be showcased outside Saab’s Flemington marquee in a unique champagne color.

For the first time in Australia, the Aero convertible will feature the 1.9-litre, 132kW TTiD diesel engine in addition to the 2.8-litre, 206kW V6 Turbo and both engine variants can be matched to six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The 16-valve two-stage turbo engine meets a growing demand from drivers unwilling to sacrifice performance in the interests of fuel economy. Among the best in its class, the TTiD Aero convertible is fuel efficient with 5.9/100km for the manual and 6.9/100km for the automatic.

The Special Edition also features many of the outstanding exterior characteristics which premiered on its stunning stablemate the Turbo X to include 18” wheels in silver, bold front bumper treatments and sports steering wheel.

The interior highlights a modern carbon fibre décor and 60th anniversary floor coverings [SW: ahem??].

Saab surprised the automotive world when it pioneered the concept of a ‘four season, four-seater’ soft top Convertible more than 25 years ago. Designed to be practical and stylish, the Scandinavian-styled convertible changed the perception of open top vehicles to be used all the year round.

“Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the fantastic design and performance that Saab convertibles have always represented” said Parveen Batish, Director of GM Premium Brands.

The convertible will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne.

On sale in November, the Saab Special Edition 9-3 Convertible will be priced starting at $95,000, plus dealer delivery and government charges.

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I don’t know who the lady is, but these are the other two photos that came with the press release.

I have three things to say about this:

1) Very nice car. Very nice.

2) $95,000?!

3) 60th Anniversary floor coverings?????!!!

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I’ve been travelling and internet access has been just a little sporadic, hence I’m not across all the details of this story like I should be, but it seems to me that the inmates are running the asylum where the 9-X Air and its associated news items are concerned.

First there’s the drip feed as far as official documentation and imagery is concerned. Saab, rather than waiting for the Paris Motor Show, set GM’s 100th birthday as The Date for 9-X Air information. When that date came along, there was precious little available at GM Media and all the imagery came courtesy of the Swedish motoring press, who had been granted access to the car in previous weeks.

Official information is now available. I don’t have time to post all the official images as we’re heading into downtown Victoria today for a bit of touring, but here’s the link for all the images, which you’re able to download.

Then there’s the 9-4x Saab Chile fiasco (now apparently not the official 9-4x, just some guys in Chile messing around – but it’s still a fiasco that it would show up on a site linked by Saab Global). I’m not sure who’s responsible for that one, but constructing a test site live on the web and expecting it to remain undiscovered isn’t exactly the wisest decision, especially if it’s linked to your main global site.

Now, in a third instalment, we have the Saab Global site looking like a dog’s breakfast and posting details of a Saab 9-3 convertible special edition that I’m not sure are supposed to be released yet.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible “Air Edition”

Here’s how the page looks this morning. I think there’s a problem with the CSS at the global site. I’ve tried this on FF3 and on IE7 and neither are working properly.

Let’s put aside the site problems, however, and focus on the nitty gritties.

A month or so ago, some spies in Trollhattan sent through a photo of this ‘unknown’ Saab 9-3 convertible, the photo being taken in the car park of Saab’s facilities there. I think we can safely say now that it’s a 9-3 Convertible Air Edition.

What confused us about the photo was the odd yellow color. It wasn’t the now defunct Lime Yellow, nor is it the new Lynx Yellow. It looks to me like it could be Bright Champagne metallic, though, which is one of the three signature colors for the Air Edition.

The Saab 9-3 convertible Air Edition will feature many of the trim pieces from the Saab Turbo X. The 18″ wheels are finished in silver rather than the two-tone finish of the Turbo X. It’ll also feature interior elements from the Turbo X, though some of these are hard to discern due to the website’s rendering problems.

The car will be available with a number of ‘Aero’ engines, though the markets where the full range of engines are not identified on the global site. You’ll need to check locally when more information is available.

The engines mentioned on the site are:

- the 280hp 2.8T V6
- the 210hp 2.0T four
- the 180hp TTiD
- the 200hp BioPower 2.0t

So what we have here is basically a special edition of the 9-3 Convertible, which will probably be made available some time nearer to the Paris Motor Show when the 9-X Air is seen for real.

Oh, and the other thing we have here is further evidence that Saab could still use some help co-ordinating their internet presence and developing their web-based following.

Just sayin’.

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Our friend(s) on the inside have been busy. Today we have word that the Turbo X wheels are going to continue, though Turbo X owners will be pleased to note it will be in a different form. We’ve also got some samples of new colors for you to peruse.

Vehicles with Turbo X styled wheels (we need a name for these wheels) have been seen in the proximity of the Trollhattan plant, said to be XWD V6 Aero models, though I have a photo below that suggests it might be a wider release than that. Note that these wheels are a single color, rather than the two tone found on the Turbo X. I’m sure some of the single color versions will find their way into private paint shops pretty quickly

Did I say photos?!! Absolutely. Click away.

And here’s the new Carbon Grey Metallic in a Saab cgi, with another set of very nice rims

And this could well be Glass Grey Metallic.

Thanks to Djup Strupe for keeping the information rolling in!!

That Carbon Metallic color looks pretty darn spectacular i you ask me. I’ll take two of ‘em!

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Still off with the flu. Am in DVD-watching mode. Today it’s Charlie Wilson’s War.

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When I write about it (back on June 19), it’s a rumour. Now Automotive News cover it, it’s a fact.

General Motors, citing the weak U.S. dollar, is ending its 7 percent employee discount on the Saab 9-3 sedan for the 2009 model year…..a Detroit area dealer who asked not to be identified says employee discounts account for nearly 40 percent of his annual sales.

The trials of being just a blogger.

Thanks Los Jalops

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Time for some Swedish product news for 2009….

Saab 9-3: As some have observed from different photos floating around, there are a new set of roof-rails (from the BLS) in chrome finish that will be available. The black (old-version) rails will only be optional for the Linear-model.

The Aero range for 2009 will consist of the the 2.8 V6 with 280hp, with both XWD and FWD available and the 1.9 TTiD. In addition there will also be an Aero trim available for the 2.0t BioPower! Saab has declared that in the future all high-performance engines in each fuel-class will be available in Aero trim.

Saab 9-5: The Aero-range will consist of the 2.3T 260 HP version, as well as the all new 2.3t 210 HP BioPower Aero.

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Some more 2009 info from Djup Strupe, who’s recently had a brief stint behind the wheel of a 2.0T with XWD.

He said it was a firm test-pilot favourite. Whilst it doesn’t have the full-tilt power or the sweet noise of the V6, it’s got plenty of zip and being a bit lighter, it was a LOT of fun to drive with less understeer and a little more agility than the Turbo X.

I still think making the eLSD unavailable for the 2.0T is a mistake, but I also think there’s going to be a lot to like about this setup. It can’t come soon enough.

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It’d be somewhat akin to Nero fiddling if I were to carry on blogging about Saabs and didn’t mention the drop in GM’s stock price today.

Merryll Lynch made some negative remarks about GM and as a result, GM stock fell below $10 for the first time in a bazillion years as the market got nervous. The sharks are circling. Farago’s now reminding me of the Darkseeker leader at the end of I Am Legend, such is his single-mindedness towards GM’s destruction.

Yep, there’s trouble out there, all right. But I don’t think it’s the end right now. Not at all. Not for GM, at least. If something’s going to give, it’s going to be Chrysler. They have no money, no real and vested management interest and most importantly – no product at all.

GM have to get smarter and get tough to ride this one out and they’ve GOT to put aside the crap culture that saw them relying on an unsustainable model mix all these years. They’ve had their own butts handed to them by their competition from Asia and if they don’t take heed then they really do deserve to go down.

But I think there’s enough brain cells in the board room to realise this and I’m sure they already do. It’s a big ship they’re trying to turn around here. It isn’t going to be done in one short period.

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