Category Archives: Saab Aero-X

Saab Aero-X

Saab 9x vs Saab Aero-X – interiors

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The recent posts on Saab design, and the comparison between the Aero-X and Saab 9x concepts from a birds-eye view both cught the imagination of some.

I’ve gone looking for other similarities and……well…..to be honest they’re not that similar. The Saab 9x is more of a utilitarian vehicle. One that they could tidy up a little and actually make if they wanted to. I hope they do so as a 9-1. The Aero-X is a totally mind-blowing eyepopper and won’t ever see a production model that’s remotely close to the real thing.

I decided to post these interior shots, as they’re about as close as the two concpets get. As you can see, the middle tunnel is retained, as is the cool interior lighting ideas. The center consoles are both pretty big, though the Aero-X’s seems to flow a bit more and was certainly a peaceful place to hang out when I got to sit in it.

Both dashboards are dominated by a single-instrument display in the center.

So for what it’s worth, here are the two interiors – the Saab 9x first and the Aero-X following. Click the pics to enlarge.

Saab 9x

Saab 9x

Saab Aero-X

Saab Aero-X

Rachel Hunter hangs out with the Aero-X

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Rachel HunterThe latest GM Style event was held recently in Dubai.

GM Style sees a bunch of celebrities parading themselves with GM’s latest models and concept cars. I’m not really sure what else goes on, if it’s a fashion parade or something else, but people pay to attend and the proceeds go to charity.

At the Dubai event, proud Kiwi and former Mrs Rod Stewart – Rachel Hunter – took to the catwalk to accompany the Aero-X.

GM Style Dubai, a unique event that combined a bevy of A-list celebrities alongside some of the most sensational vehicles General Motors has produced in its 100 years of design innovation, took place in front of a packed house.

The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of Dubai Financial Centre and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Autism Centre.

The celebrities donated their time in support of this worthy cause, which received proceedings from ticket sales. As a responsible company with great respect for its local community, GM handpicked the Dubai Autism Centre as its cause célébre because of the valuable work it does for less-fortunate children in the emirate.

It seems the rest of the celebrities were more local in nature, with an Egyptian actresses and various other Middle Eastern celebs in attendance.

Again, I don’t really see the point, but I guess I don’t have to. As long as it’s helping autistic kids in Dubai, then all the better.

Rachel Hunter

Anthony Lo takes out designer award

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The aero-X is still kicking goals for Saab, 20 months after its release!

Some press stuff just released today from GM:

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GME Designer Anthony Lo has been named Asian Designer of the Year at the ELLE Magazine Style Awards 2007 in Hong Kong. He was honored for his work on the Saab Aero X concept, which was presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006.

Alex Lo

Anthony Lo was named Director of Advanced Design, GM Europe, in August 2004. He heads the GM Europe Advanced Design organization, which is responsible for all Opel, Saab and Vauxhall advanced design activities. He was born in Hong Kong, China on December 26, 1964. Lo studied Industrial Design at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and holds a Master’s degree in Transportation Design from the Royal College of Art in London, England. He became Chief Designer for Advanced Design at Saab Automobile AB in October 2000 after holding a similar position at Mercedes Benz Advanced Design. Lo oversaw the design of the Saab 9X, 9-3X, 9-3 Sport Hatch and Aero X concept cars, as well as the 2007 Opel GTC Concept and Opel Flextreme from concept to production.

Saab Aero X concept first presented at Geneva Motor Show in 2006

The unusual two-seat sports coupé – clearly inspired by the brand’s aircraft heritage – features a glass cockpit canopy that opens to allow passengers to enter. It was named “Best of Show” at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show by editors of U.S. motoring magazine AutoWeek, and “Concept Car of the Year” by Autocar, Britain’s oldest car magazine.

And as fine and dapper as Anthony looks in a suit, I’m betting you’d rather look at the Aero-X, the car that Alex and his mates at Saab put together. I think that might even be one of the co-designers, Alex Daniel, behind the wheel!

The 9-3s and Aero-X at Sewell Saab

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Sewell Saab in Dallas recently had an evening event to launch the 2008 Saab 9-3.

Apparently the assembled crowd had a great night. As you’ll see here the cars looked brilliant, and the Sewell Saab showroom certainly set the scene nicely.

Ubermich was there and managed to snap off a few shots.

2008 Saab 9-3

Click the following shots to enlarge:

Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3

And what’s more, they had the SaabUSA replica of the Aero-X in attendance as well.

Saab Aero-X replica

Now, there was a bit of a kerfuffle about this. Apparently some people weren’t too happy that there were photos of this floating around. Well, close-up photos at least. This replica has obviously been made with a view to it being seen, but some people don’t think it should be seen up close.

It’s a replica. The important point is that people appreciate being able to see the design language that’s going to shape Saabs in the future. They get to see it in 3D, right in front of them. The fact that it’s a replica only becomes an issue if you try and hide it. I liked seeing it so much that I made a new wallpaper out of it.

So enjoy seeing the Aero-X replica, as much of it as could be photographed, in a beautiful setting. Now the curiosity’s over, let’s forget about it.

Saab Aero X

Saab Aero-X

Saab Aero-X

Saab Aero X

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Aero-X was at Sewell Saab, just don’t expect any pictures – NOT

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It turns out that these photos of the Aero-X copy at the SOC might be highly prized and valuable in the future as photos of the model are apparently a no-no.

The model is currently at Sewell Saab in Dallas, where they’re having a big soirée for the launch of the 2008 Saab 9-3. I’ve posted about this function previously, and having seen that, an unnamed local thought he’d drop in and take a look.

Brandishing his camera, our Saab enthusiast visitor was asked to refrain from photographing the car as they don’t want high quality images of the model being circulated via the internet. Crappy cameraphone pics are apparently OK.

Look, Saab people…..

What you’ve got is a model of the Aero-X. It’s not the real thing and people know that. It’s made of wood and plastic. We understand that. It’s meant to be a prop and show the outer design only. We get it.

Why the ban?

Haven’t you heard the stories about prohibition from the early 20th century?

Let people get excited about it and photograph it, for goodness sakes! So one or two people might see a image and not realise it’s a model only. Big deal. It’ll create a lot more curiosity by being seen than it will animosity for being a model only.

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UPDATE – a bunch of pics are on their way. As Saab are fond of saying – stay tuned!

The US Aero-X

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Following on from the earlier post featuring the Aero-X appearing at the Renaissance Center in Detroit yesterday, Wulf from SaabMedia has sent in a few pictures that he shot of the car at the Saab Owner’s Convention.

I mentioned some curiosity as to whether the replica was a detailed one. Gripen opined that it wasn’t, and we can now confirm that’s the case with these photos.

Click to enlarge.

Saab Aero-X Replica

Saab Aero-X Replica

As mentioned in the previous post, this not a matter of any importance, just a mere curiosity. The replica’s intention is obviously as a display piece and its accurate reproduction on the outside pulls that off with aplomb.

Thanks Wulf, for helping to solve the briefest of mysteries.

Saab Aero-X

Aero-X making appearances

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The website’s been done up, the emails are going out to customers. Today, GM’s own people at the Ren Cen got their look at the 2008 Saab 9-3.

Not only were the 2008 Saab 9-3s there, but the Aero-X was there as well.

Saab Aero-X

I imagine this must be the new replica Aero-X that was shown at the SOC. It’s good they’ve got a second one to wheel around now, though I’m curious as to how complete it is compared to the original. Does it have the working canopy and electricals inside etc?

No big deal, either way, I’m just curious.

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The Aero-X is also going to be making an appearance in Dubai next month.

November 11 sees GM hosting it’s first ever Middle East version of the GM Style event that they’ve put on for the last few years, the last one being held in Detroit back in January to coincide with the NAIAS.

A number of GM concept cars will be making the trip, including the Volt (won’t the oil tycoons love that one?) and the Aussie-based Holden Efijy.

Here’s some video of the Detroit event, notable for not only a few decent cars, but also Australia’s own Wolfmother in the soundtrack, accompanying Carmen Electra, no less. It’s a little difficult for a simply Aussie boy to understand the point behind all this, but what the heck.

See the Aero-X in Dallas (and the MY08 9-3)

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Sewell Saab – with three showrooms in the greater Dallas area – are having an event to show off the new 2008 Saab 9-3. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, it’ll be a great opportunity.

But even more exciting for some will be what might be their first up-close glimpse of the Saab Aero-X concept car.

I assume this is the replica that’s now been made and was shown off at the Saab Owners Convention back in August. Replica or not, it’s one heck of a sight.

This was emailed to me by both David W and Christian C. I assume Sewell would be happy for me to show the invitation here for the benefit of those who mightn’t have received one. The more the merrier, I say.

Saab Aero X