GM want to keep their international ops out of the US spotlight, so it’s to be expected that there won’t be much on the Saab stand next year that we haven’t seen already.

The fact that there won’t be anything brand new for Saab was pretty much confirmed by a promotional email I received from the NAIAS earlier today:

……the highly competitive nature of the industry means most manufacturers keep plans secretive until the show draws closer. Until then, anticipation continues to build for the innovation, technology and creativity on the horizon.

An overview of some of the excitement set for 2009 includes:

* General Motors confirmed it will hold the world debut of three new production vehicles, scheduled for arrival in showrooms in the near future. GM will premiere the 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan, the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover and the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox compact sport utility.
* Ford promises some show-stoppers but is playing coy on details just yet. Company executives are teasing the media with hints that the models being shown for the first time in Detroit will be the next step in Ford’s future global design direction.
* Chrysler will hold three world debuts. The automaker is keeping details of those secret until closer to showtime.
* Toyota revealed it will use NAIAS 2009 as the stage to unveil its much-anticipated next-generation Prius hybrid. In addition to the 2010 Toyota Prius, Toyota also will unveil to the world a new Lexus hybrid.
* Honda, likewise, will unveil a hybrid – its equally anticipated – 2010 Honda Insight.
* The always-popular Mini will hold the world reveal of its new Cooper convertible.
* Kia plans the world debut of a new concept vehicle.
* Volkswagen promises the debut of a green but sexy model.
* Mazda unveils the five-door version of its highly successful Mazda3.
* Chinese automakers BYD and Brilliance Auto plan new model debuts as well.

In addition, the traditional crowd-pleasing luxury cars will shine at the NAIAS 2009:

* Audi plans at least two world debuts, including the premiere of a new production model and a concept strongly hinting at a future production car.
* Bentley will hold the world introduction of a new model, details of which are being withheld until a future date.
* BMW will only say it has major product news for the show. More on the specifics later.
* Maserati will show off its Grand Turismo S to the world.

That sounds like an impressive list, but remember that a whole slew of manufacturers have pulled out of the Detroit show already, and that means the NAIAS people are scrambling to promote the show as much as they can. Hence, the tell-all-they-can emails doing the rounds so far.

Saab will show the 9-3x early next year, but with Detroit off the table, it looks like it’ll definitely be Geneva.

The Saab stand probably won’t be empty at the Detroit show, however. The Saab 9-X Air just finished up at the LA Auto show and is now on the east coast for the Boston Auto Show (December 3-7). I imagine they’ll keep it around to liven up the Saab stand in Detroit.

The show is on from January 11 to 25.

——

——

Last night, I posted here about the LA Auto Show, how it wasn’t far away, and how you should get there if you want to see the Saab 9-X Air concept vehicle.

This morning, I wake up and see this:

General Motors has made the L.A. Auto Show shine a little less brightly.

The cash-starved automaker said today that it would cancel its only news conference at the annual event, originally planned as the North American debut of the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid Convertible. The executive who was to conduct the reveal of the concept car, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, also will not be attending the show, which opens to the public Nov. 21.

The company described the cutback as a cost-saving measure. In the third quarter, GM burned through cash so quickly — about $2.3 billion per month — that executives predicted that, without outside help, it would run out of cash sometime in the first two quarters of next year….

…..The Saab concept car had its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. Last year, GM debuted three cars at the L.A. show. The fact that it will debut zero vehicles in the single largest auto market in the U.S. is another reminder of the industry’s dire situation.

That’s how bad it’s getting, people.

If you’re in LA, looks like you miss out. I think all the coming US motor shows are going to miss out, too, except for Detroit.

I took that first LA Times report to mean that they’d cancelled the 9-X Air’s appearance all together. when the headline reads “GM Cancels LA Auto Show Debut” you can easily figure it’s more than just a cancelled news conference.

Apparently that’s all it is and the 9-X Air will still be showing. There won’t be any trumpets or marching bands, that’s all. From the Detroit News:

General Motors Corp. has scrapped plans to hold a news conference during next week’s Los Angeles Auto Show and to send Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, a cost-cutting move that comes as the automaker faces questions about its financial future…..

….GM will still have North American premieres of the Saab 9-X Air concept vehicle and Chevrolet Volt electric extended-range vehicle.

The automaker earlier dropped plans to unveil its Buick LaCrosse in L.A. GM will still have vehicles on display during the auto show and is using the same amount of floor space, Fosgard said.

The public “probably won’t even notice a difference,” he said.

I don’t get it, though. They’ll have space, they’ll have the cars. Why does it cost so much to have Bob Lutz come in and say a few words? Does he get an appearance fee, like Tiger Woods at a golf tournament?

Please explain, Bob.

Heck, I’ll come over and announce it. Wouldn’t that be a novelty? Have a complete stranger do your debut announcement for you.

I’ll even fly economy, GM

–

The day got underway with a gathering at 10am in the carpark of our local Saab dealer, Motors Saab. They opened the showroom and served some morning tea, giving all and sundry the chance to say Hi, giving people the chance to catch up once again and new folks an opportunity to get acquainted.

We set off shortly afterwards for a magnificent drive on some very picturesque B-roads, finally ending up in an old country town called Ross, where a hearty lunch was had and where yours truly had the good fortune to win a new Saab watch (the fact that Lance, as the guest of honor, drew my number out of a hat had nothing to do with it )

None of that makes up the real story of today’s trip, however.

Yes, we had a good time enjoying one another’s company and yes, all who wanted to got a chance to drive the Turbo X (more on that tomorrow) but there were two main local stories to come out of today.

The first one is the effort and support that the club received for this day from our local dealer, Stewart Edwards from Motors Saab in Hobart.

Motors provided five vehicles for the trip, so there was plenty of stopping and swapping of cars. People got the chance to drive various 2007 and 2008 Saab 9-3s, including TiDs, a 2.0t, the TTid and of course, the Turbo X. Motors also paid for the meal we all enjoyed at the Man O Ross Hotel.

This is the first solid connection that our club has had with out local dealership in a number of years, certainly since our main contact there, Tony B, left the dealership. There was a real sense of goodwill and relationship in the air, a real thankfulness for the support we received and I’m sure this will be the first of a number of events that give both Motors Saab and the Club an opportunity for a positive and rewarding experience.

If you’re running a car club, get your local dealer involved. It’s the best thing you can do.

The other main story was the two-pronged diesel Saab range – the TiD and the TTiD. Many of the people attending hadn’t had the opportunity to drive either of Saab’s diesel vehicles prior to today; the TTiD in particular. Both engines received a lot of praise from everyone who drove them.

I always find this sort of situation refreshing. As someone who’s driven them a number of times before, it’s easy to put on my “been there, done that” T-shirt and give the TiD a respectful nod with nary another word about how truly capable the car is. When you listen to someone for whom the TiD really is a revelation, it reminds you of those things you’ve glossed over.

The TiD really is a great engine and makes for an effortless cruising vehicle. And the TTiD? Well, it just takes it all up another notch.

We had a TTiD Aero sedan in Snow Silver for the day. I didn’t get to drive that one today, but I heard a number of very complimentary conversations going on between those who’d just got out of it and those who’d driven it earlier in the day.

These diesel Saabs are still quite new here in Australia and many are being exposed to a modern diesel for the first time. It’s great see how well people are reacting to it and I’m sure today’s drive created some interest amongst those in attendance.

As a blogger interested in Saab’s presence all around the world, I’ve got to admit being very interested in what the reaction would be if we were able to hold a day like this in markets where Saab diesels aren’t sold as yet. I’m sure they’d be very well received.

——

On a personal note, I’m compelled to reveal that my favourite car of the day wasn’t the Turbo X, nor Craig Y’s brutal Maptun-tuned Saab 9-5 Aero wagon, or even Drew B’s 900 Turbo S, which was shining like a diamond once again.

For me, the most stirring moment of the day was seeing and riding in one of Saabill’s 1979 model 99 Turbos once again. Bill owns two Marble White 99T’s, one of which used to belong to me. Seeing this one cruising around again almost took my breath away.

Photo: Lance Cole

This was the first Saab Turbo. It has a funky interior, a purposeful looking exterior, a real Turbo badge on the back and a real, top-mounted boost guage on the dash. It is, in every way, exactly the car the designers and engineers wanted it to be.

I think Saab could learn a little from that. More on that later, too.

——

Thanks to Drew B for organising a fantastic outing, and thanks again to Motors Saab for their cherished support. Making connections like this can only help the club, the brand and the dealership.

–

This weekend, the Saab 9-X Air convertible concept will be on show for the first time at the Saab Museum in Trollhattan. The brief advertisement I received this morning from Peter Backstrom at the Saab Museum reads as follows:

Saab 9-X Air Concept Car Weekend
Saab Car Museum, Trollhättan Sweden, October 25-26.

Take the opportunity to see the concept car Saab 9-X Air when it lands in Trollhättan after
the premiere at the Paris motor show!

Open Saturday-Sunday 10.00-17.00. Free Entrance!

That’s Saturday and Sunday and FREE entry both days. Excellent!!

Maybe they’ll do another photoshoot a-la the one they did a few months ago with the 9-X BioHybrid and the 9-4x concept? Those two 9-Xs would look very smart posed together, I’ll bet.

Anyway, if you’re anywhere near Trollhattan, you have no excuses. And even if you’re not near Trollhattan, just jump on a cheap RyanAir flight or something and say hello to the staff at the Swania for me.

——

And in response to Peter’s email about this exhibition, I replied to him asking if there’s any word yet as to dates for the 2009 Saab Festival in Trollhattan.

2008 is drawing to a close and I’d have thought the program would be set by now.

I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something.

-

——

Swedish Car Day number 9 (so appropriate) took place in Brookline Massechusetts last weekend. Non-Brookline native, Saab traveller and regular commenter here at TS, Greg Abbott, has posted a brief gallery of images online.

I’m not sure what sort of numbers they got there this year but it looks like a decent turnout. There’s certainly a good variety of cars there and if you’ve got a relatively sunny day and a goodly number of Saabs in attendance, then you’ve got no reason to whine like a nancy-boy in short pants, have you? Personally, I’d be happy just to have a chance to attend multiple events like this per year and within driving distance of home, but that’s just me.

Swedish Car Day was sponsored by Charles River Saab (who used to have their own blog, sadly now defuct) and Boston Village Volvo, both of which are part of the Village Auto Group in Boston. I’m sure they had an Ovlov display there, too, but I know they had a Turbo X tent in attendance. I hope it was enjoyed by all who saw it. Shame it’s still available to see rather than in private hands, though.

Here’s a few of Greg’s photos. I’m sure more will drift in as the week passes.

UPDATE: Here’s a SCD09 gallery from the organisers of the event.

——

And from the Picasa album loaded up by the SCD09 organisers: woohaa!!!

-

Swedish Car Day is this Sunday (two days from now here in North America) the 19th of October. This one should be very special for we Saabisti since it’s number nine.

According to the organizer’s website, Swedish Car Day is a joint project of the legendary Charles River Saab dealership and a similarly revered Volvo dealer, both in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area. See here for the full story.

Previous editions of Swedish Car Day have resulted in some great photo ops for those who care about that sort of thing, and heaps of well-cared-for Saabs to gawk at if you aren’t into photography.

As a great side benefit, the Swedish Car Day will once again take place on the grounds of the Larz Anderson Motor Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. It appears that there is an entrance fee, but that also includes entry to the museum which houses some turn-of-the-century (I’m talking 1900′s here) automobiles that I’d love to see.

This event is sure to draw some great Saabs from all around New England, so if you’re in the area I’d advise you to take a few minutes to visit and peruse the vintage Swedish iron on display.

Oh, and you should wear your TS t-shirt, silly.

The other is IntSaab, which is held every year in a different country. In 2008 at Latvia’s turn, and in 2009 the Dutch will be hosting Saab Clubs from around Europe and Saab nuts from around the world in what’s sure to be an epic event.

Here’s something I didn’t know: Saab Club Nederland were the first Saab Club in the world and now have around 2,000 members. They’ll be hosting next year’s event, which will double as a 50th Anniversary celebration for the club. The tentative schedule has been released over at the IntSaab 2009 website.

The base for the 2009 IntSaab event is going to be Doesburg, which looks like it’s around 150km from Amsterdam. It looks like nice countryside, too. Perfect for a drive in a Saab.

I’ll be lucky to make it Trollhattan next year, let alone to this event. But if you’re in the neighborhood you should mark it on your calendar. I’m sure it’s going to be one great event.

–

Thanks to Robin M for the tip!

–

When we organised this event, I was bouyed by the interest of the three clubs involved: the Saab Club of Western Canada, the Saab Club of Seattle, and the Northwest Saab Owners Club. Responses to me personally were a little light, though, and I thought that we’d get maybe a dozen or as many as fifteen cars along for the meet. This is North America, though, and everything’s supersized here. My expectations were blown out of the water with the final tally of vehicles.

We started the day with the Canadian Saabers meeting up at the Coquitlam Ikea store. A number of them had to work, or perhaps were put off by the full-day nature of the event. Consequently, we only had three cars in the carpark there. We pulled up in our 9-3 loaner vehicle from Dueck Saab and Saturn just after 9am to find SaabKen and Todd waiting in the carpark.

Todd was kind enough to come down and meet us even though he was unable to attend the event due to a birthday commitment that day. His 2006 9-3 Aero was an excellent example and he had nothing but good things to say about it. Like a friend of mine back in Hobart, he chose this model specifically for the combination of the V6 motor and the button dashboard and has been a very happy camper ever since. Whilst Todd’s dad has had a number of Saabs, Todd’s virtually a new Saab customer having owned mainly VWs since owning a Saab 99 as his first car.

After a decent chat at Ikea (and a Saab 9-7x spotted as we left the Ikea car park), we finally made our way to the Aldergrove border crossing, where I noted that a particular Saab Central moderator sports a set of Saabnet number plate surrounds on his 9000 CSE – tres political!!

It should be noted by those interested in such things that when loaded with an appropriately sized cup from a Swedish-themed venue, the Saab 9-3′s controversial cupholders performed with aplomb.

After crossing the border we had a pretty gentle drive down to Bellingham, where we paused for some refreshment and used the ladies washroom due to some doofus taking 15 minutes in the mens. Then it was on to the ominously titled but beautiful Chukunut Drive, heading south out of Bellingham.

We passed one house with three or four Saab 9000s in the driveway along Chukunut. I felt like stopping and asking them why they weren’t accompanying us, but each to their own, I guess.

I’d have loved to fly along this route, but we got held up in traffic along the way. Still, I guess it gave us more time to enjoy the beautiful Washington surrounds.

After the Chukunut adventure, Ken realised that we were running a little late for our 3pm rendezvous at XXX Root Beer in Issaquah, so we had to motor. That meant Ken leading the way at considerable speed and us trying to keep up as he weaved his way in and out of four lanes of traffic. Here’s our target, and this was about as close as we got to him in the next few hours!

Note: at least one and quite possibly two Saab 9-2x were spotted as we made our way south.

As we got close to our target, we spotted what looked like a couple of Saab OG9-3′s heading in the same direction. I’ll explain the “what looked like” bit shortly. We played musical Saabs for a few miles before settling in and following them to our destination at XXX Root Beer. It was here that my expectation of maybe 15 Saabs was blown out of the water.

There must have been at least 15 there already. The four in our convoy would make it close to 20 and more were rolling up very shortly thereafter. Prior to our later drive around the Saab Club of Seattle’s “flogging route” the number was tallied at 24 cars.

I have to apologise to some because I was so swept up in the whole day that there’s some cars that I probably forgot to include. Not to mention that my photos are really just snapshots rather than nicely composed. There was just so much to see, though, and so many Saab people to meet and talk to.

Some (but definitely not all) of the notable vehicles in attendance were as follows:

A Saab 9000 running on the stock Turbo and stock ECU and pushing well over 300hp. Note the little red switch on the dash. That’s the volume button and the car goes up to 11 when you flick that switch.

Nitrous.

Mag-X drove all the way up from Oregon to attend this event in his 1976 Saab 99GL. He said the ride around the flogging loop was the hardest he’d ever pushed the little car. Like me, he was from out of town and would have been completely lost if he hadn’t kept pace with the pack!

This Saab 96 was owned by an older gent named Dick, who took out the award for most Saabs owned over time amongst attendees at the event. This is one of the 33 Saabs he’s had over his lifetime.

This Saab 99 Turbo brought back some very fond memories for me, having owned a few of them in the past. We never got this gunmetal grey color in Australia, though. I don’t think my photo will do it justice, but it looked superb.

The TeamD Saab 900 was featured in an earlier group photo. They bought this car for $250 and then prepped it for the Alcan Rally, a 5,000 mile trek from Washington to northern Canada and back. It didn’t miss a beat.

Here’s the interior with all the rally gear installed.

Here’s a great example of a much overlooked car – the four door Saab 900 sedan. Dennis L bought this one brand new as a graduation present to himself back in the late 1980s. He’s still got it and some mild refreshing of the car a few years ago turned into almost a full mechanical rebuild complete with a customised stand-alone engine management system.

It really does go to show how great these sedans can look given the right treatment.

These are just a few of the cars that were there. The vehicles ranged from the 96 and 99s you’ve seen here right up to a couple of Dame Edna Saab 9-5s and of course, my loaner Saab 9-3.

After an hour or so of chatter, tyre-kicking and getting-to-know-yous, we all jumped in our cars for the drive around the Flogging Loop, a mix of suburban and highway driving where the locals really did give the cars a flogging.

I had my brother-in-law in the car with me for the drive down to Issaquah and therefore was OK if we got lost at that stage. As cars took off for the Flogging Loop, however, he was just getting a burger from the XXX Root Beer restaurant. That left me driving solo in a loaned car in a place I’d never been before.

Like Mag-X in his little 99GL, I was totally stuffed if I lost track of the cars I was running with. As the main group got split at a set of traffic lights, we ended up being a small group of just 5 or 6 cars. I had to keep up and believe me, these guys called it a Flogging Loop for a reason.

I was in a group comprising all 900s and one Saab 99, and it was a real pleasure to see and hear these classic Saabs enjoying a good run in the countryside.

We made our way back to XXX Root Beer, where there were a few more cars still to come. Food was eaten, music was listened to and there was a lot of close-up inspection of various cars.

That 9-3 that I thought I saw on our way to the event earlier in the afternoon? Well, it turns out it was a Saab 900 SE Talladega, and one of the best upgrade customisation jobs I’d ever seen.

Here’s a picture but there’ll be more on that one later.

——

Again, I’d like to thank all who helped to organise the event and especially all those who made the time to turn out. Particular thanks must go to SaabKen from The Saab Club of Western Canada, James from The Saab Club of Seattle and Tim S from the Northwest Saab Owners Club. If you’re in the area and you’re not a member of one of these Saab clubs, then I’d encourage you to join up and get involved.

Of course, my thanks also to Dueck Saturn Saab of Richmond, in Vancouver, for the use of the Saab 9-3 2.0T that we had for the day. Dueck have some huge plans for Saab in the lower mainland area of British Columbia and I’ll be sharing more about that this week. It’s really exciting stuff.

There’s already talk of this becoming an annual event and whilst I won’t be able to make it annually (oh, how I wish I could!), I certainly hope that it happens. It’s a great venue and everyone had a great time.

For more photos, see SaabKen’s album at Photobucket, and Dennis L’s collection at SaabCentral.

FYI – the Flogging Loop.

-

It was very nice to reconnect, and meet again in open dialogue with Saab owners from all over the U.S. I had met several last year for the first time, when the convention took place close to our current Saab headquarters in Detroit.

While last year’s event was special because of Saab’s 60th Anniversary as an auto maker, this year certainly had its unique attractions as well. First off, there was the convention’s theme of “30 Years of Turbocharging Leadership”, starting with the original 1978 Saab 99 Turbo…..

….In addition to 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging, technology that now seems more relevant than it ever was, we used the opportunity to share many positive developments with the Saab family at large.

Those developments include the new 9-4x and 9-5, which are covered in terms we’ve all heard before.

——

Aussie Saab nut Steve B travelled Stateside for his third consecutive SOC, and as in the past, he’s provided a brilliant collection of photos.

Once again, Steve’s risen to the occasion and his Flickr account is overflowing with 200+ excellent photos from the convention. I’ve selected around a dozen for your perusal, but you’d be wise to head on over and check them all out for yourselves.

——

A very interesting 2-tone Saab 95.

–

Saabs are good mannered motor vehicles. Here they are bowing in the presence of esteemed owners. Manners are the glue of good society.

–

I want a Sonett. Every time I see a picture like this I want one more and more. Is there a cooler and more unusual small car in any manufacturer’s historical range?

–

All credit to the Turbo X for reviving the C900 turbo gauge, but I’d LOVE to see this one revived. From the 99 Turbo.

–

Another Sonett. A “three” this time.

–

And one more……a “two” giving the rolling road a scare

–

Dame Edna was in the house and she continues to look better and better, every time I see her.

–

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid was the star of the show, and is now doing an extended tour at a Washington Times car show this weekend.

–

Now that is one clean engine. Kudos!

–

Just for Richo – Saab 9-3 Viggen with vents.

–

Some more beautiful and deferential looking old Saabs. Magnificent.

–

And finally, the group photo.

–

Just quietly, Steve’s put in years of work producing the best Saab club magazine in the world for the Saab Car Club of Australia, he owns two beautful customised Saabs and has put in innumerable hours on behalf of the brand for club activities and personal travel overseas for various events.

Saab could do a lot worse than contracting him to record next year’s SOC in Denver. It’d be a just reward. Just my 0.02c.

-

What: Washington Times Car Show
Where: Spring Hill Recreation Center – McLean, Virginia
When: Sunday, August 31

The following release just landed from SaabUSA.

——

Detroit – Hot on the heels of the well-attended Saab Owners Convention in Devens near Boston last weekend, the award-winning 2008 Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is scheduled to be on display at the Washington Times Car Show this Sunday, August 31. The event will take place in the Spring Hill Recreation Center near McLean, Virginia just west of Washington, D.C.

Organized by veteran automotive journalist Vern Parker of the Washington Times, the event traditionally offers an impressive array of classics as well as a peek into the car future. Following the tire marks of the Cadillac Sixteen Concept a few years ago, the Saab 9-X will be among the vehicles playing that forward looking role at this year’s show. For more details, see www.washingtontimes.com/multimedia/2008/01/vern_parker_at_the_washington.html.

Already labeled “Best Concept” by AutoWeek Magazine upon its world debut at the Geneva auto show last March, the Saab 9-X BioHybrid was voted “Specialty Concept Car of the Year” by a jury of 25 professional North American automotive journalists. The award ceremony took place last June at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan.

“The Saab 9-X BioHybrid blends organic form with ecologically sound propulsion for both aesthetic and environmental appeal”, said jury panel member Arv Voss of Auto Impressions. Added Bob Kroupa of the Automotive Writers Group: “Saab takes center stage with a new design approach for a compact vehicle. With the BioHybrid turbo engine included, we have a winner”.

“We are honored by this important recognition from an expert North American media organization,” said Saab Automobile USA marketing director Roger McCormack accepting the award. “Following in the footsteps of the highly inspirational Aero X, and the 9-4X BioPower crossover concept which also debuted earlier this year, the 9-X BioHybrid demonstrates that Saab is truly on the move.”

The 9-X BioHybrid is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package.

The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.

“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Anthony Lo, director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.

The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupe concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front,“ says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”

Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph ( 43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver-focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down. The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons

“This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” adds Anthony Lo. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”