The 2008 Saab Owners Convention has been taking place this weekend in Devens, Mass, and whilst I couldn’t be there and didn’t ask anyone to do anything on TS’s behalf, Alexandre was kind enough to take some notes and pass them on.
This are notes made from conversations with several Saab staffers on site, as well as from the roundtable Q&A session.
If you attended the event and have something to add, please do so in comments.
Thanks, Alexandre!!
——
About the potential for a Saab 9-1:
- My Question: what would it take to officially put the 9-1 on the table? Need money. Only enough development dollars to go around and there isn’t money for this at the moment. (this was the main answer from both John and Steve in separate conversations)
- The answer isn’t “no” just yet. Even on the Delta platform, (this from Steve). Delta is flexible enough with long and short wheelbase versions to accommodate both the 9-1 and 9-3. They deliberately did the showcar to use existing platform components to shorten development time if/when there’s a green light.
- Another question: with current sales strength and future growth areas consisting of markets that typically go for smaller cars (Europe and Asia), wouldn’t this play to the strengths of Saab and help the case for the 9-1? (smirks from Steve and another PR gentleman who’s name I forgot to write down (possibly Jan-Willem Vester?)) Answer: Yes, and the case for it is getting stronger every day.
About the potential for TTiD in USA:
There’s great interest in bringing it over. With EU diesel standards getting closer to US diesel cleanliness standards, the likelihood is getting stronger. Technical differences will thus narrow between a European version and a US version. The main issue is (again) cost. The TTiD price premium in the US might be too high with diesel pricing trends the way they are (~20% higher than gas). A related problem is that Saab buyers are more likely to run the numbers than most car buyers. If they don’t see a personal justification for the engine, it makes the economic justification for GM making it available more difficult.
About a 2.0T engine in US 9-4X:
No clear answer given, “looking at lots of engine options with nothing ruled out yet”. Steve kind of fudged the answer so he might not be really on top of it.
Bringing back the hatch:
Current 9-3 concept drawings are closer to the hatch shape than a station wagon/current shape. 2 door is likely.
9-5 sedan vs. combi:
The future 9-5 combi is much more sporty looking, almost looks like a different car.
——
And for those who’d like to see a few of the Saabs that gathered for the event, there’s a few photos here at Flickr, and I’m sure more will show up in the coming week.
-
