Saab

Saab’s Ghost To Haunt The Beijing Motor Show

Just when you thought that the sad ending of Saab was finally done, it looks like some of the brand’s GM-influenced models will be reborn under the Beijing Automotive Industry brand. Three models, including one based on the former Saab 9-5 and two based on the former 9-3, are expected to be exhibited at next April’s Beijing Motor Show.

Left Lane News tells us that Beijing Automotive’s range will include two sedans and a compact SUV, all of which will use Saab’s old platforms. Since the Chinese company doesn’t also own the rights to Saab’s exterior styling, expect the cars to look a bit different than their former Swedish cousins did. Read more…

2012 Saab 9-3 review

2012 Saab 9-3 in linear trim level would be seen using a set of 15 inch alloy wheels which would raise to 16 inch for Arc trim and 17 inch for Aero level. All the reformed 2012 Saab 9-3 models would arrive with improved headlights and a refreshed architecture using Epsilon body. The sedan would offer the choice of colors like Parchment Silver, Chilli red and Smoke Beige. The interiors of Linear trim level and Arc trim would be blended with leather upholstery. The driver can command over the vehicle as the driver’s seat would come with eight way adjustability and spacious cabin. The rear seat would be attributed with split function so that the seat can be completely folded to increase the cargo floor.  The trendy dashboard is certain to be equipped with music system preloaded with CD changer, seven speakers as well as satellite radio. Whereas, the Aero model will be come with premium Bose music system. All the 9-3 models will come standard with dual zone automated climate control mechanism and the option of choosing navigation system. The Aero version would be fitted with sports front seats.

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Saab’s IQon Brings The Android OS To Your Car

Wouldn’t it be cool if your car was just like a big version of your smartphone, complete with internet connectivity? If you could upload apps that would enhance your driving, navigation or ability to communicate behind the wheel? Even better, what if these apps could automatically update when new data (or bug fixes) were available? What if your car could schedule it’s own service appointments, or send telemetry data to a dealership the second a problem was discovered? Those features, and more, will all be part of a new Android based infotainment system developed by Saab and currently in beta testing . Called IQon (pronounced “icon”), the technology may be the first truly user-friendly infotainment and telematics system on the market. Read more…

First Drive: 2010 Saab 9-5 proves being born from chaos builds character

A funny thing happened on the way to bankruptcy court for General Motors. As part of a bid to have its red-stained slate wiped clean, it moved to divest itself of a number of brands in its bloated portfolio, with Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Saab all earmarked for sale or closure. However, only one brand inspired sufficient passion among both owners and those with the financial wherewithal to rescue it from GM‘s ‘wind-down’ apple polishers. Oddly enough, it was the tiny Swede that successfully swam out to the life raft. Saab, the marque with the smallest and oldest product lineup, lowest volume, and the poorest brand recognition among American consumers somehow found a way to survive.

How, exactly, did this come to pass? For starters, unlike any other of GM’s death-row divisions, owners and fans rallied in dozens of countries, urging anyone who listened to “Save Saab.” Now, we’re not na?ve enough to think that a band of loyalists were all it took to change the course of automotive history, but it’s telling that there were no pitchforks and torches – or even a handful of picket signs – produced over the axing of the other brands. Saab remains a seldom understood, much loved brand, and we know that the displays of unity from Saab’s scorned faithful stoked the fire of unlikely suitor Victor Muller, CEO and owner of Spyker Cars, as his team waded through a stomach-churning series of negotiations. After watching from the sidelines while bids by other small automakers and investment groups fizzled, the Dutch businessman and his team eventually pried the battered brand away from GM – but not before Saab had been partially liquidated.

Read more…