TROLLHATTAN, Sweden — After plenty of leaks that gave the curious a good idea of what to expect with the redesigned 2010 Saab 9-5, GM's soon-to-be-spun-off Swedish brand finally has released official details about its flagship sedan that is set to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show and go on sale next year.
Perhaps more important than the design and engine details on the 9-5 is the fact that the so-called "non-core" GM brand is still viable and appears to be on the way to being a stand-alone entity following the automaker's stint in bankruptcy court.
Earlier this month, GM said it expects to close a deal with Koenigsegg Group, which says it is determined to revive Saab's Swedish heritage. The two parties signed a stock purchase agreement and the final deal is expected to close sometime later this year.
In a statement, Saab said the 9-5 was redesigned to hark back to the classic 900 model, with "Scandinavian design inspired by the Aero X." Design cues include a deep grille with "ice-block headlamp units," a wraparound greenhouse and disguised windshield and side pillars. Car Design News described it as a "progressive design that embraces the purity of Scandinavian design."
The 2010 Saab 9-5 gets an all-turbo powertrain lineup that includes a 160-horsepower four-cylinder diesel engine and a 220-hp 2.0-liter gas engine. A top-of-the-line 2.8-liter gas engine that generates 300 hp will be offered on the Saab XWD model. "Shortly after launch, a 1.6-liter gas turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85 engine," said the automaker in a statement. "All transmissions will be six-speed."
Other features include a head-up information display, adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and dynamic parking assistance.
Inside Line says: One of the last gasps of GM-influenced Saab design. Perhaps at a future Frankfurt auto show, we'll see exactly what exotic-car guru Christian Koenigsegg has in mind for Saab. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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