Saab Automobile’s Premium Compact To Be Here By 2011?

Posted on 26. Jan, 2009 by Ryan in 2000-2009, 9-3 NG

According to U.S. News, the next generation Saab 9-3 may be here in 2011, and it will be the first vehicle to be built using non-GM architecture based interestingly enough off of the Saab 9-X BioHybrid and Saab 9-X Air concept cars for the both the sedan and convertible models.

Since Saab Automobile AB in Trollhättan, Sweden already got the go ahead for production of this premium compact car in early 2007, it will be interesting to see if there are any prototypes on the road sometime next year.

I also understand that both of these vehicles will be hybrid models, with the convertible having some ingenius canopy roof system as well, so it will be interesting to see these models designed and built in their home market, I just hope they are not too late.

If this timeframe continues to hold true, it should be mentioned that Saab designers at the GM Design Center in Germany state that conceptual designs go from the digital drawing board to production in about 18-months time, which would put these models at about 2011. This marks another question, will the existing Saab design center in Sweden be able to do this as well, in the same time or less with all facilities right in the immediate Trollhättan region, once the transition to independence begins for Saab Automobile to depart from GM?

For all intents and purposes, this model lineup designation originally planned to be touted as the Saab 9-1, has been designated as the next generation Saab 9-3 (9-3 NG) here on Saab History for the time being according to all references as of late.

I am hopeful about this model as well, following the Saab 9-4x (2010), next generation Saab 9-5 (9/2009), and 9-3x Cross Combi (3/2009) models.

In the meantime, here’s a quote from U.S. news about this recent reference.

“The first Saab to be free of GM influence may well be the next 9-3. A redesign of that car was cancelled last year when Saab determined that it wouldn’t meet strict 2011 European emissions standards. They scrapped the effort and decided to start from scratch on a smaller 9-3 with a new design effort this year.”

“A return to domestic ownership and the ability to conduct its own R&D and design future products like the long overdue 9-3 replacement are exactly what the brand needs.”

U.S. News

Tags: compact car, GM, GM Design Center, saab 9-3, saab 9-5, Saab 9-X BioHybrid, Saab Automobile AB, Sweden, United States