As hinted previously it represents a clean break from GM and showcases new Saab technology. It could be argued that any new Saab concept (as opposed to a GM-Saab concept) is now far more likely to contain production-ready elements and see the light of day –indeed the basic chassis may well come from BMW/Mini. Of course, let’s not forget the free hand Saab now has in the design stakes.

It will also signal Saab’s interest in the sub 9-3 sector to compete with the Volvo C30 (as mentioned above) and the forthcoming BMW 0 Series and Audi A1…

Additionally, and as we know, product design lifecycles are long and the major design work for the next 9-3 is likely to have been frozen and the detailed design and engineering teams are now doing their work. This leaves those with the first category of skill-sets (and no doubt the designer Bård Eker –one of the new investors) to sketch a few thoughts..!

Much of the actual work for the building of the concept will likely be outsourced to one of the Italian coach builders to keep internal Saab resources utilised and focused on forthcoming models such as the NG9-5, 9-3x, 9-4x and the new 9-3.

Just like the media column inches generated by the Aero-X on its debut this new concept will probably be more cost effective than a few prime time TV slots in raising the profile of a confident new Saab.

Saab needs product in showrooms yesterday.

The priorities seem to be quite skewed.

R

And yes, it will be designed to reflect a post GM Saab.

In an interview with Simon Padian, Saab’s brand design chief referred to the Swiss eco-concept the ‘Mindset’ as being a Saab.

Couple this with the rumours that Saab may have engaged with BMW’s Mini division over future platforms –more so now that the new Mini platform/ ‘0’ series BMW 3/5 door hatch has been announced, it would be easy to arrive at the thought that the Saab 90 concept could be a mix of the two…and it may also form the basis for a future Saab Sonett two seater sports car!

AMS interview: http://www.saabsunited.com/2009/08/ams-dare-to-be-saab.html

Mindset: http://www.mindset.ch/?language=en

0 series BMW/New Mini: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/244420/bmws_new_baby_zeroes_in_on_fiesta.html

About the electrification of the turbo, is not about an hybrid model. Its just saab idea of turning the turbo electric, instead of using exhaust gases to propel it would use electric energy reducing to none the turbo lag.

One can hope, but GM has made us weary of concept cars due to the ideas never seeing the light of day.

Jim,

Good point! I hope we don’t go down that road again.

R