Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

In the next month or so, Saab Cars North America is expected to launch an all out marketing blitz as part of the launch of the all new Saab 9-5 in the United States according to Business Week.

“There’s a huge wave of media and communication” that will start in Sweden when the 9-5 goes on sale June 19, Adrian Hallmark, executive director of sales, said in a phone interview. Saab will spend more than $150 million on marketing in the second half of 2010 after spending “nothing” on promotions since the sale by GM, he said.

The All New Saab 9-5 has been launched to the media over the past few weeks. There have been approximately 250 international journalists and bloggers that have attended the event. The video above depicts this experience from a behind the scenes perspective.

Experience the launch of Saab’s new 9-5 from a journalist’s perspective with a 24 hour programme condensed into just a few minutes. Behind the scenes footage including presentations, factory tours and test driving.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

The reviews of the 2010 Saab 9-5 begin to arrive from the international press. If you know of reviews that are not listed here, please add them below in the comments.

United States

Automobile Magazine – “My, how you’ve grown”

Auto Critical – “Ready for take off!”

Autoblog – “Skål!”

Car & Driver – “Retro Cues, Not Retro Design”

The Detroit Bureau – “Worth the wait…and more’s coming.”

Racer – “This is by far the best Saab ever made”

Auto Week - “Competent? Absolutely. Exciting, maybe not so much.”

Popular Mechanics – “The new 9-5 is a worthy also-ran in an incredibly competitive class”

United Kingdom

MSN U.K. “It’s certainly something different and it’s decent”

The Telegraph “Blame GM for its shortcomings”

Car Magazine – “Is the new 9-5 going to rip up the rulebook? Hardly.”

Auto Trader – “The new Saab 9-5 is a tremendous statement of intent”

Auto Express U.K. – “If you are looking for the ultimate driver’s machine, this Saab clearly isn’t it.”

What Car – “The 9-5 is a stylish, unfussy car”

France

Auto Info – “It remains only to wish that this new Saab model is that of the new era.”

Motor Legend – “Sophisticated equipment”

Caradisiac – “car of renewal”

Sweden

TTELA – “The car sits glued to the road. It is quiet and comfortable,”

Expression – “You can not ignore “the new Saab”

E24- Pure “saabismina”

Italy

Motori24 – “Saab back on track with the new 9-5″

Singapore

The Straits Times – “Saab has a real shot at success with this one.”

The first all new Saab 9-5 promotional video has just arrived, please let me know what you think!

“The film ‘Introducing The New Saab 9-5 ‘ was produced in mid May. It will be the intro to the new 9-5 section on the Saab website. It was done in Saab’s photo studio in Vänersborg and location shots in central Gothenburg. Art direction and project management has been done by Saabs agency Valentin & Byhr and film production by Edit house, both located in Gothenburg.

Henrik Gustafsson, Art Director, Valentin & Byhr
Niclas Bergman, Film Director, Edit House
Jens Jansson, Photography, Edit House”

Just three months after its sale by General Motors, Saab Automobile is hosting 250 of the world’s top media at its state-of-the-art production plant at Trollhattän in Sweden. They are hearing about what has been achieved so far, test driving the all new 9-5 sedan and receiving updates on the company’s future plans.

The two men responsible for Saab’s renaissance – Victor Muller, Saab Automobile Chairman and Spyker Cars CEO, and Jan Ake Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile – give candid assessments of progress and talk about their expectations for the success of the all new Saab 9-5.

Journalists attending are the first in the world to drive Saab’s much-anticipated new flagship model, which arrives in dealerships this summer. Unusually for a car manufacturer launching a new product, Saab chose to host the event at its own factory, underlining the company’s commitment to its Scandinavian roots.

Saab pins hopes on new 9-5 after Spyker rescue

* First model since Saab take over by Spyker

* Goal is to “rebuild confidence and trust”

* Entire line-up to be overhauled within two years

By Reed Stevenson

TROLLHATTAN, Sweden, June 1 (Reuters) – Saab is launching its first new car, the flagship 9-5, as it hopes to restore buzz and sales to the iconic Swedish brand after its rescue earlier this year by Dutch luxury carmaker Spyker (SPYKR.AS).

Amid anaemic demand — global auto sales sank 13 percent in 2009 to a seven-year low — Saab is aiming to more than double yearly sales to 85,000 by 2012 to avoid losses. Last year, it sold nearly 40,000 cars.

At Saab’s headquarters in Trollhattan, where thousands of employees gathered in January to cheer Spyker Chief Executive Victor Muller’s gutsy $400 million deal to buy Saab from General Motors [GM.UL], Saab’s chief executive promised to restore the brand and the company at a launch event on Tuesday.

“The biggest challenge we have right now is to rebuild confidence and trust,” Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson said.

“We have a workforce that has an extremely high motivation level,” said Jonsson, who took the helm in 2005 while Saab was still owned by GM.

The Opel platform-based 9-5, which replaces a 13 year-old line, is mainly aimed at buyers of Audi’s A6 and making it distinct from the smaller 9-3. One criticism leveled at Saab was that its older 9-5 and 9-3 models were far too similar in size.

With a base price of around 35,000 euros ($42,520), the 9-5 finally brings Saab’s flagship model up to par with rivals, with lower emissions, features such as keyless entry and active four-wheel drive, and luxury comforts.

“For Saab, this is the most important product,” said Muller, speaking at the launch event. “It means we are alive.”

Jonsson said newer Saab models will reflect more of Saab’s heritage, particularly its distinctive styling and turbo-driven engines, that has attracted affluent and design-conscious customers.

Despite its hopes, the company is keeping expectations in check, saying that it plans to sell 50,000 cars this year, compared with yearly sales of over 130,000 just five years ago.

Saab hired Adrian Hallmark from Volkswagen this year to be its chief salesman with instructions to rebuild the company’s global distribution.

Saab is nearly done with replacing GM’s distribution network in 23 countries, either by buying existing intermediaries or building out its own, positioning it to sell cars directly to dealerships instead of through an intermediary which should help improve the profit margin on each car, said Hallmark, who left a position heading up Volkswagen Asia to join Saab.

Saab’s sales organisation will be completely separated from GM by September, and by the end of the year Saab is also planning to launch or re-launch in China, Russia, Japan, Australia, Canada, Brazil and Mexico.

Here’s a video of the 2010 Saab 9-5 undergoing product development and production at Saab’s headquarters in Trollhattan, Sweden

Photo Credit: TTELA

Saab Automobile has invited 250 international journalists to Trollhättan today to test drive the all new 2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan.

Here’s a snippet from the Local that are reporting on it as well as a link to Trollhattan’s own TTELA who also have reviewed it.

After many months of waiting, 250 foreign journalists visited Trollhättan on Monday to test Saab Automobile’s new flagship vehicle, the new second-generation Saab 9-5.

The verdicts of the journalists will be a crucial test of Saab’s efforts to convince the world that it has a future. Since the 9-5 was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the company has been fighting for its survival.

During its darkest days in early January, it looked as if the fully developed car would never reach the market. It was only after the last minute success of Spyker Cars’ bid to buy the company from General Motors that the future of the model – and the brand as a whole – were secured.

The first cars are expected to reach dealers the week before Midsummer in mid-June. On Monday, Saab started the big launch, inviting 250 journalists from different countries to visit Trollhättan to test drive the car.

For Saab’s future, it is crucial that the car does not flop. The smaller Saab 9-3 model continues to sell the most units for the brand.

The price of the new 9-5 is deliberately set higher than its 13-year-old predecessor. Prices start at 311,000 kronor ($40,000) and rise up to about 600,000 kronor depending on engine and equipment.

“The price means that the sales volume is expected to be slightly lower,” said Peter Hallberg, CEO of Saab’s dealer network.

Saab’s turbulent times are not yet over. There are still companies that do not allow their employees to buy Saabs as company cars simply because of the lingering uncertainty surrounding the company.

Finance and leasing companies have set very low residual values, or how much the cars are estimated to be worth in three years, on Saab vehicles. However, Saab dealers have agreed to provide a guaranteed residual value for the vehicles.

“We guarantee a value on par with our competitors,” said Hallberg. “This means around 50 percent for volume models. We hope that will eliminate the worries of fleet car buyers.”

Interview With Saab’s Vehicle Line Executive, Anders Svensson on the all new 2010 Saab 9-5.

Saab Automobile have just released the Saab 9-5 Crash Test Video. It would be good to compare this with the EuroNCAP crash test shown back in December.

Technical Highlights

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan:State-of-the-Art Technology From Scandinavia

• Most technically advanced Saab ever
• Conceived, built and chiefly developed in Sweden
• Equipped to compete head-to-head with leading premium class competitors

The all new 9-5 is the most advanced Saab ever, introducing an array of high-tech features and benefits that bring the car and driver closer together, while also enhancing the travel experience for all occupants.

Defined by Saab as the company’s top-of-the-line contender in the premium segment, the new 9-5 has been chiefly engineered in Sweden, where its development has been guided. It is being built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan.

In terms of functionality and the quality of the driving experience alone, the new 9-5 sedan is configured to challenge premium class standards. It will offer a fresh and distinctive alternative choice to established market leaders.

State-of-the-art technologies are harnessed to offer the features customers most want. Smart functions range from an aircraft-style, head-up information display (Pilot HUD) to Advanced Park Assist (APA), and from hard disk onboard music storage to rear seat climate control and flexible trunk storage

“This is the most sophisticated and technically advanced car we have ever produced,” says Mats Fägerhag, Head of Technical Development at Saab. “It is enabled to meet the needs of modern day motoring and brings together all the functions and features customers would expect in a car of this class.”

On The Road
Chassis systems and technologies are focused on delivering a sporty driving experience. The mechanical suspension layouts, for example, are tailored to match the differing performance characteristics of engines and drivelines. These can be overlaid by the optional Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis system, which includes real time damping control among other features.

HiPerStrut and Linked H-arm suspension
Three suspension combinations are fitted. Front-wheel drive variants with the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline and the 160 hp diesel engines have a MacPherson strut front and 4-link rear arrangement. The 190 hp diesel engine comes with a Linked H-arm rear suspension, together with HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension in a front-wheel drive format and MacPherson front struts when Saab XWD is fitted. All variants with Saab XWD have a Linked H-arm rear suspension, while the top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, available exclusively with XWD in Aero specification, also has HiPerStrut front suspension.

The advanced HiPerStrut offers driving benefits similar to those of a double wishbone layout. The inclination, length and offset of the kingpin is reduced and the caster angle of the steering increased. The result: improved steering quality with a more ‘planted’ feel, as well as enhanced handling and braking characteristics.

At the rear, the sophisticated H-arm layout, with double isolated sub-frame mountings, gives still greater ride comfort, reduces vibration entering the cabin and improves roadholding. For both H-arm and 4-link rear suspensions, shear bushings are used in the damper mountings to the body structure. These effectively dissipate vibrations from the road, improving ride comfort and noise isolation.

Saab DriveSense
The new 9-5 is the first Saab to offer real time damping control through Saab DriveSense, which includes a range of adjustments that helps the car adapt to the way it is being driven. In addition to the default ‘Intelligent’ mode, two further settings, ‘Sport’ and ‘Comfort’, can be selected via a rotary knob next to the gear shift.

In real time, ‘Intelligent’ mode adjusts the car’s handling characteristics in response to driving style. It continually varies the stiffness rates of the electronically-controlled dampers, the action of the electronic throttle and the degree of power steering assistance. For example, when the car is being driven in a sporty style, the action of the dampers is automatically stiffened to improve body control and roadholding; the throttle pedal movement is shortened for a faster response and steering assistance is reduced for a more direct feel. At reduced speeds, the dampers are softened for greater ride comfort, the action of the throttle pedal becomes less aggressive and the steering feels lighter.

The ‘Sport’ setting introduces a firmer range of adjustment for the dampers, offering even greater body control. In addition to sharpening the throttle pedal response and reducing the level of power steering assistance, ‘Sport’ mode also raises the gear shifting points with automatic transmission and sends more drive torque to the rear wheels when Saab XWD is fitted.

By contrast, ‘Comfort’ mode, optimizes ride refinement by enabling a softer range of adjustment for the dampers and a smoother throttle pedal action. It provides enhanced compliance over rough road surfaces and is the most appropriate setting for optimum fuel economy.

Saab DriveSense is offered as an option with all engines and equipment specifications, except the 160 hp turbo diesel and 1.6 turbo gasoline engines.

Saab XWD with eLSD
Saab’s industry-leading all-wheel-drive system is optional for 2.0-liter Turbo and 2.0-liter TTiD variants, and standard with the 2.8V6 Turbo engine. It offers a more rewarding driving experience and greater control in all road conditions. This on-demand, active system – integrated and optimized by Saab chassis engineers – uses a multi-plate Haldex clutch unit to infinitely vary drive torque between the front and rear axles. Careful programming enables the application of rear drive to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics. The ESC system is also tuned to optimize the chassis’s sporty potential without reducing safety margins.

An optional, electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) transfers up to 50% of rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip. Under hard cornering, or when completing a high speed maneuver, such as a lane change, the brief application of more or less torque to either wheel helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

Sport Chassis
Standard with Saab XWD and optional with front-wheel drive, the Sport chassis set-up offers improved handling and body control. It includes a 10 mm lower ride height, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, and stiffer springs and dampers all-round.

Adaptive Cruise Control
A smart function that not only enables the driver to select a constant cruising speed, but also automatically alters the chosen speed to maintain a safe gap to the vehicle on the road ahead. The driver can select one of three distance options. .

A radar sensor in the grille emits a beam to measure the distance to the vehicle in front. If this gap reduces below the required setting, the throttle opening is adjusted and/or engine braking is applied. Once the appropriate distance is restored, the car will accelerate back up to the pre-set speed. Should heavy braking be required, a visual warning is flashed in the HUD and a gong sounds to alert the driver to take action. A conventional, ‘passive’ cruise control function is also offered.

Automatic cruise control will be available later in Model Year 2011, in combination with automatic transmission and the Pilot HUD.

Variable Effort Steering (VES)
When maneuvering, parking or driving at low speeds, VES increases the level of power assistance in order to reduce steering effort. At higher speeds, hydraulic assistance is automatically reduced to ensure a high degree of steering ‘feel‘ for the driver.

VES uses an electro-magnetic motor on the steering rack, controlled by a coil, to boost or reduce the level of hydraulic assistance. VES also adapts to the speed at which the steering wheel is turned, providing progressively increased assistance the faster the wheel is rotated. The system makes a small contribution to reduced fuel consumption by giving hydraulic assistance only when needed. VES is fitted as standard with Saab XWD and Saab DriveSense.

Behind the wheel
The view from the cosseting driver’s seat of the new 9-5 sedan can be configured through optional features including an aircraft-style information display, adaptive headlamp lighting and a traffic sign recognition function. These reflect Saab’s commitment to responsible performance by increasing driving safety.

Head-Up Display (Pilot HUD)
Projecting essential data in the windshield through the HUD, such as vehicle speed, warning messages, turn indicators and navigation instructions, offers real-life safety benefits as the driver does not need to look away from the road. Inspired by similar technology in fighter jets, the 9-5’s Pilot HUD is shown as a virtual image, seemingly about two meters ahead, within the driver’s natural eye focus. The display is controlled and adjusted via two switches in the main fascia adjacent to the driver’s door. It is illuminated in signature Saab green, as used in aircraft cockpits.

Bi-Xenon Smart Beam
This is one of the most sophisticated, adaptive lighting systems on the market. It uses bi-xenon headlamps that swivel to better illuminate bends ahead and automatically optimizes light beam patterns to suit the prevailing speed, road and driving conditions. Bi-Xenon Smart Beam also engages and disengages high beam automatically, relieving the driver of a repetitive chore.

At speeds below 50 km/h, Town Light provides a wide, flat beam so that pedestrians or potential hazards at the roadside can be better seen. At speeds up to 100 km/h, Country Light projects a longer beam, while still giving good roadside illumination. Motorway Light increases the beam length still further, to 140 meters, and is activated only above 100 km/h on straight, level roads.

When rain or snow is detected by the windshield wipers’ rain sensor, Adverse Weather Light provides a wide, asymmetric light pattern which allows the driver to see lane markings better. In all light modes, Dynamic Bend Light provides illumination into oncoming bends by swiveling the headlamps up to 15° to the right or left, according to the vehicle speed and steering angle.

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
This driving safety function uses a camera in the back of the interior mirror which ‘looks’ through the windshield. For use in left-hand drive EU markets, it is programmed to recognize speed limit and ‘no overtaking’ signs, the appropriate symbol being illuminated as a driver reminder in the main display. It’s a useful feature that can even help avoid getting a speeding ticket!

At speeds above 60 km/h, the same system can also initiate a warning alarm if the vehicle begins to veer out of lane when the indicators are not engaged, such as could happen with the onset of drowsiness or during moments of inattention.

Advanced Park Assist (APA)
A smart feature enabling the driver to parallel park the 9-5 in tight spaces only one meter longer than its own length. APA uses ultrasonic sensors in the front, rear and side of the vehicle. The system detects a suitable parking spot and then plots a perfect reverse parking trajectory. The driver is instructed how to turn the steering wheel via icons in the main instrument display and audible chimes.

Comfort and Convenience
These features are focused on ease-of-use and making the cabin of the new 9-5 sedan an enjoyable place to be. State-of-the- art infotainment systems include an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system and rear seat audio and viewing options.

Start/Stop Button and Keyless Entry/Exit
Standard throughout the range, a start/stop button replaces the conventional ignition switch. In Saab tradition, it is located between the seats next to the gearshift. The engine control unit detects and authenticates a coded signal from driver’s fob and the engine can be started or stopped by simply pressing the start/stop button.

For even greater convenience, a keyless entry/exit system is offered, which allows the car to be automatically unlocked when the door handle is pulled while the fob is still in the driver’s pocket or handbag. The car can also be automatically locked when the driver leaves it by simply touching the lock area of the door handle. This ease-of-use feature removes the need to press the unlock/lock buttons on the standard fob.

Tri-zone Air Conditioning
In addition to the standard dual zone climate control for the driver and front passenger, the tri-zone option offers independent temperature control for rear seat occupants. Extended ducting feeds air from the main air conditioning unit to an outlet module in the rear face of the center console. The module includes a small fan to accelerate the airflow and two adjustable distribution vents. It is offered in combination with rear seat entertainment and available only with left-hand drive vehicles.

Advanced Infotainment Systems
The extensive infotainment choice breaks new ground for Saab, offering a wide range of state-of-the-art features and two audio options, including a top-of-the-line harman/kardon system with true 5.1 surround sound reproduction. The 8-inch touchscreen navigation system includes a bird’s eye map view and hard disk drive storage for map data.

Audio source selection has never been more versatile. In addition to the AM/FM and DAB radio, the driver can play music directly from a CD, insert an MP3 player or memory stick into the USB connector, or even store 10 GB of favorite tracks on a built-in hard drive – all with full control via the faceplate and steering wheel. The USB connector – standard on most models – is located conveniently alongside an AUX connector and 12V power outlet in the center console. The USB ‘wires’ the device to the car and offers instant control through the audio system, the in-car display showing the song title, artist and album information.

In the rear, passengers can enjoy their own onboard entertainment through a dedicated unit in the back of the center console and two 8-inch screens which fold out, laptop style, from the front seatbacks. Passengers can select an alternative audio source to that being played up front, watch a DVD or enjoy entertainment from a stand-alone player, such as a games console or digital camera, connected to the AUX input. Sound is provided by wireless headphones.

Communication while on the move is supported by an integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system, which functions via voice command and steering wheel controls.

Innovative trunk storage

An optional, U-shaped track in the floor carries an adaptable, telescopic cargo divider. The concept is an evolution of the cargo tracks offered on the current 9-5 wagon. This fast and flexible storage solution can keep a wide range of different sized items in place. The trunk is also fitted as standard with bag carrying hooks and an umbrella holder.

Safety

Vehicle safety in the new 9-5 builds on Saab’s successful real-life safety philosophy. Crash testing and computer simulations are based on what happens in real collisions on real roads, using the findings of a database covering more than 6,100 real-life accidents involving Saab cars on Swedish roads. In this way, the development of the new 9-5 has drawn on all Saab’s experience with real-life safety accumulated over more than 50 years. Saab safety engineers are always aware that their ultimate goal is protecting real people, not only dummies in laboratory crash tests.

Real-life safety means the structural design of the car, and the operation of its safety systems, are evaluated through a large number of in-house crash tests which are additional to those legally required or carried out by consumer test organizations.

The success of this work is reflected In surveys of real-life collisions by the US Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) and the Swedish Folksam insurance company, where Saab cars have consistently scored well, several times being ranked best in their segment. In common with the Saab 9-3 and 9-3 Convertible, the new 9-5 has achieved a maximum five-star EuroNCAP rating.

In addition to the full complement of occupant safety systems already installed in Saab cars, the new 9-5 includes upgraded third generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR 3) as standard for the front seats and adds rear side airbags, together with pre-tensioning of the outer rear seatbelts, as an optional package.

Driving, or active, safety – the ability to avoid becoming involved in an accident – is also improved by functions such as Bi-Xenon Smart Beam, TSR/LDW, Pilot HUD and adaptive cruise control, as described earlier. ESC is fitted as standard across the range and rear LED brake lights flash under heavy braking to warn following drivers.

Image Credit: Saab Automobile AB

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Technical Overview

Gasoline engines
1598 cc. 4 cylinders. Aluminum cylinder head, cast iron block. DOHC, 16-valve.
Turbocharger, intercooled.
Bosch Motronic ME7

1998 cc. 4 cylinders. Aluminum cylinder head and block. DOHC, 16-valve, VVT (inlet and exhaust). Direct injection. Balancer shafts.
Twin-scroll turbocharger, intercooled.
Bosch Motronic MED

2792cc. V6. Aluminum cylinder heads and block. DOHC, 24-valve. VVT (inlet and exhaust). Twin-scroll turbocharger, intercooled.
Bosch Motronic ME9

Diesel engines
1956 cc. 4 cylinders. Alloy cylinder
head, cast iron block. DOHC, 16-valve.
Common rail, direct, multiple injection.
VNT single / two-stage turbocharging, intercooled.
Dual-mass flywheel. Bosch EDC
Maintenance-free particulate filter.

BioPower
1998 cc. 4 cylinders. Aluminum cylinder head and block. DOHC, 16-valve, VVT (inlet and exhaust). Direct injection. Balancer shafts.
Twin-scroll turbocharger, intercooled.
Fuelled by bioethanol (E85)/gasoline
Saab System 3

Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut/HiPerStrut
gas/hydraulic dampers.Anti-roll bar.
Rear: Indep, 4-link/Linked H-arm
Coil springs. Gas/hydraulicdampers
Anti-roll bar.

Transmission
6-speed manual gearbox,
6-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic steering wheel controls
Steering
Rack and pinion, hydraulic assistance/VES
Turning circle (curb-to-curb):
MacPherson: 11.5 m. HiPerStrut: 11.9 m.
Turns lock-to-lock:
MacPherson: 2.8 HiPerStrut: 2.7

Wheels, Tires
17 x 7″, 225/55
18 x 8″, 245/45
19 x 8.5″, 245/40
Brakes (standard EU)
Dual circuit, vacuum booster.
ABS, TCS, MBA, EBD, CBC.
Discs (mm, f/r):
296 vent. / 292 solid (1.6T, 2.0TiD)
321 / 315 both vent. (2.0T, 2.0TTiD)
337/315 both vent. (2.8V6T)

Weights
Curb: 1575 – 2025 kg
Max. towing weight(braked/unbraked):
1600 / 2000 kg

Capacities
Trunk: 515 liters, VDA,
Fuel tank: 70 liters

Drag co-efficient
0.28

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Less Is More with All Turbo Engine Line-up

• Responsible performance with efficient four-cylinder turbo engines
• CO2 values from just 139 g/km
• Three fuel types: gasoline, E85 and diesel in all-turbo line-up

The new 9-5’s all-turbo powertrain line-up brings together Saab expertise in turbocharging with state-of-the-art engine technologies.

With gasoline and BioPower (E85 compatible) engines developing more than 100 hp per liter, the new 9-5 Sedan also advances Saab’s rightsizing powertrain strategy. That means efficient turbocharged engines as small as 1.6 liters can make a fitting partner for Saab’s new premium sedan. With diesel power, CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km are also on offer. All transmissions are six-speed.

Gasoline choice
All engines feature electronic management, electronic throttle control, direct ignition and four valves per cylinder operated by overhead, maintenance-free, chain-driven camshafts. For longevity and reliability, turbochargers are water-cooled and use air-to-air intercooling to increase intake charge density.

To give minimal piston friction and wear characteristics, while also benefiting fuel and oil consumption, the cylinder walls of the engines are laser-etched for an extremely smooth finish. Under-skirt piston oil cooling and sodium-filled exhaust valves are further efficiency measures.

1.6 Turbo
The engine line-up starts with this powerful four-cylinder motor giving 180 hp/132 kW and excellent torque of 230 Nm all the way from 2,200 rpm to 5,500 rpm. It includes an ‘overboost’ function, which raises torque to 266 Nm for up to five seconds on a wide open throttle.

Rated among the most powerful series production engines in its displacement class, this ‘rightsized’ powertrain gives the new 9-5 strong performance: zero to 100 kph in 9.5 seconds, and impressive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions projected to be 7.6 l/100 km and 179 g/km.

For strength and reduced noise, the cylinder block is in cast iron. A die cast, structural aluminum oil pan adds further stiffness and noise suppression. Additional refinements include the use of hollow camshafts, for reduced weight and lower reciprocating mass, and a dual-mass flywheel for improved running refinement. A map-based thermostat control raises the coolant temperature at low engine speeds, or under light loads, to help reduce internal lubricant friction and also improve fuel consumption.

2.0 Turbo – Gasoline and BioPower
The performance stakes are raised with this all-aluminum engine, which is also available in BioPower specification, enabling it to run on gasoline and/or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) in any blends. In both configurations, it delivers peak power of 220 hp/162 kW and plentiful torque of 350 Nm from just 2,500 rpm.

This engine is offered with front wheel drive or Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system. It features variable valve timing and direct injection to further improve fuel consumption, emissions and performance. The camshafts have hydraulically operated vane-type cam phasers which allow both the inlet and exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently, according to varying engine speed and load. The many benefits include a broader spread of torque, higher maximum power and improved fuel consumption.

Direct injection delivers fuel under high pressure directly into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke. This enables the separation of air and fuel delivery, allowing improved scavenging of the combustion chamber to give substantially more low-end torque and reduced engine knocking.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is also used, which virtually eliminates turbo lag at low engine speeds and delivers a throttle response comparable to that of a naturally-aspirated engine. Each of the two scrolls on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage – one from cylinders one and four, the other from cylinders two and three. Other features include: twin counter-rotating balance shafts for smooth running; a forged steel crankshaft for added strength and aluminum pistons to reduce reciprocating mass.

With front wheel drive, this engine propels the new 9-5 from zero to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds, giving combined fuel economy of 8.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 194 g/km.

2.8V6 Turbo
Available exclusively in Aero specification with Saab XWD and a 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine has a classic 60° angle between the cylinder banks to give optimum balance for vibration-free running to match its silky power delivery. It delivers 300 hp/221 kW and an impressive 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm, giving zero to 100 kph acceleration in just 6.9 seconds.

Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides ensures a near linear delivery of torque, irrespective of engine speed and load. The single, twin-scroll turbocharger is mounted centrally above the transmission and fed by both banks of cylinders. The use of two inlet tracts, one for each cylinder bank, separates the exhaust gas pulses, improving gas flow, reducing energy losses and raising turbocharger efficiency.

The exhaust manifolds are double-skinned with hydroformed stainless steel liners to improve cold start emissions by minimizing heat absorption to the manifold. Air injection into each exhaust manifold for up to 30 seconds after a cold start also helps the central pre-catalyst, positioned upstream of the main catalytic converter, achieve ‘light off’, its effective working temperature, as early as possible.

The strong, forged-steel crankshaft runs in four main bearings and the steel connecting rods are sinter forged for extra strength and durability. The polymer-coated, aluminum pistons and the floating wrist-pins are cooled and further lubricated by triple under-skirt oil jets.

Diesel Choice
Both 16-valve, 2.0 liter turbo diesel engines have a cast-iron cylinder block with laser-etched cylinder walls and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. The twin overhead camshafts are chain driven and maintenance-free. The engines also feature electronic management, common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection, a weight-saving plastic intake manifold and a dual-mass flywheel for greater running refinement. Maintenance-free exhaust particulate filters to meet Euro 5 emissions requirements are fitted as standard.

2.0 TiD
The 16-valve, 2.0 liter turbo diesel engine develops 160 hp (118 kW) and 350 Nm of torque and offers projected CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km, together with impressive fuel economy of just 5.3 l/100 km over the combined cycle. It has a variable geometry turbocharger for excellent low-end response.

2.0 TTiD
The more powerful two-stage turbo version delivers 190 hp/ 140 kW, and 400 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm for exceptional pulling power. It gives zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than 9 seconds and will be available with both front wheel drive and Saab XWD.

The series sequential two-stage system uses two turbochargers of different sizes with by-pass valves that direct the exhaust gas stream between the two turbines. At low engine speeds, the small turbocharger supplies boost pressure independent of engine load. At intermediate engine speeds under higher loads, both the small and large turbochargers provide boost pressure; while at high engine speed and load, only the large turbocharger is engaged.

This arrangement provides the driver with the ‘best of both worlds‘: good, instant torque at low engine speeds – via the low-inertia small turbo -and strong, top-end power at higher engine speeds when the large turbo is engaged.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile AB

Exterior and Interior Design

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Scandinavian Design Simplicity Has Never Looked This Good

• Saab unveils new era in expressive Scandinavian design
• Delivers on signposts from Aero X concept car
• ‘Organic sculpture’ presents Saab signature design themes
• More spacious, driver-focused cabin

Born and bred in Scandinavia, the all new Saab 9-5 Sedan is a sleek expression of the power of simplicity and heralds the arrival of a new, more assertive design language for the brand.

Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the car. “We are adopting a new vocabulary to tell the story of our brand,” explains Saab Brand Design Chief Simon Padian. ”It gives a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic design cues.”

The ‘words’ in the new vocabulary come from Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, revealed in 2006 as a signpost to the future of Saab design. Its bold front-end styling, ‘wraparound’ window graphic, clean body surfacing and ice-block lighting themes are key visual elements now translated into the powerful form of the new 9-5 Sedan. They reflect a brand inspired by Scandinavian design and a unique aircraft heritage.

“We pushed out the boundaries of Saab design with the Aero X concept,” says Simon, “and the new 9-5 shows how we are bringing this more assertive look to our products. It is the first step in a new era for Saab design.”

Organic sculpture
The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked by curving, ‘ice-block’ headlamp units with signature LED light guides. The windshield and side windows are presented as a single wraparound graphic, the disguised front and side pillars giving the glasshouse of the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. The proportions of the windshield and roof are also reminiscent of the ‘peaked cap’ look of the classic 900 model. And that large Saab logo, embossed in the center of the grille, characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.

The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean convex and concave surfaces with natural, curvaceous forms. Seeming shaped by the wind, the bodywork has a smooth, fuselage-like quality inspired by Saab’s aircraft heritage. Fenders stretched to the outer edges of the wheels, 17 to 19-inches in size, energize the looks of the car and add to its dynamic, purposeful stance.

In Scandinavian tradition, the visual impact of the design is heightened by an absence of exterior trim or stylized detailing. All individual elements contribute to the appearance of the design as whole, without providing visual distraction or ‘clutter’. “With Scandinavian design, we are seeking to simplify forms,” says Simon. “Things don’t have to be complicated to be interesting. In visual terms, less is more.”

Such ‘passive’ design detail can be seen in the door mirrors. “The mirror casings are black, rather than body colored, because the mirror unit occupies the same visual space as the windows,” explains Simon. “We didn’t want any interruption to the wraparound window graphic which makes such a bold statement.”

Saab brand design cues can be seen in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, underlined by a simple matt aluminum trim, leading into the strong rear C-pillars.

The car’s dynamic character is underlined by a falling roof-line and those strong, sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. The flow of the roof and pillars culminates in a smooth, flat rear deck with an integrated spoiler in the trailing edge. A full-width ice-block rear light bar, echoing the front light theme, adds to the new 9-5’s Scandinavian character.

Saab’s design heritage is evident from that rear screen, a counterpoint to wraparound windshield at the front. “We have inverted the shape of the rear screen of the classic 900 sedan,” explains Simon. “In fact, we’ve probably been even bolder with the design at the back than the front. We haven’t had a consistent Saab identity in this area before. You can expect to see the light bar, and the way the rear lights wrap into it, as a signature feature in future products.”

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 has a distinctive character. “We deliberately wanted to avoid the cliché of the coupé look for sedans. We’ve stretched the traditional three-box sedan proportions but kept a defined trunk line – this is a sports sedan which makes a powerful visual statement. It doesn’t need to look like a coupé or a hatchback.”

The sleek shape also contributes to excellent aerodynamic properties. An impressive 0.28 Cd (coefficient of drag) contributes to reduced fuel consumption and low wind noise. Good high speed stability is also ensured by near zero lift forces at the front axle and the achievement of negative, downforce values at the rear, assisted by airflow from the slightly concave surface of the trunk lid. The rear light moldings are also shaped with small side ‘spoilers’ to further improve rear stability.

Top-of-the-line Aero variants are visually distinguished by unique front and rear bumper moldings, 19-inch ‘turbine’ alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a lowered sport chassis, bi-xenon headlamps and twin exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper fascia.

Driver Focused
The new 9-5’s spacious cabin is characterized by simple forms that echo the clean lines of the exterior. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium appeal.

A wheelbase longer than that of its predecessor has enabled a substantial 58 mm increase in rear legroom, which exceeds that offered by all main competitors. Front legroom is also up by 11 mm.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. A deep center console sweeps up around the driver into the main instrument display. It is a new expression of Saab’s signature cockpit layout, first introduced on the Saab 9000 model and continued with the current 9-5. The console is now inclined at a much shallower angle, improving driver ergonomics in the operation of its functions and in viewing the display screen.

Simplicity of form is evident from a ventilation zone, with signature Saab ‘joystick’ controls, which extends across the top of the main instrument display. “This helps clean up the look of the front fascia area,” explains Simon. “We have eliminated separate vents in the center and on the driver’s side, which would break up the fluid, integrated forms we wanted.”

The deeply recessed main dials include a driver-selectable, rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. The needles of the dials, the main display screen and the optional HUD in the windshield, are all illuminated in signature Saab green. The ‘Night Panel’ button, another unique Saab feature, allows the driver to minimize distraction during night driving by switching off all the main instrument illumination, except the speedometer.

In Saab tradition, the car’s ignition – now a start/stop button – remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift and an electric park brake, which is fitted as standard for all variants. The matt aluminum trim surrounding the gear shift and start/stop button has an ‘organic’ shape with a varying width and thickness to match the curvature of the surface. “This is in harmony with ‘free form’ that we’ve applied to the exterior,” says Simon. “It’s a detail that looks very natural, adding to the crafted, quality appeal of the cabin.”

Another subtle detail are the small channels in the center stack fascia that link the main infotainment and climate controls. They resemble the shape of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, a hint at the combination of human design and scientific precision deployed in the layout of the cabin. It’s part of the logical, zonal groupings used for the location of the car’s interior, chassis and lighting controls.

The removal of a mechanical handbrake linkage frees up space for a large, two compartment center console, with twin cup-holders and the potential to connect several portable devices through USB and AUX connections alongside a 12V power outlet. A useful pull-out storage drawer next to the driver’s door is big enough to take a number of personal items, such as a wallet, PDA and glasses.

The rear of the cabin provides comfortable accommodation for three adults. Apart from more leg room, it now offers the option of rear seat entertainment via fold-out screens in the front seatbacks and separate rear climate control. The 60/40 split, folding seatback includes an arm-rest with twin cup-holders, a storage compartment and a load-through ‘ski hatch’.

The trunk features convenient bag holder hooks on each side, an umbrella holder and a storage compartment in each sidewall. The optional, U-shaped track in the floor carries a telescopic cargo divider which can keep a wide range of different sized items in place.

Interior Decor and Equipment
Linear, Vector and Aero variants are each distinguished by a unique cabin ambience, including decor trim applied to the main instrument panel, center console and behind the door grab handles.

In Linear specification, the upper/lower instrument panel, door cappings and decor trim are in Jet Black, with a choice of Jet Black or Parchment fabric seat upholstery, complemented by door inserts and armrests in a light or dark color.

Vector adds a choice of Shark Grey with Jet Black, or Dark Cocoa with Parchment for the instrument panel and doors, and the decor trim has a brushed metal look. The seats are upholstered with leather bolsters and fabric inserts in Jet Black, Parchment or Shark Grey.

Top-of-the-line Aero adds a sporty, all-leather interior. The front fascia and door trims are in Jet Black with dark, bushed metal, titanium-like decor trim. The sculptured, perforated leather sports seats are offered in the same colors as Vector.

Standard equipment for Linear includes: a keyless start/stop button, electric park brake, six-way adjustable driver and four-way adjustable passenger seat, dual zone climate control, a nine speaker audio system with an AUX socket, a leather steering wheel and a text information display

Vector adds front seat squab storage pouches, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, an adjustable front arm-rest, cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a USB connection and a graphic information display.

Aero adds powered and heated front seats, with an extending under-thigh support. The interior is further distinguished by a full color information display, an ‘Aero’ embossed, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and sports aluminum foot pedals.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile AB

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab

* Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X concept and Saab heritage
* Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
* Excels in responsible performance for safety and environmental concern
* Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech’ features

The all new Saab 9-5 sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and brings a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.
The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s CEO. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”

Scandinavian Design

Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.
The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Driver-focused cabin

Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium appeal.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature/fan speed control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.

On the road

An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5’s size.

Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system, already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with all engines except the 1.6-liter gasoline and 160 hp turbo diesel.

Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Three different suspension combinations are factory-fitted according to engine power and are also available with a sport chassis setting.

Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four cylinder choice comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-liter turbo diesel with CO2 emissions of just 139 gm/km and a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo developing 220 hp. A top-of-the-line 2.8V6 turbo, generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.

Shortly after launch, a small, 1.6-liter gasoline turbo with 180 hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-liter BioPower E85-capable engine. A powerful 190 hp, 2.0-liter two-stage turbo diesel, generating 400 Nm of torque, will complete the powertrain line-up.

All transmissions are six-speed.

New era

Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It is being built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.

Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!

# # #

http://media.saab.com/

Contact:
Saab Automobile Press Office
Tel: +46 (0)520 279797

Photo Credit: SU

The all new Saab 9-5 makes its public launch today. There will be more to come, so please stay tuned.

The media launch will apparently take place the following Monday, where over 260 journalists from around the world have been invited.

Please read the rest of the developments below:

Since March 22, the Saab car production once again started in Trollhättan and that begins on Friday with the launch of the new 9-5.

As expected, guests including CEO Jan Ake Jonsson and owner of the Spyker factory in Trollhättan, will be present. This will be possible through a large glass wall to witness car production.

On Monday, the media launch program starts – 260 journalists from around the world have been invited.

The 14th of June is the first time since 2000, guests will be invited in the form of dealers and VIP customers to visit Trollhattan during six weeks.

Order books for the 9-5 has been open since the Geneva Salon on 2 March and the cars began in May.

How sales forecasts and order book looks like Saab is not going out with.

- We have a positive orders and interest is high for the new Saab 9-5, said Sylvie Kerbavac, project manager for the media launch of the 9-5.

Advertising and marketing costs for the launch of the 9-5 is not something that the company would comment. According to the site saabhistory.com is concerned with some 100 million dollars, nearly 800 million.

In its latest quarterly report, write to the owner of Spyker customer deliveries of 9-5 will start in May – something that Kjell-Ake Eriksson, Saab’s purchasing manager and head of Saab Sweden, however, rejected.

- I do not know where it comes from. We start to build cars in May and will have a promotional event in May-June. But only weeks before midsummer, the first cars to dealers, “he said in late April said.

According to Sylvie Kerbavac will the first deliveries to customers to be great in June.

- Sweden, England and USA are the three primary markets and they will get the cars first, “she says.

The cheapest version of the new Saab 9-5 range from 311 000 SEK, while the price of the worst no Aero XWD Turbo6 begins at 471 900 SEK.

Saab History sponsor, Cherry Hill Saab reports that that they received their first order for the all new Saab 9-5!

This is the second report of an all new Saab 9-5 sale here in the United States, by yet another Saab History frequent visitor. The vehicle is of course one of the 2010 model years in Fjord Blue with the 18″ wheels as pictured above.

I guess this goes to show that communicating to Saab owners and enthusiasts all of the information you can even prior to the availability of in-person test drive, is extremely helpful in helping people make their decisions in buying new Saabs.

Let’s keep this momentum going. Here’s the note from Cherry Hill Saab below.

Today was my first order call day.

Had a guy that we’ve been working for a year come in to place his order.

He came in and brought me my morning coffee and ordered his car.

Fjord Blue / Pewter

Navi/Tech/Vent

Can’t wait too see it !!!

Saab History frequenter, Chris M has informed me that he has just placed an order for an all new Saab 9-5 Aero in Carbon Gray Metallic, with Tech, Navigation and ventilated seats as pictured above.

Here is his report below.

I wanted to share with you the news… I ordered my NG 9-5 tonight. I stopped by my local Saab dealer and did the paperwork. I was lucky because, out of their initial allotment of 3 9-5s, there was a Carbon Gray Metallic Aero with Tech package, NAV, and ventilated seats. The equipment was perfect, and the color was one I liked. So, I put my deposit on that one. It should arrive sometime in July, but it could be earlier or later. Unless someone beat me to ordering should be the first owner of a NG 9-5 in my area!

The owner of the dealership, shared a few things with me, which you probably already know. There are only 600 2010 9-5s bound for the US. After that, they will switch over to 2011s, which could start to arrive in October or November. Also, he said that none of the 2010s will have sunroofs, as there was some problem with that feature (specifically, the new panoramic roof design). The sunroof is not important to me.

The only other thing he said was that they have two orders for 9-3Xs already, and they should start to arrive in the next few weeks.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

April 20, 2010

Saab Cars North America Announces Pricing on All-New Premium Flagship Vehicle: The 9-5 Aero Sedan Launch Package

* All-new 9-5 vehicle pricing on model year 2010 and 2011 variants
* Premium 9-5 Sedan available in July

DETROIT – Saab Cars North America today announced pricing for its all-new 2010 model year 9-5 Aero Sedan launch package. The flagship vehicle will arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms in July.

Saab will lead the new 9-5 launch with its top-of-the line Aero Sedan model, priced at $49,990 MSRP. The Aero, featuring a 300 hp 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine, delivers uncompromised driving performance and is packed with advanced chassis, comfort and safety technologies.

Shortly following the 9-5 Aero introduction, a 2.0-litre turbo variant will be added to the 9-5 line-up. Pricing for these 2011 model year vehicles will start at under $40,000 MSRP.

“The new 9-5 Sedan stays true to its unique Swedish heritage and Saab DNA. The 9-5 showcases progressive Scandinavian design, an exhilarating driving experience and responsible performance with its all-turbo powertrain line-up,” said Mike Colleran, Saab Cars North America President and COO. “Saab’s distinctive new flagship brings a fresh, alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.”

The clean, ‘organic sculpture’ of the 9-5 bodywork, with elements inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept, heralds the introduction of a bold, more expressive design language for the brand. The spacious, driver-focused cabin features a new iteration of Saab’s signature cockpit layout.

Staying true to its roots, the 9-5 family features an all-turbo powertain line-up. The Aero model, features a 2.8-litre V6 Turbo Engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm; a 24-valve, dual overhead camshaft valvetrain and a twin-scroll intercooled turbocharger and the Sentronic six-speed automatic with transmission with paddle shifting.

Performance is second to none with sophisticated electronic chassis systems such as electronic stability program, DriveSense adaptive chassis and Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, XWD. Additionally, the Aero features a new front and rear suspension design that provides a sporty driving experience without sacrificing on comfort.

Saab continues its commitment to safety with eight standard airbags in the new 9-5, including rear seat thorax protection side airbags. A lane departure warning system and head-up display are also available.

The refined interior of the 9-5 features leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, power front seats with memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirrors, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, a cooled glove box, front and rear interior reading lamps, and 12V outlets in the front console and trunk.

The standard audio system includes an AM/FM radio with CD player, XM® Satellite radio, USB and auxiliary connections for portable devices and steering wheel mounted controls. A Harman-Kardon surround sound system is also available.

Saab’s unique Night Panel feature continues in this new 9-5 and is enhanced by a new instrument cluster with a supplemental rolling speedometer display that hints at its aircraft heritage.

I’ve decided to post a poll below to see what you think about the pricing.

Countdown to Launch: New Saab 9-5 Ready to Roll

* More than 500,000 km of chassis testing on European roads
* Handling, ride, refinement assessed across 250 measurement criteria
* Unique challenge of forest test track near Arctic Circle
* Customer order book already open in many markets

From the frozen wastes of northern Sweden to the baking plains of southern Spain, Saab’s chief test driver Peter Johansson and his small team of chassis experts have driven on some of the most challenging roads in Europe to fine-tune the dynamics of the next generation Saab 9-5.

Peter and his team clocked up more than 500,000 kilometers, the equivalent of driving 12 times round the world, in their quest to find the best set-up. That meant optimizing two different suspension layouts, front and all-wheel-drive transmissions, passive and adaptive chassis functions and two steering systems with different brakes, wheel sizes and tires, as well as five powertrain options.

Customers will soon enjoy the results of their work. In many markets, the 9-5 order book is already open and the first deliveries of Saab’s new flagship sedan will begin later this year.

The six-strong driving team focused on a core test fleet of 15 cars, including all the major technical permutations, and established a matrix for evaluating handling, ride and refinement across almost 250 measurement criteria.

While computer simulations can predict most of the car’s dynamic and acoustic characteristics, there is no substitute for getting ‘human’ real world feedback. To do that, the driving team honed the new 9-5 on real roads in Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain and Italy. From marble smooth to deeply rutted and potholed, from winding to straight, in wet and dry conditions, day and night.

Peter and his team focused on getting a true Saab ‘feel’ in the steering, the brakes, the way the car reacts and what the driver and passengers inside experience. As they clocked up the kilometers, they also checked the performance of in-car systems, such as the air conditioning, audio, lights, seating comfort and operating ergonomics.

“When you get in the car and drive, you feel like you are part of the vehicle. You feel directly connected to the controls and the car really becomes an extension of the driver,” says Peter. “This is why the new 9-5 is fun and so rewarding to drive. Throughout the development process, we focused on giving this car all the exciting driving characteristics you would expect from a Saab.

“The electronic systems such as the stability control, DriveSense adaptive chassis and our XWD system must all work together. The stability control, for example, must not get in the way of enjoying the benefits of the chassis and transmission systems.

“With this car, I should say you get that overall Saab feel through the steering wheel and the seat of your pants. We’ve developed the car to have predictable, neutral handling in most situations. When cornering under extreme loads, it is forgiving and easy to control with no sudden surprises.”

Ultimate test track challenge

Closed tracks, such as the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany and the high-speed bowl at NARDO in Italy, were also included on the test driving itinerary. But for extreme snow and ice testing, the team ventured where other manufacturers fear to drive, a 10 km forest track at the Colmis test facility in northern Sweden, just outside the Arctic Circle. It offers a challenging rollercoaster ride of dips, crests, hills and off-camber bends, with unforgiving boulders and trees lining the narrow roadside. Saab is the only manufacturer to use it for vehicle testing. “After every tuning change we always go to this track to see if the handling is OK,” says Peter. “If a change hasn’t worked, we know it will be exposed there.”

Throughout the chassis development program, the test team regularly held in-house evaluation sessions, where test cars were handed over to colleagues from other areas of the company. It was a further check to see that the adjustments being made were appreciated. Most of all, the team could be sure the car had all the responses and driving feel typical of a Saab.

“In this respect, we work a bit differently at Saab,” adds Peter. “We like to involve colleagues from other departments, particularly engineering and design, in these sessions. They’ve all played a part in the project. People can experience the results of their work and their feedback is important as we go through the fine-tuning process.”

Peter was responsible for integrating the latest fourth generation Haldex XWD system in the 9-3 range and this cutting-edge all-wheel-drive function is now carried forward into the 9-5. On a personal note, the new car also has special significance. Peter’s family ‘book-end’ Saab history: his grandfather made tools for the first Saabs produced more than 60 years ago, and his 77 year-old father Sigge worked in the Saab competition department. Now Peter has put the finishing touches to Saab’s latest product.

“I’m sure they would both be very impressed by what we’ve achieved with the new 9-5,” adds Peter. “Without doubt, it’s the most accomplished and sophisticated car Saab has ever made. I can’t wait for customers to get behind the wheel to see if they enjoy driving it as much as we do.”
Contact:
Saab Automobile Press Office
Tel: +46 (0)520 279797

Photo Credit: Winding Road

The Winding Road have just test driven the all new Saab 9-5 in the Netherlands.

Here is their article below of the review.

The first-generation Saab 9-5 had a thirteen-year shelf life, and stopped being produced in Tröllhattan, Sweden only when the suppliers stopped delivering all of the necessary parts back in July of 2009. And the suppliers stopped delivering parts because General Motors (with an embarrassing sense of near enthusiasm) had announced that Saab would be either sold or shuttered, sending Saab sales worldwide into a tailspin.

We were as shocked as many of you surely were. Just one more move in GM’s long history of dubious achievements: the near eagerness to kill this hallowed Swedish brand which, by all accounts, it never even tried to understand adequately.

But we step into the lobby of our very 1970s-feeling Marriott hotel at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport to meet our collaborator on this stealth mission, the Spyker Saab CEO, Victor Muller. Joking, sort of, our host looks at us and says, “Crazy isn’t it? To get the first 9-5, I had to go and buy the company.”

Saab’s new Dutch owner Victor Muller is an adamant, outspoken kind of car guy. Exemplifying this sometimes impulsiveness, while we were talking with him near the airport he handed us the key fob to his pre-production 2011 Saab 9-5, and said we could have a spin in it so long as he was our constant passenger.

Genuinely surprised, we did the right thing and accepted the offer. We’ve liked driving every GM world car (or former GM world car) that has been built on the global Epsilon II architecture, be it the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia (European and U.K. car of the year 2009), Chevrolet Malibu, or Buick Lacrosse. The Chinese got it, too, at the end of 2008 under the latest Buick Regal, and we saw this car on American soil finally at the latest Detroit show as the very handsome Regal GS. Now it has found its way to this decidedly more Saab-like second-generation 2011 Saab 9-5.

While gathering pearls of “the new Saab” wisdom from Mr. Muller as we drove his 9-5, it didn’t take long for it to wash over us that Saab, in this new premium sedan, has a success on its hands, so long as it doesn’t get all screwed up. The 2011 Saab 9-5 is a dynamic driver and looker, very well built, not quite yet at the Audi level of cabin refinement, but laced inside and out with that sturdy Scandinavian alternativeness that we’ve been missing in Saabs for some time now.

“Of course,” adds Muller, “This 9-5, as great as it is, is not the 9-5 I know that we can create in Sweden for the third generation five or six years from now, but it’s a bloody wonderful first product to have inherited right at the start of our ownership.”

It’s been a long and bumpy road to get to gen-two, even. Back in 2002, we visited the then new and now closed Saab/GM Advanced Design Studio just outside of Göteborg, Sweden, and on the wall there was a 1:1 full profile drawing of this very car, as created by the Saab advanced design team, that we were told to “not see.” The 9-5 was basically ready to go way back then but, we won’t go into how GM Europe screwed that one up.

Saab was told to settle for a semi-new (glorified mid-life-like) updo for the 9-5 instead. So, the first-generation Saab 9-5 has had this awkward-as-hell thirteen-year life cycle, while the rest of the premium executive segment has thundered ahead with new models and profits. The last 2010 Saab 9-5 rolled off the line in late July, and production of the finalized new 9-5 just started in mid-March.

Saab sales in North America dropped 35 percent between 2007 and 2008, with total ’08 sales hitting just barely over 20,000. Then 2009 hit together with GM’s overly excited announcement that Saab was history, and Saab’s North American sales plunged a further 59 percent to just 8,680 vehicles. Not good for a market that should be buying at least 50,000 of your cars per annum.

While chatting with Muller, we couldn’t help but notice that this 9-5 is a fully loaded Aero trim with the 296-horsepower, Holden-supplied, 2.8-liter V-6 as pumped up by a Borg Warner turbocharger, and fitted with the company’s outstanding XWD that combines an electric limited slip rear differential, together with the Haldex all-wheel traction. Nice package, and we gunned it whenever we could just to watch the turbo gauge and hear the slight whistle of the turbine.

“It was so frustrating for Saab fanatics like me for so many years,” says Muller. “Not only did we have to wait 13 years for this next 9-5, but we waited a ridiculous amount of time for four-wheel drive, while GM Europe took whatever profits Saab was making and threw them into an Opel/Vauxhall black hole.” Muller will come out with these refreshingly honest statements all day long while his PR team squirms nearby.

“Now we’re independent, our next four models are paid for,” Muller goes on, “And I am committed to returning Saab to its roots, while at the same time finally bringing the brand up to the level of quality and respect that the Germans rightfully receive these days.”

The 9-5 Aero interior is an honestly solid execution in taking the recent Opel/Buick/Cadillac high quality and making it Saab’s own. The dominant color, apart from the soothing grays in the leather and dash of this tester on this cloudy Dutch day, is a vibrant, antifreeze green. All instrument needles, some touch-screen sat-nav buttons, and several ambient lighting trim bits around the cabin shine with this traditional Saab hue. We felt embraced in Nordicness as the cabin glowed soothingly around us.

There is no longer a standard key insert for the ignition by the driver’s inboard thigh–let’s just call it “that heritage anchor.” It has been suitably updated to a push-button StartStop with tiny light slots that glow green, too. The old-time, space-hogging handbrake lever is gone as well, all 9-5s now being fitted with a discreet electro-hydraulic handbrake. Looking straight through the three-spoke Aero-design steering wheel, inspired by recent show cars like 2006’s Aero X, you see a digital onboard data dial. Among other things, this little disc can show an airplane altimeter-style speedometer readout, which struck us as sufficiently cool.

As we’ve always felt in Saabs, the full leather and its stitching can still be made to be more upmarket. “Yes,” agrees Muller, “We are going to be working massively on perfecting the Saab interior experience, and a big part of that is constantly improving the materials choices.” Not long after the midsummer North American launch of the 9-5, in fact, Muller tells us there will be a premium-level personalization program offered in part to help solve the puckered-leatherette feeling of the current material. The Aero sport seats could be more sporting as well, as regards their overall support especially at the sides.

Any improvements to the outgoing 9-5’s exterior looks are going to be better than what Saab’s larger car was forced to live with in recent years.

This 9-5 at least starts to rediscover formerly shunned airplane fuselage-style sleekness and angles. The shape of the car is very clean, and looks good in this lighter silvery gray. All of the lighting elements deliberately take on a chilly feeling, particularly up front where the term “ice block” is being used by Saab to describe the slight blue tint. In back, a new look that will be part of all future Saabs is the bar of light running the width of the trunk—it’s a distinctive touch we like.

Particular to the Aero look are the much meaner and larger front air intakes, nineteen-inch “turbine” wheels dressed in aggressive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, adaptive cornering LED headlights, and the dual rectangular exhaust tips visible through the fascia. This exact car we got to drive, in fact, is the only model of the 9-5 initially arriving in North America. The 217-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0T four-cylinder will arrive later in 2010, and the XWD and eLSD will be available as options for that motor, too. In a really evolved move, the new 9-5 Saabs for North America will all come available only with the 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. The manual shift linkage we’ve tried on European 9-5s and 9-3s is the worst we have ever had to live with in this century. Only if this standard and traditional setup is greatly improved should Saab think of bringing it.

The sort of driver involvement in the sportiest Aero Saabs has always been uniquely pleasing. We find ourselves employing more body English here and there as though we’re autocrossing and being cheered on by Swedish fans. The Holden V-6, with intake and exhaust variable valve timing and most of its 10.9-psi, turbo-aided 295 pound-feet of torque ready between 2000 and 6000 rpm, gets this larger 9-5 to 60 mph in a decent 6.7 seconds. There’s a minimum of turbo lag involved, although it will be better when a twin-stage biturbo setup comes along for a Viggen version. “The Viggen name should play a significant role in the future,” Muller confirms.

Talking length, the 2011 Saab 9-5 is 6.8 inches longer at 197.2 inches than the outgoing car, with a wheelbase stretched by 5.3 inches. This makes it longer than both the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series (seven-inches longer than the Insignia or Regal). Muller stands just over six-foot four-inches, and he set himself up in the driver’s seat. We, at six feet, sat in back behind him, and there was a tremendous amount of space for knees and head. So, the 9-5 is sizeable, finally, and competitive in the part of the market it has been meant for all along.

The chassis control system, called here Saab DriveSense, works on a rheostat to the left of the automatic joystick. Set to Comfort, Intelligent, or Sport, the system controls the suspension feel, steering assistance, ESP threshold, and throttle/transmission response. Between the “C” and the “I”, we felt little difference initially. But once Muller nudged us to put the foot into it, the potential difference in the Intelligent setup became clearer. In this mode, various dynamics parameters adapt at eleven different levels depending on how you’re generally driving at that time. Saab chassis teams have improved the damper feel at lower speeds in urban areas and at speed over highway bumps to where there is less steering column vibration. We still wish, however, we could set up the suspension independently from the rest of DriveSense.

The steering wheel-mounted shift paddles that come standard on the Aero V-6 operate nicely, though Saab should play with their appearance and feel on the fingers a bit more. While at it, tightening the steering ratio to avoid too much hand-over-hand action wouldn’t go amiss, either. In Sport of the DriveSense, things improve this way a touch, but the overall steering needed 2.7 turns, lock-to-lock, and doesn’t yet feel Aero optimized, really. Forced on-center steering feels a bit robotic compared to others in this segment and with these aspirations, too. Again, we just had to push Muller’s Saab harder to get at the less composed side of the Scandinavian persona. It’s tradition, and we actually really do like it.

For years, Saab and Volvo both fell into the trap of believing they could charge just as much or more for their cars as the Germans. This error is being fixed, too. Though Muller really takes hard aim at the A6 with his thinking on the 2011 Saab 9-5, he knows he cannot quite yet go straight head-on with the A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro, even though on paper, in many aspects, he can do so comfortably. It would be a major coup to start the 2011 Saab 9-5 Aero Turbo6 XWD at $49,000. Get this worthy head of steam going, introduce long overdue improvements, and then the price can start creeping up to Audi territory.

Add Spyker Saab personalization packages, a Viggen, the 9-5 SportCombi wagon, a good looking 9-4X crossover in 2011, the outstanding turbo 2.0-liter motor, and now you’re talking.

At least to us, Muller seems genuinely motivated to—as he has announced many times to the media—make Saab build real Saabs again.

He wrapped up our meeting and drive by showing us something on his iPhone. You know the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series competitor Muller has mentioned as a next step to slide in below the next 93? It’s about the size of the 9X concept car shown at Geneva in 2007, will be called the Saab 92, and it is stunning and exceptionally Saab distinctive.

And, yes, the dash between the numbers is being retired with the intro of the new Saab 93 in 2013, getting back to the pre-GM traditional naming pattern.

We are hoping this all works. Not just because our offices are in Michigan and Saabs are perfect year-round premium transportation, but also because we are shamelessly in love with the Saab we grew up with before GM came in and fixed everything that wasn’t broken.

And because we like to see the confident Germans sweat a little.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Saab History has just received photos of the first production model of the Saab 9-5 Sedan number 001 of 999 which rolled off the assembly line today.

I’ve contacted Saab about this initial limited production run of the 9-5 but have not heard any responses as of yet. I hope they can provide some clarification on this.

Here are some video footage of the first vehicle produced under the new era of Saab Automobile yesterday.