Photo Credit: Autoblog

The Autoblog have uncovered the latest photograph of the all new Saab 9-5 wagon, showcasing what it will look like when unveiled as a 2011 model year.

What do you think about the look of this car as shown above?

Photo Credit: China Car Times

Photo Credits: Sohu

BAIC, the company that bought Saab Automobile’s old Saab 9-5 technology are planning on releasing their new version of it, known as the Beijing C71 according to China Car Times.

This news should not be a surprise, since BAIC indicated this past December that they want to start integrating their designs into the Saabs immediately.

Here’s an excerpt below:

but the real star of the line up is the Beijing C71, based on the Saab technology that Beijing Auto acquired from Saab prior to its sale to Spyker cars earlier this year. Powerplants for the above models, aside from the EV, are likely to be Saab units in turbo and naturally aspirated form. We will have to wait until press day to confirm however, but it is looking highly likely.

Photo Credit: Peter F

Saab History has received a photo by Peter F here in Portland, Maine for this week’s Saab Sighting of the week.

This photo taken by his mobile phone, depicts a Saab 9-5 Sedan in Polar white on a flatbed getting hauled away from what looks to be a rear-end accident.

I hope that the owner’s of this vehicle realize just how much Saab focuses on Safety in every vehicle they produce. If the insurance adjuster claims the vehicle totaled, one can hope that the owners are looking at the newer Saab 9-5 as a worthy replacement, just look at those crash tests!

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

The final 2009 MY Saab 9-5 SportCombi, originally planned to end final production in March, ended today at the Saab factory in Trollhättan.

This now concludes all Saab 9-5 production models for the 2009 model year, as the sedan ended this past July.

It was kind of strange, that Saab History heard about this through an rss feed through Swedish publication, Teknikens World instead of directly from Saab Automobile themselves. I would check out the link here for more photos of the car however, it’s interesting.

Update: Saab Automobile Provides Press Release:

Out with the Old, In with the New: Final Current Generation Saab 9-5 Produced

* Last first generation Saab 9-5 rolls off Trollhättan production line
* Almost 500,000 produced since 1997
* Next generation 9-5 being prepared for launch this year

The last current generation Saab 9-5 to be produced, a silver Griffin edition SportCombi, rolled off the assembly line yesterday (1 February) at Saab’s Trollhättan plant in Sweden.

Almost half a million 9-5s have been produced since its launch in 1997 – 252,236 sedans and 231,357 SportCombis. This popular model, soon to be replaced by an all-new generation, introduced a number of industry innovations: active front head restraints (SAHR), ventilated seats, Night Panel instrument dimming, a charcoal interior air filter and Saab BioPower flex-fuel turbo technology.

The last Saab 9-5 is bound for the Saab Museum in Trollhättan, where it will join an illustrious line-up of all Saab’s key models. As it left the assembly line, a new chapter in Saab product history was beginning – the first all-new 9-5 sedans are already being produced at the world class Trollhättan facility ahead of launch later this year.

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

The last 9-5: an generation of a rolling band of today

Today at 12.30 last rolled Saab 9-5 from the first generation of the assembly line in Trollhättan. The art world were on hand to immortalize the moment.

World art photographer Glenn Lindberg is currently in Trollhättan, specifically in the Saab factory. Where has he for a little while ago, witnessed the completion of the last Saab 9-5 from the first generation, then the one you see on the pictures above and below.

16 June 1997 rolled off the first 9-5: an of the band. A SportCombi in red metallic with 150-horsepower light-pressure turbo under the hood and manual transmission. Today the car at the Saab museum in Trollhättan, Saab 9-5, which also number 483 593 will do, that is the car that rolled off the tape at 12.30 today, 1 February 2010.

This last copy of the outgoing 9-5 SportCombi is one of the color Snow Silver with a 2.3t BioPower engine of 210 horsepower under the hood. In terms of the equipment contains the most you can think of in a car, that is, leather upholstery, navigator, and much more – just like a Griffin Vector Sport Edition will have.

Saab 9-5 from the first generation produced in just over 12.5 years and during this period, we therefore had time to build 483 593 copies. It is slightly less than what its predecessor managed by Saab 9000, informs Peter Bäckström, head of the Saab museum, us. 9000 was produced in just over 503 000 copies, but it also made it over a slightly longer period, between 1984 and 1998.

We say thanks and farewell to the first generation Saab 9-5, which has done a good job in just over twelve years and welcome the new Saab 9-5 with open arms. And so we hope that the new 9-5, although new it would turn out to be an exceptionally good car, not a long-running series of the same rank as its predecessor.

Photo Credit: Gary Car Wheels

On the website, Gay Car Fans, they have received photos from a Saab employee stating that this is the final Saab car to leave the Saab factory for the year. This photo was taken as production at the factory stopped for 4-weeks until it ramps back up after the first week of January.

This car is a 2010 model year Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T as seen in the photos that clearly look like it was taken by a cell phone camera. I thought cell phone cameras were not allowed in the factory? I remember when I took the tour in 2007 during the Saab Festival, we all had to put our phones in a box before the tour began and pick them up after. Perhaps employees are allowed to?

This vehicle should be placed in the Saab Car Museum regardless, as it is a piece of Saab History!

Here is the quote from the individual that posted the photo.

Yes,basically there are two option for a “final car” as i see it. Vehicles that has not yet begun it process in any of the assembly shops (body,paint and general/finish assembly) can not be included even if there is an order/VIN number etc.

I dont know why i couldn’t post my message, becuase i explained it there.

The first one, is the final car that is currently standing at the final gate on the driven line. It is about 2 meter left in order to falling of the line. It’s completed,but not tested and verifed. So when the cars has been tested and verified there once again a option for finding the “final car made”.

The car that is standing infront of the verifed once,ready to burn out from the factory and heading towards the seller is what i would call “THE FINAL CAR MADE”

Here it is on a photo (again sorry for the poor quality on these)

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

This just in from Saab Automobile as posted on their Newsroom website

According to Saab’s Press Officer, Gunilla Gustavs “This deal for “certain” technology for the current 9-3 model line, and not for the 9-3 model itself, the current 9-5 model as well as some powertrain technology were sold to BAIC”

This is good to know, because it initially appeared that it was the 9-3 model which is incorrect, the only model being sold is the current 9-5.

it is important to know that the deal itself has no bearing on Saab’s sale process nor does it have anything do with the Saab brand. The vehicles and technology will end up with BAIC and will not have any reference or connection to Saab once acquired.

The price for the transaction was not mentioned nor was it not provided when requested as it was confidential.

Saab Automobile and Beijing Automotive reach milestone in technology cooperation

December 14 2009, Trollhättan.

Saab Automobile AB announced today that it had closed on the sale to Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd (BAIC) of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and powertrain technology and tooling. Saab will assist BAIC to integrate this technology into future BAIC vehicles.

Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile said: “This arrangement is excellent for both parties, now and for the future. We have developed a good relationship with BAIC and look forward to working with them to integrate this Saab technology into their future vehicles.”

• Saab closed on a sale of certain Saab 9-3, current 9-5 and Powertrain technology to BAIC

• Current 9-5 tooling will move to China where it will be used to make BAIC vehicles

• Saab will assist BAIC in integrating this technology into BAIC vehicles

Saab History has learned at the recent 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show that BAIC, the ones that just signed a memorandum of understanding with Koenigsegg, plan on continuing the old Saab 9-5 production in Beijing, China once the all new Saab 9-5 production begins in Trollhattan, Sweden.

Although the old 9-5 Sedan ended production during the first week in July and it’s 9-5 SportCombi counterpart will cease production in March of 2010, that production has been indicated to be continuing on in China at some point.

While all of Saab Automobile’s new products will be built in Trollhättan, Sweden, their old 9-5 now in its 12th year, will continue on for presumably the Chinese only-market. Initially learning about this plan, I was not alarmed as much as the news that came recently from TTELA who spoke to BAIC’s CEO Wang Dazong, where he indicated that he not only wants production, but technology and intellectual property rights from Saab Automobile as well.

I think that recycling a good product is one thing and keeping it alive is a nice idea for a particular market, (I wish they could have done this with the old C900), but wanting Saab’s technology and intellectual rights sounds exactly like what hurt Saab with GM all of these years and I don’t want that repeated with BAIC.

Saab History has learned that the current 9-5 SportCombi will be ending production in Trollhattan, Sweden by March of 2010, following the 9-5 sedan than ended production in Sweden in July of 2009.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

The final Saab 9-5 production model rolled off of the assembly line this week at the Saab factory in Trollhattan, Sweden.

The Saab 9-5 Sedan first debuted in 1997 as a MY ’98 model, has been in production for 11 years and this model represents the end of it’s production run.

It’s first year of production, the 9-5 hit the 3 millionth Saab model to be produced, and as it’s demand spiked over its lifetime, it set a new level of unparalleled safety for Saab Automobile.

To learn more about the 9-5′s history, please take a look through the Saab History 9-5 archive for more information.

A sincere thank you to the folks at the Saab Automobile AB factory and press team for providing this photograph to Saab History today.

Image Credit: Saab Automobile AB

Saab Automobile has launched a print ad, perhaps in a series, emphasizing safety for the 9-5.

The bold headline really packs a nice punch and should be, in my opinion, continued here in the United States.

Very well done, here’s hoping we see more of this!

The Saab bridgestone ads that first came about in January of 2008 during the superbowl, have a new edition, this time with a current Saab 9-5 Sedan.

I like the video a lot because it features a 9-5, which I don’t think has really had any new television advertisements since the Born from Jets program back in at least 2006 or 2007 at the latest. Not only is it nice seeing the 9-5 on tv, it’s nice seeing the driver also looking out for other drivers!

Do you find that you owning a safe car like a Saab, makes you more alert and awake and better positioned to be one of the safer drivers on the road too?

The Saab Friction Tester Program has been running with a company called Sarsys in connection with Saab Automobile AB, formerly Saab-Scania AB since the mid-seventies.

Sarsys with head offices in Trelleborg, Sweden; continue to push the envelope when it comes to intelligent design and engineering of the Saab friction tester systems that are well integrated in the Saab automobiles, in order to keep the runways safe at airports all around the world.

The first Saab friction tester or SFT for short, first debuted in a Saab 99 and since then the it has been outfitted in a Saab 900, 9000, NG900, 9-3 and the 9-5.

Today, there are many Saab Friction Testers in use from an original 1986 Saab 900 in Burlington, Vermont to two facelifted Saab 9-5 SFT’s in Munich, Germany.

According to rumor, there has been talk about an old Saab 900 that has been operating at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts. As part of my quest for more information, I managed to get in touch with the folks that manage Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, Massport to set up a visit to explore this further.

As part of my visit thanks to the folks at Massport after arriving on a SAAB 340, I learned that this rumor was in fact true, however that 1986 Saab 900 was replaced in 2005, with what but another Saab, this time a 2005 Saab 9-5 Wagon/Combi.

This opportunity involved getting the chance to literally be escorted out onto the runway at Logan International Airport with an experienced Saab Friction Tester pilot from Massport. As we drove out onto the runway, I got to learn about not only why the SFT was chosen again due to it’s unique integration of systems that no other competitor has been able to match, but also it’s all-weather abilities that are unique to Saab. The timing of opportunity was done in the spring/summer/fall (maintenance mode) part of the year opposed to the most demanding time, the winter otherwise scheduling may not have permitted.

The runway testing began with an overview on systems, then a run-through on how the systems operated in motion as we drove at a steady 40mph in this rightsized 4-cylinder 2.3t powered Saab 9-5 complete with automatic transmission and paddle shifters.

The object with the friction tester is to be able to accurately report friction coefficients on all of the runways at any given time. The system that is well integrated into the SFT, involves the following.     

* An electronic calibration friction coefficient measuring system with handheld device.
* A 350 gallon water tank spanning rear seats and trunk.
* A hydraulic wheel that is controlled to be raised and lowered onto the runway that sprays water onto the wheel to be measured.
* A reduced fuel tank of only 5 gallons.

After experiencing a few run-throughs of the system in operation from start to finish spanning approximately 1,500 feet on a few runways, I got the surprise of a lifetime. I was handed the keys as I was offered to test drive the Saab Friction Tester myself literally on the same runway at Logan Airport.

As you will see as part of the video provided, I managed to keep the speed limit around 40 with some variations, I finally got to experience a modern Saab Friction Tester from the driver’s seat.

I have said it before and I will say it again, it continues to make me happy that Saab Automobile, born from jets and known for safety on the roads and in the air, utilizes an automobile to ensure safety for their aircraft counterparts.

It is my hope that my review (writeup & video), not only proves that the rumor that this Saab Friction Tester exists, but it serves as an educational and informational example of the need for Saab Friction Testers at not only Saab’s number one market in the United States (the North East region) but other airports that strongly value safety for any and all of their commercial and freight aircraft.

Test driving a Saab Friction Tester at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, a major international airport in that represents a region which has one of the largest amounts of Saabs per capita in the United States was a an opportunity that I will never forget.

I want to thank all of the folks at Massport that managed to take time out of their day to organize the necessary logistics and schedules in order for me to have this experience to share with others here on Saab History.

As you may also know, the 9-5 was the successor to the Saab 9000 model that was developed through a joint venture with Fiat / Lancia / Alfa Romeo dating back to the late nineteen seventies, with the Saab 600 as the first model launched from this joint venture.

There were many designers & engineers responsible for the development of the 9-5 such as Tony Catignani to Einar Hareide to Dan Chasins as well as now President of Saab Automobile AB, Jan-Ake Jonsson.

What’s interesting is that the next generation 9-5 which was supposed to debut around 2005, was planned to be developed off of a joint venture Saab 9-5 / Fiat “premium” platform. That was the original plan as Saab history has come to find out. Of course we know that original plan was shelved back in 2002 by General Motors and now the 9-5 continues on wrapping up it’s 12 year tenure with the 2009 Saab 9-5 “griffin edition”.

I would like to know if there are still any lingering products in the future that Fiat & Saab Automobile have developed, who knows, maybe there is a future between them in some fashion?

Here are the some additional details from what someone entered in WikiPedia:

GM/Fiat Premium platform
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Premium platform is General Motors and Fiat’s high-end automobile platform. The architecture debuted with the Alfa Romeo Brera. Even after the dissolution of the GM/Fiat partnership, both companies retain the rights to continue developing Premium-derived models, though no GM versions are known.

The platform was mainly developed in Sweden by Saab, with input from Alfa Romeo, Holden, and Opel/Vauxhall. Saab stopped development of its Premium automobile in late 2002; the Saab models (the 9X sports car and the replacement for the 9-5 sedan) would have used an entirely different suspension than the Alfa Romeo vehicles, which would have proved too expensive. The platform debuted in 2003 with the Opel Insignia concept car, thought this vehicle was not produced. A planned Buick model was also dropped. In the end, only the Alfa Romeo models moved forward.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

The Saab 9-5 “Griffin Edition” marks the final farewell at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to the Saab 9-5 that was first unveilved in 1997 as a 1998 model year.

Here is the press release below:

2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition Takes Off in Detroit

DETROIT – In the luxurious 9-5 Griffin Edition, making its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Saab offers levels of premium standard equipment that are unprecedented in the 62-year history of the Swedish car brand.

As underlined by its U.S. advertising tagline, “Born From Jets,” Saab’s illustrious aircraft heritage is part of its design philosophy that runs throughout its range of automobiles. With the vigor of its turbocharged engine and agile road manners, the Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition resonates with its aircraft namesake, the Gripen (Swedish for Griffin) – the first of the new generation of multi-role combat aircraft to enter into active service, developed by Saab Aircraft AB in Sweden. Saab

“With the 9-5 Griffin Edition, Saab reaches a new altitude in terms of premium standard equipment and value,” said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

Available in four-door Sedan as well as five-door SportCombi models, all versions feature Saab’s signature 2.3L, 260-horsepower (194 kW) four-cylinder engine and can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.

The exterior of the 9-5 Griffin shows influences from the recently updated Saab 9-3 family, such as the use of matte chrome for the front grill, as well as the frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish.

Unique five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus Griffin badges on the front fenders adorn both body styles. In addition to Polar White, this special edition Saab 9-5 is available in six metallic colors, including Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, plus the new Carbon Grey and Glass Grey.

On the inside, every 9-5 Griffin shines with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. This premium stitching also applies to the Aero-inspired leather-appointed sport seats. They are available in two two-tone variations: black with parchment inserts and parchment with black inserts. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are not only power-adjustable and foldable, but also auto-dimming.

Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the 9-5 Griffin will be priced starting at U.S. $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the versatile and stylish SportCombi (prices include destination charges). In addition to the rich standard equipment, including an automatic transmission, the only options for the 9-5 Griffin are metallic paint, ventilated seats and a navigation system.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2009 model year, Saab offers 7 different models that deliver 27 mpg or better according to EPA Highway fuel economy standards. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance plus standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information

This weekend, I managed to see yet another Saab in front of L.L. Bean in Portland, Maine, this time a beautiful Saab 9-5 “Gary Fisher” edition, complete with the unique wheels! The Gary Fisher Edition 9-5 came out in 2000, when Saab Automobile USA partnered with Gary Fisher as their bicycle partner, then a year later the program ended and the Saab-Salomon partnership began.

I am starting to wonder that people are specifically parking their Saabs in front L.L. Bean for bragging rights for the “Saab Sightings Of The Week” here on Saab History, seriously.

If we look back I have seen a 9-3 Sport Sedan out front, and two Saab 9-5 sedans parked on the rear entrance to the outlet.

This was another great sighting, so keep them coming!

Photo Credit: Saab History

On our way to pick up our holiday tree this weekend in New England, we couldn’t help but notice one of two immaculate red Saab 9-5s, and this one took the top spot!

The 2000 Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon was complete with tinted windows, spoiler and a tow hitch mounted Thule bike holder. This holiday sled in red, shows its real utility with the complimentary color of a green holiday tree on the roof!

As I took a photo, the owners passed by us and gave the “Saab nod”, and we returned the gesture with a smile. My only regret, not telling them that their Saab would be featured today as the Saab Sighting of the week!

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-5 Wagon, a continuation of the 9-5 Sedan lineup, and a throwback to the SAAB 95 (1959-1978), debuted at the Paris Auto Show in 1998 as a 1999 model year.

The Saab 9-5 wagon was designed by Einar Hareide and Tony Catignani, was also Trollhättan, Sweden.

Over the 9-5’s Wagon’s lifetime, much like the sedan it has undergone two exterior facelifts, once in 2002 and again in 2006. The 9-5’s final production model will be titled the “Griffin Edition” as a 2009 model year.

This model for Saab came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: 5-Door Wagon, 5- seater, semi Unitary Construction, luggage rails, expanding rear deck, tail gate 2,180kgs

2002 MY Exterior Facelift, Linear, Arc and Vector & Aero models, bi-xenon light options, integrated grille, clear headlight lense
2005 MY Wagon Name Changed To Sport Combi
2006 MY Exterior Facelift
2007 MY 60th Anniversary Edition
2008 MY Nordic Edition

Interior: Entirely New Interior Dash with pop-out dash mounted cup holder, world leading SAHR safety system, vented seats, cabin, seats came in cloth and leather with center-mounted ignition and flat fold rear seats much like the 9000.

MY 2001 On Star Added
MY 2001 Aluminum Dashboard Added
MY 2007 Interior Radio “blacktie”

Chassis: Macpherson struts, split lower wishbone suspension and stabilizer bars. Rear semi-rigid multi-link axle with inner and outer stabilizer bars, coil springs and gas shock absorbers with ABS brakes.

2002 MY Electronic Stability Program

Engine: Transversely mounted 16-valve 4-cylinder engine & V6 Turboacharged engine, both with with cast iron block and aluminum head, also a transversely mounted six-cylinder engine, both with direct ignition, throttle boost pressure, turbocharger, fuel capacity 70 liters.

V6 Asymetrically Turbocharged
2.0 LPT 150hp
2.3 LPT
3.0 V6 LPT
2002 MY V6 TiD
2005 MY BioPower E-85
2007 MY BioPower E-100 Concept

Transmission:

5-Speed
4-Speed Automatic

2002 MY Adaptive Automatic

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 270cm
Front Track 152cm
Rear Track 152cm
Ground Clearance
Turning Circle 11.4m (37.4′)
Length 481cm
Width 179cm
Height 142cm

Max Speed 144 mph (230 kph)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 8 seconds

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1999 MY – ?
2000 MY – ?
2001 MY – ?
2002 MY – ?
2003 MY – ?
2004 MY – ?
2006 MY – ?
2007 MY – ?
2008 MY – ?
2009 MY – ?

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-5 Sedan, a successor to the 9000 was first shown in 1997 and made its North American debut at the Saab Owners Convention in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.

The Saab 9-5 was highly regarded by the press and came with a first of its kind asymetrically turbocharged V-6 engine. The 9-5, designed by Einar Hareide and Tony Catignani.

Over the 9-5′s lifetime, it has undergone two exterior facelifts, once in 2002 and again in 2006. The 9-5′s final production model will be titled the “Griffin Edition” as a 2009 model year.

The Saab 9-5 was manufactured in Trollhättan, Sweden for its entire 11 year lifetime.

This model for Saab came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: 4-Door Sedan, 5- seater, semi Unitary Construction

2002 MY Exterior Facelift, Linear, Arc and Vector & Aero models, bi-xenon light options, integrated grille, clear headlight lense
2006 MY Exterior Facelift
2007 MY 60th Anniversary Edition
2008 MY Nordic Edition

Interior: Entirely New Interior Dash with pop-out dash mounted cup holder, world leading SAHR safety system, vented seats, cabin, seats came in cloth and leather with center-mounted ignition.

MY 2001 On Star Added
MY 2001 Aluminum Dashboard Added
MY 2007 Interior Radio “blacktie”

Chassis: Macpherson struts, split lower wishbone suspension and stabilizer bars. Rear semi-rigid multi-link axle with inner and outer stabilizer bars, coil springs and gas shock absorbers with ABS brakes.

2002 MY Electronic Stability Program

Engine: Transversely mounted 16-valve 4-cylinder engine & V6 Turboacharged engine, both with with cast iron block and aluminum head, also a transversely mounted six-cylinder engine, both with direct ignition, throttle boost pressure, turbocharger, fuel capacity 70 liters.

V6 Asymetrically Turbocharged
2.0 LPT 150hp
2.3 LPT
3.0 V6 LPT
2002 MY V6 TiD
2005 MY BioPower E-85
2007 MY BioPower E-100 Concept

Transmission:

5-Speed
4-Speed Automatic

2002 MY Adaptive Automatic

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 2703mm
Front Track 1,522mm
Rear Track 1,520mm
Length 4,806mm
Width 1,792mm
Height 1,419mm
Performance Max Speed 144 mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph 14 sec(2.0), 9 (2.3), 9 (3.0)

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1998 MY – ?
1999 MY – ?
2000 MY – ?
2001 MY – ?
2002 MY – ?
2003 MY – ?
2004 MY – ?
2006 MY – ?
2007 MY – ?
2008 MY – ?
2009 MY – ?

Photo Credit: Saab History

This past week, en-route to Shaw Saab, I managed to spot a beautiful Saab 9-5 perfectly placed in front of IKEA, what a nice visual to round out the day!

As you may know, the Saab 9-5 wagon has been voted as the best Saab for your IKEA trips.

Other vehicles that have proven to be capable, include the 9-3 SportCombi as well as the original Saab 99!

What a great Saab Sighting of the week!

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile Netherlands

Saab Automobile Netherlands have introduced for the final year of the 9-5, a 9-5 Business Edition as well as a 9-5 Griffin Edition.

Below is their press release, loosely translated thanks to babelfish.

2008-11-10

Saab 9-5 now in business and Griffin editions

Saab put its top model, the Saab 9-5, in its sights. The mark introduces two implementations which will replace current line-up of the luxuriously model class: the Saab 9-5 business and the Saab 9-5 Griffin. Both implementation is notable by their attractive, rich equipment and very sharp prices.

The new Saab 9-5 business shows large agreements with the current business implementation. The equipment is the same, but are new 9-5 business provide with a large number of external decorating. Striking characteristic Aero bumper with the clear visible are express including chromia eindstuk. 9-5 business is recognizable to measure chrome frame grille and head lamps. In the interior are notable the stylish finishing – in chrome – including the dashboard and the serving portieren. The acceleration pedal and the hand brake of the Saab 9-5 business have been carried out with stiksel in emphasis colour.

For the new Saab 9-5 business three engines are deliverable: 1.9 the TiD, 2.0t and 2.0t the BioPower. These its to choice acceleration barge or an automatic transmission to combine with hand-changed gear. The price of the Saab 9-5 business 2.0t hand-changed gear amounts to 37,845 euro.

Griffin
Just like the Saab 9-5 business also the Saab new 9-5 are Griffin provide with a large number of extras. This implementation has the same equipment level as the current Saab 9-5 Aero, plus the optical additives of the new Saab 9-5 business. The Saab 9-5 Griffin further shows the recognize to Griffin-badge, the double rims of 7.5 x 17 inches (AL.83) with 235/45 R17-banden, the sport Len have been perforated with lederen two-tone lining, the sportseatsl, contrasting held with leather, and a nice finishing in the interior.

For the Saab 9-5 Griffin are there also choice from 1.9 TiD-, 2.0t- and 2.0t the bioPower engine in combination with hand-changed gear acceleration barge or an automatic transmission. There for the Saab 9-5 Griffin with 2.3T Aero-motor of 260 pk can be however also chosen. To these Saab 9-5 Griffin Aero an additional meerprijs applies.

The Saab 9-5 Griffin are there as from 44,695 euro as 2.0t with hand-changed gear transmission.

CONTACTS:

Saab the Netherlands
Marieke van Amelsfort
Ir. D.S. Tuijnmanweg 1
4131 PN Vianen
phone (0347) 358, 323
mobile 06, 511, 343 18
marieke.van.amelsfort@saab.nl
www.media.saab.com

Here are some more elaborate details on existing as well as future product rollouts as briefly announced this past friday at the GM Press Conference.

Future Products:

Next Generation Saab 9-5

The Next Generation Saab 9-5 (saw pic, its ugly) is pushed back 3 months (until 1qtr 2010)

Saab 9-4x

The 9-4x is pushed back 12 months (until 4th qtr 2010).

Saab 9-3x

No Word Yet on the 9-3x.

———–

Existing Products:

Saab 9-5 (1998-2009)

The Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition will be the only 9-5 available for 2009

Saab 9-7x (2006-2009)

There are 260 9-7x units available in GM inventory worldwide.

Saab 9-3

The Saab 9-3 Convertible, Sport Sedan & Sport Combi will need to carry the brand in addition to the 9-3x until 2010.

Photo Credit: Saab History / November 2007

The Saab 9-5 which was launched as a 1998 model year back in 1997, has had two face lifts, once in 2002, and again in 2006 is still a very good car and true to the Saab heritage in just about every way.

Forbes has recently published a review, indicating that the Saab 9-5 is definitely worth a second look. I would suggest you read it if you are in the market, the prices for 9-5s today are extremely affordable.

I test drove a 2007 Saab 9-5 Aero Sedan “Anniversary Edition” last November and continue to believe that this is a great car and see that the reason the sales are not as high as they could be for the 9-5 at least in the U.S., is entirely due to a complete lack of advertising.

With the 9-3 accounting for approximately70% of national sales in the U.S., the 9-5 has been completely off the radar, in fact, this was the first year ever that Saab Automobile USA kept it off of the floor of the New York Auto Show this past March, which was really sad.

The Saab 9-5 is a well-built vehicle and will see it’s final year with a special 2009 “Griffin Edition”, so if you are in the market, go for it, it’s the best it has ever been!

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The final year for the 9-5 will be 2009, and for that year, much like the Saab 9000 CD, there will be 9-5 “Griffin Edition”.

There is no indication as to what markets will receive this edition, so our hope is all of them.

The Saab 9-5 “Griffin Edition” will be include the standard enhancements from a Saab 9-5, in addition to the following:

Exterior:

The front grille will feature a matte chrome-effect matching the matte chrome effect of the headlight frames and roof rails (SportCombi).

The colors will be more than one, those being Polar White, Pepper Green Metallic, Snow Silver Metallic, Nocturne Blue Metallic, Jet Black Metallic, Carbon Gray Metallic, and Glass Gray Metallic, complete with the Saab Griffin badge on both front fenders.

Wheels:

New Griffin Edition 17″ PGV wheels.

Interior:

Seats: Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition seat in special two-tone with perforated leather in the center. Two combinations offered, black with parchment inserts or parchement with black inserts (vice-versa)

Cockpit: High Gloss Black interior, stitching accent color on steering wheel, shift lever and floor mats with grey piping.

Photo Credit: Chris Campbell

Chris, a frequent visitor to Saab History has provided a wonderful photo taken en-route to the recent Swedish Car Day 9 when his 2002 Saab 9-5 reached 100,000 on the odometer while he chose to match the speed, how appropriate!

The first generation Saab 9-5 over its lifetime has had three versions, effectively as it arrived in 1998 until 2001, facelift in 2002 until 2005 and another facelift in 2006 until 2009.

In 2002, there was a technical preview video produced that Saab History has just received that describes the facelifted 2002 Saab 9-5 at the former Saab Automobile USA Technical Training Center in Wallingford, Connecticut