Saab History

Saab 9-7x Sighting In The Movie “Untraceable”

Posted on 02. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Photo Credits: Sony Pictures

There is a Saab 9-7x seen in a movie trailer for “Untraceable” that was recently noticed by my supportive fiancee the other night. The movie “Untraceable” with Diane Lane, comes to theaters on January 25th.

In this film, as the trailer indicates, the onboard Onstar navigation system is “hacked” by computer hackers and ultimately renders the car useless to the driver. While Onstar has recently switched from analog to digital for all GM customers, one of the byproducts of this industry forced switch, includes more electronic security.

This sighting brings up an age-old question, are these product placements intentional by Saab Automobile and paid or sponsored by them in any way or was this simply the director’s decision for the nature of the storyboard? Remember the movie Sideways that featured the classic Saab 900 convertible that drove through the beautiful wine country of Southern California? Saab Automobile USA re-enacted this story once again as a celebration to the 20th Anniversary of the convertible with former President of Saab USA, Jay Spenchian as well as Bob Sinclair, the genius behind the Saab Convertible. This makes me think that any Saab featured in a movie is a product placement period. I could be wrong.

Take a look at “Internet Movie Cars Database” in order to see all of the Saabs that have been featured in films over the years and then decide for yourself.

If someone has some insight into this, please post your comments in this space.

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Saab 9-7x Production Halted – Moraine, Ohio

Posted on 26. Sep, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

UPDATE: 9.26.2007 – Moraine, Ohio plant resumes production. Everything is back to normal.

Moraine Resumes Production

Updated 11:30 PM Wednesday September 26, 2007

Moraine Assembly has resumed production operations beginning with 2nd Shift TODAY, Wednesday, September 26, 2007.

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All employees should report to work at their regular starting times.

I have just been notified that the assembly line at the GM Moraine, Ohio plant has been halted as of 11:30am this morning. This is a result of the UAW strike that is now causing a lack of parts due to the “just-in-time” delivery method used at most if not all plants.

I hope these two parties can reach an agreement soon that works for everyone.

Here is the official press release from the LOCAL IUE 798

Updated 7:34 PM Tuesday, September 25, 2007

As of 7:34 PM EST,

1st Shift Production at Moraine Assembly is cancelled for Wednesday, September 26, 2007 only. The following employees should report to work unless otherwise notified by your Group Leader:

All Team Leaders Plant-wide

All Maintenance Employees Plant-wide

All Housekeeping/ET Employees Plant-wide

All Final Process Employees (including Body Dingmen and Paint Repair)

All Quality Care Line Employees

All Manufacturing Support Employees

All Salaried Employees

All other shifts should report to work as scheduled at this time.

Here is GM’s press release regarding the work stoppage due to part availability.

2007-09-25

GM Statement Regarding UAW Work Stoppage Impact on Parts Distribution

GM Service & Parts Operations has put processes in place to handle emergency orders. And we’re working with our carriers to ensure pick up and delivery of these products to our dealers.

In the meantime, we’re hopeful that an agreement will be reached as soon as possible.

Visit GM’s Manufacturing and Labor Resource web site: www.gmmanufacturing.info.

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Saab 9-7x Production in Moraine, OH – Business As Usual

Posted on 24. Sep, 2007 by Ryan.

I have been receiving a number of requests for information regarding the recent UAW strike with regards to the status of the Saab 9-7x production at its Moraine, Ohio manufacturing plant.

In response to these requests, I do have some positive news recently received from Jessica Peck of GM Communications for the Moraine, Ohio plant. According to Ms. Peck, the Saab 9-7x and all other vehicles that are produced at GM’s Moraine, Ohio plant, will not be affected by the recent UAW strike.

The reason behind Moraine, Ohio’s plant not being affected is due to the fact that their Union, the LOCAL 798 is separate and not a UAW plant.

This just in from the Local IUE: “As of 11:00 AM EST, Monday, September 24th, all General Motors UAW represented plant are on strike. However, all Moraine Assembly employees are expected to report to work as usual.”

This is good news for Saab and indicates, business as usual, and more 9-7xs rolling out of the factory to new homes.

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Saab 9-7X Aero Takes Off

Posted on 04. Aug, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

2007-08-03

Limited Edition SUV Offers Jet-Like Performance

Saab 9-7X Aero Takes Off

DETROIT — Saab takes SUV-performance to a new altitude as it announces the Aero performance version of the Saab 9-7X today. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will make its way to dealer showrooms early this autumn.

The Saab 9-7X brings unique Saab brand characteristics to the midsize SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles. Since its debut two years ago, more than 12,000 have been sold in the U.S. and Canada. For 2008, Saab adds the Aero model – the symbol of serious Saab performance – to the 9-7X lineup. The limited edition 9-7X Aero takes Saab’s interpretation on the midsize SUV to an entirely new level accelerating the performance aspect of the sophisticated vehicle with a 6.0L V-8, 20-inch wheels and tires, unique paint and custom interior accouterments.

“The 9-7X Aero is one great SUV to pilot,” Shannon said. “We are excited to offer enthusiastic drivers an increased level of performance with the Aero, a symbol of Saab performance, in the midsize SUV segment.”

The new 9-7X Aero features a powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivering 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration under six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are actively passionate about the driving experience.

The 9-7X Aero will be easy to spot as it wears a paint color all its own: Carbon Flash Metallic. The charcoal metallic paint nicely enhances the SUV’s clean lines. Specific to the 9-7X Aero are 20-inch polished, aluminum wheels wrapped with P255/50R20 V-speed-rated performance tires that provide the optimum balance between ride and handling. Complementing the refined and driver-oriented cockpit-inspired interior are “Aero” embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats.

Under the hood of the 9-7X Aero is the LS2 6.0L V-8 with a cold air induction package, rated at 390 horsepower (295 kW)* at 6,000 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm)* at 4,000 rpm. The LS2 6.0L is based on the small-block V-8 architecture and delivers excellent down-low torque for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine’s cam-in-block design, which features large 4.00-inch-diameter (101,6 mm) bores and a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle.

Unique to the 9-7X Aero’s version of the engine is a composite intake manifold adapted to the LS2 engine to help produce balanced torque and horsepower. Maximum towing capacity on 9-7X Aero model is 6,600 pounds (2994 kg).

Like all Saabs, the new Saab 9-7X Aero is driver-focused, with a lowered chassis tuned and tested to deliver responsive, balanced handling. Corner control and body roll control are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter. Additional strength is provided by a heavy-duty rear axle with limited-slip differential.

With a four-wheel disc braking system enhanced with larger, 12.8-inch (325 mm) front disc rotors and iron twin-piston calipers, it’s not difficult to put a stop to things in the more powerful 9-7X Aero. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high-pressure/high-heat braking conditions, providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. The brake pads use high-performance linings for strong fade resistance.

ABS and automatic all-wheel-drive are standard on all 9-7X models as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that provides confident, sure-footed travel. The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system delivers impressive on-road grip and enhanced “launch” feel. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed.

Like all 9-7X models, the Aero model represents a terrific value with a high-level of standard equipment. In fact, the 9-7X boasts the most standard features in its class while offering a very competitive starting price at $39,935. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will start at $45,690, which includes a $745 destination fee and will begin arriving at dealerships this fall.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. In 2007, Saab celebrates 60 years since first being introduced to the automotive scene as the vision-turned-reality of 16 aircraft engineers. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

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2005 Saab 9-7x Saab USA Heritage Collection

Posted on 01. Aug, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: GM Heritage Collection

The first off the line prototype of the 2005 Saab 9-7x, has been made part of the Saab USA Heritage Collection.

As of now, Saab History does not have any information about the specifications and details. In time, hopefully this information will be forthcoming.

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Saab 9-7x 1:43 scale model

Posted on 21. Jul, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab History

Today, the Saab 9-7x 1:43 scale model finally arrived in Obsidian black from 43r.com. The obsidian black is the color that is depicted in the Saab 9-7x promotional video as well as the “Transformer” television advertisement done by Saab USA and the company Digital Domain back in late 2005. This model took nearly 2 years to finally complete a production run since it was first promoted on their website back in November of 2005. The level of detail is quite good, so another great job done by the Norev company who have been doing a number of the “official” Saab Automobile collector models as of late. Another great addition to the scale model collection.

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Real Life Safety in the Saab 9-7x

Posted on 21. Jul, 2007 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: AT5 Amsterdam

There have been numerous reports on the safety of all of Saab’s models that consist of the Saab 9-3 Convertible, 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-5, 9-2x and now we have one on the Saab 9-7x.

On July 11th, a Saab 9-7x crashed with a streetcar in Amsterdam and here are the translated details thanks to Tim on the 9-7x forum on yahoogroups:

2 people got hurt:

- the driver of the streetcar was brought to the hospital for
diagnoses but could leave afterwards.

- the driver of the 9-7X was fine….

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Saab 9-7x Scale Model 1:43 – The First Photos

Posted on 17. May, 2007 by Ryan.

It looks like the Saab 9-7x 1:43 scale model car is now showing up with the first photographs appearing on a number Japanese Model Hobby websites.

It also appears that Norev, the company that has manufactured this model, has indeed done a great job in detailing it down to all of the key areas and have released this model in the classic Obsidian black color that the first 9-7x was released in as depicted in the first 9-7x promotional video.

This model should be available in the coming weeks.

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