Auto Motor und Sport: The truth about Sweden GM daughter
Geplaatst: wo 24 nov, 2004 23:37
Vertaling vanuit het Duits:
Saab: The truth about Sweden GM daughter
Future Saab automobiles are built on GM platforms or avail themselves with the Japanese mark Subaru. Thus a new compact Saab comes on branch RA basis, a new large SUV from a Subaru Crossover is probably derived.
For years it lacks the Saab management a conclusive model strategy. With only two series (9-3 and 9-5), which besides much too closely together lies, can the factory in Trollhaettan are not charged to capacity. Improvement is not so fast in view: Because the 9-3-Programm is extended only in August 2005 by a combination version (9-3x Sportwagon), simultaneous keeps a 2,8-Liter-V6-Turbomotor with 250 HP in the then also optically refurbished Saab middle class introduction.
How it proceeds the Saab situation is shows up also in the fact that this new Top-V6 cannot be used in the more highly positioned 9-5-Reihe, because the engine does not clean-fit at all into the outdated body (debut 1997). As it is to continue here, is not decided yet. The most probable solution is a new top model (9-6) on basis of the large RWD Konzernplattform with rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive as well as the possibility of being able to install also a V8.
The Saab upper ones zieren itself, because they judge front wheel drive as core authority of the mark, but the Premium FWD platform before-developed with Alfa had to be rejected because of to high costs again. Otherwise only the basis of the OPEL Signum would remain as alternative, but thus the 9-5-Nachfolger would stick again too near on 9-3.
Saab - a victim of missed chances
Nearly all trends were overslept by Saab: Coupé Cabrios, sport utilities (SUV) and a compact car. Because those did not have Sweden anything on the pan, on urge by GM Entwicklungsboss Bob Lutz for the US market two "rescue cars" were presented: the 9-2x, a umgemodelter Subaru Impreza, which stands like lead with the dealers, and which SUV 9-7x, which goes to 2005 to the start and which the same fate threatens, because under the Saab bowl a Chevrolet Trailblazer puts, to which in the Listenpreis10.000 dollar is attractive offer than the Saab.
Because Saab obviously does not believe in a success of the 9-7x, already a successor is in work - this time as poor copy of the large Subaru SUV with three-litre six cylinder double-piston engine, sliding doors and seven seats, which debuetiert in January 2005 on Detroit car Show. However the Saab in contrast to the Subaru has conventional fondtueren.
And which happens at the other end of the scale? A compact Saab on basis of the two-door Astra GTC existed already as Design model and would be to be realized within 18 months. In addition, to the discussion again a derivative stands on the platform of the next Subaru Impreza, particularly the Japanese in two years their first turbo-Diesel double-piston engine - a two-litre four-cylinder - series-ripely has.
With the 9-3-Nachfolger the switches are already posed. It is derived from the further developed Epsilon platform (OPEL Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu) and built in Trollhaettan then not only as Saab, but with independent body also as small Cadillac with front wheel drive.
Saab: The truth about Sweden GM daughter
Future Saab automobiles are built on GM platforms or avail themselves with the Japanese mark Subaru. Thus a new compact Saab comes on branch RA basis, a new large SUV from a Subaru Crossover is probably derived.
For years it lacks the Saab management a conclusive model strategy. With only two series (9-3 and 9-5), which besides much too closely together lies, can the factory in Trollhaettan are not charged to capacity. Improvement is not so fast in view: Because the 9-3-Programm is extended only in August 2005 by a combination version (9-3x Sportwagon), simultaneous keeps a 2,8-Liter-V6-Turbomotor with 250 HP in the then also optically refurbished Saab middle class introduction.
How it proceeds the Saab situation is shows up also in the fact that this new Top-V6 cannot be used in the more highly positioned 9-5-Reihe, because the engine does not clean-fit at all into the outdated body (debut 1997). As it is to continue here, is not decided yet. The most probable solution is a new top model (9-6) on basis of the large RWD Konzernplattform with rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive as well as the possibility of being able to install also a V8.
The Saab upper ones zieren itself, because they judge front wheel drive as core authority of the mark, but the Premium FWD platform before-developed with Alfa had to be rejected because of to high costs again. Otherwise only the basis of the OPEL Signum would remain as alternative, but thus the 9-5-Nachfolger would stick again too near on 9-3.
Saab - a victim of missed chances
Nearly all trends were overslept by Saab: Coupé Cabrios, sport utilities (SUV) and a compact car. Because those did not have Sweden anything on the pan, on urge by GM Entwicklungsboss Bob Lutz for the US market two "rescue cars" were presented: the 9-2x, a umgemodelter Subaru Impreza, which stands like lead with the dealers, and which SUV 9-7x, which goes to 2005 to the start and which the same fate threatens, because under the Saab bowl a Chevrolet Trailblazer puts, to which in the Listenpreis10.000 dollar is attractive offer than the Saab.
Because Saab obviously does not believe in a success of the 9-7x, already a successor is in work - this time as poor copy of the large Subaru SUV with three-litre six cylinder double-piston engine, sliding doors and seven seats, which debuetiert in January 2005 on Detroit car Show. However the Saab in contrast to the Subaru has conventional fondtueren.
And which happens at the other end of the scale? A compact Saab on basis of the two-door Astra GTC existed already as Design model and would be to be realized within 18 months. In addition, to the discussion again a derivative stands on the platform of the next Subaru Impreza, particularly the Japanese in two years their first turbo-Diesel double-piston engine - a two-litre four-cylinder - series-ripely has.
With the 9-3-Nachfolger the switches are already posed. It is derived from the further developed Epsilon platform (OPEL Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu) and built in Trollhaettan then not only as Saab, but with independent body also as small Cadillac with front wheel drive.




