Showing posts with label Saab. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saab. Show all posts

Monday, March 14, 2011

Saab Releases UK Pricing and Specs for 2012MY 9-3 Range


We had our first look at the modestly refreshed 2012MY 9-3 range at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, but today, Saab GB announced prices and specifications ahead of the UK launch next month.

The new model year brings some subtle exterior updates such as the restyled front bumpers, ‘ice block’ headlamps, a new grille, a Saab word mark that replaces badging on the chrome trim at the rear end and the addition of a boot-mounted spoiler for the sedan variants.

Inside, the 2012MY 9-3s are distinguished by the titanium metallic-effect trim around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox. Furthermore, the SE models are fitted with leather seats, while Aero models feature new graphite-fibre around the instrument panel, gearshift moulding, doors and glovebox and leather sport seats with contrast stitching.

All MY12 9-3 models now come with automatic dimming mirrors inside and outside the vehicle, electric folding mirrors and automatic rain sensor wipers as standard. Other standard features across the range include alloy rims, heated front seats, park assist and Bluetooth phone integration system along with a host of safety systems including ESP, six airbags and Active Head Restraints .

In the UK, the 2012MY Saab 9-3 will be offered with a new 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine with direct injection, variable valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging, available in two states of tune, with 163HP or 220HP. On the diesel front, there’s a 1.9-liter TTiD with 130HP or 160HP.

UK pricing for the updated 9-3 starts at £21,495 for the 163HP 2.0-liter Turbo petrol SE model with a 6-speed manual gearbox. For full details on pricing for the sedan, estate and convertible models, check out the respective lists below.


2012MY SAAB 9-3 PRICING


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Thursday, March 3, 2011

Video of the New Saab 9-5 SportCombi from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show


The new PhoeniX sports coupe concept pretty much grabbed most of the attention at Saab's Geneva Motor Show stand, but the Swedes also brought along their all-new 2012 9-5 SportCombi. The station wagon model will arrive in the market this fall with the same engine lineup as the four-door 9-5 offering buyers improved practicality and a boot that measures 527 liters with the seats up and 1600 liters when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down. Hop over the jump for some live shots and walk-around video from the Geneva Show floors.




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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

VIDEO: Chris Bangle Butts Heads with Jason Castriota at SAAB's Geneva Motor Show Stand


You might think watching two world-renowned designers talking cars would be entertaining . . . and you'd be right on the money. Rising star and Saab's current hot shot design director Jason Castriota penned the PhoeniX concept. Chris Bangle, known for turning BMW on its head with his flame surfaces and unique rear ends, was hanging around Geneva and decided to chat with Castriota about his "aero" style.

Check out the video below for a minute and a half of a little (friendly?) banter between two polarizing designers as they discuss what makes the PhoeniX a Saab.

By Phil Alex

Source: Cardesignnews via Jalopnik



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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

VIDEO: SAAB Design Boss Jason Castriota Talks PhoeniX


We've already brought you the news on Saab's PhoeniX concept that's built on the underpinnings of the next 9-3 series and is on display at the Geneva Motor Show, but the Swedes have just released a video with the firm's new Design Director Jason Castriota giving us a tour of the 2+2 coupe.

In the video after the break, Castriota explains the PhoeniX's bespoke design features and its significance for the future of Saab product design starting off with the next generation of the 9-3 which is scheduled for release in 2012.




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Saab Reveals Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept at the Geneva Motor Show


The highlight of Saab's booth at the Geneva show is undoubtedly the PhoeniX concept car that previews design features and technologies that will be used by future Saab models. Based on the platform that will underpin the next-generation Saab 9-3, the PhoeniX was penned under the supervision of the firm's new design boss, Jason Castriota. According to Saab, it introduces an "aeromotional” design, which the company describes as the "the visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles".

The sports coupe features dramatic details such as the rear-lateral winglets reminding of Saab's aeronautical roots and the jet canopy-inspired glasshouse. The front includes a new interpretation of the brand's signature three-port grille which is likely to be seen on future models, as well as the muscular hood.

The teardrop shape of the rear window echoes the design of the very first Saab, the 92001 or Ursaab, while the “sawed-off” tail is a tribute to Saab's first coupe, the Sonett.

The shape of the concept and its aerodynamic treatment enable a drag co-efficient of just 0.25. The doors open upwards, like on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and offer access to the interior, which has a 2+2 layout. The PhoeniX features Saab's all-new IQon infotainment and communications system and a new expression of the driver-focused layout. The IQon uses Google's Android operating system and manages audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and downloading of applications.

The concept is powered by an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle combined with a 200HP 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine (most likely sourced from the BMW Group) that motivates the front wheels. The electric motor/generator develops 34 hp and is powered by a small battery pack, which uses regenerative braking to sustain the charge.

The eXWD hybrid all-wheel drive setup and the start-stop system allow for an average fuel consumption of only 5 liters/100 km (47 mpg) and a CO2 emissions level of 119 g/km. The eco-friendliness doesn't mean the PhoeniX is “soft”: it does 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The driver can choose between three eXWD operating modes: Eco, Sport and Traction. The first is set by default and delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency, the second includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear-axle and the third enables optimal grip in slippery conditions and at take-off.

By Dan Mihalascu



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