Luxury Sedan

Trim Levels

Base: 9-9x 4.0t
Up-level: 9-9x Aero

Introduction

No luxury brand is complete without a range topping luxury flagship. It's a necessity to be taken seriously and to truly compete. The positive image of a luxury flagship rubs off on the whole lineup. Nothing less then an all out Cadillac style revitalization will be enough to truly bring Saab into contention for mainstream luxury buyers in the US. Saab needs a competitive, stunning Full-size luxury sedan. The 9-9x is that car.

The import makes (most specifically, German) guard the upper luxury segment that they control aggressively. Only Lexus's recent offering is a credible attempt at breaking into this market. The German automakers don't take this lightly, they're on their game, and all of GM needs to be focused on making sure that the 9-9x works. A standard complement of Saab features, such as driver’s oriented cockpit, NightPanel, SID, SAHR II and anti-submarining seats are included. Additional luxury features in the interior abound, and include reclining rear heated/cooled/massaging seats, 4-Zone Digital Climate Control System, Heads Up Display, Night Vision, Green LED Ambient Lighting, genuine dash wood, Alcantara leather and a lane change warning system. The 9-9x isn't something that can be done cheaply, or quickly. It has to be done right. Exclusivity, attention to detail and beautiful styling will be the 9-9x's selling points. Even in a high end market like this, there is no exclusivity. On America's populous and fashionable coasts, luxury makes are common place, and S-Classes and 7-Series sedans are seen everywhere. Buyers are starting to yearn for something different, and that is the beautiful opportunity that Saab should work to capture. By targeting the performance segment of the premium sedan market (7-series and XJR), Saab can effectively cohabitate with future high end Cadillacs, which would most likely target the sophisticated luxury segment (S-Class, 760Li). GM needs a piece of this profitable market, and the 9-9x is the way to get it.

Based on an premium version of the Zeta platform, the Saab 9-9x utilizes some engine and platform components that are rumored to be in development and or should be developed by the time we are proposing this car be introduced. For the engines, we start out with the excellent HF series. The HF has the capability to go to 4.0L in size. This would be the engine that would go into the base model 9-9x. The Aero sport model would utilize GM's Ultra V8, itself a variation of the HF series engines. A 4.6L Turbo Charged Ultra V8 powers the AWD system. Unique features abound, and the styling sets the car apart from the competition, along with Saab's excellent reputation for safety and innovation. The 9-9x utilizes all of Saab's technologies and is a safety showcase. It's hard to pinpoint a release date for a car like this, but expect more to be heard regarding this model. We expect it arrive sometime later in the decade, with an introduction in 2009 as a 2010, possibly even into the next decade. We haven't heard anything specific about this model, so it's future is uncertain.

Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: 5 Passenger Full-size Premium Luxury Sedan
Size Comparison: BMW 7-Series Standard
Competitors: BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Quatttroporte
Size Comparison: BMW 7-Series
Base Platform: Premium Zeta
Drive Wheels: AWD; 50/50 split
Engines:
9-9x 4.0t: 4.0L 380HP HF Mild Turbo V6
9-9x Aero: 4.6L 480HP Turbo Ultra V8
Transmissions: 6-speed Sentronic, 7 speed DSG

7 passenger Sport Luxury CUV

Trim Levels

Base: 9-6X 3.2t
Mid-level: 9.6XH
Up-level: 9-6X Aero

Introduction

With the 9-4X covering the smaller end of the luxury crossover market, there is a gap left in the larger, more upscale section of the segment. That is where the 9-6X comes in. A mid to large crossover, the market targeted by the 9-6X specifically includes the Q7, X5 and MDX. A lot of customers have been leaving Saab for the other makes because of Saab's lack of a crossover. Saab needs something to offer that not only will keep those customers, but gain some new ones too. It's easier said then done, because succeeding in this highly competitive market requires having the goods to compete, while offering something the others don't. Good thing, because the 9-6X packs some innovative features. These features include running boards integrated into the body work and swiveling heated/cooled second row captains chairs. On top of this, Saab has the stylistic edge. Simply put, GM has the stylistic edge here. With the Enclave and 9-6X, GM will have some amazingly competitive entries with beautiful styling. Why buy an X5 or RX when you can get the same level of refinement, more safety features, along with styling that you love and innovative features that no one else offers?

Based on an Enhanced Lambda platform, with 4 wheel independent suspension, ReAxs system and 1" lower ride height, the 9-6X is powered by a 3.0L 300 HP HF V6 and the Aero by a 3.6L 380 HP HF Turbocharged V6. The 9-6X is a sport luxury crossover, with performance rivaling the Porsche Cayenne and the recently introduced Acura MDX. Sporty, stylish, luxurious and spacious, simply put, the 9-6X is the sports car lovers luxury crossover. Another Saab first for it's segment, the 9-6X is offered with the Dual Mode hybrid option. Like midsize BOF owners with the 9-4X, a lot of Full-size non-luxury buyers are moving down, and the move enables them to afford luxury crossovers. With a vehicle like the 9-6X, not only do they get better gas mileage because it's smaller, lighter, etc, but also because of the availability of the Dual Mode hybrid system. Expect the production 9-6X to arrive for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: 7 passenger Sport Luxury CUV
Size Comparison: BMW X5
Competitors: Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz R-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Buick Enclave, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX
Base Platform: Enhanced Lambda
Drive Wheels: AWD
Engines:
9-6X 3.2t: 300HP HF Turbo V6
9-6XH: 3.2L 330HP Turbo HF V6/w Dual Mode Hybrid System
9-6X Aero: 3.6L 380HP HOT HF V6
Transmissions: 6 speed Sentronic

Midsize 5 Passenger 4 door Sedan and 5-Door SportCombi

Trim Levels

Base: 9-5 2.0T, 9.5H 2.3T BioPower
Mid-level: 9-5x 2.8T, 9-5xH 2.3T BioPower
Up-level: 9-5x Aero
Body Styles:
Sedan, SportCombi

Introduction


Without a doubt, the current 9-5 is overdue for a replacement. The update for 2006 was not enough to make the 9-5 a true contender again. Volvo's recently redesigned S80, while competent, fails to excite in the design department, or even provide a striking change on the exterior for the undiscerning eye. The technological advancement and interior refinement/design displayed by that car are admiral qualities however, and something that Saab should keep in mind. Technology and design. If Saab can get those two right, the 9-5 will be a hit. We've already got the refinement and quality down, but the two aforementioned areas need to be emphasized. The 9-3 and 9-5 are two of Saab's most important models, the profitable volume sellers, and they can't be taken lightly. The 9-5 should be embody everything Saab is, and what it stands for.

Most specifically, BMW is the company to beat in the midsize luxury segment. They've got perception on their side and they enjoy high profit per vehicle margins. This segment is probably the most important of all to the luxury manufacturers. It's combination of high volumes and high prices make for a powerful and profitable cocktail. BMW's commandeering of this segment is impressive. However, there is potential for success here. The 9-5 can bring exclusivity and difference to a seemingly "Me too" segment. Yes, BMW has the technological edge, but they have put off many consumers with their controversial styling and confusing iDrive controller. A combination of GM's best technologies will make for an advanced display of what GM can do in the midsize luxury segment, along with the upcoming Cadillac CTS. However, this has to be an all out attempt, and Saab needs to work on it until they get it. If they can do it, the profits and perception of success will be invaluable to GM in aiding the turnaround.

Based on an enlarged and enhanced Epsilon II platform, the 9-5 2.0T and 9-5H 2.3T BioPower are powered by 2 Ecotec engines. The uplevel 2.8T, by an 2.8L 300 HP HF Turbo V6. The Aero high performance model is powered by a 3.0L 350HP High Output Turbo (HOT) HF V6. All wheel drive is standard on the 2.8T and Aero models. AWD on the hybrid is also available, as the 9-5xH 2.3T BioPower. Starting out at $37,995*, the 9-5 brings a lot of innovative features to the table. Doing much in the way for innovation, not only for it's segment, but the 9-5 will mark the second introduction of a hybrid mated to a motor capable of running on any mixture of Ethanol fuel, as well as gas. It also marks the first introduction of GM's dual mode hybrid technology in a midsize luxury sedan. Truly a win win win situation, the 9-5H is a hybrid that makes sense. It gets excellent gas mileage due to the small Ecotec engine and Hybrid, therefore using less fuel. And the fuel that you would be using can be any mixture of Ethanol and Gas. How is that for solidifying Saab's technological prowess and in establishing a green image? These are the 2 key points in helping Saab become GM's leading conquest brand, with high profit margins and a sparkling image. The 9-5 brings style, coolness and environmental consciousness to the mid-luxury segment. Our proposed 9-5 arrives in late 2008, as a 2009 model. We've heard different reports on the arrival of the production 9-5, but we feel that the timing of our 9-5 is correct for the production model.
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Specifications Sheet

Vehicle Type: Midsize 5 Passenger 4 door Sedan and 5-Door SportCombi
Size Comparison: BMW 5 Series
Competitors: BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Acura RL, Audi A6, Volvo S80, Jaguar S-Type, Cadillac STS
Base Platform: Enhanced Epsilon II
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD Option, AWD Aero
Engines:
9-5 2.0T: 2.0L 230HP Ecotec Turbo 4
9-5H (9-5xH) 2.0T BioPower: 2.0L 280HP (On E100) BioPower Ecotec Turbo 4 w/Dual Mode Hybrid System
9-5x 2.8T: 2.8L 300HP HF Turbo V6
9-5x Aero: 3.0L 350HP HOT V6 w/DI
For the European Market, a 2.0L 260HP Ecotec Turbo is in place of the 9-5 2.8T model
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Sentronic, Aero: 7 Speed DSG