SAAB LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SUV IN 2005

DETROIT – The all-wheel-drive 9-7X, Saab’s first-ever SUV, joins the product portfolio in the 2005 model year. The 9-7X complements the 9-5 Sedan and SportWagon, the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible and the all-wheel-drive 9-2X sport hatch to comprise the broadest, most diverse lineup in Saab’s history.

The past several years have seen an unprecedented level of product development at Saab, starting with the redesigned 9-5 Sedan and Wagon for 2002, the all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan for 2003, the 9-3 Convertible for 2004 and the 9-2X for 2005.

Forging into a market previously untapped by Saab, the 9-7X brings the brand’s heritage, premium appointments and Scandinavian flair to the growing mid-luxury SUV segment. Available with an inline six-cylinder or V-8 engine, all models feature standard all-wheel drive.

The all-wheel-drive 9-2X, available with two four-cylinder engines – including a 227-horsepower (123-kw) turbocharged version – is designed for drivers who appreciate the performance and driving dynamics of sport compact vehicles, but demand a high level of comfort and convenience.

“Both the 9-7X and 9-2X represent the continually expanding dimensions to our product offerings,” said Peter Augustsson, Saab’s president and CEO. “Each has a unique personality and range of capabilities. But like the 9-5 and 9-3, they are fundamentally enthusiast vehicles – they are for people who like to drive.”

The big news for the 9-3 and 9-5 in 2005 is the availability of a DVD-based navigation system, while an attractively priced Linear model will broaden the 9-3 Convertible line-up.   

9-7X

The new 9-7X, with standard all-wheel drive, brings unique Saab characteristics to the burgeoning midsize luxury SUV segment, including specific exterior and interior styling, premium design features and quality, steering, suspension and brakes tuned to deliver sporty and fun-to-drive performance (including lowered ride height), and the ignition cylinder in the center console behind the gear lever. Scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2005, the 9-7X was developed from General Motors’ award-winning midsize SUV structure.

The Saab 9-7X will be positioned in the $37,000 to $45,000 price range, with the 275 horsepower inline 6-powered Linear leading the lineup. The 9-7X Arc, with its 5.3L V-8 delivering an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kw), tops the range. Standard equipment for both models includes leather-trimmed heated seats, specific 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, OnStar and a premium sound system that includes XM Satellite Radio.

9-2X

The 9-2X is available in two models: the 9-2X Linear, with a responsive 2.5L four-cylinder engine, that generates 165 horsepower (123 kw) at 5600 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque (225 Nm) at 4000 rpm, and the high-performance 2L 9-2X Aero, with a 227-horsepower (169-kw) turbocharged and intercooled engine with 217 lb.-ft. of torque (294 Nm) at 4000 rpm. 

For many customers, the Saab 9-2X will be their first premium brand vehicle, as prices start under $23,000. Customer surveys show that up to 40 percent of Americans are looking for all-wheel drive in their next vehicle – it’s a standard feature with the 9-2X.

9-3

All Saab 9-3 models for 2005 are equipped with a four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that – depending on the application – delivers 175 horsepower (131 kw) at 5500 rpm or 210 horsepower (157 kw) at 5500 rpm. Putting that power to the pavement is a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Saab Sentronic manual selection.

All-new in 2004, the iconic 9-3 Convertible expands its lineup for ’05 to three models with a new, lower-priced, 175-horsepower (131-kw) Linear joining the 210-horsepower (157-kw) Arc and Aero. Saab engineers developed the structure for the 9-3 Convertible and Sport Sedan concurrently, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car from the start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

2005 9-3 models also offer an available DVD-based navigation system, a standard auxiliary MP3 audio input and several new colors. A dealer-installed XM Satellite Radio kit will be available mid-year.   

9-5

Saab 9-5 model designations, or “forms," continue to give customers three distinct vehicle personalities from which to choose: Linear SportWagon, Arc Sedan and SportWagon, and Aero Sedan and SportWagon. Each form is matched with unique interior trim, upholstery, wheel package and powertrain. Changes for 2005 include Saab’s new DVD-based navigation system, a dealer-installed XM Satellite Radio kit, a stylish new wheel design for Arc models and a freshened palette of exterior colors. 

Each 9-5 model has a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3L four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower at 5500 rpm in the Linear and 220 horsepower at 5500 rpm in the Arc. Aero models use the 2.3L High-Output Turbo (HOT) engine, rated at 250 horsepower (187 kw) at 5300 rpm.

Saab’s portfolio will continue to grow in the next several years with the addition of a third body style in the 9-3 range and a seven-passenger crossover vehicle.