Saab to Offer Hirsch Performance Products for 9-3 and 9-5 Models in the USA

Current and future Saab owners in the U.S. looking to tune their cars with factory approved upgrades will be happy to learn the Swedish automaker announced today that Hirsch Performance aftermarket products will be available for its 2007-11MY 9-3 and 2010-11MY 9-5 cars through select Saab dealers in the States starting in spring 2011.

The Switzerland-based tuning firm has a longstanding relationship with Saab and already offers dealer-installed performance upgrades in other parts of the world including Europe.

Hirsch Performance's aftermarket offerings include a variety of products ranging from software tweaks that boost output by 30HP and sports springs, to comprehensive aero kits with carbon fiber parts, alloy wheels and interior appointments such as aluminum pedals, leather sets and carbon trims.

John Anderson, director of aftermarket sales and new business for Saab Cars North America, commented:

"Saab has had a long relationship with Hirsch in Europe and now we can offer performance enhancements for Saab customers' vehicles in the US. The advantage to Hirsch Performance parts is they are installed at authorized Saab dealers, do not affect the warranty or emission system performance of the vehicle and are high quality systems designed especially for Saab cars. Installation of the Hirsch Performance parts within 60 days of sale of the new vehicle will give the consumer the same warranty as a new vehicle, an advantage for our customers."

Saab said pricing information and participating dealers for the Hirsch Performance parts will be available on the firm's US website in the near future.

*All photos are from Hirsch Performance's European lineup

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2011/01/saab-to-offer-hirsch-performance.html?m=0

Saab Officials Confident that 2011 will be a Turning Point in the Company’s History

Saab sold just 31,696 cars globally in 2010, after having cut its sales target from 45,000 to 30,000-35,000 vehicles, due to the restructuring of the brand’s supplier base. However, with fourth quarter (2010) sales up 129% compared to 2009, Chairman Victor Mullen believes that Saab “is firmly establishing itself as an independent car manufacturer”.

Last year was especially difficult for the Swedish automaker, as the low inventory decimated sales figures.

“One of the largest challenges in 2010 was to restock our dealers around the world to normal levels again, especially in a market like the United States, where you need dealer stock in order to be able to sell cars”, Muller said in a statement on Wednesday. “For instance, when we acquired the company, there were a mere 500 cars left on the ground in the United States. Normal inventory levels in this market should be at 6,000-7,000 units”.

Optimum inventory levels are still a long way from reality, but, during the past 12 months, Saab did pick up some momentum, which, coupled with the launch of new models, should help the maker achieve the projected sales volume of 80,000 units for 2011.

Saab will invest US $1 billion into its recovery plan, with the focus being on new models. The 9-4X crossover, set to debut in May, is of them. Next up is the ageing 9-3 due for replacement in 2012. Furthermore, Saab wants to revive the 92 model of the ‘50s, in the form of a modern compact car, which, if priced correctly, should add much needed volume to sales.

The Trollhättan-based manufacturer will continue to expand its dealer network as well, targeting markets like China and Russia and it expects to be profitable in 2012, with sales projected to reach 120,000 units.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [sub. req]

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2011/01/saab-officials-confident-that-2011-will_06.html?m=0

China's BAIC Working with Pininfarina on Saab-based Model, Confirms Interest in the Italian Design House

Photo: BAW C71 from 2010 Beijing Show

Yesterday, we brought you photos and details about a new and very Mercedes-Benz B-Class-like model from BAIC or Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp. Today, we have more news on the Chinese automaker as a media report citing an unnamed executive from the company claims that BAIC is working with Italian engineering and design specialist Pininfarina on a new vehicle based on the underpinning of a previous generation Saab model.

Last year, BAIC purchased the intellectual rights for Saab's older 9-5 and certain 9-3 models from General Motors, which then still owned the Swedish firm.

"I just came back from Italy last week and have communicated with the technical staff at Pininfarina about the design proposal of the Saab models," the BAIC executive said. "Pininfarina is the most successful overseas car design company in China. BAIC has been collaborating with it on development of models based on the Saab technology and will display an all-new concept car with the Saab genes at next year's Shanghai auto show, while Pininfarina will be responsible for the contour design of the car."

We'll remind you that BAIC's subsidiary BAW (Beijing Auto Work), showed a Saab 9-3-based model called the C60 along with a larger sedan based on the 9-5 named C71 (pictured here), at the Beijing Auto Show this past April.

The unnamed BAIC exec also confirmed reports from Italian media about the company's interest in taking over Pininfarina S.p.A.

"BAIC has submitted the bid for the Italian firm for several months," he said. "The successful acquisition of Pininfarina will be very favorable for BAIC’s development of future models. But BAIC does not have to win the bid, after all, the two sides are still under the cooperation."

Other companies said to be interested in the money-losing Italian design house include Canadian-Austrian parts supplier Magna International and India's Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Source: Eeo via: Gasgoo , Photos: Che168

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/12/china-baic-working-with-pininfarina-on_29.html?m=0

Saab Signs Deal to Return to China Market in 2011

Maintaining a presence in China is vital for any automaker these days, even more so for a company like Saab that is struggling to make a comeback after almost going down this year. The Swedish automaker signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Automobile Trading Co. LTD (CATC), which will allow the firm to re-enter the Chinese market after a three-year hiatus, as Saab's previous owner, General Motors, had pulled the brand out of China in 2008.

Under the agreement, the Beijing-based and government-owned CATC will assume responsibility for the import of Saab vehicles and spare parts for the Chinese market. Saab said that a contract sealing the deal is expected to be signed in the first quarter of 2011, with official sales starting in July 2011. The Swedish firm plans to start with a small network initially

Announcing the agreement, Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson said: “This agreement is vital for Saab, as it will be the foundation to develop a stronger presence in what is now the largest car market in the world. I am confident that CATC will prove to be the perfect partner for us as we revamp our sales activities in the Chinese market."

“Saab sees strong sales potential in China and we are confident that our product offering will be attractive to both existing and new customers in the market. We look forward to re-establishing the Saab brand in China next year with exciting new products like the new 9-5 Sedan and the 9-4X crossover vehicle.”

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/12/saab-signs-deal-to-return-to-china_21.html?m=0

Two 2011 Saab 9-5 Sedans Reportedly Burst in Flames in Sweden

Östgöta Corren, a Swedish daily newspaper, is reporting that two new 2011MY Saab 9-5 Saloons recently caught on fire in similar circumstances, in the same area and within a short time frame. The incident with the 9-5 pictured here with the burnt engine compartment and the large hole in the hood took place in Sweden last Friday.

According to the posters over at the SaabsUnited fan site, there has been some talk on forums about an aftermarket engine heater that may have been wrongly installed by the same dealer on both cars, but this has not been confirmed. If indeed there is a problem -and we're not saying there is - Saab should definitely send some people to look into the matter and sort things out because you know what they say about rumors spreading like wildfires...

Source: Corren , Via: SaabsUnited

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/12/two-2011-saab-9-5-sedans-reportedly_15.html?m=0

Saab Announces 9-5 Specification Upgrades for the UK Market

Saab UK has announced some specification upgrades for its new 9-5 saloon series and more specifically, the Vector SE models. To sweeten the deal for buyers, the Swedish automaker has equipped the Vector SE with full leather upholstery, instead of a leather and textile mix, and larger 18-inch Carve wheels, which replace the 17-inch Blade alloys, without increasing the price.

The Swedish maker also offers a revised chassis for the 160 hp 2.0-liter diesel variant equipped with a manual transmission. According to Saab, the new setup, combined with the bigger wheels, improves handling compared to the previous sport chassis.

Jonathan Nash, Saab GB Managing Director, commented: “These improvements are the result of feedback from the UK automotive media. The improved driving characteristics address issues related to ride comfort on UK roads. The fact that the engineering team have managed to make the changes without affecting the impressive CO₂ emissions of just 139g/km for the manual 2.0-litre TiD 160PS car show that the small independent Saab engineering team can respond very quickly to market requirements”.

By Csaba Daradics

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/12/saab-announces-9-5-specification_14.html?m=0

Saab Seals Engine Deal with BMW, gets 4 Cylinder Turbo Units from 2012

The BMW Group and Saab-owner Spyker Cars N.V. have come to an agreement for the use of the German automaker's petrol engines in Saab's vehicles from 2012 onwards. The long-rumored deal, which will ultimately help Saab further reduce its reliance on previous owner General Motors, currently the firm's only supplier of gasoline powerplants, was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and the CEO of Saab Automobile, JanÅke Jonsson, in Trollhättan in Sweden.

Under the agreement, BMW will supply Saab with 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engines, which will incorporate the Bavarian automaker's fuel-saving and emissions -cutting stop-start and regenerative braking tech. Saab said the engines will be adapted to meet the firm's specific requirements.

"We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson.

Though the two automakers did not go into any other details, it is believed that the petrol engines will be the same as the ones used in the MINI range, with at least one of them to be assembled at the BMW Group's Hams Hall engine plant in the UK. The 1.6-liter Turbo will be used on the next 9-3 (expected in 2012), as well as on the new 9-5 sedan.

Ian Robertson, Executive Sales and Marketing Director of BMW said: "Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance and we are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise."

Saab's chairman Victor Muller noted that both parties are open "to explore further opportunities in the future".

The two companies did not disclose any financial or contract volume details on the engine deal.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/09/saab-seals-engine-deal-with-bmw-gets-4.html?m=0

Saab Confirms BMW Talks on Engine Supply, 2012 9-3 May be the First Model to Benefit from the Deal

The next generation of Saab models may very well be powered by BMW engines if negotiations between the two automakers are successful. Following widespread media speculations on the matter, Spyker N.V., the parent company of the Swedish carmaker confirmed talks with BMW. Here's the official statement:

"Spyker Cars N.V. ("the Group"), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached."

A report from Bloomberg citing an unnamed person with direct knowledge of the matter said the first Saab to benefit from the proposed deal would be the next 9-3 model, due for release in 2012. According to the source, Saab will make use of a new 222-horsepower that BMW is developing and has not yet been introduced in any of the Bavarian automaker's cars. The same engine would find its way under the hood of the new 9-5.

The person said the two automakers are also in talks about Saab buying diesel engines from BMW as well as the possible use of the MINI Countryman's platform for the future 9-2 premium sub-compact.

A final announcement on the deal could be made as early as the end of this week. We will continue to follow this matter and will provide updates on any new developments.

Source: Spyker / Bloomberg

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/09/saab-confirms-bmw-talks-on-engine.html?m=0

Saab 9-5 Convertible Design Study: What do you Think?

Courtesy of SaabsUnited, the people who provided pics of the nice but ill-proportioned 9-5 Coupe rendering (see here) we recently showed you, here is a look at a second possible 9-5 variant. It's a computer generated image for a large, 4-seater convertible that could compete with the Audi A5 Cabrio in the future world of what-ifs.

Using a traditional soft top and nicely-equipped with a turbo-six and all-wheel drive, this car could be a wonderful option for families looking to buy into the Swedish design scene and who also want a unique mid-size convertible that comfortably seats four.

Even better is the potential for Spyker to move itself down-range a bit and receive its own coachbuilt version of the car (and maybe even the 9-4X crossover).

What say you, dear readers? Is this 9-5 'vert an interesting niche vehicle for the Swedish niche brand, or is it simply a waste of time to hope for this?

By Phil Alex

Source: SaabsUnited , Via: Autoblog.nl

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/09/saab-9-5-convertible-design-study-what.html?m=0

Saab Enhances 9-5 with New 1.6-liter Turbo Petrol, 190HP Diesel with XWD and Flex-Fuel Versions

Along with presentation of the tweaked 2011MY 9-3, Saab today also announced that it is broadening the appeal of the freshly launched 9-5 sedan with the introduction of three new engine options, including a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 2.0-liter turbo BioPower flex-fuel unit, which double the size of the premium saloon's powertrain menu.

The new 2.0-liter TTiD two-stage turbo diesel engine produces 190HP and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm, and can be specified with XWD, making it the first Saab diesel model to be offered with the Swedish firm's all-wheel-drive system.

Saab said the diesel-powered 9-5 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in under nine seconds, while returning a projected combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.0 lt/100 km (39.2mpg US or 47.1 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

The 9-5's gasoline line-up is extended by the addition of a smaller displacement 1.6-liter turbocharged four-banger churning out 180HP and 230Nm (169.6 lb-ft) of torque from 2,200 rpm to 5,500 rpm. Combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 7.8 lt/100 km (30.2mpg US or 36.2mpg UK) and 179 g/km respectively.

Finally, there's a new 2.0-liter turbo BioPower engine that is able to run on gasoline and/or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) in any blends. According to Saab, it delivers an output of 220HP and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of peak torque regardless of the fuel type or mixture. The BioPower model is available with two-wheel drive or XWD in all model specifications.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/09/saab-enhances-9-5-with-new-16-liter.html?m=0

Saab Fan Renders New 9-5 Coupe

Even though a coupe version of the new 9-5 saloon isn't among the Swedish automaker's top priorities, the idea has been circulating around Saab enthusiasts for a while. This here photoshop of a 9-5 Coupe was crafted by a reader of the 'Saabsunited' website. Technically speaking, the artist's rendition is quite good, but style-wise, the 9-5 Coupe doesn't quite make the cut. It could be improved though with a few tweaks here and there including a longer set of doors and larger alloy wheels. Make sure you tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Source: Saabsunited

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/08/saab-fan-renders-new-9-5-coupe.html?m=0

VIDEO: Saab Design Chief Jason Castriota Drives the New 9-5 Saloon

Saab's newly appointed design boss, Jason Castriota of former Bertone and Pininfarina fame, wasn't around when the Swedish automaker crafted the all-new 2010 9-5 saloon, so it's interesting to see what he has to say about the styling of the premium sedan. In this video, as well as sharing his insight on the 9-5's design, Castriota also took the car for a quick spin.

The first official assignment at Saab for the 36-year-old Italian-American who is known for his work on the Ferrari P4/5 one-off special, Bertone Mantide and Maserati GranTurismo, will be the redesign of the Swedish firm's 9-3 range, which is expected for release in 2012.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/08/video-saab-design-chief-jason-castriota.html?m=0

VIDEO: Saab Tester Takes New 9-5 for a Spin on the Track

Saab continues to publish new promotional material on its freshly revealed 9-5 sedan. This time the Trollhattan-based automaker has released a video with Stefan Runquist, Vehicle Dynamics manager for the new 9-5, behind the steering wheel. Runquist took the executive saloon for a spin on a Swedish test track and offered an overview of the 9-5's ride and handling characteristics. Watch the clip after the break.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/06/video-saab-tester-takes-new-9-5-for.html?m=0

Saab Releases New Promotional Video for 2011 9-5 Sedan

It's been a tough year for Saab, but for time being and with the help of its new owner, Spyker Cars NV, the Swedish carmaker seems to moving on to better days. By far the company's most promising asset is the all-new 2011 9-5 sedan that goes on sale in the U.S. this summer. Saab has already started promoting the 2011 9-5 with a new online commercial that you can watch right after the jump.

http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/06/saab-releases-new-promotional-video-for.html?m=0