Just like a wet dream, SAAB's back, and this time with a new product that promises to increase sales and make the loyal happy. The SAAB 9-1 is a small almost "shooting brake" style hatchback that has the MINI Cooper and Audi A1 clearly in its crosshairs.
What is old is new again...kinda
Under new ownership by Dutch automaker, Spyker, SAAB has now been given the freedom and resources to create a new brand identity while harkening back to its design roots and philosophies. The design of the 9-1 was inspired by the design of the SAAB 92 that made its debut way back in 1949.
Though the only similarity I see is manifested in the shape of the headlamps, other SAAB fans may see more. Either way, this certainly is a new shape that college students will enjoy, and on that, personally, I can't wait to see on campuses.
For those of you wondering, why not call it a SAAB 9-2 since it is based on the SAAB 92, I refer you to the Subaru-based SAAB 9-2X. Terrible idea? Yes. Worse execution? Oh Absolutely.
Spyker CEO, Victor R. Muller, expects for us to see the SAAB 9-1 sometime around 2013. Muller also stated that he wants SAAB to have its own face now that it is independent of GM; he has also commissioned a facelift of the next SAAB 9-3 that was expected to be unveiled sometime late this year or early next year.
Source: AutoBild, Translated by Google
Comments
Please stop using this stupid picture published by 'Autobild'. A mini with A1 skirting and a SAAB grill; I'm sure it was made as a bit of a 'tongue in cheek' gag. So don't start using it as some sort of true image. Mr Muller's design which he showed a few select people at the Geneva Motorshow is very modern and very sleek. The new car will capture the essence of the original 92 not a retro version of a once was.
First, Calm down.
Second, nowhere in the article did I mention that this was a rendering of the actual car. It is quite obvious that this is photoshop based on a MINI press image. The picture sourced from Autobild is just an artist rendering to give our readers some eye candy and an example of what the car may look like.
What Mrs. Woodruffe doesn't understand is that our reading audience is a well informed audience that keeps up to date with the automotive news. And besides, the 9-1 won't be unveiled as production vehicle for a few years, meaning that there would be changes expected from what Mr. Muller showed at Geneva. I applaud you though, Mrs. Woodruffe for your attempt (however over reactionary) to keep us honest.
I too am relatively upset that the author of this article would unethically imply that the pictures above are those of the 9-1 in mention. I'm not entirely 'well-informed' when it comes to automotive news, yet I found myself a part of this article's audience due to the recent Saab sale. Also, I don't understand how the author feels as though it's appropriate to criticize a reader for being mislead instead of simply editing the headlight comment out of the article or -- better yet -- removing the "eye candy" altogether.
First up Anthony is not a female name so I am not the wife of Mr. Woodruffe. Corey you mention on the outset that the 9-1 will be almost a shooting-break style hatchback. From what I understand the current plan for what has been codenamed by Victor Muller as '92' is more teardrop in design. As a fan I see no SAAB design cues in the mock-up by Autobild. As you mention above in your comment, this is clearly a Mini with SAAB bits stuck on it. I wonder if Autobild will take a Porsche 911 and stick some Skoda bits on it if VW announced they wanted to break into the supersport segment? Somehow I doubt it.
I think you might have interpreted my initial comment as some angry enthusiast. I apologise for that. Written words without the accompaniment of body-language can often change the meaning.
This image is starting to infest the internet of late and compared to other renderings available it's way off the mark and quite distasteful. However this one I personally find very fitting to SAAB. (please excuse the hotlink)
http://www.saabsunited.com/upload/images2010/03/the_amazing_su_saab_design_evolution/Jeff3.jpg
(just a side line I really like your anti-spam widget)
Regards Anthony
@Anthony: I was only kidding with the Mrs. Part. People have a tendency to over-react in the comment section. I think the best way to this justice, is to hold competition on our site and at SAABs United to see who can come up with the best SAAB 9-1 photoshop. I will email that forum moderator this morning. Thanks for the anti-spam widget love.
@Mark M: To say 'unethically imply', is too say that I knew it wasn't the car real AND I knew that most people looking at this picture wouldn't realize it was a fake. I was not criticizing Anthony more so 'poking fun' at his comment. I think the best best way for me to fix this, is put a disclaimer in future Artist renderings.
Saab isn't about technology but the logically pleasing concept: small car platform with maxxed to be functionally huge, distinctive profiles without any contrived, non-functional elements. The first idea can now be found elsewhere, but I'd argue that the classic lines are unbeatable because they are so practical and natural, instead of the inflated-toy look of so many modern cars.
Saab's traditional driving experience is what they need to bank on. Traditionally, they had laughably underpowered but enthusiastic engines, precise steering, and cool-feeling transmissions that give a real joy to a laid-back driving style. Just a taste of rawness from all mechanical aspects means fun driving can still be had at only 100-120 horses.
Advice to SAAB: Keep the awesome, iconic snout, always max the cargo space, and make it an intellectually stimulating drive. Lots of feedback in the steering, small engines with a rich sound....Bring back the column-shift manual with a freewheel, in the classic 900 body, with the latest turbo! Just with fewer catastropic breakdowns, please.
Despite the doctored picture, it's nice to see Saab's new owners returning to the roots of the brand, creating accessible unique cars. Oddly, I think the Subaru 92x was closer to the real Saab than the marked up GM cars, Subaru in many ways is the company Saab was pre-GM, independent, a little quirky, an acquired taste. Nice to see we may have two brands with these qualities again.
@Paul B, William G and Anthony W I agree. SAAB needs to mix up and become the car company that makes cars that affordable to fix, feature iconic curves and performs well in the snow