The front brakes use 350 mm (13.8 in) ventilated and drilled steel discs, with 4-piston Brembo calipers, while those in the rear are 330mm (13.0 in) in diameter, also with ventilated and drilled steel discs and 4-piston Brembo calipers. ABS with electronic brake force distribution would be standard.
Styling? In concept it resembles Björn Envall's stillborn 1974 98, or Combi Coupé, a combination hatchback, sedan and wagon, incidentally code-named X14. The 93-X incorporates only the previous concept's core packaging values mind you, as the look is completely modern, entirely new. Fortunately no body cladding or SUV-style protective bars have been added to toughen up the 93-X's lines, rather the pure design is out in the open for critical examination. The front fascia is clean, simple and beautifully proportioned, rising up gently to meet a long, flat hood that transcends over gently arced fenders to the blackened windshield beyond. The narrow side windows integrate seamlessly with the windshield and taper upward as they reach the back of the car, meeting at the sloping rear hatch. Muscular wheel-wells protrude outward, menacingly attractive up front but forming a slightly odd shape around the rear of the car when viewed from the front quarter vantage point. From the rear quarter view hints of the Ford Focus ZX3 and VW GTI are present, but the bold fender flares and rectangular tailpipes give it a rally-car meets Euro-tuner pastiche. The roofline forms an irregular cap atop the darkened windows, a form that is unlike anything currently available and therefore causing the minds eye to hesitate before fully accepting - mine is still hesitating.
Will it be built? There's no doubt Saab will soon offer something similar to the 93-X. The generally high quality fit and finish of the show car is sign enough that the GM subsidiary is serious, and unlike cousin Isuzu who will receive a badge-engineered GMC Envoy, the Swedes will get a distinct crossover model to fit their unorthodox identity. Still, as exciting as a concept like the 93-X is, it's not difficult to speculate that the more conservative Swede Volvo would easily surpass the eclectic Saab in sales with its 7-passenger XC90 - or 5-occupant XC70 for that matter. Saab will need to decide if it needs to top the sales charts or wants to create a high-performance halo vehicle that trickles its image downward, helping to boost sales of its bread and butter sedans and wagons. Oh to be a fly on the wall.