Around back similar changes take place, but they are less dramatic. Saab has swapped out the old 9-5's frumpy trunk lid for a new
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| Saab has swapped out the old 9-5's frumpy trunk lid for a new unit that's flatter. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
unit that's flatter, while a new rear bumper delivers up an optical illusion. The new car looks as if it's got a loading lip that's much lower than the previous model due to its cut-in indent, and curving sides, however, dimension-wise it's the same. New tail lamps have also been fitted, looking a might bit similar to the ones on Audi's new A3 Sportback, A4 and A8. Body coloured trim on bumpers and doors, body-coloured door handles, and a new selection of alloy wheels round out the exterior changes.
Underneath,
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| It's easiest to see the differences in taillight design if the old model (shown) is placed side-by-side the 2006 model. (General Motors of Canada) |
the old platform remains, but Saab's engineers have tried their best to extend the 9-5's shelf-life by revising its suspension. New springs, dampers, uprated anti-roll bars, all with wider front and rear track for a better footprint on the road, are just some of the modifications, which should go far to refine what is now an elder chassis architecture. Other important revisions include a sharpened steering system, hopefully something that will help filter out the 9-5's torque steering tendencies and somewhat fidgety cornering. More information about these changes will follow in an in-depth overview.
