Saab Will Introduce Its New SUV at the New York Auto Show in April
The quirky little automaker from Sweden is readying an unprecedented product offensive, targeting market segments it has never before entered.
With the recent unveiling of its Subaru Impreza-based 9-2X all-wheel drive wagon, due to arrive in dealerships on Canada Day 2004, Saab Automobile AB will have its compact bases more or less covered.
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| With Saab recently unveiling its new Subaru Impreza-based 9-2X all-wheel drive wagon, there is really only one market left to go after. (Photo: General Motors) |
The larger 9-3 continues as the longest running model in the brand's history, being related to the previous generation 900 series and the 99 series before that. Midsize fans of the brand have the 9-5 sedan and wagon to adopt, a formidable player in the class.
But what about going large? While there is no sedan or wagon planned to rival the BMW 7-Series or even Volvo S80, General Motors, Saab's parent company, has plans it feels will boost overall sales.
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| The Saab 9-7X SUV is due to arrive in spring of 2005 as a 2006 model, featuring standard all-wheel drive powered by a choice of two engines, either a base inline 6-cylinder or optional V8. (Photo: General Motors) |
Of course this is GM we're talking about so the plans involve a new SUV, midsize to American standards but full-size for a Saab. The 9-7X, due to arrive in spring of 2005 as a 2006 model, features standard all-wheel drive powered by a choice of two engines, a base inline 6-cylinder or optional V8.
New York Auto Show goers will have a chance to see it in the metal in April of next year, at which time everyone will be able to witness the magical transformation of a Chevy Trailblazer into a premium European inspired sport utility.
GM has been under criticism for even considering sticking a Saab badge on a re-skinned Trailblazer, that uses a platform that also comes to market as a GMC Envoy (in its various iterations), Oldsmobile Bravada (soon to be discontinued), Isuzu Endeavor (not available in Canada), and most recently introduced Buick Rainier. Talk of a Hummer H3 based on the same architecture is rampant as well, but it could also share platforms with the new Colorado/Canyon pickups like the H3T concept unveiled in Los Angeles this week.