Saab News Blog

It is never too early to plan for the future, in the case of Saab as the Swedish car company gives a preview of the 210 Saab 9-1 will look. Top Sped released a sketch of what the 9-2X replacement will look like. According to the report, the new 9-3 will be “built on the same Delta platform with the Opel Astra” and be available in three and five-doors version.
Reports also say that its engine will be the one used in the Opel Astra. The engines will be offered are the new 180 hp 1.6 Turbo to OPC’s 240 hp 2.0 Turbo.

Keeping the green technology, the new 9-1 will also use a hybrid engine. “It will be a conventional two-mode hybrid system with an electric motor mated to a diesel, petrol or biofuel internal combustion depending on which market it’s heading to. The hybrid system’s operating parameters include full engine stop at idle and full electric propulsion at launch. The electric motors are also used for deceleration, recuperating kinetic energy during braking and coasting thus charging the battery pack,” as reported by Top Speed.

Other impressive features Saab 9-1 claims, can be found in the L-shaped headlights in Saab’s 3-part-splitted style grille. Meanwhile, the rear lights also have some distinguishable factors taken from the classic Saab 900. “Another feature of Saabs modern design direction is the windshield that curves completely around the pillars and forms the side windows with the small downward curve in the bottom line.”

According to Top Speed, this new design will draw crowds of young and trendy people. It will also compete with the Volvo C30, BMW 1-Series and Audi A3.
It is also said that in the 2008 London Motor Show, a concept version will be unveiled. The Swedish car maker is also thinking of releasing a sedan and station wagon version. There is also a possibility of manufacturing a convertible, but will be under the “Saab Sonett IV” name. The 9-1 will be manufactured in the Trollhattan factory, of Sweden.

To see the sketches of the 2010 Saab 9-1, click here.

The automobiles produced by the Swedish automaker Saab are definitely known for having superior quality, which leads to the contentment of every vehicle owner. However, because of the changing way of life of many motorists, Saab and other auto part makers have come up with several automotive accessories that can enhance the already fulfilling drive experience offered by Saab automobiles. These auto accessories cater to the needs and wants of contemporary vehicle owners and passengers in terms of vehicle performance, maintenance, and even on-board amusement.

This season of autumn, owners of Saab automobiles can select from a wide array of functional accessories for different Saab models. These up to date Saab supplementary parts are designed to keep up with the dynamic lifestyle of modern motorists. Here are some of the popular Saab add-ons:

Hirsch Performance Engine Upgrade

The quality of Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 models can still be improved by increasing their torque and power. The Hirsch Performance engine upgrade is an ideal Saab accessory that can raise the power of the Saab vehicle by 30 %. In the United Kingdom, Saab wholesalers at present are selling this Hirsch accessory for £749.

Saab iPod Kit

Music lovers will find every road trip enjoyable with the Saab iPod kit. All the music files stored in their music devices can now be played on the audio system of the Saab automobile. With just a simple click of a button, passengers can already listen to their favorite songs. This hip auto accessory also includes a recharging mechanism connected that can easily be connected to the iPod, making the musical gadget always ready to operate.

Saab Boot Mat

An accessory that can help vehicle owners maintain the cleanliness of their automobiles is the Saab boot mat. This rubber-made accessory prevents the Saab carpets from being messed up. The rubber material is also ideal in protecting the luggage area from spills, mud, and other harmful factors. Moreover, the Saab boot mat can be easily removed. That’s why cleaning it can be very easy for vehicle owners.

Traffic jam is a common scenario especially at peak hours. People go off from work and most of them hurry home or hurry elsewhere. As this is the case at certain times of the day, most vehicle users spend a lot of time inside their vehicles. In order to help kill waiting time, having something to listen to is a one of the options Saab users have. It is for this reason that it comes as good news that the XM Satellite Radio will come as a standard in all 2008 Saab vehicles. This means that even though the one driving or riding a Saab may spend a considerable time inside their vehicles, they’ll sure to get the latest news and the hippest sounds from their car radio.

The XM Satellite radio has a reliable satellite that delivers data services and GPS navigation systems for automotives. Apart from Saab, the XM Satellite Radio will also come as a standard for 2008 Buick and Hummer vehicles. An added feature in GM vehicles is that their owners will get the benefit of a complimentary trial period activation of their XM Satellite radio for three months. This is enough time to get to know the features of the XM before deciding on really subscribing for one.

Source: Automotiveworld.com

The all-wheel-drive system (AWD) is fast becoming a staple for automobile manufacturers like Saab. If equipped in a passenger car or a sport utility vehicle, the four-wheel machine would be given much strength in its so-called feet. Aside from that added muscle for the vehicle, the AWD will also promote safety on top of it all.

Saab, whose parent company is the United States-established General Motors, is just among the big pool of car manufacturers that has already utilized the four-wheel-drive in its products. With this system geared in a vehicle, the automobile gets that extra safety feature without the hassle of putting much weight on the ride. Moreover, cars with the electronic safety systems such as the electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and anti-rollover protection has already proven to have 40 percent less chance of being involved in accidents. This big safety percentage is expected to get higher if the car has been equipped with the all-wheel-drive. Just imagine how many lives will be saved if a vehicle has all of these safety measures.

“We developed it with the thinking we would put it into other brands and tune it,” said Peter Johansson, a Saab specialist in front- and all-wheel-drive technology.

This technology was first utilized in sport utility vehicles that have been built to drive on an off-road. AWD aid SUVs to adjust quickly to the bumpiest and rockiest road there is. At present, however, the bigger vehicles are no longer the only ones that make use of the AWD. In fact, the Swedish automaker’s Saab Turbo X, which is equipped with the four-wheel-drive, has recently graced the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. This sleek passenger car with a turbocharged engine has been made more powerful because of the AWD.

With a Saab Turbo X running on all four wheels instead of only using the rear wheels, the vehicle has been made more capable of adjusting to driving errors as well as sudden changes in the road being taken. Not only does the AWD promote safety and power, the four-wheel-drive will also help the engine become more fuel efficient. This is made possible because the system only distributes power to all the wheels only if needed. An estimated a mile per gallon is being saved by the AWD. In some models with AWD, however, the fuel efficiency can be reduced by as much a four miles per gallon.

Automakers such as Ford, Chrysler, Subaru, Volvo, and Audi, amongst others, also utilize the AWD system in their products.