Haven’t you ever wondered how we truly evolved from primates to what we are right now? Sure we’ve been able to trace the lineage but there are still some missing pieces to the puzzle right? Evolution has always been an unexpected event that just happens. It’s like change, in the sense that they are both inevitabilities. One way or another, everyone and everything goes through this. The reason why I’m rambling about evolution and change is because of this site I stumbled on that showcased the different logos that the major car companies, including Saab, have used over the years. It shows what their first logo looked like and how it evolved as the years went by. It’s hard to believe that Saab actually started out from being an airplane company to then branching out and deciding to be part of the automobile industry. For those unaware of how Saab came to be, here’s a brief overview of their rich history:

• The aircraft company Swedish Aeroplane Limited or Saab, was established in 1937 to address the needs of the Swedish Air Force.
• Known as the “Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget in Swedish, the company developed military vehicles and equipment for air assault.
• In 1946, Saab came out with its first prototype called the Saab 92001 or “ursaab” meaning “original Saab.” It was secretly tested and was driven for 330,000 miles through forest roads during the early mornings and late evenings.
• The Saab Automobile Company was put up in 1947 with their first car dubbed “the Saab 92,” was created. It was Saab’s 92^nd automobile design.
• A merger with Vabis-Scania, a truck manufacturing company led to a change in their logo to the griffin logo that company still makes use of today.
• Saab continued to manufacture both military equipments for the Swedish Air Force and automobiles for commercial use until it was bought out by General Motors in 2000.

For a full appreciation of the logo changes Saab went through, check out the images above for the different logos used by the company over the years.

Source: Neatorama

Looking straight into the blue eyes of the new Saab 9-1x makes you wonder if there’s any life in it. Come to think of it, it does look like one of the vehicles that could possible transform into a 15 ft. robot and kick your butt into the next galaxy. But regardless of what you might think, the Saab 9-1x gives an impression of being a very sleek hatchback.

Saab plans on unveiling its new concept ride at the Geneva Auto Show, which they have positioned as an entry level vehicle. Considered to be a preview of the 2010 Saab 9-1 series, their goal is to have the new Saab 9-1x compete against the likes of the BMW 1-series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 models.

Based on its initial design concepts, the new Saab 9-1x will be equipped with a hybrid drivetrain and a removable roof panel. It will come in two versions, a three-door and a five-door hatchback, with its design inspired by the Saab Aero X concept. The vehicle will have the option of having a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capable of hitting 180 horsepower or 240 horsepower respectively. Aside from the two turbocharged engines, Saab also plans to incorporate a two-mode hybrid engine, which will be a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion running on petrol, diesel or biofuel. The electric motor will allow the Saab 9-1x to decelerate, recover kinetic energy during braking and charge its battery pack while coasting. Aside from getting inspiration from the Saab Aero X concept, the company also took inspiration from the Saab 900 by patterning the 9-1x’s headlights to it.

With the spruced-up features this hatchback has, it’s no wonder that Saab is excited about rolling it out for the world to see.

Sources: Top Speed, Top News: Saab Sketch, Top Speed: Saab Teaser, Top Speed: Saab Teaser, Top Speed: Saab Preview

According to a tally conducted by Forbes.com, the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi has been included in the top-five list of kid-friendly vehicles, ranking third on the list. That’s right moms and dads, Forbes is actually saying that your kids are in good hands with Saab. To determine if an automobile could be considered kid-friendly and qualify for the list, Forbes had to make sure that it had the following:

• Power windows and locks
• Rear power lift gates
• Integrated safety features that automatically start once triggered by the driver
• Flexible seats
• Easy-to-reach climate and audio controls
• Reading lights
• Rears-seat-kid-friendly features like cup holders, options for DVDs and games
• Rear heating and air conditioning
• A “good” rating for its safety features from the National Insurance Institute for Highway
• Ample cargo space for the kids’ accessories

Now did the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi meet the requirements? You can bet your behind it did. What made it stand out from the rest is the comfort it provides through its rear seats. The Sports Combi is able to provide sufficient ventilation at the back thanks to its rear vents. It also met the requirements of being able to provide a cup holder and reading light for its back seat riders. So if you’re into getting a luxury car that provides comfort and safety for your kids, try out the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi. It’s something that you and your kids might enjoy getting into.

Source: MSNBC

Remember when Han Solo was frozen in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back so that his body could be preserved before being transported to Jabba The Hut in Tatooine? Well, Saab has decided to do the same by putting their heritage on ice. Teaming up with the ICEHOTEL located in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, Saab had a room made from ice created for them to be able to pull this off.

Called the “Saab Move Your Mind Room”, the suite allows its visitors to view the different designs of Saab and get a feel and understanding of the company’s values. The suite was designed by Saab’s chief designer Simon Padian and by ICEHOTEL’s designer Tjåsa Gusfors. For the suite’s design, the duo got their inspiration from the core brand pillars of Saab: progressive design, responsible performance and sporty driver focus. Padian and Gusfors also got their design inspiration from the popular Saab Aero X concept car. Upon entry, visitors will be able to understand Saab’s brand values and see their design heritage. Aside from being educated on Saab’s values and design, visitors will be able to see a Saab Aero X sculpted from ice, complete with light and sound sequences.

According to Padian, “The Saab Move Your Mind Room is designed to be a journey, a flow, a pulse which aims to disrupt and challenge visitor perceptions of what is normal or expected. The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and feel more engaged with the Saab brand.”

So if ever you’re in Sweden and you want something new to move you, then visit ICEHOTEL and check out the “Saab Move Your Mind Room.”

Source: Winding Road For Drivers

Sport Utility Vehicles have become increasingly popular over the years. It’s been preferred by families and sports enthusiasts because of its roominess and its ability to maneuver through rough terrain. Due to the influx of these types of vehicles, Saab came up with a SUV of its own to rival those that have been released in the market. Let’s welcomes the Saab 9-7x SUV.

The Saab 9-7x SUV comes in three models: the 4.2i, the 5.3i and the Aero model. All three models are built with the same standard features, most of which have been used with other Saab models as well. The Saab 9-7x has a four-speed automatic transmission and is equipped with an Automatic all-wheel drive system that distributes power between the front and rear wheels. It has a Saab-Tuned sports chassis which provides better acceleration, cornering and braking thanks in part to its lower stance, springs and shock absorbers. The car has leather-upholstered seats and heated front seats. A Power Moonroof with a built-in sunshade has also been installed to allow natural light to come in. The moonroof has a tilt position feature that provides ventilation. Aside from the above-mentioned features, Saab equipped its 9-7x SUV with StabiliTrak Vehicle Stability Management, a system that gives stability while driving in slick surfaces. It is activated when it detects that the vehicle failed to match the steering wheel inputs. Once it does that, engine torque and/or brakes are then adjusted to the wheels. Saab also added the OnStar system equipped with Turn by Turn navigation. This system provides assistance concerning car problems like being locked out or having the air-bag accidentally deployed. It provides voice-guided directions and runs diagnostic checks on your vehicle through its diagnostic program. The other feature Saab equipped is a free three-month trial of XM Radio, a satellite radio that offers free commercial music and live programming.

Now what sets these three models apart are its engines. The 4.2i model is built with a 4.2-liter, 6-cylinder (L6) engine that provides 285 hp and 276 lb. ft. of torque. The 5.3i model comes with a 5.3-liter Active Fuel Management, 8-cylinder V8 engine that gives out 300 hp and 321 lb. ft. of torque. The Aero model on the other hand is jacked with a 6.0L small block V8 engine w/ cold air induction package and can produce up to 390 hp and 395 lb. ft. of torque. Not only that but the Aero model is able to jump from 0 to 60 in just six seconds. It may not be faster than a speeding bullet but it’s still fast enough to give other SUVs a run for their money. To give the 5.3i model a distinct look, Saab added a Xenon Headlamp with washers which improves visibility and reduces glare. The wheels of the 4.2i model are 18” 12-spoke alloy wheels while the 5.3i model is built with a set of 18” 6-spoke alloy wheels. The Saab 9-7x SUV comes in three additional colors namely Lingonberry Red Metallic, Winter White and Graphite Gray Metallic with its Aero model having an exclusive Carbon Flash exterior color. It also provides better fuel economy giving out 15mpg to 21mpg for its 4.2i model and the 5.3i model is able to give 15 to 20mpg.

Trust Saab to come up with a SUV that provides innovative, sporty and stylish features to meet your needs.

Sources: Saab USA, Forbes Auto

As part of their Reborn program to revamp their 9-3 lines, Saab came up with a redesign this year for the Saab 9-3 SportCombi Wagon which focuses on providing its passengers adequate space for their traveling needs. Based on its predecessor of the same name designed and produced last 2006, this new model is integrated with new features which make it a cut-above-the-rest.

The new Saab 9-3 SportsCombi Wagon comes in two forms, the 2.0T model and the Aero Model. What sets the two apart are their features. The 2.0T model was created with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine capable of hitting a maximum of 210 hp of horsepower and give 221 lb. ft. of torque. The Aero Model was built with a 2.8 liter 6-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of producing 255 hp of horsepower. It as a 170 cu. In. displacement and can provide a maximum of 258 lb. ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. The 9-3 SportsCombi also sports a 6-speed manual gearbox equipped with a hydraulic clutch providing maximum performance in terms of speed.

Saab made it a point not to hold back in designing the car’s exterior which houses the engine and its interiors. It incorporated a remote-controlled Power Moonroof which allows ambient light to illuminate the car’s interiors. It has also installed a set of Rain-Sensing Windshield wipers that, once active, starts the wipers and adjusts its speed depending on the type of rainfall. The Aero model has front fog lamps making it easier to drive in extreme weather conditions and a Xenon cornering headlamps that provides additional lighting.

The interiors are given a plush and sporty look as well. Front and back seats are upholstered with leather, gauges were given metallic rims, head restraints were added in the back seat to prevent injuries in case of rear collisions and the steering wheel is leather trimmed and has mounted audio controls. The 9-3 SportsCombi also has a glove compartment that allows you to keep your drink cold.

Just like the other revamped 9-3 models, Saab incorporated the same safety features in the 9-3 SportsCombi. One of those features is the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that prevents sliding by applying the brakes to one or more wheels. It also compares car movements with that of the steering wheel by checking its inputs. The other is the TCS (Traction Control System) which reduces slipping by distributing drive force to the tire with the best grip. The last feature is Tire-Pressure Monitoring System which emits a signal once it detects that one of your tires is under-inflated.

Leave it up to Saab to come up with a design that speaks volumes in terms of comfort, safety and style.

Sources: Saab USA, US News & World Report, Active.com

Thanks to the success of the Saab 9-3 sedan in the market, Saab has decided to reinvigorate the 9-3 model by making it a convertible. Hence the Saab 9-3 Convertible was born.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible has a six-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic activated clutch. An option of converting it to a six-speed automatic transmission has also been made available. The Saab 9-3 is able to hit the speed of 60 mph from start up in less than seven seconds. The convertible comes in two types: the 2.0T version and the Aero version. The 2.0T version is packed with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It has set of 16-inch wheels and tire pressure monitors. The Aero version on the other hand was built with a 2.8 liter V-6 engine which can provide 255 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with vented rear disc brakes and 17-inch wheels.

The Saab 9-3 convertible is also equipped with different technological innovations that set it apart from the competition. One is the Traction Control System or TCS. It helps reduce slipping while driving on wet or slippery surfaces by distributing the drive force to the wheel with the best grip. Another is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which will check the movement of the car with the steering wheel input and if there is a possibility for the car to skid, it will trigger the car to brake one or two wheels and even reduce engine power. It also has an Anti-Lock braking system which will stop the wheels from locking during hard braking and an Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) which distributes the break force between the front and rear tires.

The Saab 9-3’s exterior features rear fog lamps, a 6-jet high pressure windshield washer and side-mounted direction-indicator lamps. The convertible top is remote controlled eliminating the hassle of manually putting it up. Saab also made sure that the color coordination was done properly by having the outer door handles, lower bumper and rocker sills match the body color of the car.

As for the interiors, Saab was able to achieve success in combining both luxury and comfort. The seats are covered with leather and the back seats are equipped with head restraints to lessen head and neck movement during collisions. The Saab 9-3 convertible also comes with a glove box which allows you to store your drinks and keep it cool. The glove box also has a lighting fixture which helps in locating your stuff in the dark.

So if you feel the urge of driving in a spruced-up convertible, take a drive using the new Saab 9-3 convertible. It’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

Sources: Saab USA, The Car Connection

Based on reports, the Swedish government has approved the sale of aviation equipment to the government of Thailand. The negotiation was done specifically between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Royal Thai Air Force. This means that Thailand will be able to purchase six Gripen systems, which includes two single-seater C-versions and four two-seater D-versions. The deal also allows them to acquire two Saab 340 aircrafts, with one of those aircrafts having a Saab’s Erieye radar equipped with it.

Saab’s CEO and president Ake Svensson considers this deal a milestone of some sort. “This is a milestone and a very positive reinforcement for Saab. This means that there are now customers in six countries who have chosen Gripen. It is also very satisfying that the deal involves several other products from Saab, such as Saab 340, the Erieye surveillance radar and advanced command and control systems.”

Even Gripen International has expressed their excitement about their involvement in this deal. “This deal is extremely important for us in our work with potential Gripen customers. This is a new region of the world where Gripen will be in operation. We are now definitely world leading in the export of the new generation’s fighter aircraft and this confirms Gripen’s future export potential”, says Johan Lehander, Managing Director, Gripen International.

It’s nice to know that a government is capable of upgrading its defenses. Let’s just hope that they end up using these for defense purposes only and not for anything else.

Sources: saabgroup.com, air-attack.com

For those who are wondering what so special about this Saab Sea Giraffe 150 HC, well, it’s an all-in-one radar system that provides the navy the ability to conduct air and surface searches and at the same time conduct target designation. The Sea Giraffe 150 HC radar is installed in sea vessels of all types and sizes ranging from navy’s fast patrol ships to its Halifax Class frigates.

Saab has expressed their enthusiasm over being chosen by the Canadian Navy to work on the overhauling of these radars. ”We are very pleased that the Canadian Navy has selected us to provide continued support, and with this we see further potential for strengthening our activities in Halifax”, says Johan Klintberg, Director for Saab Microwave Canada Ltd.

As part of the contract, Saab Micorwave Canada Ltd. will work on repairing and overhauling fourteen of the Canadian Navy’s Sea Giraffe 150 HC. Saab will provide the Canadian navy with the following services: individual radar repair, complete system overhaul, and technical support and management.

Sources: streetinsider.com, saabgroup.com

By the look of things, it seems that the objective of most automobile companies nowadays is to focus on creating vehicles that are eco-friendly. Saab automobile is no exception to this by introducing the Saab 9-4x Biopower concept. It is said that the company is targeting a release after a year and about 85% to 90% of what was initially seen will be retained come production time.

What makes this vehicle stand out are the two important Swedish features incorporated by Saab: the XWD Cross Wheel Drive system and the BioPower system. For those curious as to what these two features do, here’s a brief backgrounder. The XWD Cross Wheel Drive system was first made available to one of Saab’s concept cars, the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X. In a nutshell, this system provides better handling and stability while driving by providing better traction upon take-off and allowing torque transfer for its back wheels. The other feature, which is the BioPower system, allows the Saab 9-4x to run on Bioethanol fuel. Bioethanol is an environmental friendly type of fuel which is made from grain, cellulose or sugar cane. This type of fuel reduces the emission of carbon dioxide by recycling it instead.

Aside from the above-mentioned features, the Saab 9-4x comes with a set of 21-inch wheels, a hydraulic-dual circuit vacuum booster brakes and an engine that gives off 300 horsepower and 295 lb-foot of torque (while running on bioethanol). The vehicle’s sleek and functional look is based on the Saab’s Aero X concept and the application of a ski equipment stowage system allows the car to provide adequate storage for your traveling needs.

It looks like Saab got it right with this concept. It not only focused on the needs of the consumer but also on the needs of the environment as well.

Sources: autoblog.com, saab biopower, XWD cross wheel drive, saabhistory.com, gizmag.com