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Four model designations will be available: the LINEAR, ARC and VECTOR and AERO. In Saab's own press release they describe the new model choices as follows:
1. LINEAR: "a straight line, or the base element in any architectural structure. ...very understated, very Scandinavian... ...simple and modern, a combination of natural weave textiles and functional plastics." Hence, LINEAR appears to offer the standard dark grey fascia with textile seats.
Engine options appear to be: 150bhp 2.0t; 185bhp 2.3t; 176bhp 3.0TiD V6. A four cylinder 125bhp 2.2TiD may follow later.
2. ARC: "picks up the natural textures of LINEAR, but the material is leather. ...a softer, more refined element of architecture, bringing a modern interpretation to a classic style. ...richer in detail... ...we've introduced a light walnut wood with a satin finish... Like the leather, it gives a more natural look." ARC thus appears to offer a combination of wood facia and leather seating.
Engine options appear to be same as LINEAR, plus the option of the 200bhp asymmetric V6 petrol engine.
3. VECTOR: "...the most progressive form, exuding performance and dynamics from its directional, mathematical status. ...the mood changes to industrial hi-tech. The combination here is leather and textile in a darker grey, while an aluminium trim reflects the performance aspect of this platform choice. The bolstered sports seats are..." (according to Maria Thunberg of Saab's design studio:) "...the best that Saab gas ever produced." VECTOR therefore appears to offer the shiny alloy fascia with leather/textile combination seats in dark grey.
VECTOR also appears to come with sports seats and bodywork mouldings.
Engine choices seem to be as the ARC, with the possibility of a four cylinder 125bhp 2.2TiD following later.
4. AERO: "..focused purely on performance. The trim is mostly leather and the finish is a very dark grey. ...the Aero receives the same sports seats as the VECTOR model, with leather and textile seating and door inserts that are finished in leather. The trim colour...is a dark charcoal grey. A full leather finish is available as an option. The metallic trim on the fascia is similar to the VECTOR. However, the metallic look instrumentation is unique to the Aero, which further eflects the hi-tech and high performance nature of this model".
Note that the dashboard fascia is described as being "similar to the VECTOR". There is no further description of the Aero fascia appearance, so it would appear that the Aero will come with the shiny aluminium fascia as standard. Hopefully wood and/or grey (carbon fibre?) will be no-cost options. All that shiny alloy is just overkill in my opinion.
Engines choice is of course limited to THE established Aero 2.3 (HOT), but now with 250bhp and 350Nm.
One final point - for those who thought the 9-5 chassis wasn't going to benefit from any modifications as part of the 2002 facelift, I suspect you're in for a particularly pleasant surprise...
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