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I have been on this board since 2000, since I purchased a 2000 9-5 AERO Sedan 5spd which later received a Hirsch 280Hp update and interior. Still have it and it is a fine car.
Since 2000 SAAB has improved the 9-5 quite a bit and the new 9-3 is a first class car. However the new 9-3 engine is nowhere as powerfull as the B235R engines the Viggen and 9-5 AEROs have. In fact the original SAAB engines are on their way out being replaced with a new generation of GM engines for cost reasons.
Ask Scott, I have said a number of times that SAAB needs an entry car. I also said that SAAB needs a real 4WD car. The new 2.0L GM engine used in the 9-3 is too weak for SAAB needs.
Now lets look at Subaru, they make fine cars but these have one major problem... DESIGN, they're UGLY! The other problem with SUBARU is their LACK in know-how when it comes to installing a turbo engine under the hood of a car. While the WRX/STi engines are powerfull they're no where as efficient as the new GM 2.0L engine or the old SAAB engines.
So in fact the co-operation of SAAB and Subaru will generate many benfits for both companies.
1- SAAB gets an entry car with the 2.5L version.
2- SAAB gets a REAL 4WD car, not one of these Haldex or other electronic perversions, but one with a 4WD system that will deliver even in the hands of experienced drivers... 2x visous coupling or even STi system down the road.
3- SAAB gets a sporty 4WD car with the AERO.
4- SUBARU gets more manufacturing capacity utilization.
5- SUBARU will down the road benefit from SAAB Turbo engine installation know how, but the new 9-2 clearly will not benefit from this, expect poor milage like with a WRX or STi due to the tiny intercooler (a Viggen IC is about 4 times as big, and a Hirsch IC about 9 times) this is the downside of a flat four with a turbo under a hood, no space for a big IC.
6- SUBARU will learn how to come up with a better design from SAAB.
7- SUBARU and SAAB can co-develop a follow up to the Impreza / 9-2 down the road.
8- SAAB gets a 2.0L Turbo engine that delivers the power required in its 9-2, not the milage but the power.
9- SAAB gets a more effcient 2.5L non Turbo for those that simply want a go most places 9-2.
10- Many people that will not buy a Subaru Impreza may buy a SAAB 9-2, GM should reconsider to bring the car to europe where many people simply do not buy Japanese brands.
11- SAAB will get more customers.
12- SAAB with GM could come up with a Rally version of the 9-2 which would provide a huge boost to sales if like Subaru they do well.
13- Subaru and SAAB have over time made safer car then most, Subaru's do quite well in real world crashes, I know some people who crashed some real bad and that came out unharmed so here there is much to lear from each other and build even safer cars.
14- SAAB/SUBARU/GM get the possibility to sell more Impreza based cars in the US and in Europe if they decide to bring the 9-2 here.
So IMHO the 9-2 makes sense a 100% and I would buy one if it were available in Europe. It has many of the features in its AERO version that I find desirable... real 4WD system, good handling, strong engine, good looks, hatch and good safety and hopefully no useless ESP/ESC system for which there is no need on a good 4WD car (unless you're paranoid and have no clue how to drive a 4WD car)
Regard,
Coolknight
posted by 212.77.42...
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