An AWD Saab starting @ $21k? I don't see the problem. The Subaru fits our demographic as far as customer base, and for the most part, fits our quality standards. The boxer engine is a proven motor that has shown the capability of going 500k miles or more. The engine has also proven that it can accept turbocharging without hiccup. The AWD system works, and we don't have to raise the chassis and upset the center of gravity like would be required if we made a 9-3AWD. Face it. As much as I don't like admitting it, the only way we'll see an AWD 9-3 will be in crossover form. It's not possible to build an AWD 9-3 Sport Sedan, or at least one that will drive like a sports sedan.

I see the 9-2 as an advantage and an opportunity to appeal to the enthusiast crowd. Look at SCCA for example. Solo II classifications place all Saabs into G stock. This is a huge loophole. A car with WRX like performance (a car that is classed much higher) placed in GS can clean up with no problems what-so-ever. If Saab can place a couple of national championships, then we stand to gain a great deal of exposure (and lose a great deal of stigma). Pikes Peak, SCCA, what's next WRC? The 9-2 is, also, our chance to jump back into the world rallye scene. I see nothing but positive ramifications from the creation of this car.

We complain about the Vectra based 900, yet we forget that the 'wonderful' 9-3 that we are replacing is the Vectra based car! Are we diluting Saab or are we resisting change. Afterall, the only real Saab is a small, wedge shaped two door with a two-stroke motor.

GM diluting Saab? Whatever, GM saved Saab. Without the endless pocketbook, those 1300 employees that were laid off under the Vampire-like GM control would have only been a drop in the bucket. It would have been much worse if the entire factory closed, and Saab ceased to exist altogether. Believe it or not, at our pace, we were less than five years away from liquidation.

Again, I'm all for the 9-2. When was the last pure Saab engine? When was the last pure Saab chassis? Widespread parts sharing has been going on for over 4 decades. Why would it stop now? A new Saab for $21k with AWD, whether or not it's "pure Saab" it will sell. Frankly, I'm ready to start selling cars. I'm tired of being the underdog.

Cheers,
Brian.

posted by 65.106.25...

• Saabaru - from the company that gave you the cimarron, Bevan, Wed, 5 Feb 2003 21:24:40
  • Generic Motors also owns Daewoo too, right? Oh-oh., pursang, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 17:42:35
  • I have both a Saab and a Sube, robp, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 08:26:31
  • Re: Saabaru - from the company that gave you the cimarron, saaber, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 20:10:33
  • Badge-engineering will not work........, Gary, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 13:33:14
  • There's also this, phred, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 12:43:07
    • 3- 4Car Line Up, not AWD, is deciding factor to Saab US, Jon in Chicago, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 13:54:44
      • I don't see a market for a Saabaru, phred, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 14:22:36
  • Hey, I've no problem with a Subie based 9-2...., b.flippo, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 11:09:10 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Re: Hey, I've no problem with a Subie based 9-2...., TG, Sun, 9 Feb 2003 08:11:58
    • You go underdog!.....nm, Mike Lynch , Fri, 7 Feb 2003 22:11:42
    • And the reason Subaru dealers are against this is, Ian Glenday , Fri, 7 Feb 2003 16:36:18
    • Yes, I agree with Brian - it'll be a great move., Scott Paterson , Thu, 6 Feb 2003 15:25:41
    • Great comments, Brian, keeton, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 13:05:05
    • well there is a line, Eli5, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 11:56:20
      • Exactly, phred, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 12:46:22
  • That will not work., Coolknight, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 05:10:14
    • AWD and FWD, No.9, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 12:37:12
    • In defense of Subaru AWD (+), Vlad, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 07:47:24
      • Re: In defense of Subaru AWD (+), Paul , Thu, 6 Feb 2003 11:51:19
        • Re: In defense of Subaru AWD (+), MGS, Thu, 6 Feb 2003 12:05:22
          • Re: In defense of Subaru AWD (+), Bob M, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 11:20:03
            • Re: In defense of Subaru AWD (+), Aaron M., Sat, 8 Feb 2003 17:21:22

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