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Re: Why did SAAB discontinue the V6? Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Mon, 3 May 2004 12:50:35 In Reply to: Why did SAAB discontinue the V6?, Dan [Profile/Gallery] , Mon, 3 May 2004 00:03:19 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The V6 was added in the mid-90's because as the car moved up-market, many folks wouldn't even consider a 4-cylinder, even if it had as much (or more) oomph as the V6. The GM V6 wasn't a bad engine, but most Saab fans wouldn't touch one (myself included). Heck, we're still sore that they gave up on two-strokes. However, the majority of Saabs aren't bought by folks like us.
Engines have a limited design lifetime unless you pour money into development. The GM V6 didn't cut it. Of course, GM has a pile of other V6s. But a V6 is heavier and larger than a 4 (typically), and that requires changes in underhood size, suspension, and the like.
At this point it's just me speculating, but GM's boss decided to discountinue the V6 to keep development costs to a minimum. Much less expensive to engineer the car for just one general engine size. Saab made lemons out of lemonade by going to the "All Turbocharged" product line.
Heck, I like turbo fours. They're small, light, and fuel-efficient. Properly tuned, they go like stink. Would Saab sell more cars if they had a V6 in the lineup? Probably a few. Would the additional sales pay for the development/running costs? Probably not.
I'm quite fine with Saab not being all things to all people. You end up with a characterless car that way. If I want the efforless torque of a large V6, I'll get an Oldsmobile. OK, scratch that - I'll get a Something Else.
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