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Saves you having to buy the issue or learn German. Below is the entire article from September issue, page 22, as poorly re-typed by me:
"Integration is the catchword of the Saab survival strategy. The Swedes will have to work closely with such GM family members as Opel (engineering, purchasing, logistics), Subaru (9-2 development), Isuzu (diesel engines), and Fiat (diesel engines, know-how). With quick fixes like the Chevy TrailBlazer-based 9-7 and the 9-2 derived from the Subaru Impreza, Saab hopes to boost production from 120,000 to more than 200,000 units by 2005."
"The 2005 9-7 will be unsuitable for Europe, but its 2007 replacement is a global project. If all goes to plan, this version will become an integral part of GM's highly flexible Lambda platform matrix, which features a lightweight spaceframe, four-wheel drive with dynamic torque split, a pair of six-speed transmissions and a new high-output V-6. Unlike the first 9-7, the 2007 edition will get its own Saab exterior and interior, an optional turbo engine, and a chassis tuned in Sweden, not in Detroit."
"The second-generation 9-2, due in 2006, will again be codeveloped with Subaru, but this time Saab will not adopt the instrument panel from the Impreza, and the Swedes also have a say in the engine and suspension department. The Japanese-Swedish duo is expected to create four different body styles: while the four-door sedan and the five-door wagon reportedly will be reserved for Subaru, Saab is likely to get a five-door hatchback and a sleek four-seat coupe."
"A 9-3 crossover and wagon (seen here as artist's renderings) and 9-5 sedan and wagon replacements are planned, but the badly needed crossover has been delayed until fall 2004, the 9-3 wagon won't debut before spring 2005, and the 9-5 is expected by mid-2007 at the earliest."
"The 9-3 crossover will have permanent all-wheel drive courtesy of Magna-Steyr, which is also assembling the 9-3 cabriolet. Visually the all-terrain 9-3 differs from the wagon via chromed skid plates, bigger wheels and tires, restyled bumpers, and more generous ground clearance. Expect a brand new 2.8-liter V-6 good for 250 horsepower in low-pressure-turbocharged form and a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic oeprated via steering wheel paddles."
"The Trollhattan grapevine suggests that the 9-5 wagon might be replaced by a high-roof Kammback offering more space and added versatility. The top-of-the-range Saab is expected to use the stretched and widened Epsilon-plus platform, yet another donation from the corporate GM parts bin."
There you have it, Saab rumors of the month.
Ken
posted by 154.5.19...
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