[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
This is nothing new!
While there weren't any electronic bulletin boards back in the Olde Days,
there were similar kinds of debate whenever an "epochal" new model came
out. Though it could be argued that in those days of non-instant communication/gratification, the debate was a lot more considered and reasonable:-)
I can still recall the letters sent to the BMW Club about that 'newfangled' 320i, in ca. 1977, and how it couldn't be a "true" BMW because it wasn't a 2002. Probably a similar sort of debate about the 530i vs. the Bavaria.
Anybody remember the Porsche 928/944 debates? Some 911 diehards still don't think they're real Porsches. And even the 911s went downhill when they got those darned water pumps and radiators;-).
The Saab 9000 sure generated some heat, what with its chassis shared with Fiat/Lancia/Alfa Romeo, its Guigiaro styling and the ignition key on the dash. Was it a true Saab, or a warmed over Italian car? Some Alfisti sure had problems with the 164 being a 'warmed over Saab'.
And the debate over the GM input into the NG900/9-3/9-5 continues to this day.
So is the new 9-3 a "real" Saab? My guess is that it is under the skin, but the skin still doesn't do much for me. I'll gladly test drive the sedan (even with its silly short rear decklid that makes it look like an Audi/VW/Honda etc.), but will wait until the 5 door and the coupe come out before I decide whether I really want one.
But for all of you out there that think this kind of debate by enthusiasts over a new model is new and/or not healthy, think again. Folks need to vent, to question, to talk over and even possibly be convinced. So if others question whether Saab is going the right way by getting more mainstream, don't get your dander up. Saab has goofed up before, and will again. Let's hope that they do get this one right.
posted by 129.246.25...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.