Saab will unveil the new generation 9-3 in late 2012. Built on an all-new platform (known internally as the "Phoenix Architecture"), the new model will also get a hatchback version reminiscent of the classic 900 and a cabriolet version. The new Saab 93 will have as main competitor the Audi A3 and will be priced at £18,000 (around $26,000 at the current rates).
The new model will take its design inspiration from the new 9-5 sedan, but it will also get an aerospace-influenced touch. On the interior it will feature the same wrap-around dashboard theme, but with a minimal look in comparison to the Saab 9-5.
There are rumors saying that Saab has signed a contract with BMW to supply BMW-derived diesel and petrol engines, including the new 184bhp 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbo Cooper S engine and the 112bhp 1.6-liter diesel engine used in the Countryman. The new engines will be coupled to an all-new six-speed manual gearbox and a four-wheel drive system.
According to Autoblog, Saab is looking at a few performance parts to help raise its standing with automotive enthusiasts, albeit in a limited fashion. Sources inside the Swedish automaker are reporting that the company is looking to upgrade the performance of the 9-3 and the new 9-5. Yet, despite their performance desires, Saab is tied down by an agreement signed with Saab’s previous owner that laid down a chapter-and-verse about what kind of power Saabs should have under the hood.
"We can’t modify these licensed architectures in such a way that it will compete with General Motors products," said the insider to Autoblog.
So, power from the company is out, so Saab is seeking other ways to go about upping performance.
Saab has been in talks with leading European Saab tuner Hirsch Performance AG to develop new dealer-installed performance parts. These performance Saabs would be on sale in North American and other markets. Since Hirsch is not a well-known name, Saab is debating on how to go about marketing these upgrades.
Dealer installed improvements should include ECU upgrades, aero kits, brakes, exhaust systems, and a few other modifications.
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Now that Saab is under Spyker ownership, things look like they are going to be changing a bit for the Swedish company. Proof of that will come in the shape of the new generation 9-3 to be unveiled sometime in 2012.
According to the German magazine, Autobild, the Saab 9-3 will not only be offered in a sedan, but hatchback and convertible versions will also come into play. Competition for the new Saab 9-3 is said to be the Mercedes SLK, the Audi A3 Cabrio, the BMW 5 series Gran Turismo, the Subaru Impreza WRX, and the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon. Just to name a few.
The new generation 9-3 will use the same techniques as the new 9-5 and the design will be inspired by the Saab Aero-X concept which is a pretty interesting and innovative concept in its own regard. We have to say, we have been not-so-patiently waiting for this concept to see the light of day in a production car. Under the hood there will be the same engine line-up, but it will feature more improvements in order to offer better consumption and fuel economy reduction.
Saab’s new 9-3 will need to have a helluva lineup in order to regain some of the market it has lost during its tumultuous times. We can only assume this is why Saab has opted to bring back the hatchback. Hatchbacks seems to be pretty trendy nowadays (don’t ask us why; we don’t see the attraction) so choosing to bring back the 5-door might give them a spot in this little niche.
Koenigsegg may have dropped the ball with purchasing Saab but at least somebody has stepped up to take the beleaguered car brand out of GM’s hands – at least some of it. Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings Co. Ltd has bought the intellectual rights for Saab’s 9-3 and 9-5 sedans, in addition to a number of powertrain technologies.
As part of the new deal, BAIC will be manufacturing the 9-3 and 9-5 sedans in China with Saab supplying invaluable knowledge and resource to BAIC as the company begins to improve its future line-up of cars. According to Jan Åke Jonsson, the managing director of Saab Automobile, the sale of the 9-3 and 9-5 sedans to BAIC is a step in the right direction for both companies. "We have developed a good relationship with BAIC and look forward to working with them to integrate this Saab technology into their future vehicles," he said.
Despite the sale of the 9-3 and 9-5 sedans to BAIC, General Motors is still pushing through with selling the entire brand to a number of potential suitors, the most notable of which has become Spyker.
Struggling to make ends meet, it looked as if it was only a matter of time before Saab would have crumbled under the mounting debts it had incurred over the past couple of years. Fortunately for them, there’s finally a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel.
On the heels of reports that said that Saab was on the market for anyone willing to take a stab at restoring the company to its glory days, it appears that someone has taken up that challenge. Swedish supercar makers Koenigsigg, together with a group of Norwegian investors, has ironed out a lot of the details involved in the company’s imminent purchase of Saab. While there are still a few kinks left to iron out, it’s becoming more and more apparent that Saab has found new life under the Koenigsigg brand.
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