Official: Saab 9³ SportCombi / SportHatch

[Wutputt]

The 9³ SportCombi/SportHatch will be presented in Geneva and will be on sale in September 2005. As you can see it has the same rear shape as the concept version and even has the clear rear lights.
Engines will be a GM 1.8i (122 hp), a 1.8t (150 hp), a 2.0t (175 hp), a 2.0T (210 hp), and the Aero version will have a 2.8 V6 Turbo engine with 280 hp. Diesel engines will be a 1.9 TiD with 120 hp or 150 hp (both Alfa engines like the 9³ SS after its recent diesel engine update).


Personally I think it looks good, although I still have my doubts over the rear lights. Also the boot isn't as big as we were used with old school Saabs. I'm also not so fond of the 2.8 V6 turbo. The first plans were to introduce this engine in 300 hp or more spec in combination with 4WD for future performant models. 250 hp out of a 2.8 V6 for a permant Aero model is not really Saab-ish. Why didn't they used their 2.3T engine for it. That one has already 250 hp, loads of torque and is smaller.


pics:

[dutchmasterflex]

i still like the 9³ Viggen the best..

[pzgren]

this shape needs getting used to.... especially the back. the front is ok, i like the look of the new 93 but the back of this combi....

strange engine philosophie, doesn't sound like saab.
i really hope the will have a 4wd in their range soon, especially for the aero version.

[komotar]

I don't like the white rear lights.


But the res is cool. I can't wait to see some more pictures of the car.

I drove the 9-3 and loved it.

[neilo63]

They have to prolong the current 9-3 as much as they can. They dont have money to make new cars and GM is considering killing the brand off.