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Saab 9-2X
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| Saab releaes photos of new five door model |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:28:32 |
| Rating |
 120 ( -18 -15% ) | | Author | Tara Baukus Mello |
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Description:
Saab released its first official photos of the 9-2X this week at the 2003 Tokyo Auto Show. Scheduled for release next summer, the 9-2X is a five-door model with all-wheel-drive that will be positioned below the 9-3 Sport Sedan, which was redesigned for 2003.
The vehicle is a joint effort between Saab and Subaru, which is known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles. "The Saab and Subaru brands have a special flair. It's a natural fit for them to combine their talents and expertise in bringing the first all-wheel-drive performance car into the Saab family," said Bob Lutz, General Motor's vice chairman for product development. General Motors owns Saab Automobile AB and holds a 20 percent stake Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries.
Part of Saab's largest product offensive ever, the 9-2X will give Saab a place in the premium small car segment. "The 9-2X will help introduce Saab to a younger customer group," said Peter Augustsson, president and CEO of Saab Automobile AB.
Saab recently introduced its 9-3 sport sedan and convertible as 2003 and 2004 models respectively. In late 2004, the Swedish automaker will introduce a 9-3 sport-hatch that is a cross between a hatchback and a wagon. Saab has also confirmed that it will offer a mid-size SUV in 2005, the Saab 9-7X, which will be built on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer platform.
The partnership with Subaru on the 9-2X is crucial because it allows Saab to get the car to market quickly and be an early competitor with other new premium small cars, such as the forthcoming BMW 1 Series. Of the relationship with Subaru, Saab's Augustsson said, "We both have a special aircraft heritage and a successful history in rallying, and or cars are known for being dynamic, safe and fun to drive. It makes a lot of sense to combine our strengths in creating a Saab that can be brought to market quickly."
Smaller and less expensive than its 9-3 sibling, the 9-2X will be offered in two models, both of which will be five-door hatchbacks and have all-wheel-drive as standard equipment. The base model 9-2X Linear will be powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter, four-cylinder engine. The high-performance 9-2X Aero will come equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower. The 9-2X will be built at Fuji Heavy Industries factory in Japan.
The Saab 9-2X will be debuted to the world in December 2003 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. It will go on sale in the United States and Canada in summer 2004. Saab was unsure at press time if the 9-2X will be offered for sale in Europe and other markets.
Ó Copyright 2003, Tara Baukus Mello. All Rights Reserved. |
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