SPY PHOTOS: Saab 9-3 Next Generation

Even more Aero-X influence

Just a few days ago, Saab revealed the 9-3 facelift displaying a bold new look inspired by the Saab Aero-X Concept. Inside sources have told us that Saab intends to inject the brand with sportier and younger appeal for all of its' vehicles and the Aero-X Concept is the primary influence. With the recent 9-3 facelift, that is clear to see. The next generation 9-3 will take this Aero-X influence even further.

With more and more revealing spy photos emerging lately of the new Opel Vectra, the cousin from Sweden is still in the mule status. The Saab engineers are using mules with GM's new Epsilon 2 platform but with an old Opel Vectra body modified to fit its' wider platform. However, the seats and interior are all from Saab. The wider platform will provide more interior space for passengers, which is a must for the new Saab 9-3 to be able to compete in its' class. While the Vectra will be the car for the masses, Saab will try to position the new 9-3 in a more premium class to compete with Audi's A4, the Mercedes C-class and the 3-Series BMW.

A long awaited feature, fitted on this prototype, will be the four-wheel-drive system from Haldex. This system will be available in the current 9-3 facelift from this autumn. Insiders hope that the four-wheel-drive system, called XWD, will sit in 50% of all sold cars and that it will rival Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system which has become more prestigious. Expect powerful Bio-Power engines and a new twin-turbo diesel engine. Also, Saab will be breaking down the 300 bhp wall with an improved Turbo V6 which is rumoured to be available in the current generation facelift model before this new 9-3.

We are hoping to see a presentation late 2008 as a 2009 model.