Trollhattansaab.net's inside informant "Djup Strupe" (Swedish for "Deep Throat") has sent a round of undisguised shots of the upcoming 9-3X to the web. The lifted 9-3 is aimed at SUV defectors and works in the same vein as the Audi allroad and Volvo XC70. Judging by the prototype caught by Djup Strupe, the car isn't far from production.
The 30mm suspension lift and SUV-like body cladding are obvious in the photos, though the car maintains a distinct family look. Roof rails and faux skidplates are also in evidence. A set of unique split-spoke wheels is also visible. With Saab's XWD all-wheel drive system underneath, this car should prove to be a viable competitor to Volvo's successful XC70.
The 9-3X is expected to arrive as an early 2010 model, possibly debuting at the rapidly-shrinking North American International Auto Show.
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So you get the worst of both worlds: a car that can do nothing off-road, with an unaerodynamic body and handling on stilts for the highway.