Saab 9-5 Prototype Caught for First Time

Saab 9-5 Prototype / Copyright by Carpix

By Thami Masemola
January 23, 2009 12:50 PM
Filed Under: European, Saab, Spy Photos

Spy photos have finally been taken of the next generation SAAB 9-5. SAAB has done quite well so far in keeping the 9-5 out of the public eye as well as the spy phtotogrpaher's eye. Since it's still undergoing testing a lot of camouflage covers most of the important bits of the car such as the character lines, shape of the rear and so on. Nevertheless it can be made out that the roof flows much smoother into the rear, making it look almost coupe-like. Also some styling cues from 9-4X BioPower concept should appear in the final design.

The 9-5 will gain some extra weight, height and length over the current model. The wheelbase is also being increased by 14cm to make the car a large one indeed. It should fit in nicely within its competition cluster which consists of cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.

Our spy pictures portray a prototype fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine making 210hp. It will be sold with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. A higher 2.8-litre V6 will be available in the European market while the US gets an even bigger 3.6-litre V6, the same one found in the Buick Lacrosse. Diesel is expected as well as a hybrid model.

A public unveiling of the next SAAB 9-5 will happen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

 

Tags: SAAB, SAAB 9-5

Comments

opelbauer
January 23, 2009 2:37 PM
It looks great, the mirrors are from the Opel Insginia. :-)

Bristol411S3
January 23, 2009 3:02 PM
Is it based on the Insignia or some Cadillac underpinnings?

Beetle
January 23, 2009 3:51 PM
it could be based on the new imprezza .

rcw
January 23, 2009 7:31 PM
Wow, GM (who impresses me with some of their newest offerings) has really found the way to remove any spirit or individuality from Saab. Their uniqueness used to be one of the big reasons to buy one.

Moko
January 24, 2009 1:26 PM
rcw, i could not agree with you more.GM is just killing,well has been killing the brand since it's purchased it.I used to love SAAB man

View Comment Rules

Add Comment

You are modifying your comment

Exisiting User

Username
Password
remember me

New Users

Username
Email
Password
Comment

Your account

username
password

Other links