New spy pictures of the upcoming SAAB 9-5 have surfaced. The car is to share platforms with the Opel Insignia but should cross the 5 metre threshold for the first time. An increased wheelbase will free up more interior space as well make the 9-5 a real rival to cars like the Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.
Derivatives are still sketchy at the moment but we expect the sedan to be joined by a SportCombi (station wagon) after six months of release. The SAAB 9-5 may make its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
In keeping to its promises SAAB will scour the General Motors parts bin for suitable powerplants which will fit the stature of a 9-5 as well as earn the brand brownie points on the environmental side. A 210hp (154kW) 2.0-litre petrol turbo would be at the bottom of the heap followed by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor. Different markets will configure different choices depending on their own needs, so the US for example would get the Buick Lacrosse's 3.6-litre V6 while Europe a 2.8-litre V6 turbo.
