Information on the new replacement 9-3

[Dave T]

The current 9-3 is sometimes called the 9-3SS or 9-3 Sports Sedan or Saloon. It's due to be replaced. Anyone with information, please post!

1. Planned introduction, late 2012.
2. Platform developed by Saab engineers, not the GM platform of the 9-3SS
3. Design chief Jason Castriota, who worked on luxury cars like the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Maserati Gran Turismo before joining Saab in March, 2010.
4. Castriota's design is for increased length, width, and immediate recognition as a Saab.
5. BMW sourced engine. 1.6 litre 4 cylinder adapted to Saab requirements. source: Saab http://newsroom.saab.com/news/news/s...17ffe2487.html
6. Electric all-wheel drive system Saab is developing with American Axle. A pair of small electric motors will power the car's rear wheels

1-6 (except 5a.) source: Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/2010121...#ixzz188IW6OUl

7. Platform heavily modified from the Epsilon I. source: Victor Mueller of Saab, quoted in www.leftlanenews.com/saab-9-3-2012.html
8. Saab will use that platform for other models. source: Victor Mueller quoted in Saab 9-3 sedan to be built on entirely new platform - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com

[Shazam]

6. Electric all-wheel drive system Saab is developing with American Axle. A pair of small electric motors will power the car's rear wheels

Hopefully that's only an option... sounds expensive

[DavidMorgan]

According to the Swedish press:

It could look like this:

In addition to the small BMW engine there will also be a 2.0 and both will have twin scroll turbos.

[Shazam]

What is up with the taillights? Sorry, but nothing in Saab history has ever had anything like that at all. They look like they came off some concept car from the early '90's. Sorry, but ugly!

[nordwulf]

It's different for sure. Quite Aeromotional. Or whatever that means..

There were a few more spyshots released today but there isn't much to see yet. This time, it looks like they were taken in Sweden.

Translated Dutch article and a few more pictures:
Google Translate

[DavidMorgan]

I really hope to be able to buy a new 9-3 next year :-)
162 bm hp with 36 electric hp will do me fine.

Frank, I'm browsing and replying from my iPhone with your tapatalk application. It is excellent. Loads very fast, easy to read and follow threads in which one has participated plus all the normal options for replying.

[Abarth]

According to the Swedish press:

It could look like this:

In addition to the small BMW engine there will also be a 2.0 and both will have twin scroll turbos.

The PhoeniX concept car styling that Jason discussed during the Geneva Auto Show would carry over to the new 9.3. These artist renderings are just that, artist renderings, not from SAAB Design. But their ideas, like the taillights are a carry over from the PhoeniX. I love the liquid styling Jason describes in the PhoneiX and the front valance and headlamps. The open hood with the plenum cover is also very nice touch, but I doubt it makes it to production.....rats!

[Abarth]

I'm also waiting for the new 9.3 replacement hoping for a SportsCombi verson!