Saabosphere – links we liked this week

August 12, 2011 15:31 Line

By: Swade

Comments (6)

A quick Saabosphere this week. Is it early or is it late? Not sure.

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This first one’s not a link, just a set of photos that no-one familiar with Saabs will find too surprising ;-)

From Andrew……

BRING BACK THE HATCH!!!

Yes, I know it’s a wagon, but BBTH has been the common catchcry….

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I had the pleasure of sitting down to dinner last night with Rémi from Saabactu, a French Saab blog.

Saabactu is doing a great job of providing information for the French market. The site is well maintained, looks clean and is getting an audience, which is very encouraging for one of the bigger, but tougher European markets.

If you’re a French reader, make sure you bookmark it and check it out. There’ll be an interview with a certain writer here at Inside Saab appearing there in the coming weeks.

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I know what you’re thinking…..

I’m a lover of three-cylinder two strokes and I’m an iPhone user. Where can I get an iPhone cover that looks like a three-cylinder gasket?

The Auto Prophet can tell you…..

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I really enjoyed this post on the intelligent A-pillar over at Saabs United.

Nice to get away from who’s-demanding-what-from-whom for a change. And yes, I’m kind of jealous that I haven’t got to stuff like this yet (but there’ll be time for that).

Great work by Red J.

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Congratulations to Nick Taliaferro in having one of his Trolltuner-built cars feature in Eurotuner magazine.

Get it while it’s hot.

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And some non-linky internal thoughts…..

  • Readers who access this site on a mobile device should notice a slight improvement in the service rendered by Inside Saab. It should get even better over the weekend, too, with a few bits of custom tweakage about to happen.
  • Those waiting for late-Friday news can keep waiting until a future Friday.
  • It’s *nice* to see those accustomed to reporting bad news moving on to reporting future bad news in the absence of current bad news.
  • My 900 wouldn’t start this morning. Am hoping it’s just a battery. Booked in at ANA for service next week, anyway. It’s about time.
  • It’s been almost a week but I’m still enjoying IntSaab so much that my wristband is yet to come off!!

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Category: Saabosphere Post a Comment (6)

Poll wrap – what should we call the Saab 9-3 replacement

August 12, 2011 13:04 Line

By: Swade

Comments (9)

Yesterday we ran a poll both here on Inside Saab and on our Saab Cars Facebook page. The poll asked your thoughts about the naming of the future replacement for the Saab 9-3, after a possible name change was hinted at in the US press.

The poll results are in and as of right now, the winner by a sizeable margin in the six-horse race was to retain the current 9-? naming convention.

The results from Facebook were quite similar, with nearly 50% voting for the 9-? naming convention. Second place at FB was using the 900 name, with around 280 votes.

There is a similar poll still underway at Saabs United if people are interested in contributing.

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It was great to hear some varying opinions and other reasonings in comments to the poll. Personally speaking, I think the poll produced the right outcome. The 9-? naming convention respects the company’s heritage whilst allowing for different size vehicles, as well.

There is (rightly) some confusion over the ‘x’ attachment, however I think that perhaps we need to start pushing the idea that it’s a type of vehicle (crossover type variant) rather than a designation for the vehicle having XWD. Clearly, some ‘x’ vehicles dont actually have XWD.

Of course, how to designate trim levels with a model range is the next question that some answered in comments. The historical use of Linear, Arc, Vector and Aero is mentioned, some people like it and some people don’t. Some markets understand it and some markets don’t, which is why I think it’s used in some places and not in others (where ‘Premium’ is used between ‘Aero’ and …. nothing).

Overall, though, I think the naming convention is good. It’s unique to Saab, it makes it pretty clear as to what playground a model is sitting in, and it doesn’t confuse people with a mishmash of letters that mean nothing to those who are unfamiliar.

Thanks to all for participating in the poll and for sharing your opinions. I’m sure there were a few curious eyes in the marketing team looking over this one :-)

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Category: Polls Post a Comment (9)

Video: Why I think XWD is the best all wheel drive system in the world

August 11, 2011 22:40 Line

By: Swade

Comments (7)

I made this video last year, whilst at the launch for the new Saab 9-5 in Sweden. We were at Volvo’s test track, which Saab had hired for the launch. I stumbled upon the video today as I was tidying up my hard drive and it reminded me of just how incredibly good the XWD system is.

You’ll need to be patient with this one. It’s around 9.5 minutes long and it shows a few different things. I think your patience will be rewarded, however, with an exhibition of just how incredibly intelligent and effective Saab’s XWD really is.

The video starts off looking at Drivesense, the switchable vehicle setting that debuted in the Saab 9-5. Drivesense changes the steering, suspension and throttle response settings according to selections made by the driver: comfort, sport or intelligent. In the video, a display is connected to show how intelligent mode varies the inputs according to conditions (and how it delays those variations if required – e.g. not changing steering settings whilst you’re cornering).

Later on (at around 5:30 in the video), there are some amazing displays of grip thanks to the Saab XWD system. Consider the conditions (very wet), the speed and the way that Stefan is pulling the steering wheel. The car just never got out of control. Absolutely amazing.

Enjoy.

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Category: Saab Cars Post a Comment (7)

Robot Cars – follow up video

August 11, 2011 15:02 Line

By: Swade

Comments (2)

Back in June I showed you a video of a Saab 9-5 driven by robotic controls, programmed according to GPS data and used for closed loop testing.

Here’s a quick recap:

A lot of vehicle testing takes place where the car is driven around a circuit by real people. There are times when this is absolutely necessary. People with experience in such things need to ‘feel’ the car as it develops. In some instances, however, the testing process can be hampered by human error because humans are ‘variable’. That is, they won’t necessarily repeat the exact same action time after time after time.

If we can develop a machine to do some of these tests, you get the same circuit driven the same way every time and the vehicle data retrieved from such a test should be based on consistent inputs in every respect. More than that, steering robots are actually able to give more precise and more dramatic (i.e. faster) steering inputs that humans can, and they don’t get tired either.

The simple version of “How” involves a track modelled on GPS data and some sophisticated hardware being installed into the car to steer it according to this pre-programmed course. The hardware used to control the steering is a steering robot from Vehico and the work is done in cooperation with them. The steering robot is currently only able to perform so-called ‘open loop’ tests (steering as function of time) such as step-steer, sine-sweep steer, and sine-with-dwell steering, which are used for vehicle dynamics characterisation. The task for Klas and Carl, which even the experts say is very challenging one, was to create the control software necessary to control the steering such that the vehicle follows a pre-defined path using advanced GPS and motion sensors as input data.

The guys responsible for this job were Klas and Carl, two students from Chalmers University who completed this project in conjunction with Saab as their Masters thesis.

Their thesis presentation was made back in June and I’ve just been forwarded a copy of the video they made as part of that presentation. In the video, you can see the robotic steering system in action, a vehicle’s eye view of the road they’re driving as well as speed and tracking information.

It’s all fascinating stuff and indicative of just some of the technical work that goes on behind the scenes here at Saab.

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Category: Inside Saab Automobile Post a Comment (2)

What should we call the Saab 9-3 replacement?

August 11, 2011 10:22 Line

By: Swade

Comments (44)

Saab Cars North America chief Tim Colbeck was speaking to the Motor Press Guild in the US earlier this week, when he mentioned that the replacement for the current Saab 9-3 might be released under a new name.

The big question: what should that name be?

To the polls ….. with a few generic and a few specific options available for your vote. You can elaborate on your vote in comments.

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What should we call the Saab 9-3 replacement?

View Results

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Saabs have traditionally had numeric names, starting with two-digits (92-99) then moving to three and four digits (900, 9000) before going to the current format, badged as “to the power of” but written as 9-3, 9-5, etc.

Very few Saabs have been deliberately and solely marketed with an alpha name – the Saab Sonett comes to mind – but a few others have been come to be known by alpha names. They were often variations on an existing model, like the Viggen, the Turbo-X, the Saab Sport and the Monte Carlo.

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Category: Polls Post a Comment (44)

A final word on IntSaab 2011 (with gallery)

August 10, 2011 22:44 Line

By: Swade

Comments (3)

I had another extraordinary weekend last weekend, attending the 2011 IntSaab event in Finland. These big Saab meetings are so inspiring. The opportunity to break bread with a big group of long-term and hardcore Saab nuts is one that we should all take advantage of at least once. I’ve been very lucky to do events like these several times now, and it never ceases to amaze or inspire me.

Saab needs its core fan base. We need you to preserve the integrity and history of the brand. Of course, we need you to drive Saabs, both old and new, and as part of that it’s our job to make cars that both adhere to and advance the Saab brand in the future.

I want to thank the Saab Club of Finland for hosting an excellent event this year. The organising team and their volunteers made everything run as smooth as silk and you’ve given me a taste for IntSaab events that will linger and grow as we all wait for next year’s event at Spa, in Belgium.

Below is my final gallery of cars. Apologies if I haven’t got your car in there, but hopefully it’s been shown somewhere in the previous IntSaab 2011 postings.

Click to enlarge.

IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland
IntSaab 2011 - Finland

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Category: Events Post a Comment (3)

Saab 9-5 previewed in Russia

August 10, 2011 21:30 Line

By: Swade

Comments (2)

Saab is going to be moving into two very important markets in the new future. Both China and Russia offer huge growth potential for our sales network and last weekend, our Russian importer, Armand Import, held two Saab 9-5 preview events. August 5 was for Saab fan clubs and another event was held for prospective customers on August 8.

I received the following report from Armand earlier today.

As a result of the events on the weekend, Armand collected over 200 completed surveys that will be used for customer profiling, segmentation, re-creation of the customer database and identification of customer preferences in terms of the vehicle trim levels and options offered.

Armand intentionally did not invite any automotive journalists to keep both events exclusive and private. The press will get their turn when the official sales commence. Some bloggers were invited, however, and have posted reviews of the event(s) on their private blogs (see smotra.ru and saablog.ru).

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The event on August 5th was held outdoors in front of Armand’s dealer center exclusively for the members of Saab fan clubs in Russia. Attendance was via preliminary registration only.

In a wise move, Armand chose to include the administrators of Saab clubs’ in all stages of the event planning so as to build relationships with the opinion leaders and ensure support on Saab forums, auto blogs and social media platforms.

A total of 167 clubs members registered for the event. Invitation and feedback was posted on major Saab clubs’ forums.

Every guest received a gift – T-shirt with Saab and Armand logo. Together with DFI Accessories, Armand arranged for the sale of original Saab accessories during the event with a 15% discount. Complimentary refreshments were served.

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The event on August 8th was held indoors from 11 am through 9 pm on the second floor of Armand’s dealer center for prospective buyers by preliminary registration only. A total of 129 prospective buyers registered for the event.

Again, every guest received a gift – Saab water bottle, baseball cap or pen. And again, Armand arranged for the sale of the original Saab accessories during the event with 15% discount.

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Thanks to members of the Saab Clubs in Russia and Drive.ru for use of the photos. More great photos here.

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Category: Events Post a Comment (2)

A quick note from dealer-land

August 10, 2011 7:56 Line

By: Swade

Comments (6)

There are plenty of media outlets willing to write Saab off at the moment. I’ve contended several times on this website that the long-term future for Saab is very bright and it’s just a short-term cash crisis we have to concern ourselves with right now.

Any time you’ve got great people, a great plant, a great brand and most importantly, new product, then you’ve got something that people will be interested in.

AJ Murphy from Just Saab, Ohio (two outlets) left the following double-barrel story in comments last night and I think it speaks to the potential lying dormant in this brand. Of course, everything hinges on the production re-start, but once we get to re-launch this company again, there’s so much that we can achieve…..

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My first point:

Tonight we had a couple in looking at new Saabs. They own a new Cadillac SRX. They came to the store surprised that Saab still existed…Admittedly they fell prey to the media’s coverage of ‘GM’s shedding of brands’ ending when Saturn, Hummer, Pontiac and Saab were announced as the brands they’ll extract from their portfolio (another story).

They loved the ‘new’ Saab styling i.e. NG 9-5, 9-4x, and 9-3 sedan. They even gushed over the styling of the 9-4x. Particularly when I told them it shared architecture with their SRX. He admitted he liked Saab’s styling better…said the lines were more ‘natural’…as he pointed to his tail lights. :)

They left pleasantly surprised at what Saab had to offer. They were equally as baffled by why the message wasn’t being communicated (more effectively) that we’re not dead and that our product portfolio is so impressive (these folks were comparing us with the cream of the Euro crop: Merc, BMW, Audi, etc).

My second point:

We’re seeing increasing interest in the 9-4x. Sales are starting off far better than the new 9-5 did. The challenge is inventory…we have just 2 in Dayton and only one in Cincinnati. We’re having to buy from other dealers.

Despite all the forces pulling us down, people are still buying Saabs. And not just bargain-basement, giveaway-priced Saabs, either. 9-4s are selling at little discount off sticker which is a product of ‘right-pricing’, the Aero 9-5 is the best selling 9-5 in our store and the 9-5 is outselling the 9-3 combi, convertible and sedan…combined.

A good sign, right?

So, simply (<–tongue-in-cheek) get the news going in the right direction, re-start production, get us the inventory of 9-4′s, and I assure you the North American dealers will get this train back on track.

AJ Murphy
Just Saab

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Category: Miscellaneous Post a Comment (6)

Saab Wheels at IntSaab

August 9, 2011 15:24 Line

By: Swade

Comments (19)

I’m not sure why I decided to take these shots, but the detail-oriented side of my inner Saabisti found it very satisfying to do so.

Click.

Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011
Saab Wheels at IntSaab 2011

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Category: Events Post a Comment (19)

On Saab 9-4x road tests

August 9, 2011 11:51 Line

By: Swade

Comments (16)

We’ve had a pretty good run with Saab 9-4x road tests. The 9-4x is an outstanding entry into the crossover segment for Saab and early 9-4x road tests confirmed what we thought about our new vehicle.

There have been a couple of reports in the last week, however, that are a cause for concern. The one that I’d like to respond to here is a short test from Car and Driver, which popped up on my feeds earlier today.

So how does a motoring journalist raise the hairs on the back of my neck and inspire a response article with as little as his first eleven words?

What Is It?

It’s a Cadillac SRX crossover in Swedish clothing

I’m not here to pick a fight with Car & Driver, but this opening is so formulaic and it doesn’t do justice to what’s supposed to be a review by one of America’s premier sources of automotive information.

More than that, though, it’s just plain inaccurate.

Read more →

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Category: Editorial Post a Comment (16)