30 Aug 05 16:33
Saab has issued pictures of its revised 9-5 in advance of its formal unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The final work of designer Michael Mauer before he departed to Porsche, the new-look 9-5 has an updated front end inspired by the 9X concept car and reflecting the design of the latest 9-3 range, and its interior has been freshened up with a new dashboard and trim. The rear end has also been tweaked.
Handling has been sharpened up, and the all-turbo engine line-up now includes Biopower engines which can run on ethanol and more powerful Aero versions; the Euro 4-compliant GM-Fiat 1.9-litre TiD diesel will also feature, though the Holden 2.8 V6 now offered in the 9-3 and Cadillac CTS will not be available. This facelift will tide the range over for a few years until the now-delayed all-new 9-5 is ready.
There are also rumours - unconfirmed by General Motors - that there will be a Mauer-designed Saab concept in Frankfurt. This is expected to be a large two-seater coupe; not a small roadster based on the Kappa platform (Pontiac Solstice, Vauxhall VX Lightning, Saturn Sky), but an altogether larger vehicle built on the next-generation Epsilon platform which will underpin the new 9-3, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, Cadillac BLS and so on. With four-wheel drive, it could hint at the upcoming sporty 9-4 4x4-crossover, much as BMW's X-Coupe concept previewed the X3 off-roader. GM has said only that it is to unveil a show car called "Adventurous Concept" in Frankfurt, without specifying which brand this vehicle will carry.
Other news from Saab this week is that the company has approved a range of aftermarket upgrades for the 9-3 and 9-5 by Swiss tuner Hirsch, and will be offering the engine, chassis and styling modifications through its UK dealers. Hirsch Performance has developed a integrated front bumper and spoiler kit, interior trim details including drilled aluminium pedals and a leather-covered instrument panel, 17-, 18- and 19-inch high-performance alloy wheels and upgraded brakes, plus a series of engine upgrades: remapping of ECUs takes the 9-3 1.8t (150bhp, 177lb ft of torque) to 195bhp and 229lb ft and the 9-3 2.0 HOT Aero to 232bhp or 252bhp. The 9-5 2.0t (150bhp) can be tweaked for 210bhp, and the 2.3t (185bhp) to 220bhp; the 9-5 Aero (250bhp) can have a 280bhp upgrade or a further chip to over 300bhp. All these mods are Saab-approved and warranted.
