Saab 9-2X: Summary
08 Dezember 2003 - 5:21PM
PR Newswire (US)
Saab 9-2X: Summary New Benchmark Among Dynamic Premium Compacts LOS
ANGELES, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The new 2005 Saab 9-2X is the next
significant step in the biggest product development program in
Saab's history. Saab -- the fastest growing European premium car
brand in the American market -- recently launched the 9-3 Sport
Sedan and 9-3 Convertible model ranges. Now the new 9-2X continues
this product offensive. With standard full-time all-wheel-drive,
powerful engines, and distinctive European design, the Saab 9-2X is
a unique and early offering in a car segment just emerging in the
American market: the premium sports compact segment. The first Saab
9-2X models will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada July 1, 2004 --
ahead of many competitors who are also bringing products to this
market. "The Saab 9-2X is the ideal addition to our line-up," says
Peter Augustsson, Saab's President and CEO. "Like the
recently-launched Saab 9-3 models, it is extremely dynamic and is a
car that you want to drive. Additionally, its price point will
attract some new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab." For many
customers, the Saab 9-2X will be their first premium brand vehicle
as prices start below $25,000. In addition, customer surveys show
that up to 40 percent of all Americans are looking for
all-wheel-drive in their next vehicle -- a feature standard in all
Saab 9-2X models, a distinct advantage as Saab enters this new
segment. "The Saab 9-2X will help us continue our extremely strong
momentum," said Debra Kelly-Ennis, President of Saab Cars USA. "We
are definitely on a roll. The 9-3 Sport Sedan is more than doubling
the sales of its predecessor, we are in the midst of launching our
all-new 9-3 Convertible, and this exciting new car will arrive in
the early summer 2004." The Design: Progressive with a strong,
dynamic character "As the new 9-2X range is tremendously fun to
drive and since we are targeting a young and enthusiastic customer,
we decided to express the strong and dynamic character of the 9-2X
in its design and even add a bit more of an aggressive touch
compared to the rest of our line-up," comments Saab's Executive
Director of Design, Michael Mauer. The new Saab 9-2X takes a number
of styling cues from recently-presented Saab concept and production
vehicles and presents Saab's view on what a fun- to-drive,
versatile 5-door vehicle should look like. "The Saab 9-2X needs to
look as aggressive as its driving capabilities," says Mauer.
"Additionally, even though it is a functional 5-door vehicle, it
shouldn't look like a traditional hatchback. Therefore, we spent a
great deal of time making sure it had a strong face and sleek
Scandinavian lines." The vehicle retains Saab's now familiar
curvaceous front that harmoniously integrates the typical
three-hole-grille and the low horizontally emphasized headlamps
that wrap around into the sides of the car. Below the bumper area,
a pronounced air intake signals the dynamic potential of the new
sports compact. On the top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero model, the clean
line of the front hood is accentuated by a nicely integrated air
intake that feeds air to the intercooler of the turbocharged
engine. As with the 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero SportWagon, the horizontal
lines in the design of the 9-2X's rear end contribute to the car's
wide and powerful stance. Additionally, the rear apron's dark
accent provides a sporty flair. Performance: Sporty and focused on
the driver The Saab 9-2X's advanced full-time all-wheel-drive and
boxer four cylinder engines are firsts in Saab's history. Further
technical highlights include four-wheel independent suspension and
four-wheel disc brakes which, when partnered with a latest
generation 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS), provide
enhanced driver control. Traction and handling performance of the
9-2X Aero is further improved by a viscous limited-slip
differential at the rear. The turbocharged and intercooled
two-liter high performance DOHC 9-2X Aero engine produces 227 hp @
6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. (294 Nm) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The power
plant of the Saab 9-2X 2.5 is naturally aspirated and delivers 165
hp @ 5,600 rpm as well as a maximum torque of 166 lb.-ft. (225 Nm)
@ 4,000 rpm. Both cars provide a standard 5-speed manual
transmission; a 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an
option. "The Saab 9-2X is the best example yet of Saab's brand
promise of delivering sporty, driver focused performance," says
Kjell-Ake Eriksson, Saab Executive Director for Future Products.
"It is truly designed for people who love to drive, whether that be
on a demanding section of a curvy road or during a relaxed
long-distance drive on the highway." Five-door Versatility: Form
follows function Surfboards, skis, in-line skates, camping gear and
more all fit well into the Saab 9-2X. With a wheelbase of 99.4
inches (2,525 mm) and an overall length of 175.6 inches (4,460 mm),
the Saab 9-2X offers nimble handling around town and on backcountry
roads. It also holds up to 27.9 cubic feet (790 dm3) of cargo space
with the seatback up and 61.6 cubic feet (1,744 dm3) with the
seatback folded down. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback is
standard in all 9-2X models and the large rear luggage door opening
gives optimal access to the trunk space provided. Weighing in at
just under 3,100 pounds (1,400 kilos), all 9-2X versions return
excellent highway mileage anticipated to be in the 26 to 28 mpg
range. Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile's President and CEO, puts
the launch of the Saab 9-2X in broader perspective: "The Saab 9-2X
is a milestone in expanding our model range and our customer base,
especially in the very important North American market. We see a
rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a premium, small
car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. And being one of the first
entries, we intend to shape that segment." Information in this
release is based on specifications which were valid at the time of
final editing (November 2003). Technical specifications and
equipment may be altered without prior notice. DATASOURCE: Saab
CONTACT: Kevin Smith, +1-770-279-6360, Colin Price,
+1-770-279-6362, or Dan Prescott, +1-619-749-8900, all of Saab, or
+1-800-GET-SAAB Web site: http://media.saab.com/
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