Saab the next to get Zeta for 9-6

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 7, 2004 | 12:58 AM

Decromin

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 200

From: Sydney, Australia

Saab the next to get Zeta for 9-6

http://www.drive.com.au/news/article...XZHBEBQSD.html

Quote:

Holden could play a pivotal role in saving its struggling General Motors stablemate, the Swedish brand Saab.

The Australian brand, which clawed itself out of the doldrums and near-bankruptcy in the early 1980s, is now a crucial supplier of large-car expertise to the GM empire.

According to a highly placed source, Saab's design team has completed a new, large sedan based on the 2006 Commodore underpinnings. Internally, the vehicle is dubbed 9-6, indicating that the car is larger than the ageing 9-5 and could be a new flagship model.

It is widely accepted within GM that Saab can no longer build big, powerful executive cars on front-drive platforms.

The 9-5's front-drive layout has reached its power and performance limits. Increasing power outputs oblige makers to use rear- or all-wheel-drive.

Apr 7, 2004 | 09:46 AM

guionM

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 13,713

From: The Golden State

Doesn't say anything about SAAB getting Zeta before the 2007 model year Buick sedan (2006 calender year), which I understand is the first Zeta after Holden's cars come online.

Apr 7, 2004 | 12:43 PM

91_z28_4me

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 4,600

From: Pewee Valley, KY

Maybe SAAB could get the Turbo 6 and AWD. That seems pretty SAAB like don't it?

Apr 7, 2004 | 02:43 PM

Big Als Z

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 4,306

From: Jersey Shore

Saab struggling? I think there sales went up something like 32% last year. With an SUV coming, that should add some serious numbers.

This is good news as the Buick and Saab will probably share that 400hp TT 3.6 in a high performance model?