By Robert Farago
September 17, 2008 -
It’s the new Saab 9-4X! The fact that Fourex is an American brand of condoms and an Australian lager shouldn’t get [both remaining] fans of the brand up in arms (or wherever). Thanks to a “premature leak” on Saab’s Chilean website (David Hasselhoff is big down there too), The Motor Authority reveals an SUV-lite that looks reasonably appealing. And we’re willing to bet the key willl be between the seats. That said, the ostensibly Swedish model (built in Ramos, Mexico) could well suffer the same fate as the abortive 9-2X (Saabaru) and 9-7X (Saablazer), based as it is on Caddy’s new SRX platform. In fact, this time ’round, the Saabillac will be competing with a nearly identical iteration in the same GM “sales channel” (i.e. HUMMER, Cadillac and Saab). It could even appear in the same showroom. How great is that?
Subscribe to New Content Alerts21 Comments on “ A post that has nothing to do with the Volt or the Bailout ”
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POWERED
September 17th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
So, is this supposed to be smaller than the 9-5? Or comparable to the SRX? Can someone give me some perspective here? How is it going to stack up to the CTS Wagon?
As long as we’re on Cadillac, what are the chances that the CTS Coupe gets a “V” at the end of its name?
September 17th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
It’s an attractive design. I like the front end more than Caddy’s signature grill.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Hey look, a new CUV!! Get in line, Saab, looks like you’re bringing up the rear.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
It’s not a bad idea, but it suddenly becomes really stupid when you have the new-Theta-based Cadillac as well. Saab does need this car. Cadillac, though, does not need a cute-ute.
September 17th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Since we all know GM couldn’t do a one-off if the company’s survival depended on it (heh), what other cars share this platform? Is this another Lambda iteration?
September 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I’m sure this is accidental, but this seems like a proper package for a Saab, unlike the Saabaru and the Saablazer. As for 4X, the association with Australian lager and condoms can’t hurt, except among the Sarah Palin extreme right, who probably don’t buy Saabs anyway.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
This is a Theta iteration, as in the current Saturn VUE. The VUE is refined but HEAVY, with much of that heavy in the nose. So bodes well for a luxury feel for the Cadillac and Saab, but not for performance–expect a DI 3.6 to move 4,400 or so pounds–or handling.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hm…Fourex and premature leak….boy did you leave that open for jokes :)
September 17th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Nice Dodge Journey.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
This is turning into a complete Saab story. Another SUV/CUV? Great timing, guys. (To the X-TREME!!!)
September 17th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
How great is that another Saab SUV that doesn’t belong in that brand. I guess they think the Saab-lite will sell better than the Saablazer when the market has shifted away from large SUV’s. Any chance we might see Saab get back to it’s roots(not jets) and build some competetive hatchbacks before we see another GM bright idea SUV.
I’m going against the grain here, it looks bloated, like a pregnant Saab. I can only hope it gives birth to a new baby 9-3 but doesn’t inherit the driving characteristics of it’s SRX cloned mother.
September 17th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
now that we have a post that has nothing to do with the volt or bailout, i think that calls for cheerleader pics. keep up the good work!
September 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I don’t think this is a lambda. Is it the same platform that is used on the Saturn Vue and that is going to be used on the upcoming Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Pontiac Torrent replacement? Does it have 3-row seating?
September 17th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Any chance we might see Saab get back to it’s roots(not jets) and build some competetive hatchbacks before we see another GM bright idea SUV.
I’ll second that motion.
September 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Let’s give ‘em a $50B loan!
September 17th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Robert…anymention al all about MPG?
September 17th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
It’s Saab-A-Ru, not Saab-U-Ru.
I have a vested interest in the topic.
;-)
September 17th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Bancho :
It’s an attractive design. I like the front end more than Caddy’s signature grill.
Agreed. It’s like night and day when compared to the
TrailBlazer9-7x…September 18th, 2008 at 12:09 am
OMG! Twenty odd posts in and no one has picked up the spelling of Australian!!!!
With an Australian Dad and an American Mum (mom) I hang my head in shame…
Oh yeah, the SAAB’s terrible!
September 18th, 2008 at 7:18 am
dan8001rpm:
OMG! Twenty odd posts in and no one has picked up the spelling of Australian!!!!
Struth! My bad. Text amended.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Seriously - can’t Gm build anything but SUVs and CUVs??? This is really pathetic now! Or maybe it is the American consumer that is pathetic - ignoring wahtever alternatives that do reach the market.
Or both…