Comments on: What’s Wrong With This Picture?: Number 9-5 Is Alive Edition

By: Bruce from DC

Bruce from DC — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:43:00 +0000

looks like an Audi with the current iteration of the Saab nose.

CommanderFish — you can have my ‘02 Aero 9-5 wagon! Bring lots of money for the repairs. My trusty independent mechanic tells me that the engine’s oil seals at both ends are leaking (at 75K miles) and the car has been a pretty deep money pit. That said, the turbo autobox setup is one of the slickest that I’ve driven — you have to really work to catch the turbo napping . . . and I’ve observed an honest-to-God 30 mpg on the highway, fully loaded with the a/c running at 70 mph. This is one car that I think is better with an autobox than a manual. Oddly, over long periods of time, the seats are not as comfortable as they look — can’t figure out why.

In sum, this is a comfortable car for 4 that drives very well, is fast and doesn’t use much fuel. It’s only drawback is that it wants to be repaired . . . a lot.

By: ScottMcG

ScottMcG — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:24:50 +0000

I really like this. I saw this pic and one of the wagon a couple of days ago. I like the treatment of the A and C pillars, giving it kind of a cantilevered look.

I’m really hoping this is a great car. If so, I’ll buy an off-lease one in 2013 or so. Used Saabs are a hell of a bargain.

By: PartsUnknown

PartsUnknown — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:09:54 +0000

I like it, but would like it better as a hatchback similar in concept to the 9000. Other spy photos have shown the car in full side profile, and it does have a 9000 feel to it, but with a conventional trunk. Let’s hope they stick with the fundamentals – 4 cyl turbo, manual trans option, function over form.

As for what’s wrong…hmm. Looks a little porky.

By: commando1

commando1 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:58:03 +0000

I actually like it.
In fact, I like it a lot.
Please don’t hate me.

Oh. What’s wrong?
They do a restyle while it’s in the coffin.

By: Stingray

Stingray — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:22:52 +0000

I like the treatment of the A-Pillar

But the nose seems too heavy.

By: Hank

Hank — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:54:57 +0000

Where are the Euro-spec side markers? Bad photochopper! Bad!

By: SirRoxo

SirRoxo — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:08:59 +0000

Oooh, it’s actually a Saab that i’m interested for the looks. It’s been a while since that happened. :|

By: dash riprock

dash riprock — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:20:53 +0000

I like it. Put preconceptions aside, it looks good. Damn shame its a Saab.

By: PGAero

PGAero — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:57:36 +0000

Well, I’ll tell you what’s wrong with the picture. It’s not a picture. It’s CGI, yes?

I’m looking forward to seeing what the new 9-5 will look like in person. I think that this looks promising, but I’ll hold final judgment until I see (a) real pictures and then (b) the real car.

Like CommanderFish, I’m waiting on a used 9-5 Wagon. Make mine an Aero, with a stick. (Yeah, they didn’t make too many like that, but I’m patient… my 9000 Aero is treating me well right now.)

By: nmcheese

nmcheese — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:03:52 +0000

1) It’s not a hatchback.

That’s all that matters. Hopefully Koenigsegg will realize the simple formula that makes a SAAB a SAAB: hatchback, comfortable seats, 4 cylinder engine, 2 or 4 doors, option for a turbo.

Anything else is brand diluting.

By: CommanderFish

CommanderFish — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:48:21 +0000

Ick, not a fan. I like the current ones more.

The only advantage of this is that hopefully the value of the current 9-5’s will drop even more. That is when I will swoop in for the kill on a poor, unsuspecting 9-5 wagon.

By: blue adidas

blue adidas — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:47:51 +0000

Other than the wheels that look like the ones right off of a 2004 A8, the car looks really good.

By: superbadd75

superbadd75 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:38:25 +0000

If this is the next 9-5, or close, I like it. Saab styling is supposed to be a little out-there, and this definitely is, but it’s still handsome. I’m in.

By: psarhjinian

psarhjinian — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:35:20 +0000

Oh dear lord, that C-pillar is horrible. I can see that they’re trying to evoke the 99/900/9-3’s D-pillar, but it’s bad.

Please tell me this is some page-hit troll’s “rendered speculation”. It looks like Saab details badly photoshopped onto an Audi A8.

By: James2

James2 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:34:36 +0000

1. The bulbous nose
2. the Audi-style grille