2005 Saab 92X

Saab Automobile yesterday released the first detailed information on the 2005 92X developed with GM Alliance partner Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI). With standard full-time all-wheel-drive, powerful engines, and distinctive European design, the 92X re-establishes Saab's position in the market for small premium cars. The first Saab 92X models will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada July 1, 2004, just as Volvo releases its new S40 sedan and V50 wagon and as German rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes prepare to enter the US market with smaller cars such as the A3 and 1 Series.

“In general, we expect the 92X to attract the same type of customers we've traditionally had—active individualists, who want a fun to drive vehicle that is a bit unconventional,” says Chip Wilkerson, Brand Manager Future Vehicles. “However, since the price point of this car is lower, the Saab 92X will be accessible to a younger demographic. This combined with all-wheel-drive represents a tremendous opportunity for us.”

Customer surveys show that up to 40% of all Americans are looking for all-wheel-drive in their next vehicle—a feature standard in the Saab 92X, but only available on higher-level models from Volvo and Audi. With prices starting under $25,000 Saab expects to attract customers in their early stages of their careers, who are cosmopolitan and open-minded, and who appreciate the sophisticated style of a European brand. Current owners of the former Saab 900/93 range are another target group.

“The new car line will attract our loyal owners, especially those who are used to the versatility of a 5-door body style” explains Wilkerson.

Although based closely on FHI's Subaru Impreza, the 92X takes a number of styling cues from recent Saab concept and production vehicles. With a sharply-raked C-pillar and wrap-around rear window similar to the 95 SportWagon, Saab's designers have made few changes to the rear of the Impreza, using a different light combination and moving the licence plate housing from the rear bumper to the lift-gate. At the front the 92X adopts Saab's typical three-hole-grille and the low horizontally emphasized headlamps that wrap around into the sides of the car. On the turbocharged 92X Aero the clean line of the front hood is accentuated by an integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler.

The Saab 92X'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 92X Aero is further improved by a viscous limited-slip differential at the rear.

“The Saab 92X is the best example yet of Saab's brand promise of delivering sporty, driver focused performance. 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.”

Kjell-Âke Eriksson, Saab Executive Director for Future Products.

In tuning the chassis, Saab's engineering team under the direction of Platform-Manager Peter Dörrich started from the ground up, commissioning Bridgestone with the development of new tires. To reduce unsprung weight, Saab specified light alloy wheels in a 16 inch format with 205/55 R16 tires for all models. Aero models also have the option of 17 inch wheels, using 215/45 R 17 tires. To further minimize mass in the suspension system, front wheel wishbones are manufactured from aluminium instead of steel.

Intensive work went into tuning the shock absorbers. The wheel angle settings and chassis geometry are defined to provide excellent predictability and stability in critical situations, as well as a high level of straight line stability. The same objectives determined the configuration of the rear bump stops and the rubber bushings of the wishbone joints. Per Jansson, Chassis Vehicle Integration Engineer, explains: “Our main concern was to combine very good body control for sporty performance with low harshness for comfortable everyday driving.”

The turbocharged and intercooled two liter high performance DOHC 92X Aero engine produces 227 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 217 lb-ft (294 Nm) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The 2.5 liter power plant of the Saab 92X Linear 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 engines come with a standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic transmission with lockup torque converter is available as an option. Weighing in at just under 3,100 lb (1,400 kg), all 92X versions return highway mileage expected to be in the 26 to 28 mpg range, while the 92X Aero will accelerate from 0–60 mph in just over 6 seconds.

With a wheelbase of 99.4 inches (2,525 mm) and an overall length of 175.6 inches (4,460 mm), the Saab 92X combines nimble handling with versatile hauling ability. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback is standard, and the 92X provides up to 27.9 cubic feet (790 liters) of cargo space with the seatback up and 61.6 cubic feet (1,744 liters) with the seatback folded down. With standard all-wheel-drive the 92X can safely tow up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilos).

Initially intended for sale only in the United States and Canada, other markets remain under consideration. FHI will begin production of the Saab 92X in Japan from the spring of 2004, extending Saab production outside Europe for the first time.