Saab Unveils 97X in New York

Saab Automobile unveiled the company's first SUV at the New York International Auto Show yesterday, introducing the new 97X for the North American market. The Saab 97X was developed off General Motor's GMT 360 mid-size SUV architecture, incorporating Saab's characteristic interior and exterior design and vehicle dynamics. Regular production is scheduled to begin in January 2005, at GM's Moraine, OH assembly plant with vehicles available for sale in the first quarter of 2005. The mid-luxury SUV segment increased from approximately 50,000 units a year in 1997 to 290,000 units in 2003. By the end of 2004, sales are projected to exceed 400,000 units. The new 97X will bring unique Saab characteristics to this growing segment, including: sophisticated exterior and interior styling, premium design features and quality, a chassis tuned to deliver sporty and fun-to-drive performance and the ignition cylinder in the center console behind the gear lever. It will appeal to customers looking for a driver's vehicle with the versatility of a SUV. Market research done by Saab revealed that 39% of Saab customers in the US currently have an SUV in the household. Furthermore, almost 30% of Saab customers who leave the Saab brand purchase a four-door SUV. “The new Saab 97X will provide our dealers with a world-class SUV to satisfy existing customers and to attract new ones,” said Debra Kelly-Ennis, President of Saab Cars USA. “In 2003, with an increase of 26.7 percent, Saab was the fastest growing European premium car brand in the USA. Our unprecedented model offensive will help us continue this strong momentum.” The Saab 97X will be positioned in the $37,000 to $45,000 price bracket. Its high perfor-mance version incorporating a 5.3 L V8 delivering an estimated 300 horsepower is destined to be an attractive offer among mid-luxury SUVs. Product content is characterized by comprehensive standard equipment like leather trimmed seats, 18 inch aluminum, alloy wheels, all-wheel drive and a state-of-the-art sound system.

“The exterior and interior design of the Saab 97X are in line with the vehicle's dynamic road behavior and convey the sporty refinement of a Saab rather than the ruggedness of a traditional SUV. For example the interior features such Saab icons as the air vents with their distinctive sliding plate design, the famed cup holder like the Saab 95, and a center console ignition key.”

Michael Mauer, Saab's Executive Director of Design

The 97X reflects Saab's sporty and functional brand character throughout its exterior design. Key features, such as Saab's signature three-port grille, rear quarter windows that visually appear to wrap around the D­pillars and brand-distinctive wheels, telegraph the 97X's heritage even from a distance. Overall, the Saab 97X presents a very smooth, aerodynamic, sporty appearance, with an excellent body-to-tire relationship derived from the vehicle's low stance in combination with its standard 18 inch wheels. The 97X's profile is clean and uninterrupted, without any big bumper offsets or protruding shapes and forms. The tail lamps are vertically stacked with clear acrylic lenses, reflector optics and precision-detailed bezels combining to create a three-dimensional, jewel-like effect. The Saab 97X's cock-pit inspired interior is highly refined and driver-oriented. The new instrument panel's center stack and controls are angled toward the driver. Like the exterior, it features Saab-traditional strong, brand-distinctive design elements and cues. Like all Saabs, the 97X is designed to be a driver's vehicle. To help achieve its comfortable, well controlled ride and responsive handling, the Saab 97X uses a uniquely tuned double A-arm front suspension with front coil spring and a five-link, electronically controlled rear air suspension. The Saab 97X has been developed to deliver responsive European driving characteristics and a low ride height with firm front and rear suspensions, a thick gauge front stabilizer bar and stiff upper control arm bushings at the rear. All shock absorbers are valved to help provide firm body control for confident handling. The P255/55R18 high performance all-season radials were specially developed by Dunlop for their road-gripping capability. A quicker 18.5:1 steering gear ratio, together with stiff mounts, are designed to help give steering responsiveness and precision. The steering gear itself is tuned for on-center feel and smooth operation. The front part of the frame is stiffened with braces to help make the steering more responsive and precise. The Saab 97X features standard, on-demand, all-wheel-drive. Traction and handling performance are further improved by a standard preloaded-clutch limited-slip differential at the rear. Brakes are large, 4­wheel vented discs with front aluminum dual piston calipers and 4­wheel ABS. There is a choice of two all-aluminium engines coupled to a standard electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.2 L Inline 6 delivers 275 hp (205 kW) and 275 lb­ft (372 Nm) of torque. The 5.3 L Gen IV V8 is equipped with high-flow, cast-aluminum cylinder heads common with the famous LS6 Corvette engine. This plus larger intake valves and an increase in valve lift (to 12.2 mm from Gen III's 11.6 mm) results in significantly increased engine air flow. A new flat top piston profile combined with the chamber volume of the new cylinder head increases the compression ratio from 9.5 to 9.9:1. These upgrades lift output to an estimated 300 hp (224 kW) and 330 lb­ft (447 Nm) of torque.

“The Saab 97X is an excellent example of Saab's expertise applied to achieve sporty, driver focused performance. Although it offers excellent versatility, it is still a delight to drive with minimal body roll and a firm but subtle, quiet ride.”

Kjell­Åke Eriksson, Saab Executive Director for Future Products

On top of its well-mannered vehicle dynamics, the Saab 97X features a comprehensive standard safety package, including

• Dual-stage frontal airbags;
• Passenger Sensing System;
• Rollover sensing system;
• Head curtain side airbags;
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters;
• Front seat belt buckle-up reminder.

Saab 97X customers are expected to pursue an outgoing and active lifestyle. With a wheelbase of 113 inches (2,870 mm) and an overall length of 193.4 inches (4,912 mm), the Saab 97X offers ample room for friends and family. It holds up to 41.0 cubic feet (1,161 L) of cargo space with the rear seatback up and 80.1 cubic feet (2,268 L) with the seatback folded down. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard in all 97X models as is a trailer hitch receiver and hitch receiver cover: Maximum towing capacity equipped with the V8 engine is an estimated 6,500 lb (2,948 kg). Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile's President and CEO, puts the launch of the Saab 97X in broader perspective: “The Saab 97X is a crucial addition to our line-up, providing customers with Saab's driver-focused interpretation of an SUV and filling an important need in our growth strategy.”