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Saab 9-2X: Summary
New Benchmark Among Dynamic Premium Compacts
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The new 2005 Saab 9-2X is the next
significant step in the biggest product development program in Saab's history.
Saab -- the fastest growing European premium car brand in the American market --
recently launched the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible model ranges. Now the
new 9-2X continues this product offensive.
With standard full-time all-wheel-drive, powerful engines, and distinctive
European design, the Saab 9-2X is a unique and early offering in a car segment
just emerging in the American market: the premium sports compact segment. The
first Saab 9-2X models will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada July 1, 2004 --
ahead of many competitors who are also bringing products to this market.
"The Saab 9-2X is the ideal addition to our line-up," says Peter Augustsson,
Saab's President and CEO. "Like the recently-launched Saab 9-3 models, it is
extremely dynamic and is a car that you want to drive. Additionally, its price
point will attract some new, young, enthusiastic customers to Saab."
For many customers, the Saab 9-2X will be their first premium brand vehicle as
prices start below $25,000. In addition, customer surveys show that up to 40
percent of all Americans are looking for all-wheel-drive in their next vehicle
-- a feature standard in all Saab 9-2X models, a distinct advantage as Saab
enters this new segment.
"The Saab 9-2X will help us continue our extremely strong momentum," said Debra
Kelly-Ennis, President of Saab Cars USA. "We are definitely on a roll. The 9-3
Sport Sedan is more than doubling the sales of its predecessor, we are in the
midst of launching our all-new 9-3 Convertible, and this exciting new car will
arrive in the early summer 2004."
The Design: Progressive with a strong, dynamic character
"As the new 9-2X range is tremendously fun to drive and since we are targeting a
young and enthusiastic customer, we decided to express the strong and dynamic
character of the 9-2X in its design and even add a bit more of an aggressive
touch compared to the rest of our line-up," comments Saab's Executive Director
of Design, Michael Mauer.
The new Saab 9-2X takes a number of styling cues from recently-presented Saab
concept and production vehicles and presents Saab's view on what a fun-
to-drive, versatile 5-door vehicle should look like.
"The Saab 9-2X needs to look as aggressive as its driving capabilities," says
Mauer. "Additionally, even though it is a functional 5-door vehicle, it
shouldn't look like a traditional hatchback. Therefore, we spent a great deal
of time making sure it had a strong face and sleek Scandinavian lines."
The vehicle retains Saab's now familiar curvaceous front that harmoniously
integrates the typical three-hole-grille and the low horizontally emphasized
headlamps that wrap around into the sides of the car. Below the bumper area, a
pronounced air intake signals the dynamic potential of the new sports compact.
On the top-of-the-line 9-2X Aero model, the clean line of the front hood is
accentuated by a nicely integrated air intake that feeds air to the intercooler
of the turbocharged engine.
As with the 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero SportWagon, the horizontal lines in the design of
the 9-2X's rear end contribute to the car's wide and powerful stance.
Additionally, the rear apron's dark accent provides a sporty flair.
Performance: Sporty and focused on the driver
The Saab 9-2X'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 9-2X Aero is further improved by a viscous limited-slip differential at the
rear.
The turbocharged and intercooled two-liter high performance DOHC 9-2X Aero
engine produces 227 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. (294 Nm) of torque @ 4,000
rpm. The power plant of the Saab 9-2X 2.5 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 cars provide a standard 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed
automatic transmission is available as an option.
"The Saab 9-2X is the best example yet of Saab's brand promise of delivering
sporty, driver focused performance," says Kjell-Ake Eriksson, Saab Executive
Director for Future Products. "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."
Five-door Versatility: Form follows function
Surfboards, skis, in-line skates, camping gear and more all fit well into the
Saab 9-2X. With a wheelbase of 99.4 inches (2,525 mm) and an overall length of
175.6 inches (4,460 mm), the Saab 9-2X offers nimble handling around town and on
backcountry roads. It also holds up to 27.9 cubic feet (790 dm3) of cargo space
with the seatback up and 61.6 cubic feet (1,744 dm3) with the seatback folded
down. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback is standard in all 9-2X models and
the large rear luggage door opening gives optimal access to the trunk space
provided.
Weighing in at just under 3,100 pounds (1,400 kilos), all 9-2X versions return
excellent highway mileage anticipated to be in the 26 to 28 mpg range.
Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile's President and CEO, puts the launch of the
Saab 9-2X in broader perspective: "The Saab 9-2X is a milestone in expanding our
model range and our customer base, especially in the very important North
American market. We see a rapidly emerging segment in the United States for a
premium, small car below the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. And being one of the first
entries, we intend to shape that segment."
Information in this release is based on specifications which were valid at the
time of final editing (November 2003). Technical specifications and equipment
may be altered without prior notice.
DATASOURCE: Saab
CONTACT: Kevin Smith, +1-770-279-6360, Colin Price, +1-770-279-6362, or
Dan Prescott, +1-619-749-8900, all of Saab, or +1-800-GET-SAAB
Web site: http://media.saab.com/