Future Saab vehicles will get smaller in size with 4-cylinder turbos

GM is looking to make future Saab models more compact than it had originally planned. The next-generation Saab 9-3 was planned to use GM’s global upper-medium Ypsilon-2 platform, but executives at GM of Europe have decided to move it to the more compact lower-medium Delta architecture.

With that, the upcoming Saab 9-1 will move from the originally planned Delta architecture to GM’s small Gamma architecture. The Saab 9-1, based on the Saab 9-X Concept, is planned to make its debut in 2012.

“We don’t want Saabs to grow in size but rather...
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BigShow50 - 7/24/2008 6:46:36 PM

0 Boost

In translation to what GM is trying to say..."Even though the SAAB brand has potential in every aspect, we at GM are very stupid execs who will continue to know nothing and ruin every brand that we get our hands on, because we are very STUPID PEOPLE."...

91z4me - 7/24/2008 6:58:00 PM

+4 Boost

Actually what GM is saying is that SAAB will be restrained and somewhat powerful yet economical (as it has always been). SAAB has been using turbo 4 cylinders for practically forever (it is ingrained into the brand's very soul) and GM is saying we will continue to offer such options despite higher fuel prices.

bmwdrvr - 7/24/2008 11:36:17 PM

+1 Boost

maybe so but placing a Saab 9-3 on the upcoming Cobalt replacement sounds a bit sketchy for them, Gas prices or not, I think Saab moving "downmarket" is a bit pointless, where would this position them in the market, lets not forget the current 9-3 isnt a large car by anyones measure, so taking it down to being based on an economy car platform is pushing the envelope the turbo 4 thing no problem there are current Saabs, that have a turbo 4 but an economy car chassis under a Saab....maybe they are attempting to fight VW with Saab...

91z4me - 7/25/2008 10:31:17 AM

+1 Boost

bmwdrvr,
While I agree it is a risky move, we must remember a few things: the next Cobalt (Cruze) is on a new chassis this isn't going to be a rebadge job. The new chassis is being developed in Europe and will have AWD included in its development as well (something that will help SAAB in the long run IMO). Epsilon II (as with the current Epsilon I car) has drawbacks. First of all it is heavy the current 9-3 is the same physical size as the Cobalt, Civic et al but is quite a bit heavier. While the current Delta platform has its negatives (twist beam rear suspension) it still performs quite well (the current turbocharged Cobalt SS holds the FWD record at the Ring).

Also as every car gets bigger every generation (the Civic is a PRIME example) SAAB and GM are starting to think differently. Think small has worked for Mini, perhaps it can work for SAAB as well. Lets also remember that the next 9-5 is on Epsilon II as well. Do they need 2 cars on the same chassis?