The enthusiast Web site Trollhättansaab.net is carrying a report this week that Saab will reskin the 9-3 in mid-2007, with design cues drawn from the Aero X concept.
Inside Line has learned that a full redesign of the 9-3, on the next-generation Epsilon corporate midsize platform, is not scheduled, however, until mid-2010 at the earliest. The larger 9-5 series is still on track for a ground-up overhaul in mid-2009, also on the so-called Epsilon 2 architecture, according to suppliers.
The Web site says the 2008 Saab 9-3 will be unveiled in Sweden in June 2007 and will make its U.S. debut in August 2007. While it will remain on the current Epsilon platform, the heavily face-lifted 9-3 will offer all-wheel drive as an option.
The General Motors subsidiary has phased out the 9-2X wagon, but officials say the brand remains pleased with the performance of the 9-7X utility vehicle. Both are stopgap vehicles based on Subaru and Chevrolet models, respectively. Meanwhile, the company plans a new 9-4X crossover that's slated for debut sometime around 2008
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