Saab Releases First Official Photo of 2011 9-5 SportCombi

Following a preliminary release earlier today, Saab has issued the first official photograph of its 9-5 SportCombi. The estate version of the 9-5, which will carry the SportWagon moniker in certain markets including the UK, will get its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Saab has not yet released detailed information on the engine lineup, but buyers should expect to see a similar mix of turbocharged diesel and gasoline motors (depending on the market of course) to the sedan variant when it arrives in the market this Fall.

For the time being we only have a single official picture of the 9-5 SportCombi / SportWagon, but Carscoop reader Torben just sent in several renderings of the car sourced from the patent drawings filled in the U.S., which you can check out after the jump.

Hat tip to Torben for the drawings!

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Saab's All-New 9-5 SportCombi to Debut at Geneva Motor Show

We've been fielding rumors of an estate version of the all-new Saab 9-5 series for some quite time now, but today, the Swedish automaker made it official announcing that the world premiere of the SportsCombi will take place at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

"The launch of the 9-5 SportCombi is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ake Jonsson. "It will take Saab back into the large wagon segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering."

While Saab is keeping official photos out of sight for now, it did release some preliminary details on the 9-5 SportsCombi. According to the Swedes, the premium estate model will come equipped with many practical features. These include an adaptable multi-fold floor, flexible U-rail load space configuration and under-floor stowage with a sealed wet storage compartment, a programmable powered tailgate, and 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold down almost completely flat without having to reposition the seat squab or remove the head restraints.

Turbo engines, Saab's XWD all-wheel-drive system and an array of features such as, adaptive cruise control, Bi-Xenon adaptive lighting, key-less entry and starting, tri-zone air conditioning and a Pilot Head-up Display which projects information on the windshield, will also be available.

Saab said the 9-5 SportCombi will arrive in the US in the Fall of 2011.

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Saab to Offer Hirsch Performance Products for 9-3 and 9-5 Models in the USA

Current and future Saab owners in the U.S. looking to tune their cars with factory approved upgrades will be happy to learn the Swedish automaker announced today that Hirsch Performance aftermarket products will be available for its 2007-11MY 9-3 and 2010-11MY 9-5 cars through select Saab dealers in the States starting in spring 2011.

The Switzerland-based tuning firm has a longstanding relationship with Saab and already offers dealer-installed performance upgrades in other parts of the world including Europe.

Hirsch Performance's aftermarket offerings include a variety of products ranging from software tweaks that boost output by 30HP and sports springs, to comprehensive aero kits with carbon fiber parts, alloy wheels and interior appointments such as aluminum pedals, leather sets and carbon trims.

John Anderson, director of aftermarket sales and new business for Saab Cars North America, commented:

"Saab has had a long relationship with Hirsch in Europe and now we can offer performance enhancements for Saab customers' vehicles in the US. The advantage to Hirsch Performance parts is they are installed at authorized Saab dealers, do not affect the warranty or emission system performance of the vehicle and are high quality systems designed especially for Saab cars. Installation of the Hirsch Performance parts within 60 days of sale of the new vehicle will give the consumer the same warranty as a new vehicle, an advantage for our customers."

Saab said pricing information and participating dealers for the Hirsch Performance parts will be available on the firm's US website in the near future.

*All photos are from Hirsch Performance's European lineup

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Saab Officials Confident that 2011 will be a Turning Point in the Company’s History

Saab sold just 31,696 cars globally in 2010, after having cut its sales target from 45,000 to 30,000-35,000 vehicles, due to the restructuring of the brand’s supplier base. However, with fourth quarter (2010) sales up 129% compared to 2009, Chairman Victor Mullen believes that Saab “is firmly establishing itself as an independent car manufacturer”.

Last year was especially difficult for the Swedish automaker, as the low inventory decimated sales figures.

“One of the largest challenges in 2010 was to restock our dealers around the world to normal levels again, especially in a market like the United States, where you need dealer stock in order to be able to sell cars”, Muller said in a statement on Wednesday. “For instance, when we acquired the company, there were a mere 500 cars left on the ground in the United States. Normal inventory levels in this market should be at 6,000-7,000 units”.

Optimum inventory levels are still a long way from reality, but, during the past 12 months, Saab did pick up some momentum, which, coupled with the launch of new models, should help the maker achieve the projected sales volume of 80,000 units for 2011.

Saab will invest US $1 billion into its recovery plan, with the focus being on new models. The 9-4X crossover, set to debut in May, is of them. Next up is the ageing 9-3 due for replacement in 2012. Furthermore, Saab wants to revive the 92 model of the ‘50s, in the form of a modern compact car, which, if priced correctly, should add much needed volume to sales.

The Trollhättan-based manufacturer will continue to expand its dealer network as well, targeting markets like China and Russia and it expects to be profitable in 2012, with sales projected to reach 120,000 units.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Autonews [sub. req]

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China's BAIC Working with Pininfarina on Saab-based Model, Confirms Interest in the Italian Design House

Photo: BAW C71 from 2010 Beijing Show

Yesterday, we brought you photos and details about a new and very Mercedes-Benz B-Class-like model from BAIC or Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp. Today, we have more news on the Chinese automaker as a media report citing an unnamed executive from the company claims that BAIC is working with Italian engineering and design specialist Pininfarina on a new vehicle based on the underpinning of a previous generation Saab model.

Last year, BAIC purchased the intellectual rights for Saab's older 9-5 and certain 9-3 models from General Motors, which then still owned the Swedish firm.

"I just came back from Italy last week and have communicated with the technical staff at Pininfarina about the design proposal of the Saab models," the BAIC executive said. "Pininfarina is the most successful overseas car design company in China. BAIC has been collaborating with it on development of models based on the Saab technology and will display an all-new concept car with the Saab genes at next year's Shanghai auto show, while Pininfarina will be responsible for the contour design of the car."

We'll remind you that BAIC's subsidiary BAW (Beijing Auto Work), showed a Saab 9-3-based model called the C60 along with a larger sedan based on the 9-5 named C71 (pictured here), at the Beijing Auto Show this past April.

The unnamed BAIC exec also confirmed reports from Italian media about the company's interest in taking over Pininfarina S.p.A.

"BAIC has submitted the bid for the Italian firm for several months," he said. "The successful acquisition of Pininfarina will be very favorable for BAIC’s development of future models. But BAIC does not have to win the bid, after all, the two sides are still under the cooperation."

Other companies said to be interested in the money-losing Italian design house include Canadian-Austrian parts supplier Magna International and India's Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Source: Eeo via: Gasgoo , Photos: Che168