New Saab 9-5 Griffin 260HP Heads to Detroit Auto Show

Unlike wine, cars don't get better as they age, and at 11 years old, the current Saab 9-5 is long overdue for replacement. Still, Saab tries to make the best of it by constantly introducing new editions of its mid-size executive model in a wary attempt to draw buyers into its showrooms. At the Detroit auto show next month, the Swedes will perform the debut of the 9-5 Griffin Edition powered by the firm's 2.3-liter, 260HP four-cylinder engine that can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.

Available in both sedan and station-wagon forms, the 9-5 Griffin Edition is distinguished on the outside by the matte chrome front grill and frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish. A set of five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and Griffin badges on the front fenders complete the look.

On the inside, the 9-5 Griffin comes equipped with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are also foldable and auto-dimming.

Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Swedes have priced the 9-5 Griffin from $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the SportCombi. We're no marketing gurus, but 40+ grand for a outdated car that was designed in the mid-to-late 90s doesn't exactly sound like a deal.

2010 Saab 9-5? Opel Insignia Test Mule Spied with Saab Interior

The next-generation Saab 9-5 sports sedan has been an on-off project for quite a while now and even though the vehicle is supposed to be in showrooms by 2009, we have yet to see any decent prototype models on the road. Instead, for the past few years Saab's engineers have been fiddling around with Opel Vectra and now, Opel Insignia test mules. These latest scoop pictures were shot by a reader of Sweden's Auto Motor & Sport magazine who stumbled upon a camouflaged Opel Insignia in a ferry boat from Denmark. A closer look inside revealed that the test mule was equipped with a Saab-styled dashboard. -Continued

Despite the fact that there's a lot of reflection from the driver's window and even though the steering wheel is from the Insignia (see picture below), it's rather clear that the dashboard features all the typical Saab design elements such as the three-piece instrument panel and the green illumination on all the controls.

And now for a bit of Q&A: Could this vehicle be a 2010 Saab 9-5 test mule? The answer is yes as the next 9-5 will be based on the Insignia platform and mechanics. Are we 100% certain? Of course we aren't - what kind of a question is that? If it isn't a 9-5, then what could it be? Well, there's a possibility that Saab might be working on the 9-3's replacement, but if that's the case and judging from GM's lack of cash, then expect to see a 20th Anniversary edition of the current 9-5 in 2017...

Source: AMS Sweden

Saab 9-5 Turbo Special Edition

Swedish car manufacturer Saab has announced the launch of a new Special Edition version of its 9-5 model for the UK market. Called the “9-5 Turbo Edition”, it features a number of added extras including 17 inch, five spoke alloy wheels, leather sport seats heated both front and rear, electric driver’s seat, and headlight washers.

There are two specifications available, the 9-5 Turbo Edition -offered with a choice of three engines: the entry-level 2.0t, the high power 2.3t and the 1.9 TiD diesel, and the top-of-the range 9-5 Aero Turbo Edition with a 260Hp 2.3-liter turbo engine that goes from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds. The Aero model features additional equipment including DVD satellite navigation and dual electric seats, as well as the traditional Aero features including performance brakes, Bi-xenon headlights, metallic paint and sport chassis. -Continued

Prices for the 9-5 Turbo Edition that’s available in both Saloon and Estate bodystyles, start at £19,995 while the Aero model, that’s also available in both Saloon and Estate bodystyles, prices start from £24,995.

57,389 Saab 9-5 Models Recalled

Faulty A-pillar trims are the reason behind a relatively large recall of MY 2002-2009 Saab 9-5 models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), during compliance testing, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirements. In other words, occupants could hurt their heads in the event of an accident. Saab dealers will install a new A-pillar trim with improved energy-absorbing capability free of charge.

Saab 9-5 M.Y. 2008: New Version & Equipment Enchantments

Nope, there's no new 9-5 on the horizon. However, Saab is upgrading the 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi line-up for the Model Year 2008 with the addition of the Nordic Edition. Available as an upgrade for all Vector variants, the Nordic Edition’s standard equipment includes a full leather sports interior, a leather/matte aluminium steering wheel, upgraded audio, cruise control, parking assistance, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and an auto-dimming rear- view mirror. The SportCombi also includes matte aluminum roof rails and a storage tray under the rear cargo floor. Furthermore, Saab announced a list of enhancements for the 2008 9-5 range. These include:

• Color-keyed exterior door handles, sill extensions and rubbing strips standard across the range
• Metallic, ‘dark steel’ fascia and interior trim introduced in Vector variants
• Luxury, premium natural leather upholstery offered an option
• New 16-inch alloy wheels offered for Linear and Vector variants
• New 17-inch alloy wheels offered for Vector and Aero variants
• Two new metallic colors, pepper green and snow silver.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TMS) optional for Aero models