2012 Saab 9-4X Sporty CarsSaab is on the eve of getting several new vehicles including the 2012 Saab 9-4X

Saab's fortunes began to decline when GM began to pour more money into Hummer and several overseas operations while neglecting the Saab product line. Adding insult to injury, GM developed an SUV model for Saab, the 9-7X, a vehicle based on the unpopular platform of GM's mid-range SUVs. That move further sullied Saab's image, resulting in sales declining sharply and damaging the brand.

2012 Saab 9-4X at 2010 LA Auto Show

2012 Saab 9-4X Rear Side View

Today, Saab is on the eve of getting several new vehicles including the 9-4X crossover to replace the forgettable 9-7X and will soon see its flagship 9-5 line overhauled. The 9-4X will be built by GM who will continue to supply parts, engines and transmissions for the foreseeable future as many Saab models share components with other GM vehicles. Indeed, the Saab 9-4X is based on the same platform powering the all new 2010 Cadillac SRX.
Saab is on the eve of getting several new vehicles including the 2012 Saab 9-4X

READ MORE - 2012 Saab 9-4X Sporty CarsSaab is on the eve of getting several new vehicles including the 2012 Saab 9-4X

2012 Saab 9-4X Official Photos

2012 Saab 9-4X Front Angle View

2012 Saab 9-4X Sports Touring Cars

2012 Saab 9-4X Headlights

2012 Saab 9-4X Pictures

2012 Saab 9-4X Grille and Emblem

2012 Saab 9-4X Side View

2012 Saab 9-4X Car Wallpaper

2012 Saab 9-4X Interior View

2012 Saab 9-4X Photos

2012 Saab 9-4X Rear Angle View

2012 Saab 9-4X at 2010 LA Auto Show

2012 Saab 9-4X Rear Side View

2012 Saab 9-4X Sporty Cars

READ MORE - 2012 Saab 9-4X Official Photos

Saab Seals Engine Deal with BMW, gets 4 Cylinder Turbo Units from 2012

The BMW Group and Saab-owner Spyker Cars N.V. have come to an agreement for the use of the German automaker's petrol engines in Saab's vehicles from 2012 onwards. The long-rumored deal, which will ultimately help Saab further reduce its reliance on previous owner General Motors, currently the firm's only supplier of gasoline powerplants, was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and the CEO of Saab Automobile, JanÅke Jonsson, in Trollhättan in Sweden.

Under the agreement, BMW will supply Saab with 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engines, which will incorporate the Bavarian automaker's fuel-saving and emissions -cutting stop-start and regenerative braking tech. Saab said the engines will be adapted to meet the firm's specific requirements.

"We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson.

Though the two automakers did not go into any other details, it is believed that the petrol engines will be the same as the ones used in the MINI range, with at least one of them to be assembled at the BMW Group's Hams Hall engine plant in the UK. The 1.6-liter Turbo will be used on the next 9-3 (expected in 2012), as well as on the new 9-5 sedan.

Ian Robertson, Executive Sales and Marketing Director of BMW said: "Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance and we are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise."

Saab's chairman Victor Muller noted that both parties are open "to explore further opportunities in the future".

The two companies did not disclose any financial or contract volume details on the engine deal.

READ MORE - Saab Seals Engine Deal with BMW, gets 4 Cylinder Turbo Units from 2012

Saab Seals Engine Deal with BMW, gets 4 Cylinder Turbo Units from 2012

The BMW Group and Saab-owner Spyker Cars N.V. have come to an agreement for the use of the German automaker's petrol engines in Saab's vehicles from 2012 onwards. The long-rumored deal, which will ultimately help Saab further reduce its reliance on previous owner General Motors, currently the firm's only supplier of gasoline powerplants, was signed on Wednesday by Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and the CEO of Saab Automobile, JanÅke Jonsson, in Trollhättan in Sweden.

Under the agreement, BMW will supply Saab with 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engines, which will incorporate the Bavarian automaker's fuel-saving and emissions -cutting stop-start and regenerative braking tech. Saab said the engines will be adapted to meet the firm's specific requirements.

"We look forward to integrating this technology into our next-generation vehicles in a true Saab way," said Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson.

Though the two automakers did not go into any other details, it is believed that the petrol engines will be the same as the ones used in the MINI range, with at least one of them to be assembled at the BMW Group's Hams Hall engine plant in the UK. The 1.6-liter Turbo will be used on the next 9-3 (expected in 2012), as well as on the new 9-5 sedan.

Ian Robertson, Executive Sales and Marketing Director of BMW said: "Our engines have a clear lead over the competition when it comes to fuel consumption, emissions and performance and we are delighted to support Saab with our engine expertise."

Saab's chairman Victor Muller noted that both parties are open "to explore further opportunities in the future".

The two companies did not disclose any financial or contract volume details on the engine deal.

READ MORE - Saab Seals Engine Deal with BMW, gets 4 Cylinder Turbo Units from 2012

Saab 9-4X Crossover Spied in Production Form Prior to Los Angeles debut

Here are some snapshots of the next Saab vehicle to help justify the brand's survival, the 9-4X crossover. Seen here in production guise before its LA Auto Show debut in November (unless Saab surprises us in Paris...), what we've got is a nice, safe, smart step in the right direction for the brand.

While nothing is official yet, the 9-4X engine lineup should include a ~180-hp 1.6-liter Turbo, a ~220-hp 2.0-liter Turbo, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. A 300-hp 2.8-liter V6 may also show up, and we can expect transmissions to be 6-speed manuals and automatics in a front- or all-wheel drive layout.

From the pics, the new Saab crossover looks to stay fairly true to the 9-4X BioPower concept by showing off Saab's new rear end styling; we can clearly see its full-width taillight setup and hockey stick C-pillar. Up front is more of the same, with the only concession appearing to be smaller front fog light openings.

Also, the propeller-inspired rims are a nice touch that symbolize both Saab's aviation heritage and its new ownership by Spyker. All in all, this appears to be a welcome addition to the new Saab product range.

With a Jason Castriota-penned 9-3 on its way and possible BMW power in the pipeline, Saab looks to be viciously clawing its way back up a slope that it was so carelessly pushed down by GM.

By Phil Alex

Source: Saabsunited [Photos: Djup Strupe]

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Gallery: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

READ MORE - Saab 9-4X Crossover Spied in Production Form Prior to Los Angeles debut