Turbo X products

[Swade]

Just-Auto have a very interesting article online today (subs reqd) that pretty much confirms just about everything we’ve heard about the 9-4x so far, which as a Saab blogger has me feeling quite satisfied.

• Share platform with a Caddy SUV - check
  Made in Mexico (watch out for the gas pipeline problems)- check
  Sized similar to BMW X3 - a little bigger
  2.9 litre diesel - that’s good news!!
  Preview at Detroit in January - check!

Here’s some highlights from the article (subscription reqd - thanks you-know-who-you-are)


<blockquote>Saab and Cadillac have confirmed that General_Motors’ premium brands are developing “very different and specific” SUV crossovers, which will reach showrooms within two years….


…The Saab is likely to debut at next January’s Detroit motor show, reflecting the importance of making up lost ground on Swedish rival’s XC90 in North America. Both cars are due on sale on both sides of the Atlantic within two years….


…Both Saab and Cadillac will benefit from a new 2.9-litre, twin-turbo, V6 diesel engine under development with VM Motori, which is crucial to the upscale brands’ success. The engine is also destined for Cadillac’s CTS and the next generation Saab 9-5.


Saab’s boss said: “Although they will benefit from shared architecture, the Saab and Cadillac will be two very different vehicles in terms of looks and driving dynamics with no chance of brand confusion.”

</blockquote>
That’s a good tidbit about the 9-5 there, getting the diesel. Very encouraging coming from Jan-Ake. There’s also a bit more expanded model news.


<blockquote>Jonsson said the expansion of Saab’s range, which includes a Trollhatten-built Astra (Delta platform)-based smaller model, was part of a “five to 10-year programme” aimed at attaining premium status on a par with BMW, Mercedes and Audi.


Saab’s chief executive said the brand was still having “intense discussions” about the format of its smaller car, aimed at BMW’s 1-series, Audi’s A3 and Volvo’s C30 and likely to be badged 9-1.

</blockquote>

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I haven’t seen them at Elkparts yet, but Saab Expressions are offering a selection of Turbo X inspired products.


There’s a set of leather driving gloves, a car mug for your bevvies and a Turbo X pen for writing nasty letters to your insurance company.


The one that made me chuckle a little was the Turbo X cap. On closer inspection, you can tell that it’s made from a breathable material as described in the blurb.


At first glance, though, I thought it was leather and it immediately looked like something one might wear on a night out at the Blue Oyster.


Click here to check out the as-yet still small Turbo X range of gear.