Spy photographers have captured the first pictures showing a test mule for the new Saab 9-4X. Designed from the ground up as a Saab — rather than a re-badging exercise — the 2009 9-4X is a collaboration between engineers in Rüsselsheim, Germany and designers in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The new 9-4X is a sporty crossover with a number of design cues from the Aero X concept. We will probably see a concept version of this vehicle at the Frankfurt auto show in September. A production model could arrive as soon as January 2008, at the Detroit auto show.
Rumours suggest some dealers in the United States already have seen the finished concept car and are enthusiastic about it. Expect both gasoline and diesel engines, as well as E85.
These pictures show a mule for the 9-4X, using a mixture of a SAAB 9-7X and Chevrolet Trailblazer body with a clearly shorter wheelbase. Our artist’s rendering shows how the new 9-4X could look like upon its release.
04/17, 12:31 PM
posted by:
PrimeGTP
Oh god, another crossover. Come on, GM, make Saab cars what they should be instead of wasting time building more redundant models!
04/17, 12:48 PM
posted by:
W1ck3D
I read sometime ago that the market of the crossovers and SUVs is quit full, wonder why they want to add yet another one. It’s not even that appealing imo.
04/17, 12:49 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
The drawing looks like a constipated 9-5 Sportscombi. Maybe a little more chrome.
Something’s wrong with wheels in pics #2 and #4. Look at the front tire’s wheelwell gap. Are you sure this isn’t a 9-7 testing a suspension?
04/17, 2:07 PM
posted by:
ironpony42
It’s not meant to be pretty or appealing, it’s meant to test components. Mules can be as simple as a tin box on wheels, or in this case, a Trailblazer body set on a future platform with 4 wheel independant suspension destine for another vehicle. Thus the reason it doesn’t fit, and isn’t pretty. It’s zero indecator of the final product in terms of appearance.
04/17, 2:37 PM
posted by:
hateful83
Saab is still here?
04/17, 2:54 PM
posted by:
Adrio
I normally hate all Saabs but actually this one isnt that bad. The new lines are pretty clean. It looks more modern than other Saabs. The back is horrible tho. Looks like an old chevy blazer.
04/17, 3:23 PM
posted by:
spud
Based on the 93 sportwagon concept I was ready to buy one as soon as the came out, and I’m glad I didn’t preorder – the concept was nothing like the porduction version at all, so I bought something else instead to ferry the kids about.
Likewise I’m not going to be building any hopes up on any spyshots or concepts from saab in the next few years either.
Also as has been said above already, Saab are way too late to the crossover party. People are already clearing up and sweeping up the empty beer cans. GM have really messed with a marque which used to be able to hold it’s head up.
Way to go, GM! Schmuks.
04/17, 3:25 PM
posted by:
spud
/\… It’s GM#1 again.
I’d love to know if this guy gets paid to write drivel, or just lives in an asylum and posts for kicks
04/17, 3:56 PM
posted by:
jonstew
Spud, Why don’t you just give him a call and ask, it looks like his user name is his phone number….then you can be enlightened on how GM will soon take over the world their um “class leading” SUV’s.
04/17, 4:18 PM
posted by:
cknoff
Adrio, did you read the article? It’s a test mule…with the rear end of a Trailblazer.
04/17, 4:24 PM
posted by:
MikeFX
We need to get some posters on here that know how to read. Do you really jump fromt he headline to the pictures and then start banging out some crappy response? There is nothing here to see, excecpt evidence that GM is spending money on Saab. It also sounds encouraging that it’s not a rebadge, and was engineered and designed outside of Detroit.
04/17, 5:42 PM
posted by:
MHW
Everything you post is a joke homeboy234, and it is no stretch to say that the Lambadas are at the top of thier class. You clearly don’t read much or you would already know this.
04/17, 11:54 PM
posted by:
(V)ike
Ok, I have to respond to my last message… it’s a test mule… duh.
04/18, 3:44 AM
posted by:
obsessedwithautos
So I imagine this one will be built on the Equinox/Torrent platform to compete with the X3, RDX, Tiguan, and upcoming Benz MLK and Audi Q5. Right. Sure.
04/18, 5:03 AM
posted by:
55amg
at least GM hasn’t rebadged something Pontiac or Chevy to make a saab
04/18, 7:43 AM
posted by:
Boxster2.7L
This isn’t a 9-4X. Its the utterly pointless (for Saab, anyway) 9-7X testing with some improvements. The back of the vehicle essentially looks like a Chevy Trailblazer. That gives it away.
04/18, 8:11 AM
posted by:
europerspective
This seems pretty relevant; http://www.sniffpetrol.com/issue008.html
04/18, 9:02 AM
posted by:
MikeFX
Boxster, thank you for proving my point that half of the posters on this site don’t even read the articles.
04/18, 1:11 PM
posted by:
Fromes
THIS IS A TEST MULE! of course it looks a like a trail blazer because that is what the outside is! underneath it is a completely different vehicle. look at it this way kids…it is simply a new car disgusied has a trailblazer/97x to confuse the public…and from what I can tell by some of the previous comments….its working perfectly.
04/18, 5:07 PM
posted by:
angelo
So this is GMT9000 and not Lambda?? Interesting… they should base it on the Cadillac SRX.