Report: Saab Already Planning Updates For New 9-5

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Report: Saab Already Planning Updates For New 9-5

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Editor

October 18th, 2010

2010 Saab 9-5Enlarge PhotoThe new 2010 Saab 9-5 has just hit the scene here in the U.S. but already there’s word that some updates to the car are coming. Apparently Saab designers are looking to address some of the 9-5’s shortcomings, one of which is the reliance on suppliers originally inherited from General Motors.

The updates are the result of poor reviews for the car following its debut in Europe earlier this year, according to Saab's global product boss, Christopher McKinnon, who spoke recently with What Car? magazine.

Top of the agenda is improving quality, with the instrument panel and other cabin parts all set to be revised to bring them on par with models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The solution will be to reassess component suppliers.

Most of the changes are expected to be implemented before the arrival of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi wagon version due next summer.

link:

http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1050556_report-saab-already-planning-updates-for-new-9-5

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

REPORT: SAAB PLANNING UPDATES FOR 9-5 SEDAN

By Drew Johnson

Saab has already announced two new engines for its flagship 9-5 sedan for the 2011 model year, but a new report suggests even more changes could be on the way.

According to a report from Britain’s What Car?, Saab is planning a number of improvements for the recently launched 9-5 sedan. The improved sedan is said to be on track for a mid-2011 launch, likely making it a 2012 model year vehicles.

Although Saab has yet to confirm the report, the Swedish automaker is said to be working on interior and ride and handling improvements for the updated 9-5. The 9-5’s interior has clear ties to former Saab owner General Motors, but that link will be lessened in the coming months as Saab reevaluates its inherited supplier base. The improvements should put the 9-5’s interior on par with offerings from BMW and Audi.

In addition to a revamped interior, a revised suspension is said to be on tap for 2012. Although no specifics were given, the update is said to be in response to “criticisms of the 9-5's ride and handling.”

If What Car?’s report comes to fruition, expect a revised 9-5 in Saab showrooms sometime during the second half of 2011.

link:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-saab-planning-updates-for-9-5-sedan.html

[CSpec]

Not the greatest vote of confidence in GM's suppliers there.

[A Horse With No Name]

Not the greatest vote of confidence in GM's suppliers there.

Perhaps not but I'm glad SAAB is carrying on as a brand.