AnswerRack.com Saab Files for Bankruptcy after GM Vetoes Chinese Funding Deal
- Saab Files for Bankruptcy after GM Vetoes Chinese Funding Deal
Saab's last ditch plan to secure funding from a Chinese automaker was vetoed this past weekend by former owner General Motors, setting off a chain of events culminating in the embattled Swedish automaker filing for bankruptcy in Swedish court. Even for Saab, no stranger to a harrowing recent history, this likely spells the end of the road for the quirky automaker.Saab's last ditch plan to secure funding from a Chinese automaker was vetoed this past weekend by former owner General Motors, setting off a chain of events culminating in the embattled Swedish automaker filing for bankruptcy in Swedish court. Even for Saab, no stranger to a harrowing recent history, this likely spells the end of the road for the quirky automaker.inline_mediumwraptextright0034788766/features/news/2011/163_news111219_saab_files_for_bankruptcy2011-saab-9-4x-front-three-quarters-in-motion.jpgtrue
Photo Gallery: Saab Files for Bankruptcy after GM Vetoes Chinese Funding Deal - Truck Trend News
R.I.P. Saab
- R.I.P. Saab
The past two years have been rough for Saab.The past two years have been rough for Saab. Since its independence from General Motors in 2010, the quirky Swedish brand has been beleaguered with financial woes, production stops, and an ever-shrinking customer base for its products. Now, with the final days of Saab upon us, we take a brief look back at the 22 months after GM's divestment of the downfall of the brand "born from jets."
Photo Gallery: R.I.P. Saab - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: R.I.P. Saab - Automobile Magazine
1993 VW Cabriolet Collectors Ed, 1999 Saab 9-3 and More - Readersâ Rides
- 1993 VW Cabriolet Collectors Ed, 1999 Saab 9-3 and More - Readersâ Rides
Show off your European Car...Ride of the Month Weâve got another T-shirt from Black Forest Industries for our ROTM. Weâre giving it to Jose for the photo of his sweet Cabbie. As always, weâd like to thank everybody who entered Readersâ Rides and encourage you to keep entering your cars to readersrides@eurotuner.com. We had some great cars and photos this month, so we must also commend Josiah, Steven, Matt, Arash and Andrew. Remember, every entry is included in the mag, provided the photos are big enough. We need all your details as seen here, so email us ASAP. For more info on BFI range of apparel and VAG tuning parts, log on to blackforestindustries.cominline_mediumwraptextright0035289250/features/eurp_1111_1993_vw_cabriolet_1999_saab_9_3eurp-1111-04+readers-rides+ride-of-the-month.jpgtrue
Photo Gallery: 1993 VW Cabriolet Collectors Ed, 1999 Saab 9-3 and More - Readersâ Rides - Eurotuner Magazine
2012 Saab 9-3 Review
- 2012 Saab 9-3 Review
The 9-3X is the only way to order a 9-3 wagon with the Saab XWD, which is also available on higher-spec sedans. Convertibles are a strictly front-drive affair, even though they come with the same turbocharged engine as the rest of the lineup.The aging Saab 9-3 soldiers on for 2012, amidst a cloud of uncertainty for its survival as well as that of its parent company. The entire range gets a new name: all 9-3 models are now badged as the 9-3 Griffin, which applies to the sedan, SportCombi wagon, and convertible ranges. There's even a new model of the 9-3 out: the 9-3X, which is a tougher SportCombi with plastic flares, more ground clearance, and Saab's XWD that continuously routes power to individual wheels based on varying traction conditions. It shares the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the rest of the range, which now produces 220 horsepower. The sedan is still a fun drive, especially in turbocharged all-wheel-drive guise, but its age is showing. Despite sharing the same turbo engine in its only available model, Aero, the convertible looks better than it drives. Both SportCombi and 9-3X models are practical family wagons, with an available manual transmission for a bit more fun on the side. Despite incremental improvements such as new "ice block" headlights, tweaked bumpers, and a new center console and interior trim, the Saab 9-3 has been long left behind by its competitors--and its high price of entry isn't doing it any favors.
2012 Saab 9-4X Review
- 2012 Saab 9-4X Review
The 9-4X was brand-new for 2011, even though it's based on a vehicle that has had some time to mature, with the Cadillac SRX that was introduced in 2010. Even though Saab has divested itself from General Motors, it still relies on the giant for the SRX's mechanicals and its engines, though keeping in line with Saab tradition, one of those engines is turbocharged.After years of teasing on the auto show circuit, the Saab 9-4X represents a brand-new start for the ailing Saab brand. A compact crossover based on the Cadillac SRX platform, the 9-4X retains more of its unique Swedish character than Saab's last attempt at an SUV: the Chevy Trailblazer-based 9-7X, which amounted to nothing more than a hasty badge-job. The 9-4X rides and handles much like a car, given its front-drive, unibody architecture. With an impressive Haldex all-wheel-drive system, the 9-4X can send power to individual wheels to get drivers out of weather-related mishaps. Heavily-weighted controls attempt to give the 9-4X a sportier feel to disguise the 9-4X's weight, but are somewhat less successful. Two engines are available: a large 3.0-liter V-6, and a turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 in Aero trim (Saab's nomenclature for its fastest cars). The 9-4X can be had in 3.0, Premium and Aero models, which can be nicely optioned with heated seats, a power tailgate, backup camera, ambient lighting, adjustable pedals, rollover sensors and a remote starter--perfect for the inclement-weather types who snatch up Saabs for their winter commutes.
2012 Saab 9-5 Review
- 2012 Saab 9-5 Review
For 2012 it's the return of the big Saab wagon: the 9-5 SportCombi will debut with 56 cubic feet of flat-pack-furniture-swallowing room. The stylish wagon will also feature the sedan's available XWD, but not the powerful V-6; only the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be available.The Saab 9-5 is the newest Saab that has been redesigned by the company, and the newest 9-5 in more than a decade of production. A lot is riding on the 9-5 after Saab's recent encounters with bankruptcy and financial problems, but fortunately the car delivers on Saab's mix of practicality, sport, and--of course--quirkiness. The 9-5 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in front-wheel-drive guise, but is also available with a 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 and Saab's advanced XWD four-wheel-drive system that varies power between all four wheels. In top Aero model, the 9-5 is a respectable performer, with a strong engine and all-wheel-drive poise. Overall, the 9-5 is well-equipped with Saab's best safety features like active head restraints and rollover protection, while features like steering wheel controls, satellite radio, and traditional Saab quirks like the Night Panel (which blanks out the gauges except for ones in use) and an ignition switch in the center console are standard. Parking assistance, a panoramic moonroof, and adaptive suspensions are all standard on the Aero model.
First Test: 2011 Saab 9-4x
- First Test: 2011 Saab 9-4x
The new 9-4x crossover is the only Saab built outside of Sweden. Assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, alongside the Cadillac SRX, it's going on sale just as Victor Muller struggles to save Saab from liquidation.General Motors infamously announced it would kill the Oldsmobile brand as journalists attended the launch of the 2002 Bravada. GM is not quite so involved this time, though history may be repeating itself. The new 9-4x crossover is the only Saab built outside of Sweden. Assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, alongside the Cadillac SRX, it's going on sale just as Victor Muller struggles to save Saab from liquidation.inline_mediumwraptextright0034788769/roadtests/suv/163_1108_2011_saab_9_4x_first_test2011-saab-9-4x-front-three-quarters.jpgtrue
Photo Gallery: 2011 Saab 9-4x - First Test - Truck Trend
Photo Gallery: 2011 Saab 9-4x - First Test - Truck Trend
2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen - Stealth Fighter
- 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen - Stealth Fighter
This unassuming Saab walks quietly but carries a 400whp stick.Although many enthusiasts may dismiss Saab as quirky or undeserving of serious respect, take one ride in John Aldridgeâs â00 Viggen and its fighter jet roots become immediately apparent.inline_mediumwraptextright0032806337/featuredvehicles/eurp_1109_2000_saab_9_3_viggeneurp-1109-01-2000-saab-9-3-viggen+cover.jpgtrue
Photo Gallery: 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen - Stealth Fighter - Eurotuner Magazine
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