2010 saab 95 | super speed cars Front Side
To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe’s entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker’s newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn’t exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks – if not bright – at least markedly less dim.
To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe’s entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker’s newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn’t exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks – if not bright – at least markedly less dim.
Saab aficionados with a strong memory will recall that the same exact dashboard design -minus a few minor details- was previewed on last year’s 9-4X prototype. Same goes for the newly designed three-spoke steering wheel which Saab refers to “aircraft-shaped trimmed”.
Underneath the sheetmetal, the new 9-5 uses the same Epsilon II chassis as the Opel Insignia. Saab of course has not released any details, but it’s no secret that the engine range will be common between the two models. This means that the 9-5 will be offered with 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as with an updated line-up of 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.
Infotainment choices include a range-topping Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch color touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB for MP3 music files. A large center console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5 mm AUX ports alongside a 12 V power outlet. Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.