UPDATE : Performance and fuel consumption figures just added in the complete press release below the jump.
The 2011 Saab 9-4X has just been revealed through a set of photos that present both the exterior and interior. Public debut for the 2011 Saab 9-4X will take place at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November and the new mid-size crossover will debut on the US market in August 2011.
The 2011 Saab 9-4X extracts power from a 3.0-litre V6 developing 265HP, while a direct-fuel injected 2.8-litre turbo V8 producing 300 HP will also be available. Both engine options will use a six-speed automatic transmission and at this point performance or consumption figures are still unknown.
The 2011 Saab 9-4X promises exceptional handling and ride quality and thanks to its adaptive chassis control and XWD (all-wheel-drive) system.
The 2011 Saab 9-4X price is get announced at a later date.
Saab press release :
The new 9-4X brings unique Saab design and engineering values to the growing mid-size crossover segment. With distinctive Scandinavian and aircraft-inspired looks, it also offers car-like handling and ride characteristics that challenge class benchmarks.
Making its world premiere at next month’s Los Angles Auto Show, the 9-4X expands Saab’s product portfolio to three car lines and will provide a fresh, alternative choice for independently-minded crossover buyers. It is an important next-step in the Swedish brand’s renaissance as an independent premium car manufacturer.
Muscular and sporty to drive, the 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X all-rounder and new 9-5 sedan. Outside and inside, it communicates its Saab identity with clean, uncluttered design and signature motifs, such as its wraparound-effect windshield, ice block lighting theme, driver-focused cockpit and flexible cargo handling.
In true Saab tradition, the 9-4X delivers on its sporty persona. It is configured around a unique, purpose-designed crossover body structure, which has been key to delivering its exceptional handling and ride properties. Car-like driving dynamics are supported by Saab’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, and DriveSense adaptive chassis control.
Under the hood, nestles a choice of compact and efficient V6 engines, naturally-aspirated or turbocharged. The 265 hp, 3.0-liter motor for the entry-level model features direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; while the 300 hp, 2.8-liter exchanges direct injection for twin-scroll turbocharging and is exclusive to top-of-line Aero variants. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.
“The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand,” says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. “It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance. The 9-4X is an exciting package and we’re confident it will appeal to many existing Saab owners, as well as win new customers for the brand.”
The 9-4X goes on sale in North America in May next year, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August. Prices will be announced shortly before sales commence.
Body
sculpted by
Saab
The
9-4X cuts a broad and powerful stance, with clean, uncluttered lines that echo
Saab’s Scandinavian design ethos. Its distinctive face, in common with the
new 9-5 sedan, draws inspiration from the award-winning Aero X concept car, with
a deep, three-port grille and ‘ice-block’-effect lighting themes.
Disguised
windshield and door pillars create Saab’s signature wraparound-effect, the
single glasshouse graphic emphasizing the brand’s traditional
‘cockpit’ look. Other exterior Saab identifiers include the shaping
of the headlamps, a ‘hockey stick’ waistline and strong C-pillars
complemented by a wraparound-effect rear
screen.
The
roofline is visually lowered and extended by a rear spoiler integrated in to the
tailgate. At the rear, the lighting carries forward a signature introduced by
the new 9-5 sedan. An ‘ice-block’ bar lit by LEDs extends across the
lower tailgate and wraps around the light units. Twin rhomboid-shaped exhaust
tailpipes are also neatly integrated into the lower bumper
molding.
Overall,
the 9-4X’s bodywork is noticeably free from unnecessary decoration or
trim. A dark protective appliqué is applied to the lower body, but there
are no wheel-arch claddings or protective body panels.
Entry-level
variants are fitted with 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels and Aero models are
distinguished by 20-inch, nine-spoke ’turbine’ alloy wheels, as well
as a black mesh front
grille.
Cockpit-inspired
cabin
The
spacious cabin provides comfortable accommodation for up to five adults and is
defined by a signature Saab, driver-focused cockpit layout. The center console,
center stack and main instrument display are presented within a single form that
sweeps up around the driver. For the 9-4X, this is finished with wood or, for
Aero interiors, a carbon fiber-effect
trim.
Other
subtle references to Saab’s aviation heritage include a selectable,
aircraft attitude-style speed read-out, green illumination for the needles of
the three main dials and traditional Saab ‘joystick’ adjusters for
the mesh-style air vents. The ignition – a start/stop button – is,
of course, located between the front seats, in true Saab tradition, adjacent to
the shift
lever.
Large,
supportive seats include a standard, 8-way electrical adjustment for the driver
and an optional electrical adjustment of the foot pedals. Rear passengers enjoy
particularly roomy accommodation as rear space is not compromised by the
presence of a third row of seats. They also benefit from an independent,
three-way manual adjustment of the rake of each 60/40 fold
seatback.
Ample
onboard storage includes double-decked pockets in all doors, a two-tier front
glovebox and a deep bin in the center console with 12-volt, USB and AUX
connections. Rear passengers have additional storage in the rear face of the
center console and the center
armrest.
Infotainment
includes two audio options, a seven-speaker or top-of-the-line, 10-speaker Bose
system with 5.1 surround sound. The optional 8-inch touchscreen, hard disk-based
navigation system includes a bird’s eye map view and 10 GB storage for
‘jukebox’ music files. Communication on the move is supported by an
integrated Bluetooth hands-free phone system, which functions via voice command
and steering wheel controls, as well as the infotainment panel.
In
the rear, passengers can enjoy independent climate control, in addition to the
standard dual-zone system, and select their own onboard audio/visual
entertainment through a dedicated unit in the back of the center console. This
has a video AUX input and two 8-inch screens in the rear face of the front
seatbacks.
Adaptable
cargo
carrying
The
trunk of the 9-4X is optimized for space and ease of use. The 60/40 split
seatbacks fold down in a single movement, without having to move the seat
cushions or remove the retractable head restraints, providing a completely flat
cargo
deck.
The
front section of the trunk floor is hinged and can be opened via an
aircraft-shaped handle to reveal an additional under floor storage. Floor space
can be tailored as required by an optional, U-shaped track with a telescopic
cargo dividing rail, which can be moved to any position to keep items in
place.
For
additional convenience, the tailgate is available with a remotely controlled,
hydraulically powered operation. It can open fully, or to a lower, programmable
position if there is restricted clearance overhead, such as in the
garage.
On
the
move
The
Saab 9-4X brings car-like handling and ride qualities to the crossover segment.
Extensive development testing alongside competitor vehicles shows the 9-4X has a
level of dynamic performance – in ride refinement as well as handling –
that challenges the very best in its class..
Key
to such excellent driving qualities is a unique body structure, purpose-designed
for a crossover application and free from compromises through adapting an
existing sedan or wagon format.
Advanced
driving technologies include Saab XWD, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system,
which infinitely varies drive torque between the front and rear axles. This
pre-emptive, light and fast-acting system offers optimized grip in all
conditions, dry or wet, smooth or loose, on road or off-road. It is combined
with an electronically-controlled, rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) which
can transfer up to 50% of rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has
more
grip
Driver
and vehicle in the Aero are brought even closer together by Saab DriveSense, an
adaptive chassis function which uses real time damping control to help the 9-4X
react to how it is being driven and to changing road conditions. In addition to
the default ‘Intelligent’ setting, the driver can select
‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ modes. An ‘Eco’ mode,
activated via a separate button, also re-maps the throttle pedal and
gearshifting patterns for optimal fuel
economy.
Other
driving aids include variable effort steering, a function of Saab DriveSense,
and standard bi-xenon adaptive lighting, which provides better illumination of
upcoming bends by linking the direction of the headlamp beam to the steering
angle.
Efficient
power packs
The
powertrain line-up comprises two efficient all-aluminum V6 engines, both with a
six-speed automatic transmission and Saab XWD. These light and compact, 24-valve
motors feature variable valve timing, on both inlet and exhaust sides, and boast
power ratings typical of larger displacement engines.
A
265 hp (195 kW), 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated motor for the entry-level
specification includes direct fuel injection. It propels the 9-4X from zero to
100 km/h in just 9.0 seconds.
Available
exclusively in Aero specification, the 2.8-liter turbo engine packs 300 hp (221
kW) and generates an impressive 400 Nm spread of torque between 2,000 and 5,000
rpm. It delivers zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.3 seconds. Fuel consumption
figures for both engines are still being
finalised.
