April 7, 2004

New York auto show
New 2005 Saab 9-7X based on Trailblazer platform

New York, New York - Saab unveiled a mid-size SUV today, based on GM's Trailblazer/Envoy platform. The Saab 9-7X will go on sale in the first quarter of 2005.

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"The Saab 9-7X emphasizes the ‘sport' aspect of the sport utility vehicle nomenclature," said Peter Augustsson, Saab's president and CEO. "Like the soon to-be-launched Saab 9-2X models, it is very dynamic and is a vehicle that you want to drive."

Market research conducted by Saab revealed that 39 percent of Saab customers in the U.S. currently have an SUV in the household. Furthermore, almost 30 percent of Saab customers who leave the Saab brand purchase a four-door SUV.

The Saab 9-7X will be positioned in the U.S.$37,000 to $45,000 price bracket.

The Saab 9-7X features standard on-demand all-wheel-drive. Traction and handling perform-ance are further enhanced by a standard preloaded-clutch limited-slip differential at the rear. Brakes are large, 4-wheel vented discs, with front aluminum dual-piston calipers, and 4-wheel ABS. There is a choice of two all-aluminium engines, each coupled to a standard electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The 4.2-litre inline 6 delivers 275 hp and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.3-litre V-8 is rated at an estimated 300 hp and 330 lb.-ft. of torque.

With a wheelbase of 113 inches (2,870 mm) and an overall length of 193.4 inches (4,912 mm), the Saab 9-7X holds up to 41 cubic feet (1,161 liters) of cargo with the rear seatback up, and 80.1 cubic feet (2,268 liters) with the seatback folded down. A 60/40-split rear seat is standard in all 9-7X models, as is a trailer hitch receiver and hitch receiver cover. Maximum towing capacity when equipped with the V-8 engine is an estimated 6,500 pounds (2,948 kilograms).