Saab 9-4X
The Saab 9-4X is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that was introduced at the 2010 LA Auto Show. It is based on the all-wheel-drive GM Theta Premium platform, which also forms the basis for the Cadillac SRX.[2] Production of the 9-4X began in 2011, at General Motors' Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico, but stopped before the end of that year due to the bankruptcy of Saab.
| Saab 9-4X | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors for Saab |
| Production | 2010–December 2011[1] |
| Model years | 2011–2012 |
| Assembly | Mexico: Ramos Arizpe |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury crossover |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive (Saab XWD) |
| Platform | GM Theta Premium |
| Related | Cadillac SRX |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.8 L Turbo LAU V6 3.0 L LF1 V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 110.5 in (2,807 mm) |
| Length | 190.1 in (4,829 mm) |
| Width | 75.0 in (1,905 mm) |
| Height | 66.1 in (1,679 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Saab 9-7X |
Design
The 9-4X took shape once the Saab 9-6X project was cancelled, after the divestment by General Motors of its holding in Subaru. The 9-4X replaced the larger Chevy Trailblazer based, United States built Saab 9-7X, production of which ceased in December 2008. The concept of the 9-4X made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.[3]
The production car is almost identical to the concept of 2008 on the exterior and similar to the second generation Saab 9-5 on the inside. The mechanical parts such as the engine, transmission, and other mechanical systems are all GM, but there are exterior trim and lighting items that are specific to the 9-4X.[4]
As such, a review noted specific Saab identity and "charm" as well as its flaws that included excess weight and lackluster fuel economy, but "it is easily as compelling as the Cadillac SRX on which it is based."[5] The car began selling as a model year of 2011 vehicle in June in the United States, and in August elsewhere. The 9-4X was the only Saab built in Mexico.
Production
General Motors manufactured the 9-4X and the closely related Cadillac SRX at the Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, assembly plant.[6] The company announced that the 9-4X would go on sale in 2010 to bolster Saab's position in the United States, the brand's largest marketplace[7]
The first unit was produced in February 2010, and it was displayed at Saab's Museum in Sweden.[1] In November 2011, General Motors announced that production of the 9-4X would end, because General Motors was unwilling to provide a modern chassis and engine to a Chinese buyer that was a potential competitor to General Motors in China.[8]
In February 2010, GM sold Saab Automobile AB to the Dutch automobile manufacturer Spyker Cars N.V.[9]
It has been reported that 614 units were assembled during the 9-4X's brief production run for 2011.[10] However, VIN numbers for 2011 go over 600, and there were approximately 60 9-4X models of 2012 produced. A version of Aero from 2012 was reviewed by Road & Track in April 2011.[11] According to information at the Saab Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden, 814 9-4X units were produced.
Specifications
The 9-4X was available with a choice of two petrol V6 engines: a 3.0 L producing 265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS), 223 lb⋅ft (302 N⋅m) torque and a 2.8 L turbo with 300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS), 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m). The 2.8T engine is mated to an Aisin-Warner six speed automatic transmission, operable in manumatic mode via paddle shifters.[12] A diesel engine for the market in Europe was discussed, but not offered.[13]
| 3.0i V6 | 2.8T V6 Aero | |
|---|---|---|
| Production | 2011 | |
| Engine Characteristics | ||
| Engine Type | V6 Petrol | |
| Fuel Injection | Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) | |
| Turbo | no | yes |
| Displacement | 2997 cm³ | 2792 cm³ |
| Power | 195 kW (265 bhp) at 6950/min | 221 kW (300 bhp) at 5300/min |
| Torque | 302 N⋅m (223 lbf⋅ft) at 5100/min | 400 N⋅m (295 lbf⋅ft) at 2000/min |
| Layout | ||
| Driving | Four wheel drive | |
| Transmission | Six speed automatic | |
| Measurements | ||
| Acceleration, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 9,0 s | 8,3 s |
| Top speed | 210 km/h (130 mph) | 230 km/h (143 mph) |
| Fuel Consumption (l/100 km) | 11,7 l | 12,2 l |
| CO2 Emission (g/km) | 271 g/km | 286 g/km |
References
- Joseph, Noah (February 16, 2011). "First Saab 9-4X rolls off the assembly line". autoblog. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
- Swan, Tony (May 2011). "2011 Saab 9-4X - The last of the GM-based Saabs". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
- "Saab small SUV set for production in Mexico". Auto123.com. October 8, 2007. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- Emslie, Rob (November 10, 2015). "For $19,000, Would You Own This 2011 Saab 9-4x That You Never Even Knew Existed?". Jalopnik. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- Ulrich, Lawrence (September 16, 2011). "Saab 9-4X: A Hail-Mary Pass as the Clock Runs Down". The New York Times. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- Ulrich, Lawrence (September 16, 2011). "A Hail-Mary Pass as the Clock Runs Down". The New York Times. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
- Hetzner, Christiaan (January 13, 2009). "Saab's U.S. margins improve as sales plunge". Reuters. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
- Berkowitz, Justin (November 7, 2011). "GM Pulls Plug on 9-4X Crossover Production As Saab Moves Toward Chinese Ownership". Car and Driver. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- "Spyker Cars finalizes the purchase of Saab" (PDF) (Press release). Spyker. February 23, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- autonews.com
- Mitani, Sam (April 30, 2011). "2012 Saab 9-4X". Road & Track. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15124765/2011-saab-9-4x-test-review/
- de Oliviera, Paolo Soares (November 13, 2005). "Saab considers sports car, plans SUV; two-seater concept will be shown at Geneva show". AutoWeek. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
