Saab’s last odd move as an independent automaker
This is part of a series of articles looking back at the cars on show that we feel deserve a little more attention than they really are. If you have suggestions for the Forgotten Concepts theme, feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment below.
Saab 9-X . concept
First shown: 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show
Description: Sporty multi-purpose lifestyle car
Sales pitch: “Despite automotive conventions.”
Detail:
First seen at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Saab 9-X Concept was an experimental combination of items that had the qualities of a sports coupe, a convertible, a scooter and a pickup truck. There are some who mumble that the 9-X is also an all-terrain vehicle, but the low ride height, oversized wheels and tires suggest otherwise.
The concept’s removal of glass roof panels has turned the car into a convertible, and the widening of the loading floor will give future owners many of the conveniences of a pickup. The long roof and spacious cargo compartment offer wagon-like versatility, even when the cargo box is fully retracted into the body of the vehicle.
Note that both the rear seat and front passenger seat fold completely flat with the floor to create a long and unrestricted load area.
Technical highlights include a 300hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 mated to a six-speed sequential manual transmission (check lever). There’s also AWD and Brembo-branded performance brakes on all four corners.
The Saab 9-X was awarded Best Concept Car in 2002 by the European Automotive Design Award judging committee.
The Forgotten Concept: Ford Probe III
CG says:
With General Motors now at the helm of Saab, the brand’s then-famous personality and quirks were soon extinguished. Introduced in 2001, the 9-X appeared in the auto show ring about a year after GM acquired the brand and will be developed during the takeover. Maybe we’re lucky to even get to see this concept.
It is widely suggested that the 9-X – or a vehicle inspired by it – was put into production before GM took the helm at Saab. Likely, we’ll never know exactly how the 9-X is coming to showrooms, but consider this: Instead of sleek, stealthy, category-bending vehicles seen here, Saab’s first “X” car was 9-7X, a thinly camouflaged version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. While the 9-7X is arguably a pretty decent SUV, size, weight, available V8s, and general bulkiness aren’t in the traditional Saab idiom. Indeed, the 9-7X isn’t that odd anyway, and that’s really sad.
Saab 9-X . Ideas Gallery
(Click below to enlarge the image)
