Video of the New Saab 9-5 SportCombi from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

The new PhoeniX sports coupe concept pretty much grabbed most of the attention at Saab's Geneva Motor Show stand, but the Swedes also brought along their all-new 2012 9-5 SportCombi. The station wagon model will arrive in the market this fall with the same engine lineup as the four-door 9-5 offering buyers improved practicality and a boot that measures 527 liters with the seats up and 1600 liters when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down. Hop over the jump for some live shots and walk-around video from the Geneva Show floors.

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VIDEO: Chris Bangle Butts Heads with Jason Castriota at SAAB's Geneva Motor Show Stand

You might think watching two world-renowned designers talking cars would be entertaining . . . and you'd be right on the money. Rising star and Saab's current hot shot design director Jason Castriota penned the PhoeniX concept. Chris Bangle, known for turning BMW on its head with his flame surfaces and unique rear ends, was hanging around Geneva and decided to chat with Castriota about his "aero" style.

Check out the video below for a minute and a half of a little (friendly?) banter between two polarizing designers as they discuss what makes the PhoeniX a Saab.

By Phil Alex

Source: Cardesignnews via Jalopnik

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VIDEO: SAAB Design Boss Jason Castriota Talks PhoeniX

We've already brought you the news on Saab's PhoeniX concept that's built on the underpinnings of the next 9-3 series and is on display at the Geneva Motor Show, but the Swedes have just released a video with the firm's new Design Director Jason Castriota giving us a tour of the 2+2 coupe.

In the video after the break, Castriota explains the PhoeniX's bespoke design features and its significance for the future of Saab product design starting off with the next generation of the 9-3 which is scheduled for release in 2012.

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Saab Reveals Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

The highlight of Saab's booth at the Geneva show is undoubtedly the PhoeniX concept car that previews design features and technologies that will be used by future Saab models. Based on the platform that will underpin the next-generation Saab 9-3, the PhoeniX was penned under the supervision of the firm's new design boss, Jason Castriota. According to Saab, it introduces an "aeromotional” design, which the company describes as the "the visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles".

The sports coupe features dramatic details such as the rear-lateral winglets reminding of Saab's aeronautical roots and the jet canopy-inspired glasshouse. The front includes a new interpretation of the brand's signature three-port grille which is likely to be seen on future models, as well as the muscular hood.

The teardrop shape of the rear window echoes the design of the very first Saab, the 92001 or Ursaab, while the “sawed-off” tail is a tribute to Saab's first coupe, the Sonett.

The shape of the concept and its aerodynamic treatment enable a drag co-efficient of just 0.25. The doors open upwards, like on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and offer access to the interior, which has a 2+2 layout. The PhoeniX features Saab's all-new IQon infotainment and communications system and a new expression of the driver-focused layout. The IQon uses Google's Android operating system and manages audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and downloading of applications.

The concept is powered by an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle combined with a 200HP 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine (most likely sourced from the BMW Group) that motivates the front wheels. The electric motor/generator develops 34 hp and is powered by a small battery pack, which uses regenerative braking to sustain the charge.

The eXWD hybrid all-wheel drive setup and the start-stop system allow for an average fuel consumption of only 5 liters/100 km (47 mpg) and a CO2 emissions level of 119 g/km. The eco-friendliness doesn't mean the PhoeniX is “soft”: it does 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The driver can choose between three eXWD operating modes: Eco, Sport and Traction. The first is set by default and delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency, the second includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear-axle and the third enables optimal grip in slippery conditions and at take-off.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Saab's Geneva Motor Show Surprise is Sports Car Concept Called the Phoenix

When Saab first revealed its plans to debut a new concept model at the Geneva Salon a couple of weeks ago, the Swedish company did not release any details whatsoever about the study. And while Saab is still keeping its cards close to its chest, we managed to find out that the study is called the Phoenix and that it's a sports car concept equipped with a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The Phoenix is the work of Saab's new design boss of former Bertone fame, Jason Castriota, and its main purpose is to preview the brand's next styling direction.

We'll have more on the Phoenix as well as Saab's other debuts such as the new 9-5-Sportcombi and the updated 9-3 range after their debuts in Geneva in less than 24 hours from now.

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Saab Releases First Video of New 9-5 SportCombi

If you're tired of looking at the same batch of pictures of the Geneva motor show-bound 2012 9-5 SportCombi, you'll be happy to know that Saab has published the first video of its flagship station wagon model, and furthermore, the car seen here is finished in a shiny black hue.

As a quick reminder, the SportCombi will be backed by the same all-turbo gasoline, bioethanol and diesel powertrain line-up as the 9-5 sedan, and will also offer the option of the firm's XWD all-wheel-drive system. First customer deliveries of the 9-5 SportCombi are expected in September.

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Spyker to Sell its Sportscar Business in Order to Focus on SAAB

Spyker Cars N.V., the Dutch owner of Saab, announced today that is has started negotiations to sell its sports car brand in order to focus on the development of premium car maker Saab, which it acquired one year ago from General Motors.

The Dutch company said it will sell the assets of its Spyker sportscar business to the UK-based CPP Global Holdings Limited, owned by Russian millionaire Vladimir Antonov. The terms of the deal include an initial purchase price of EUR15 million, plus a further EUR17 million to be paid from future earnings over a six-year period. The money will be used by Spyker Cars N.V. to reduce its debt.

Once the deal is completed, the Dutch company will be renamed so it would not be confused with the Spyker brand. CPP Global Holdings Ltd. will become the owner of virtually all assets related to the Spyker business, including trademarks, intellectual property rights and, of course, the model range.

“Without Spyker we would not have been able to acquire Saab Automobile last year but the Spyker Business soon became a small fish in a large pond as a result. In terms of the overall results of Spyker Cars N.V., the Spyker Business had become immaterial, but to develop its business going forward, its cash needs are relatively significant,” said Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars N.V. and Chaiman of Saab Automobile AB.

"The management of the company has very exciting plans for Spyker and the brand is entering a period of major developments," CPP's managing director Brendan O'Toole added.

CPP Global Holdings has been producing chassis and body panels for Spyker since 2000 and the C8 Aileron model since 2009. The company's controversial owner, Vladimir Antonov, used to own 29.9 percent of Spyker through his Snoras bank, but had his share bought out by Victor Muller's Tenaci Capital before the acquisition of Saab.

By Dan Mihalascu

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