
Saab
To Hatch New Concept at Frankfurt
At a special event Monday September 8, 2003 in
conjunction with next month's Frankfurt Motor Show -- Saab will unveil a new
'Sport-Hatch' concept car that challenges the distinction between traditional
hatchback and wagon bodystyles.
Saab continues its recent product offensive
with the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept -- a sporty, five-door, 4 seat car that
offers driver-focused performance and innovative versatility features, all
packaged in a 'fastback' shape that draws its inspiration from the Saab 9-3X
'cross-over coupe' concept that premiered last year.
Powered by a high performance 250 bhp,
2.0-liter turbo engine, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept signifies Saab's intention
to enter the
mid-size
wagon segment with a sporty product that reflects Saab's tradition for designing
surprisingly versatile 5-door models. The concept team, under Saab
Executive Director of Design Michael Mauer, has expanded a number of exterior
and interior design themes from the 9-3jJX concept car -- signaling Saab's
future in this segment.
"Just as the 9-3x occupies a position where
coupe meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback
and wagon," says Mauer. "It is the sort of product that should come from
Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this."
"We have promised the largest product
offensive in our history," said Saab CEO Peter Augustsson, "and with all the
products that we've shown in the last two years, it's obvious that we're keeping
that promise. This concept car isn't just a show car. It
demonstrates our intent to continue to evolve and expand the 9-3 model line."
The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is the latest
development in the most comprehensive product development program in Saab's
history. Following the unveiling of the multi-dimensional Saab 9X concept
in Frankfurt two years ago, the 9-3X was shown at Detroit last year and the
all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan went on sale last September. This fall, the Saab
9-3 Convertible was launched and next summer the all-wheel-drive Saab 9-2 model
is scheduled to arrive in North America markets.
