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Saab will declare its independence as a carmaker with the launch of an all-new 9-3 in late 2012. Rebadged as the 93, the new model will also mark the reintroduction of a hatchback version reminiscent of the classic 900.

Saab is working on a new platform — known internally as the ‘Phoenix Architecture’ — that will underpin the next-generation 9-3 family as well as the eventual replacement for the latest 9-5, which has just been launched.

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Autocar:

Saab will declare its independence as a carmaker with the launch of an all-new 9-3 in late 2012. Rebadged as the 93, the new model will also mark the reintroduction of a hatchback version reminiscent of the classic 900.

Saab is working on a new platform — known internally as the ‘Phoenix Architecture’ — that will underpin the next-generation 9-3 family as well as the eventual replacement for the latest 9-5, which has just been launched.

Read the full article

 

As long as their 4WD system eliminates torque steer, I'd seriously consider one. Now, you'll never, ever persuade me totally out of BMW ownerships, but I really think Saab are onto something. The current 9-5 is the last of the GM-era designs, and it looks good, but is seemingly not quite up to scratch. Now they're free to design everything themselves, I think Saab have really got a bright future. I wish them all the very best. If their designs end up looking as bonkers as those of their owners, all the better.

Not sure about the supposetly BMW derived engine though. As long as it's 4 cylinder ok, but what about the 6 cylinder option? BMW doesn't make V6 engines, they make I6 engines, which is fine for RWD, but Saab are the pioners of FWD. And why not use the present 2 liter engine, which is really a Saab design, installed in GMs lineup?. 

Isnt this the third or fouth design ive seen for the 93 in the past 6 months? The new car does look different ill give it that. I only hope that they actually make it rather than keep releasing scetches of cars that they have no intention of ever making.

2012? hmmmm, i dont think so. after all the original release for the current 95 was 2008.

Personally i think that the new owners of Saab motor company are testing reaction of these to find out if there is enough interest not in one model, but to carry on with the brand full stop.

 

 First things first, massivLY UGLY Maybe the ugliest three door ever? The panamania of hatches.

Second AC are vague here, is this another GM chassis or not? j

Have to say I think that is a stunning looking vehicle, at last a smaller car that doesnt look like a golf or a focus, hope it makes it to market looking like that, 2012 is a long way off though in the current climate, they really need it sooner than that which cant be done.

This car is potentially a winner and if Muller can pull it off by 2012, that would be incredible. The design is clearly an evolution of the 900’s design and therefore has a Saab heritage. I don’t think that we have to be overly concerned about what the floorpan it has or who makes the running gear or quality issues as these will have to be tuned to the new era’s needs and aspirations for Saab. The important thing for Saab is to be able to ditch the GM era’s 9-3 as rapidly as possible.

If it really looks like this then they must be on to a winner. Fabulous.

Looks really exciting and true to Saab's current styling guide.  Would have liked it to be somewhat larger especially in the rear and boot capacity - the A3 is woeful in this regard and a larger car for the same money would be another Saab USP.

 

All the same, with the new 9-5 getting such solid reviews and the 9-4x ready to launch, this is becoming a very exciting period for Saab and good luck to them.

saaby:

Would have liked it to be somewhat larger especially in the rear and boot capacity - the A3 is woeful in this regard

 

How so? The A3 has as much rear room as a Golf which is widely regarded as being spacious for the class and the boot at 370 litres while not class leading is above average for the class. I know because when looking to downsize to a 'Golf' size car space was one of the most important aspects for me and the Golf/A3 were up there with the best in class. I wouldn't have ordered one if the space wasn't good.

Looking forward to this new 9-3. I just hope they don't rush it through too quickly and end up with yet more Saabs which don't deserve the badge.

If the new A3 rival is to be called 9-3, what will the current Mondeo/3-Series rivalling 9-3 be called? I'd assume 9-4?

Lee23404:

The A3 has as much rear room as a Golf

Fair enough, but the 9-3 is a more natural competitor for the A4 and 3 series, not the A3.  The 900 which was its predecessor used to play with 5 series in its hayday!