Saab is the latest manufacturer to be linked with entering the World Rally Championship.
Autosport claims Saab is looking at using its forthcoming 9-2 supermini as the basis for its WRC entry in 2012.
The report claims meetings between Saab’s parent firm Spyker and WRC officials have already taken place, with further talks planned at the Rally of France in October.
Read the full story on Mini's return to the WRC
"The initial meeting has happened and there's a huge amount of enthusiasm from all concerned,” sources close to the deal told Autosport. “Like Mini, Saab has a great heritage in the sport and a return to the WRC makes a lot of sense."
Mini confirmed its intentions to enter the WRC from 2011 last week. Interestingly, Saab is looking at using the new BMW/Mini front-drive platform for its new 9-2, while also using BMW engines for future models.
Read more on Saab's potential deal with BMW/Mini
Saab is particularly keen on the 1.6-litre turbo petrol and turbodiesel units used in the Mini. Mini will use its turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine to power its Countryman WRC car and the same engine is almost certain to find its way into the Saab WRC car, should the deal materialise.
Volkswagen has also been linked with a WRC entry in 2012 when its Dakar Rally commitments end next year.
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Re: Saab linked to WRC entry
You seem to have such a persistent hatred of SAAB. I wonder why that is?
Re: Saab linked to WRC entry
The nay sayers are working overtime too! ;)
Victor Muller is an enthusiast with dreams. He has ambition, and he also has money (Isn't he a billionaire?). Spyker cars are gorgeous, let's just forget the fact that they are loss making for a bit.
Saab has alot more of a fighting chance now. Victor realises what used to make a Saab a Saab. Unlike GM who had no clue. Victor is also blessed that he has new models from the off thanks to GM finally trying to sort out Saab before they realised it was too little too late.
It may yet fail, and this will no doubt please the nay sayers. But the fact that there were 'save saab' convoys across Europe, and the fact that the 9-5 and forthcoming 9-4 should generate sales, and the fact that Saab are run by enthusiasts who understand Saabs heritage make me think and hope that Saab will succeed.
The new 92 and WRC entry make me even more inclined to think that good times are coming for Saab.
And what's wrong with all the positive PR? It helps people realise that Saab is still alive and still kicking!
(can you tell that I love my Saabs?!)
Re: Saab linked to WRC entry
Blimey Saab's PR company is working overtime big time!
Whatever next.... 'Saab design spaceship that runs on biopower'?
I mean you cant blame them for trying, the truth is the new owners are just making the company more attractive to the next imminent owner no doubt......
I doubt any of the fantasy will see the light of day