Saab promises 'different' SUV; mid-sized truck will fill big void in model lineup (Trailblazer based)

[NFS4]

Well what do you suggest GM do with SAAB? Personally, I don't think an SUV with SAAB's quirky handling (or lack of..apart from the newest 9-3) would be quite safe , so I'm sure the Trailblazer chassis will improve on that.

Yeah, that solid rear axle is gonna be GREAT for handling

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: NFS4

The point of the matter is, there are ENOUGH of these damn clones running around as it is. Just adding another one and slapping a Saab badge on it isn't going to fool any current Saab owners. They're just going to move on over to the other Swede...the XC90.

You have to realize who Saab caters too. Your typical Saab owners isn't some mud-slinging off-roading type. They're educated professionals with sensible tastes. That is where car based SUV's come into the picture. And basing the 9-7 off the current 9-3 or 9-5 would have been the best bet. You'd have a TRUE Saab with the same handling dynamics and engines/transmissions that Saab owners are used to.

The SRX platform would have been just as good, but GM is too cheap to use the platform for Saab, so they pawn off another Trailblazer clone.

I'd take a gander to say that the 25% of Saab owners leaving for SUVs aren't going after truck-based SUV's. They're going after RX330's, SRX's, FX45's, XC90's, MDX's, X5's, etc. Anything Trailblazer based has nothing on those vehicles in refinement/handling/ride quality/etc....PERIOD.

Ok.

I'm not even going to argue with you anymore, as you seem to have the ability to read the minds of customers AROUND THE WORLD in the blink of an eye. Have you ever considered getting a job with Consumer Reports? I think they'd love your bias towards the popular brands of today and the whole car-based SUV thing.

Seriously, you should drop off a resume.

Take a look at what Ford is doing with Volvo. Then take a look at what GM is doing with Saab. Ford has managed to breathe life into Volvo, keep its heritage, and even add an SUV that has Volvo written all over it. Hell, Ford has even seen it fit to give Volvo the hi-po S60-R and V70-R.

Then you look at Saab and just shake your head

I agree, Ford is taking the best possible direction with Volvo and they will be much better off in the future because of it.

Saab on the other hand has had sagging sales and has been losing money for a number of years. Add to this the fact that they really didn't have a whole lot new that was coming down the pipe, and this was a recipe for disaster.

What i'm trying to say is: GM didn't really have a whole lot to work with when they purchased Saab, and until they return to profitability you're going to see a few more "rebadges" before you see some all-new Saab only models. Would you sink a gazillion dollars into a platform that is going to be exclusively used by a money-losing subsiduary? Sounds alot like throwing your eggs all in one basket, which is NOT a good idea.

At any rate, I want to see the end product of this before I draw any conclusions.

 

[CFster]

Yeah, the Trailblazer is a great design. I love how they integrate the front differential and engine oil pan into one unit.

Mechanic ---> Shoots self in head...

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Well what do you suggest GM do with SAAB? Personally, I don't think an SUV with SAAB's quirky handling (or lack of..apart from the newest 9-3) would be quite safe , so I'm sure the Trailblazer chassis will improve on that.

Yeah, that solid rear axle is gonna be GREAT for handling

nah..you'd need solid front AND rear axles for great handling!

N8Magic: I agree with you..that it will take time b4 they develop all new SAAB-models..but instead of making a Trailblazer-clone in the intermin, why not just not do it, and focus more resources on creating all new platforms?

Either way, I want to see the final product b4 I say any more.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: CFster
Yeah, the Trailblazer is a great design. I love how they integrate the front differential and engine oil pan into one unit.

Mechanic ---> Shoots self in head...

I find that cool and odd at the same time. I saw a pic, where the axle went right thru the engine block (there's actually a hole in the block for the axle, since the motor is so big!).

 

[CFster]

Actually it goes through the oil pan, not the block. This is because GM, in their infinite wisdom has taken a step backwards and decided a straight 6 engine is better than a V6 engine. Becuase of the added length of the straight 6, the engine would stick out the front of the hood. So their solution was to lower the engine in the vehicle - the problem is that it would run into the front differential so they decided to integrate the two together. Brilliant. We'll see how that survives the test of time.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: CFster
Actually it goes through the oil pan, not the block. This is because GM, in their infinite wisdom has taken a step backwards and decided a straight 6 engine is better than a V6 engine. Becuase of the added length of the straight 6, the engine would stick out the front of the hood. So their solution was to lower the engine in the vehicle - the problem is that it would run into the front differential so they decided to integrate the two together. Brilliant. We'll see how that survives the test of time.

BMW uses straight sixes...

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: CFster
Actually it goes through the oil pan, not the block. This is because GM, in their infinite wisdom has taken a step backwards and decided a straight 6 engine is better than a V6 engine. Becuase of the added length of the straight 6, the engine would stick out the front of the hood. So their solution was to lower the engine in the vehicle - the problem is that it would run into the front differential so they decided to integrate the two together. Brilliant. We'll see how that survives the test of time.

straight 6, in terms of refinement and power, is better than a v6 if they're designed with the same care. and for a rwd vehicle it isn't very hard to package it at all, which is why bmw and lexus use them. the straight 6 in the blazer would be a great engine for a camaro successor. wouldn't be surprised if it shows up in caddys either.

 

[ultimatebob]

I'll wait for the reviews before I pass judgement on this one. Sure, Saab doesn't seem like kind of name that I would associate with an SUV, but then neither was Porsche or VW until recently.

 

[Cfour]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
u argueing that the trailblazer sux????

or just that saab would do that?

cuz if you are saying the trailblazer sux, it doesnt, its comfy, can fit 7 comfortably, and im 6'2, dads 6'4, decent accel. gas mileage decent, decent looks, good body structure.

now about the saab would do that, i got nutin on that

MIKE

Not to mention a great engine.

 

[Cfour]

Originally posted by: N8Magic


At any rate, I want to see the end product of this before I draw any conclusions.

I think this might be the most intelligent post made in this thread. Trailblazer "clone" or not, this car isn't even out yet and everyone is ripping it apart.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: NFS4

The point of the matter is, there are ENOUGH of these damn clones running around as it is. Just adding another one and slapping a Saab badge on it isn't going to fool any current Saab owners. They're just going to move on over to the other Swede...the XC90.

You have to realize who Saab caters too. Your typical Saab owners isn't some mud-slinging off-roading type. They're educated professionals with sensible tastes. That is where car based SUV's come into the picture. And basing the 9-7 off the current 9-3 or 9-5 would have been the best bet. You'd have a TRUE Saab with the same handling dynamics and engines/transmissions that Saab owners are used to.

The SRX platform would have been just as good, but GM is too cheap to use the platform for Saab, so they pawn off another Trailblazer clone.

I'd take a gander to say that the 25% of Saab owners leaving for SUVs aren't going after truck-based SUV's. They're going after RX330's, SRX's, FX45's, XC90's, MDX's, X5's, etc. Anything Trailblazer based has nothing on those vehicles in refinement/handling/ride quality/etc....PERIOD.

Ok.

I'm not even going to argue with you anymore, as you seem to have the ability to read the minds of customers AROUND THE WORLD in the blink of an eye. Have you ever considered getting a job with Consumer Reports? I think they'd love your bias towards the popular brands of today and the whole car-based SUV thing.

Seriously, you should drop off a resume.

Take a look at what Ford is doing with Volvo. Then take a look at what GM is doing with Saab. Ford has managed to breathe life into Volvo, keep its heritage, and even add an SUV that has Volvo written all over it from safety to engines/transmissions/suspension to it's overall look. Hell, Ford has even seen it fit to give Volvo the hi-po S60-R and V70-R.

Then you look at Saab and just shake your head

FYI the V70 R has been around for a loooong time, just not in the US. I had a V70 T5 for a while, it FLEW!

 

[CFster]

Volvo is having trouble selling cars right now. This has been my experience lately in the wholesale automobile industry.