Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.
A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand changed hands, the 9-4X is one of the last vehicles to be co-developed with its former owner, General Motors. It is based on the Cadillac SRX and will be built alongside its American counterpart at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
Under the hood, North American buyers will have a choice of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level powerplant is a 265HP 3.0-liter V6 with direct-injection that can be ordered with FWD or AWD, while at the top of the range sits a 300HP 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharging and standard AWD. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.
"We are now embarking on the biggest new product offensive in Saab's history," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "The 9-4X is the second new car we have introduced this year and it will significantly broaden the appeal of the Saab brand by giving us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that is sporty and unmistakably a Saab."
The Saab 9-4X will hit U.S. dealerships in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August of the same year.
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