Saab 9-7X

Refimprove|date=May 2008Infobox Automobile
name=Saab 9-7X


manufacturer=Saab Automobile
parent_company=General Motors
production=2005-2009
class=Mid-size SUV
body_style=4-door SUV
platform=GMT360
related=Buick Rainier
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
GMC Envoy
Oldsmobile Bravada (2002-04)
Isuzu Ascender
Chevrolet SSR
successor=Saab 9-4X
layout=Front engine, four-wheel drive
assembly=Moraine, Ohio, USA
engine=4.2 L "Vortec" I6
5.3 L "Vortec" V8
6.0 L LS2 V8
wheelbase= Auto in|113.0|0
length= Auto in|193.2|0
width= Auto in|75.4|0
height= Auto in|68.5|0
transmission=4-speed automatic
predecessor=Oldsmobile Bravada

The Saab 9-7X is a Saab-branded mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) based on General Motors' GMT360 platform, which also includes the current GMC Envoy and Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and for this the 9-7X has been given the nickname "Trollblazer", although it is not assembled in Trollhättan, Sweden, the traditional production site for Saabs).The 9-7X is GM's highest priced mid-size SUV and the first American built Saab. It is assembled in the same United States Moraine, Ohio production plant as the other GMT360 SUVs and shares many components with its platform mates. The Saab 9-7X succeeds the Oldsmobile Bravada as GM's flagship mid-size SUV, and is the most expensive Saab ever produced. Its body panels are shared with the discontinued Bravada, yet it is distinguished by its front fascia, headlamps, hood, roof rack, tail lamps, and rear bumper.

It is the only GMT360 SUV not available with rear-wheel drive and, along with the Saab 9-2X, one of the first Saabs to feature standard all-wheel drive. 9-7X is also the first production Saab with a V8 engine and features substantial chassis revisions, including a convert|1|in|adj=on lower ride hight and revised bushings and dampers, standard rear air suspension, and quicker steering to sharpen the handling. The interior design is inspired by the Saab 9-5 with features like the console-mounted ignition switch and swing-out cupholder retained. Missing are the "night panel" switch that extinguishes all unnecessary dash lighting, as well as the Saab active head restraints.

The GMT360 platform and the 9-7X are not scheduled to be updated or continued after 2009. Its position in the Saab lineup was eventually to be occupied by the Subaru B9 Tribeca-based Saab 9-6X, however GM has divested its Subaru stock and 9-6X development has been cancelled. Instead, the position will be filled by the Theta-based 9-4X, which is scheduled for production in mid 2009 as an early 2010 model. However, according to the GM Fleet website, the 9-7X, along with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy will remain in production for the 2009 model year. However, GM has been on track by discontinuing the Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender. Also, the Moraine plant will close on December 23, 2008, spelling the end for the Saab 9-7X.

Variants

All 9-7Xs feature all-wheel drive, leather seats, convert|18|in|adj=on alloy wheels, and side-curtain airbags. Entertainment and convenience features include OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, a 6-CD Bose audio system, and either a sunroof or a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. (From 2006 on, those two options can be combined) Like other Saab models, there were two named variants in 2005:
* "Linear" or "4.2i" - Features the Convert|285|hp|kW|0| "Atlas LL8" straight-6 engine with 12-spoke wheels.
* "Arc" or "5.3i" - Features the Convert|300|hp|kW|0| "Vortec LH6" V8 engine with six-spoke wheels and adds xenon HID headlamps with high-pressure washers and adjustable pedals. The 5.3 Liter V8 engine gained Displacement on Demand in 2006.
* "Aero" - For 2008 a new high performance variant was added using the Convert|390|hp|kW|0| 6.0L GM Small-Block LS2 also found in the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS also featuring 20 inch rims, a heavy-duty automatic transmission and Aero-embroidered leather-appointed seats and floormats. Saab claims that the 9-7X Aero can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

The Saab 9-7X (or Saab 9^7X) should not be confused with the Saab 97 (Saab Sonett II and III) produced from 1966 to 1974.

Markets

Although the Saab 9-7X was developed for the North American market, the model is sold in many countries: Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.

References

#

[http://http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/12/01/153302.html Saab 9-7X will be distributed in Switzerland and Italy via importers, and will be sold through selected Saab dealers] "The Auto Channel"

[http://media.gm.com/me/gm/en/dubai/index.html General Motors Presents More Than A Dozen Debuts at 8th Middle East International Motor Show] "GM Media Online GM Arabia"

External links

* [http://www2.saabusa.com/97release/ Saab USA press release]
* [http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/97x/index.jsp Saab 9-7X Official Home Page]