Spyshots: Saab 9-5 Estate

The new Saab 9-5 is seen as one of the models that could keep the Swedish brand alive but even so, the financial problems and the lack of interested investors might actually kill the company. Unfortunately for Saab, Koenigsegg decided to walk away from the deal, with General Motors now looking into several options over the Saab's future.

Still, the company continues working on its models, although it can't be sure that some of them might actually reach the market. This is the case of Saab 9-5 Estate, a model that is currently undergoing new tests in southern Italy.

The car is expected to be launched in autumn 2010 but, again, only if General Motors finds a new investor for the Swedish brand.

Details regarding the estate version are yet to be disclosed but as you can see in the adjacent photos, the car will adopt the same design line as the sedan version. The rear side will be reworked as well, but most of the new parts are still covered by camouflage.

Unfortunately, the 9-5 estate might be an unsuccessful model from the very beginning as nobody knows for sure whether Saab will live on or will be discontinued just like Saturn and Pontiac. General Motors revealed, after its monthly meeting earlier this year, that it still expects bids for Saab until the end of December. If no offer is submitted, GM could scrap the brand.

"The time factor has from the beginning been critical for our strategy to breathe new life into the company. Unfortunately, delays in completing the deal have led to risks and uncertainties that prevent us from successfully carrying out our business plan for Saab Automobile," Christian von Koenigsegg said when stopping negotiations for Saab.