The new 9-5 model is already available and the 9-4X crossover is scheduled to make its debut at the L.A. Auto Show in November.
One of the Swedish automaker’s next moves is to release a successor for the 9-3 model, which will have its world premiere at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, as autocar reports.
Company insiders told the aforementioned source that the next generation of the 9-3 will enter production at the Trollhattan plant at the beginning of October 2012.
The vehicle will be based on a new architecture, which will be created by Saab starting from the current 9-3 platform. The future 9-3 range is expected to include a hatchback and a cabrio. It is uncertain if the carmaker will also introduce a saloon and an estate version. The vehicle is expected to come with a bold design - in fact, this should be one of the car’s top assets.
As for the engine range, this will certainly include a turbocharged 1.6 liter petrol engine borrowed from MINI, as Saab and BMW recently announced an engine supply deal. Saab will also offer an electric four-wheel drive system. Developed by American Axle, this should use a new multilink rear suspension and two electric engines, one for propulsion and one serving as a differential for the rear wheels. The system will use a 1kWh battery to power the rear axle when this is needed. All future all-wheel-drive Saabs will drop the current mechanical system in favor of this one.
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