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Saab Targeting China SUV Market in 2011

Saab’s management has decided to sell its cars in new markets, such as China, Russia, Brazil and Mexico starting from the first half of 2011. Its luxury crossover, the Saab 9-4X, will be the first model to reach Chinese Customers in the spring of next year.

The 2012 Saab 9-4X, which made its world debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show, will go on sale in the US next May starting at $34,205 (EUR25,768) and will be sold in Europe and other markets in August 2011. It is an important step in the Swedish brand's renaissance as an independent premium car manufacturer.

The SUV will be available with a choice between two engine options: the 3.0-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine which delivers maximum power of 265 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 9.0 seconds, and the 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged engine which produces maximum power of 300 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm, and takes only 8.3 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h (62 mph). Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Advanced driving technologies include Saab XWD, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, which varies torque between the front and rear axles. This system offers optimized grip in all conditions, dry or wet, smooth or loose, on road or off-road.

The crossover has very distinctive features, such as a windshield and door pillars that create that Saab's signature wraparound effect. The general look of the car is free from unnecessary decorations or trim. Entry-level variants will be fitted with 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels, while Aero models will come with 20-inch, nine-spoke 'turbine' alloy wheels, as well as a black mesh front grille.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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