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Saab 9-2X

This article is about the Saab 9-2X from the 21st century. There is also the Saab 92, from the 20th century.

SAAB 9-2x
Manufacturer:	Subaru
Production:	Upcoming
Class:	Sportscar
Body Styles:	4-door sedan
Predecessor:	none
Successor:	none
Shares components with:	Subaru Impreza WRX
Similar models:	Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Volkswagen R32
This article is part of the automobile series.

The Saab 9-2X is a Saab-branded automobile assembled by Subaru and based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, but with a modified exterior and interior. (Even before it was released, the 9-2X earned the nickname "Saabaru.") As of 2004, Saab planned to offer the 9-2X to the public in July 2004, for the 2005 model year, as both a sedan and a wagon (Car Design News, Inc., n.d.) in locales where Saab was currently unrecognized by the majority of the populace. Europe is an example of an excluded location. Initial sales have been slow with just 410 sold in the first two months.

Characteristics

The wagon has a base horsepower of 227. It is priced at around USD$25,000. It is a DOHC 9-x2 turbocharged that can produce 227 HP at 6000 RPM, as well as 217 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The car comes with a standard five speed transmision, though a four-speed automatic is avalible.

The powertrain consists of the following.:

• Either a 2.5 liter, flat, four-cylinder engine in the Linear model, or a 2.0 liter, turbocharged, flat, four-cylinder engine shared with the WRX in the Aero model
• A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
• An all-wheel drive drivetrain

(Car Design News, Inc., n.d.)

Background

Although pushed by General Motors, which is the owner of Saab and a major minority shareholder in Subaru, the 9-2X is not particularly popular with brand enthusiasts, nor, reportedly, management at the companies concerned. From the perspective of Saab enthusiasts, the idea has been criticized for the fact that the changes are merely cosmetic; thus, while it may look like a Saab, it might not drive like a Saab, nor have the same high standard of safety as a Saab (although the Impreza is among the safest cars in its class). Subaru, meanwhile, is not happy about its image-building "hero car" being used to prop up another brand - although officially both companies support the idea, and stress their common background in aviation and rally. Many Subaru owners, especially boy racers, liked the idea since they hoped to be able to use Saab parts to style their Subarus - notably the Subaru interior, which is often described as outdated and truck-like. Initial reviews have praised the car for its handling and higher-quality interior.

References

• Car Design News, Inc. (n.d.). Saab 9-2X. In Los Angeles Auto Show 2004 - Highlights. Retrieved January 18, 2004 from http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2004/losangeles/highlights/index.html