The new "Saab-aru" is in!

[red95svx]

Our sister dealership which sells Volkswagons and Saabs just called to say they have the new AWD Saab. This is the car that Fuji Heavy built for Saab (hence the Saabaru joke). It has a WRX 2.0 turbo engine (the 2.5 liter is also available in NA form), and a Subaru AWD transmission. Haven't seen one yet, but I'll try to swing over there to get a pic or two.






Dave

[Chiketkd]

You're referring to the new Saab 9-2X, that's built on the Impreza Wagon platform?

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/17991.jpg

It looks pretty cool, but I find it funny to see a Saab with a hood scoop! :D

Nice car, but the Subaru version runs around 2K cheaper and looks better IMHO...

-Chike

[red95svx]

WOW! Does that scream SUBARU or what! That's soooo funny!








DAve

[red95svx]

The guys at our Saab dealership say that a lot of their customers are snobs (Saab snobs to be more accurate). I can't wait to see one of them driving around in one of these so I can tell them what a nice Subaru they have and watch them get all defensive!





Dave:)

[Chiketkd]

LOL! The body on that Saab wagon looks like 90% Impreza wagon! It'll be funny to see their faces... :D

My ex-boss's wife drove a Saab convertible, and she was the biggest snob. She looked down on all domestics and asian cars... It'll be funny if she ever got one of those! :p

-Chike
Originally posted by red95svx
The guys at our Saab dealership say that a lot of their customers are snobs (Saab snobs to be more accurate). I can't wait to see one of them driving around in one of these so I can tell them what a nice Subaru they have and watch them get all defensive!





Dave:)

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
LOL! The body on that Saab wagon looks like 90% Impreza wagon!

That's because it is. This is analogous to the Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe. The car is slightly restyled, but that's the only major difference. Everything strutural and mechanical is the same. If memory serves, the interior is mostly Impreza, too.

[NeedForSpeed]

Which Subaru assembly line builds this Saab variant? Does it come from Japan, or some US Subaru assembly line?

Does Subaru build cars here like many of the other Japanese companies?

[Seraph]

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed


Does Subaru build cars here like many of the other Japanese companies?

Subaru plant does make a good amount of cars but not everything.

[GreenMarine]

I don't like the Saabaru... It's terrible that another car out there is now gonna have something that was unique to ONLY subaru's... Front mounted Boxer Engine and AWD... It's a sad day for the true subaru fans out there :(:(:(

[Chiketkd]

Funny how a 10% body re-styling, a Saab badge and a 2K increase in price would make 'snobs' think it's a totally different car!

-Chike
Originally posted by Mr. Pockets
That's because it is. This is analogous to the Toyota Matrix / Pontiac Vibe. The car is slightly restyled, but that's the only major difference. Everything strutural and mechanical is the same. If memory serves, the interior is mostly Impreza, too.

[Green1995SVX]

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed
Which Subaru assembly line builds this Saab variant? Does it come from Japan, or some US Subaru assembly line?

Does Subaru build cars here like many of the other Japanese companies?

The line in the US only makes the Legacy platform vehicles, and will make the new 7 passenger subaru SUV. This is an impreza, and is made at the Ota City plant in Gunma, Japan.

Mike

[Green1995SVX]

I think the Saab version is much better looking than the Impreza. It has a much better looking front end (in my opinion). I would imagine they've possibly added leather interior too (I would hope!)

Mike

[nordique14]

My Dad just ordered the new 9-2x (base 2.5 model). He's an ex-GM guy so he gets a discount on cars in GM family (including Saabs). So he is getting the 9-2x for less than he can get an Impreza.

If you want to go drive one, Saab is putting on free driving events across the US.
http://www.events.saabusa.com/default.asp?cosponsorID=EB95E01F-26A1-4A1E-876F-971D63E92E69

I'm signed up to go next week in San Fran. Should be fun. I get to drive the 9-2x before my Dad does. :D

Matt

[Chiketkd]

NOPE! No leather interior...

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/17992.jpg

From the marketing stuff I've read, Saab is trying to appeal to younger buyers with this car. Sporty is in, leather and luxury is out!

Also, everyone will have their own view as to what is looks good, but I find the re-designed '04 Subarus to be the best looking group of cars from the company ever (and I would rather drive the Subaru wagon than the Saab anyday)!

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Chiketkd/17993.jpg

-Chike
Originally posted by Green1995SVX
I think the Saab version is much better looking than the Impreza. It has a much better looking front end (in my opinion). I would imagine they've possibly added leather interior too (I would hope!)

Mike

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by Green1995SVX


The line in the US only makes the Legacy platform vehicles, and will make the new 7 passenger subaru SUV. This is an impreza, and is made at the Ota City plant in Gunma, Japan.

Mike

A Saab, built in Gunma, Japan. What a world? Where is the Euro snob-appeal in that??

My dad only wants to buy American. Yet, Toyota trucks have more American content than the big three brands. Brand loyalty is a powerful force, eh Subaru lovers,,,,

So, considering brand loyalty, how many Euro Saab affectionados want to buy a quirky SubaSaab instead of a genuinely more quirky SaabSaab? Has Saab so few models that a badged Subaru would appeal to their customers? How Saab [sad] is that?

Bet those GENUINE SAAB/SUBARU parts cost twice what GENUINE SUBARU parts cost.

I bet many a Saab will be serviced by Subaru.

[Green1995SVX]

Im not sure if yinz noticed or not, but the new saab SUV is a trailblazer.

Mike

[nordique14]

Originally posted by Green1995SVX
Im not sure if yinz noticed or not, but the new saab SUV is a trailblazer.

Really? I don't think it breaks any new ground. :D:D:D:D

Sorry couldn't resist.

Matt

[mbtoloczko]

So does this mean that the Saabaru is made in Japan, then shipped to Sweden, and then to the States???

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by nordique14


Really? I don't think it breaks any new ground. :D:D:D:D

Sorry couldn't resist.

Matt

That's GM for ya!

GM messed up a whole decade with cookie-cutter Oldsmobiles, Buicks, Cads, Pontiacs and Chevy; messed up so bad that Oldmobile, the oldest of the all, was lost for lack of identity, and Cadillac had lost all of its glory.

Maybe Ford has done a better job with their collection of Brands. A Volvo still looks like a Volvo, not a Taurus; and a Jag looks Jag, not like a Mercury. [Although a Mazda SUV looks like the Ford Escape, etc.]

W.T.H., I don't care. My SVX looks like a SVX, and that's unlike anything else. Probably why I like it. Same with my StingRay.

Certainly, GM would allow a Saab to be Subaru built and powered, but will the Subaru SUV be Chevy built and powered?

Tell me it ain't so!

[nubs]

I was at the Carlisle Import show this past weekend, along with a few other members,Subafreak and Shadowyng,Benebob and Hocrest,and Saab had one of the Saabaru's on display.
Me and Eric (Shadowyng) talked to a few Saab enthusiast about it, and they were not to happy about it at all.
I am not sure how I feel about them making this car, but I have to say that I do like the way it looks.
It definitely is all Subaru right down to the nameplates under the hood. That is Shadowyng in the picture:)


http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/nubs/17994.JPG
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/nubs/17995.JPG

[Chiketkd]

They need to get over themselves... :rolleyes: Subaru is adding reliability, quality, true sportiness and style to their line - for the first time ever!!! :)

-Chike
Originally posted by nubs
Me and Eric (Shadowyng) talked to a few Saab enthusiast about it, and they were not to happy about it at all.

[Bobb]

Hi everyone, I would not buy anything from the "GENERAL", which creates a problem with Subaru. OK, only a 20% problem. I think all or almost all the rest of Saab care are now based on Opel cars. I think Saab is pretty much gone as a seperate car line. Thats how they got sucked up by the GENERAL. They didn't sell enough cars to keep going and be competitive. The same for the GENERAL. So he used opel cars as a base for Saabs current line. As I always say." You pays your money and you gets your thrills." Take care, BOBB

[dcarrb]

Originally posted by nubs

It definitely is all Subaru right down to the nameplates under the hood.

It actually has Subaru badging under the hood?!


dcb

[robricc]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
They need to get over themselves... :rolleyes: Subaru is adding reliability, quality, true sportiness and style to their line - for the first time ever!!! :)

-Chike


If you know nothing about Saab's past & present lineup or history, you shouldn't say stuff like that. I was at the Carlisle, PA show this weekend with the Saab club because I have a 2002 9-3 Viggen.

Your comment about style is laughable since Saab took an econobox and made it look far better than the Impreza.

I personally don't care that much about the 9-2x. I think if GM is going to make Saab rebadge a car, it should be a Subaru. The two companies are a good fit for eachother since they both produce quirky and unique cars. The only problems with the 9-2x is the interior is totally Subaru. There was no effort made to hide that. But anyone with a brain in their head will know a 9-2x is really an Impreza no matter what you do to it. If you don't, I don't want to know you.

I think most Saab enthusiasts are against the 9-2x because it marks the beginning of GM's overpowering influence on Saab's future. The 9-2x is the first car that Saab is rebadging from someone else and already the 9-7x (TrailBlazer rebadge) is coming right behind it. Saab Cars USA's headquarters were just moved from Norcoss, GA to Detroit which is another scary move. The writing on the wall indicates that Saab will become the next Oldsmobile. A brand of pseudo-luxury rebadge cars that will ultimately lead to the brand's demise.

Anyway, the 9-2x is supposed to only be a temporary measure to gain younger customers with less income. The next Impreza is rumored to be jointly developed between Subaru and Saab. If true, it will be very interesting to see what the resulting car is like.

I don't want to start a war with anyone since I also own an SVX, so this is probably the only post I will make on the subject.

[red95svx]

Originally posted by robricc

Your comment about style is laughable since Saab took an econobox and made it look far better than the Impreza.
[/i]



That "econobox" goes 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. That's faster than a lot of Porsches, some of which cost 3 times more than the WRX. Doesn't sound like much of an econobox to me.




Dave

[Chiketkd]

I can respect your opinion and I hope you can respect mine. We can leave it at that... ;)

-Chike
Originally posted by robricc
I don't want to start a war with anyone since I also own an SVX, so this is probably the only post I will make on the subject.

[GreenMarine]

Civics are "econoboxes"... Econoboxes get about 30mpg... I haven't heard of a WRX getting 30mpg and being an Economical car... Unless you can keep it outta boost all the time :rolleyes:

[robricc]

Originally posted by red95svx

That "econobox" goes 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. That's faster than a lot of Porsches, some of which cost 3 times more than the WRX. Doesn't sound like much of an econobox to me.

Dave

My quote was referring to style. Also, I said Impreza, not WRX which is what you're describing. Either way, the Impreza and Impreza WRX are economy cars. The WRX just happens to be a fast economy car (once you get above 3500 RPM).

Don't take this to mean I don't appreciate the WRX. I like its performance, but its style really blows (in my opinion). I'm talking WRX-specific styling right now. I'd rather have an older 2.5RS coupe with WRX engine in it than what Subaru currently offers. And, if price were not an issue, I would buy the 9-2x over the WRX simply due to exterior styling.

[red95svx]

Justys are econoboxs. Loyales are econoboxs. Fiesta's are econoboxs. Older Civics and Escorts are econoboxs. Most Hyundais are econoboxs. They are small, inexpensive, usually a little sluggish, great on gas. A WRX is an econobox? I don't see how it is.






Dave

[alacrity024]

i'm just a disgusted brand purist. one of the reasons i got so into subaru is because none of their cars were rebadged and sold as other marques. the front-mounted AWD flat 4/6 combo was unique on the market.. blah.. i don't like the way the world works sometimes.. :mad:

[robricc]

Originally posted by red95svx
Justys are econoboxs. Loyales are econoboxs. Fiesta's are econoboxs. Older Civics and Escorts are econoboxs. Most Hyundais are econoboxs. They are small, inexpensive, usually a little sluggish, great on gas. A WRX is an econobox? I don't see how it is.

Dave

God forbid I say anything remotely anti-Subaru. I say remotely because labeling a car as economy is not necessarily dissing it. It's true that an Impreza is not like a Kia Rio, but they are both economy cars. Similar to how a BMWs and Lincolns are luxury cars, but both are very different in price and performance.

Also, what's with the distinction between "old" and "new" Civics? It is undeniable that both are economy cars. I think your standards are set very low. On the other hand, it could be that my standards are too high, but it seems Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=6640&page_number=1) agree with me.

To most folks, the Evo and the STi look absurd. That's because these small economy sedans have been tarted up with improbable—some dare say juvenile—bits and pieces of racy-looking gear. In this fashion, they will be familiar to much of America as variations on the slammed Honda Civic theme.

...

A brief history lesson. It was Subaru that popularized this whole idea of selling economy sedans with punchy turbocharged motors and all-wheel drive to Americans.

[Chiketkd]

I thought that was your last word? :rolleyes: I'll be more than glad to jump back into this discussion - it's not like I never used to write articles on cars for online car pages!

I do know what I'm talking about, and the reason why Saab is being bailed out by the 'General' right now is b/c their quirky styling and high prices have lead to the company's financial demise. Criticise Subaru all you want, but they are having a strong product revival with the '04 re-styling of their 'econoboxes'! :)

At the rate your going robricc, I may not be the only one here who wouldn't want to know you either... :rolleyes:

-Chike
Originally posted by robricc
so this is probably the only post I will make on the subject.

[Chiketkd]

BTW, if you have a point to make - make it. There's no need to resort to any childish comments like the one below. You don't know the first thing about me, and your 'low blow' was uncalled for...

-Chike
Originally posted by robricc
But anyone with a brain in their head will know a 9-2x is really an Impreza no matter what you do to it.

[robricc]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
I thought that was your last word? :rolleyes:

I can't leave this thread alone because you people are twisting my words into something anti-Subaru. And even if I was anti-Subaru, what's the big deal?

I assumed people would want to hear my opinion being involved in both the Saab and Subaru scene.

Originally posted by Chiketkd
I'll be more than glad to jump back into this discussion - it's not like I never used to write articles on cars for online car pages!

Oh wow! Now that's something to talk about! You shut me up! :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
I do know what I'm talking about, and the reason why Saab is being bailed out by the 'General' right now is b/c their quirky styling and high prices have lead to the company's financial demise.

I said you didn't know about Saab's past & present lineup or history. Nothing about Saab's financial situation was brought up until this point.

Originally posted by Chiketkd
Criticise Subaru all you want, but they are having a strong product revival with the '04 re-styling of their 'econoboxes'! :)

Actually, I never criticised Subaru. I said the Impreza is an economy car. Which it is. The style of the new and older WRX is ugly in my opinion.

Originally posted by Chiketkd
At the rate your going robricc, I may not be the only one here who wouldn't want to know you either... :rolleyes:

Oh, you don't want to be my friend? I'm going to cry now. :rolleyes:

I don't know. I am easy to get along with in person at meets and runs and I get along with everyone else. People on web boards seem to be more intolerant of other's views though. It's really sad, especially in a case where we're talking about styling preferences.

[robricc]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
BTW, if you have a point to make - make it. There's no need to resort to any childish comments like the one below. You don't know the first thing about me, and your 'low blow' was uncalled for...

-Chike


Dude, I wasn't even talking about you in that quote. I was talking about the typical Saab driver/buyer that is ignorant of 9-2x being an Impreza.

I can't even imagine how you decided that I was talking about you when I said that.

[GreenMarine]

Woah guys... Lets extinguish those flame throwers before one of the Mods step in and extinguish the thread... Lets try to not take things personal...

:):)

[Chiketkd]

I'm all for that. Let's get back on topic! :D

So will the Saab 9-2X run 0-60mph in 5.4s like the Subaru equivalent? Not sure if any weight has been added in the Saab version...

-Chike
Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
Woah guys... Lets extinguish those flame throwers before one of the Mods step in and extinguish the thread... Lets try to not take things personal...

:):)

[GreenMarine]

I think it's actually gonna be slower than the WRX... However from what I've heard most (If not ALL) the performance parts from the WRX will fit the new Saabaru.... So there's gonna be a few really fast Saabs out there soon :):)

[robricc]

The only non-cosmetic mods I know Saab did was to the steering, suspension, and added sound-deadening material.

[GreenMarine]

So I'm guessing the steering is softer and the suspension is softer??

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
I think it's actually gonna be slower than the WRX... However from what I've heard most (If not ALL) the performance parts from the WRX will fit the new Saabaru.... So there's gonna be a few really fast Saabs out there soon :):)

Wow, this thread has some emotion! [Not referring to above, actually appreciate above, just want to suggest we change the pseudoname we have unofficially given the Subaru variant]

Just to change it up a bit,

Since we are talking about Subarus becoming Saabs, not Saabs becoming Subarus;

And talking about Subaru power,

I say we drop the name Saabaru as it's not a Saab that became a Ru,

Why give Saab the credit?

How about SubaRobbed!! A masterful robbing at that!

Yes, both marks are unique, both like turbo-power, both owned or partly owned by GM, But hey, who robbed from who????

[Chiketkd]

The 5MT version of the 9-2X is 14 lbs heavier than the comparable Subaru Wagon...

Yahoo Autos: 9-2X vs Impreza WRX Wagon (http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/comparison/results.html?carid0=14986&carid1=15012&pagetitle=specifications)

-Chike

[robricc]

Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
So I'm guessing the steering is softer and the suspension is softer??

Saabs are not Cadillacs (yet). Steering has been made "quicker." I don't know what they did with the suspension, but I have my doubts about softer.

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed
Yes, both marks are unique, both like turbo-power, both owned or partly owned by GM, But hey, who robbed from who????

I wouldn't say Saab robbed from Subaru, but at the same time, the 9-2x is not a Saab by any stretch. From my understanding, GM forced the 9-2x (and certainly the 9-7x) on Saab to increase sales in the US. In the case of the 9-7x (which is more controversial in the Saab community), Saab was willing to bring an SUV to market in the US, but the changes they wanted to make to the TrailBlazer would have cost far too much. In the end, GM simply slapped a Saab-ish front on a TrailBlazer and called it a day.

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by robricc


I wouldn't say Saab robbed from Subaru, but at the same time, the 9-2x is not a Saab by any stretch. From my understanding, GM forced the 9-2x (and certainly the 9-7x) on Saab to increase sales in the US. In the case of the 9-7x (which is more controversial in the Saab community), Saab was willing to bring an SUV to market in the US, but the changes they wanted to make to the TrailBlazer would have cost far too much. In the end, GM simply slapped a Saab-ish front on a TrailBlazer and called it a day.

Well, it's a Made in Japan Subaru with Saab badges, If not 'robbed' then certainly parts and engineering 'sharing'. It could be more politically correct to say that Subaru 'loaned' the car to Saab to increase Subaru sales. Is the 9-2x for sale in Europe???

So, this new Subaru variant may better be called:

SubaSaab 9-2x

SubaRob 9-2x

or

SubaRobbed 9-2x

PS

The 9-3 Viggen is one of the most beautiful designs on the road today, In My Opinion.

[robricc]

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed


Well, it's a Made in Japan Subaru with Saab badges, If not 'robbed' then certainly parts and engineering 'sharing'.

No, agree that you can call it robbery. It's just that Saab doesn't think for itself anymore. GM is the one who should be accused of robbery.

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed


The 9-3 Viggen is one of the most beautiful designs on the road today, In My Opinion.

Thanks. I think so too. I don't like the 9-3 so much, but the Viggen body panels really add a lot to the car. Of course, the upgraded engine and turbo don't hurt either. :cool:

[NeedForSpeed]

Agreed,

Saab will beg, borrow, steal, engineer and sell whatever Master General wants.

Agreed,

The Viggen, [I don't know what they did to make it different from other 9-3s], is simply eye candy. Pointed one out to my boys, it was parked near us at a fuel stop after dark. Dark blue, great lines, wheels, a little mysterious-- like what is it? Sort of like SVX what is it? etc. It is what BMW should aspire to.

Okay,

If Saab is going to sell the Chevy Trailblazer much as is?
[because Saab is 100% owned by GM?]

What will the Subaru SUV look like? More like a Subaru, I'd say
[because Subaru is 20% owned by GM?]

Conclusion, GM invested in Subaru to provide for Saab?

[dcarrb]

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed

Conclusion, GM invested in Subaru to provide for Saab?

GM invested in Subaru (and Saab) as a means to stifle competition.

dcb

[Chiketkd]

...is the only Saab I have admired, but it suffers from the same problem as the Volvo C70 - FWD!!! 230hp & 258 ft-lbs just has a way of over-cooking the front driven wheels during hard acceleration.

Car & Driver Comparison Test (http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=1983&page_number=1)

Volvo made a wise decision in offering their latest S60R in AWD, and the new 9-2X will be by far the fastest US production Saab ever! :)

-Chike

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
...is the only Saab I have admired, but it suffers from the same problem as the Volvo C70 - FWD!!! 230hp & 258 ft-lbs just has a way of over-cooking the front driven wheels during hard acceleration.

Car & Driver Comparison Test (http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=1983&page_number=1)

Volvo made a wise decision in offering their latest S60R in AWD, and the new 9-2X will be by far the fastest US production Saab ever! :)

-Chike

I wish my 230 hp SVX would over-cook the front-driven wheels during hard acceleration with the fuse in the FWD spot. It would be a nice 'problem' to have.

Agreed, AWD solves the problem, my point is 'cooking' power would be a nice problem to have in an SVX in any drive mode.

[Chiketkd]

AWD doesn't always solve the problem! ;) Have you ever driven an STI? That's one of the easiest AWD cars I know of that can do a 4 wheel burnout - which is awesome to see or 'experience' in person! :D

-Chike
Originally posted by NeedForSpeed
Agreed, AWD solves the problem, my point is 'cooking' power would be a nice problem to have in an SVX in any drive mode.

[robricc]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
...the new 9-2X will be by far the fastest US production Saab ever! :)

-Chike

That's debatable. I think the lack of boost below 3500RPM really hurts the WRX when combined with a 2.0 liter. Turbo lag on the Viggen is quite unnoticeable. The WRX would likely win off the line thanks to AWD, but at speed I think the Viggen would dominate in an big way.

I would be willing to test it out if someone wants to come over with their (unmodded) rex.

Saab rates the 2002 9-3 Viggen at 230HP. Mine pulls 222HP at the wheels.

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
AWD doesn't always solve the problem! ;) Have you ever driven an STI? That's one of the easiest AWD cars I know of that can do a 4 wheel burnout - which is awesome to see or 'experience' in person! :D

-Chike


Stop!

You're making my SVX uncomfortable.

[Andy]

quote:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Chiketkd
...the new 9-2X will be by far the fastest US production Saab ever!

-Chike
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not quite

http://hem.passagen.se/weasle/eng_index.html

:D :D :D :D :D

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by robricc


I wouldn't say Saab robbed from Subaru, but at the same time, the 9-2x is not a Saab by any stretch. From my understanding, GM forced the 9-2x (and certainly the 9-7x) on Saab to increase sales in the US. In the case of the 9-7x (which is more controversial in the Saab community), Saab was willing to bring an SUV to market in the US, but the changes they wanted to make to the TrailBlazer would have cost far too much. In the end, GM simply slapped a Saab-ish front on a TrailBlazer and called it a day.

FIRST, the SubaSaab 9-2x

NEXT, the ChevySaab 9-7x

GM- The master breeder! At least Ford is a little more discreet..

Saab 9-7
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Saab 9-7x, a planned model by General Motors. A SUV based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer, probably with a Japanese Subaru engine and built in Ohio, USA.

There is an option of either a V8 (Vortec 5300 5.3L) or an inline-6 (Vortec 4200 4.2L).

Not to be confused with the Saab 97 (Sonett)

[Chiketkd]

Now that's just nit-picking! No fair! :D

-Chike
Originally posted by Andy
Not quite

http://hem.passagen.se/weasle/eng_index.html

:D :D :D :D :D

[HighwayUFO]

This makes me want to go out and buy an Impreza Wagon and find a Saab 9-2X running around and ask them if they like their Subaru, and mention in gestures that I am driving one too.

Damned Saabaru's

Keith

[Chiketkd]

robricc, the fastest acceleration times I've seen for the Viggen are a 0-60 of 6.3 by Road & Track w/ a 1/4 mile of 15 flat. While the hp rating might be underrated, the 9-2X will surely be a tough act to beat for Viggen owners. The comparable WRX wagons have been clocked at 5.8 0-60 with 1/4 mile times in the upper 14s.

Now the Viggen will have the higher top speed (technically 'faster'), but in terms of 0-60 & 1/4 mile times the 9-2X will be considered faster by most enthusiasts (of course driver's skill plays a big factor). When you throw in real world conditions such as loose gravel and wet/slippery roads, you can't beat AWD! :)

-Chike
Originally posted by robricc
That's debatable. I think the lack of boost below 3500RPM really hurts the WRX when combined with a 2.0 liter. Turbo lag on the Viggen is quite unnoticeable. The WRX would likely win off the line thanks to AWD, but at speed I think the Viggen would dominate in an big way.

I would be willing to test it out if someone wants to come over with their (unmodded) rex.

Saab rates the 2002 9-3 Viggen at 230HP. Mine pulls 222HP at the wheels.

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by civic_slayer
This makes me want to go out and buy an Impreza Wagon and find a Saab 9-2X running around and ask them if they like their Subaru, and mention in gestures that I am driving one too.

Damned Saabaru's

Keith

NO, NO, NO,

It's not a Saabaru,
It's a SubaSaab!

[LarryIII]

Way back in 1967 (When SAABs were SAABs) I owned a SAAB Monte Carlo V-4 (Yes, I said V-4) with a stage I tuning kit in it.
Back then, SAABs were quirkly little cars and their owners were much like SVXers. Today SAABS are more 'BMWesque'; and I think that's a shame.
SAAB bought the V-4 engine from Ford of Germany. Ford had developed it for the failed Cardinal project. It was 1487 cc (1.487L). It was 4-cycle. The stage I kit had bigger carburetor jets and a hotter camshaft. The engine put out 103 real HP in a car that weighed slightly under 2000 pounds with a full tank of gas and me in it. I could blow the doors off Rambler sixes.
My car was the basis for the SAAB Sonnet which was just a 2-seat, light weight, fiberglass body on the Monte Carlo's floor pan.

I hope the new 'SAABARU' brings SAAB back to their roots, but I doubt it since GM is involved

[Sonar]

The way I understood it, the 9-2X is for US market only, and is not available in Sweden nor in rest of europe either, this is because the rebadge method is "more common and accepted" in the US market ... :eek:





/Sonny :cool:

[NeedForSpeed]

Originally posted by Sonar
The way I understood it, the 9-2X is for US market only, and is not available in Sweden nor in rest of europe either, this is because the rebadge method is "more common and accepted" in the US market ... :eek:

It's just too expensive to send those Japanese built cars to the North Pole! [And the Euros don't want a Japanese Saab




/Sonny :cool:

[nordique14]

They did it for the money? Say it ain't so! That ruins my perception of corporate america. I thought they did it love, not money. :rolleyes:

[dcarrb]

As I've suggested here before, when finally there are only a couple of bloated automakers left, brand loyalty and customer satisfaction will cease to be relevant issues. We'll have to buy whatever they sell.


dcb

[GreenMarine]

Originally posted by Chiketkd
AWD doesn't always solve the problem! ;) Have you ever driven an STI? That's one of the easiest AWD cars I know of that can do a 4 wheel burnout - which is awesome to see or 'experience' in person! :D

-Chike


The EVO 8 can do em pretty good too :):):) That was my experience with AWD doughnuts and it was a blast :):D:D

[Chiketkd]

Yeah, the Evos can do burnouts as well, but with wider tires and less power, you really need to wind up the engine to 5000+ rpms before the tires break loose! (my buddy from college owns one which I've driven as well :) ). The STI just does it with so much more ease...

-Chike
Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
The EVO 8 can do em pretty good too :):):) That was my experience with AWD doughnuts and it was a blast :):D:D

[Chiketkd]

In my July issue of C&D they had a full test of the car:

0-60 6.1
0-100 18.3
1/4 14.7 @ 92mph
Top Speed 140mph
70-0 braking 171ft
skidpad 0.86g
Fuel Econ 20 city/ 26 hwy

The Verdict:
Highs: Handsome styling, versatile package, faster than an Audi S6 Avant.
Lows: Turbo lag, as Swedish as sumo
Verdict: A swanky WRX that's better in every way.

-Chike

[michael]

Re-badging and cookie cutter cars make me sick I find myself buying older and older cars as I go, my .02 cents! If I were a Saab driver I'd be turned off, Not to put any Subie Hardcores down but Sweed steel has a reputation for durability while Japanese supposedly uses recycled tin. Anyway AWD burnouts, will a 5mt in an SVX light em' up? I never had the pleasure of driving one my self?

[Matthewmongan]

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed
Which Subaru assembly line builds this Saab variant? Does it come from Japan, or some US Subaru assembly line?

Does Subaru build cars here like many of the other Japanese companies?

its not just built on a subaru platform the car is the same except for the front facia and sterring wheel says saab instead of subaru

the plate says made in japan FHI saav refits them with the front end in america i think all subies are still built in japan

[nubs]

Originally posted by Matthewmongan


its not just built on a subaru platform the car is the same except for the front facia and steering wheel says Saab instead of subaru

the plate says made in japan FHI Saab refits them with the front end in America i think all subies are still built in japan


From what we were told at the Carlilse show, they come right from Japan complete.

Also, all Subaru's are not made in Japan,all Legacy's, Outback's and Baja's are made in Lafayette, Indiana at the SIA plant.

Many of us here toured the plant at the 10th anniversary meet in 2002.

[Matthewmongan]

Originally posted by nubs



From what we were told at the Carlilse show, they come right from Japan complete.

Also, all Subaru's are not made in Japan,all Legacy's, Outback's and Baja's are made in Lafayette, Indiana at the SIA plant.

Many of us here toured the plant at the 10th anniversary meet in 2002.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

thats the most upsetting thing i have ever heard. GLOBALIZATION WILL BRING THE DOWNFALL OF CIVALIZATION

[svxcess]

All Subarus are not made in Japan,all Legacys, Outbacks and Bajas are made in Lafayette, Indiana at the SIA plant.

Many of us here toured the plant at the 10th anniversary meet in 2002.

JUST FOUND!!
Here is a photo of Mike inspecting the very first Baja to roll off of the SIA assembly line. It was brought to the restaurant for us to inspect/critique at the 10th Anniversary meet. (Although his right hand is not visible, I am willing to bet it may have had a Dremel in it)

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/vzSvx/3444.jpg

[Royal Tiger]

I saw the STX concept at the Philadelphia Auto Show before the Baja was given the go ahead. My kids still have the orange STX frisbees somewhere.