Spyker shakes up Saab as new models planned

After the purchase of Saab was finalised last week, Spyker has announced plans to shake up the brand and renew the product portfolio with the launch of new models this summer. There are also plans for the company to become known as simply "Saab Spyker".The restructure will mean Saab will become a stand-alone niche manufacturer with three to four model lines: 9-3 (sedan, hatchback, sports estate, X and convertible) and 9-5 (sedan, sports estate and X) and the 9-4X for both the US and European markets. In addition, Saab will investigate the potential of adding a fourth smaller car line (9-1) providing the demand and financing is in place. The talk of a mini-Saab is certainly new and following the success of the BMW 1-Series and the hotly anticipated Audi A1 (due later this year) it's easy to see what Spyker is looking to achieve with the brand.The new launches will begin with the 9-5 early this summer, the new 9-4X in early 2011 and the 'all Saab' 9-3 in 2012.It is hoped the 9-5 will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon market. The model boasts high-tech features such as an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD (an all-wheel-drive system). There is a choice of three fuels - petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files. A centre console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5mm AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.Spyker plans to repositioned the Saab brand against premium brands such as Audi (A4/A6) and BMW (3/5 series) and continue to use the Trollhättan plant in Sweden.As one of the most efficient mid-size car plants in Europe, production and sales volumes are aimed to be rebuilt to recent pre-crisis levels of about 100,000 to 125,000 vehicles including the 9-4X built in Mexico.The current dealer network will also get a makeover in the shake up with a new sales and distribution approach planned for certain markets, which will be implemented during 2010.Spyker badged performance cars remain unchanged following the takeover of Saab.

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