Saab 9-2X
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- This article is about the Saab 9-2X from the 21st century. There is also the Saab 92, from the 1950s.
| Saab 9-2x | |
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| Manufacturer: | Subaru |
| Production: | July 2004 |
| Class: | Sportscar |
| Body Styles: | 4-door station wagon |
| 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 in Japan at the Ota-Gunma plant by Fuji Heavy Industries and based on the Subaru Impreza WRX, but with a modified body, suspension, and interior. Because of this the 9-2X earned the nickname "Saabaru" before it was released.
The car is actually badged as a 92X, but Saab consistently advertises it as the 9-2X.
As of 2004, Saab planned to offer the 9-2X to a limited public, starting in July of 2004, for the 2005 model year, as a 4-door station wagon only. Europe will not receive the 9-2X as it is for the North American market only. Initial sales have been slower than expected, with only 410 sold within the first two months; however, incentives and promotions helped drive sales in May 2005 alone to beat the combined sales of the year up until that point.
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Characteristics
The 9-2X is priced at around US$25,000. The DOHC turbocharged 2.0 L engine can produce 227 hp at 6000 RPM, as well as 217 ft.lbf of torque at 4000 RPM.
The powertrain consists of the following:
- Either a 2.5 L, flat, four-cylinder engine shared with the Subaru Impreza in the 'Linear' model, badged 2.5i, or a 2.0 L, turbocharged, flat, four-cylinder engine shared with the Subaru Impreza WRX in the 'Aero' badged model.
- A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
- An all-wheel drive drivetrain, with very different characteristics depending on transmission choice.
The interior is reworked and has received extra acoustic insulation, with particular attention paid to the firewall, carpeting, roof, and rear window seals. The main piece of the dash is shared unchanged with the Subaru versions, while the door panels, lower dash, and seats are bespoke. Saab's Active Head Restraints have been incorporated into the front seats, unlike the Recaro seats in the WRX. The rear suspension arms are in aluminum, with further reduction of unsprung weight achieved by using plastic in place of heavier components, bushings separate to the Saab, and the dampers recalibrated. The steering has been made more responsive and exact in the 'Aero' by using the steering rack shared by the STI version of the WRX, which features a quicker steering ratio, more rigidly mounted steering hardware and stiffer chassis bushings.
Background
Although marketed by General Motors, which is the 100% owner of Saab and a 20% shareholder in Subaru, the 9-2X is not particularly popular with brand enthusiasts and reportedly management at the companies concerned. From the perspective of Saab enthusiasts, whether founded or not, the idea has been criticized for the fact that the changes are mostly 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 help prop up the sales of 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 more refined handling and higher-quality interior.
Not to be confused with the Saab 92.
External Links
- Saab 9-2X Owners Bulletin Board (http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/bb/9-2X/)
- Saab 9-2X Forum (http://www.saab92x.com/)
- Saab USA (http://www.saabusa.com/)
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