GM’s sale of Saab has some wondering what would become of certain Saab vehicles already in the planning pipeline. A newly updated 9-5 line is a go, but what about a product that won’t be out until late in the 2010 calendar year – Saab’s 2011 9-4X crossover? Well, according to Saab that vehicle will hit the market as planned and on schedule too.

The Saab 9-4X is a product much needed by the Swedish automaker as it repositions itself as a distinctly unique brand. The manufacturer’s earlier foray into the world of SUVs was a failure as the current 9-7X is based on an aged GM truck platform Saab shares with Chevrolet and other US brands. The upcoming 9-4X and the recently released Cadillac SRX utilize a modified version of GM’s Theta platform.

Gas And Diesel Powerplants Offered

Engine choices haven’t been finalized but the new Saab will offer both gasoline and diesel powerplants. The latter engine choice will enable the 9-4X to compete all across Europe where gas-diesel sales are evenly divided. No word yet if the Mexican built crossover will offer a diesel option for its North America dealers as American and Canadian customer demand for these types of engines remains quite low. Read the rest of this entry »