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Saab 9-7X

Manufacturer	Saab Automobile
Parent company	General Motors
Production	2005-2009
Assembly	Moraine, Ohio, USA
Predecessor	Oldsmobile Bravada
Successor	Saab 9-4X
Class	Mid-size SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Platform	GMT360
Engine(s)	4.2 L Vortec I6 5.3 L Vortec V8 6.0 L LS2 V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2870 mm)
Length	193.2 in (4907 mm)
Width	75.4 in (1915 mm)
Height	68.5 in (1740 mm)
Related	Buick Rainier Chevrolet TrailBlazer GMC Envoy Oldsmobile Bravada (2002-04) Isuzu Ascender Chevrolet SSR

Interior of the 2006 Saab 9-7X showing the Saab-style dashboard, cupholder, and ignition key location

The Saab 9-7X is a Saab-branded mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) based on General Motors' GMT360 platform, which also includes the current GMC Envoy and Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and for this the 9-7X has been given the nickname "Trollblazer", although it is not assembled in Trollhättan, Sweden, the traditional production site for Saabs). The 9-7X is GM's highest priced mid-size SUV and the first American built Saab. It is assembled in the same United States Moraine, Ohio production plant as the other GMT360 SUVs and shares many components with its platform mates. The Saab 9-7X succeeds the Oldsmobile Bravada as GM's flagship mid-size SUV, and is the most expensive Saab ever produced. Its body panels are shared with the discontinued Bravada, yet it is distinguished by its front fascia, headlamps, hood, roof rack, tail lamps, and rear bumper.

It is the only GMT360 SUV not available with rear-wheel drive and, along with the Saab 9-2X, one of the first Saabs to feature standard all-wheel drive. 9-7X is also the first production Saab with a V8 engine and features substantial chassis revisions, including a 1-inch (25 mm) lower ride height and revised bushings and dampers, standard rear air suspension, and quicker steering to sharpen the handling. The interior design is inspired by the Saab 9-5 with features like the console-mounted ignition switch and swing-out cupholder retained. Missing are the "night panel" switch that extinguishes all unnecessary dash lighting, as well as the Saab active head restraints.

The GMT360 platform and the 9-7X are not scheduled to be updated or continued after the 2009 model year. Its position in the Saab lineup was eventually to be occupied by the Subaru B9 Tribeca-based Saab 9-6X, however GM has divested its Subaru stock and 9-6X development has been cancelled. Instead, the position will be filled by the Theta-based 9-4X, a vehicle scheduled for production during the 2010 model year. According to earlier posts on the GM Fleet website, the 9-7X, along with its platform mates Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy were to remain in production for the entire 2009 model year. More recently as of October 2008, parent company GM has announded the Moraine plant will close on December 23, 2008. The decision to close came early in the 2009 model year as sales continued to decline throughout the north american SUV segment. Sales of the 9-7X declined 30 percent in the first nine months of 2008. Envoy and Trailblazer sales declined 44 percent and 37 percent respectively.

[edit] Variants

All 9-7Xs feature all-wheel drive, leather seats, 18-inch (460 mm) alloy wheels, and side-curtain airbags. Entertainment and convenience features include OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, a 6-CD Bose audio system, and either a sunroof or a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. (From 2006 on, those two options can be combined) Like other Saab models, there were two named variants in 2005:

• Linear or 4.2i - Features the 285 horsepower (213 kW) Atlas LL8 straight-6 engine with 12-spoke wheels.
• Arc or 5.3i - Features the 300 horsepower (224 kW) Vortec LH6 V8 engine with six-spoke wheels and adds xenon HID headlamps with high-pressure washers and adjustable pedals. The 5.3 Liter V8 engine gained Displacement on Demand in 2006.
• Aero - For 2008 a new high performance variant was added using the 400 horsepower (298 kW) 6.0L GM Small-Block LS2 also found in the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS also featuring 20 inch rims, a heavy-duty automatic transmission and Aero-embroidered leather-appointed seats and floormats. Saab claims that the 9-7X Aero can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

The Saab 9-7X (or Saab 9^7X) should not be confused with the Saab 97 (Saab Sonett II and III) produced from 1966 to 1974.

[edit] Markets

Although the Saab 9-7X was developed for the North American market, the model is sold in many countries: Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.

[edit] References

1. "Saab Gets Dirty With First SUV". Wards Auto World. Retrieved on July 13, 2005.

Saab 9-7X will be distributed in Switzerland and Italy via importers, and will be sold through selected Saab dealers The Auto Channel

General Motors Presents More Than A Dozen Debuts at 8th Middle East International Motor ShowGM Media Online GM Arabia

GM to close Ohio SUV factory December 23 "The Detroit News"

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Saab 9-7X

• Saab USA press release
• Saab 9-7X Official Home Page