Saab Turbo X Intro: A Precursor to a Big Year
November 28, 2007

BOSTON –- General Motors used the New England International Auto Show in Boston this week for the North American unveiling of the Saab Turbo X, a limited edition sporty, turbocharged version of the 9-3 and available as a sedan or Combi wagon.

Boston is an appropriate place to introduce any Saab since 40 percent of Saab’s total U.S. sales are in the Northeast, Saab started its U.S. business more than 50 years ago in Boston and Steve Shannon, general manager of Saab Automobile USA, happens to be a native Bostonian.

Bryan Nesbitt, GM vice president of North American design, said the Turbo X was just the beginning and hinted that 2008 will be a significant year for Saab.

Turbo X: A Visual Beacon for Saab

Nesbitt was intensely involved with Saab in his last job as head of design for GM in Europe. He returned from Europe in summer to become GM vice president in charge of North American design.

Nesbitt pointed out that the Turbo X is a "visual beacon" for Saab's future styling direction, set forth in dramatic form by Aero X concept shown in Geneva last March and on display next to the Turbo X in Boston.

A Blast From the Past

Also on hand for the Turbo X unveiling was Bob Sinclair, Saab’s longtime U.S. president before General Motors bought the Swedish marque.

Often a harsh critic of Saab’s direction especially under GM ownership, Sinclair said he finally sees Saab as having “turned the corner,” though, he said, if he’d been in charge, he never would have eliminated the hatchback.

He nudged Nesbitt during the unveiling and told him GM’s finally got the front design of the Saab right, now designers need to work on the back of the car, he jabbed.

Added Incentive

Saab will sell only 600 Turbo X models, available only in jet black. Prices start at $42,510 for the sedan; $43,310 for the Combi.

As incentive to order one early, Saab is offering a special promotion from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31. Customers who place orders for the Turbo X then receive a two-day driving school at Roat Atlanta -- a driving school special designed for the Turbo X's active all-wheel-drive system. Saab will pick up the tab for not only the school, as it does for its other Saab driving programs, but also for accommodations.

Cars will be delivered in spring.

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