Image credits: © Saab. GM Corp

2005 Saab 9-5 news, pictures, and information

2005 SAAB 9-5: A BENCHMARK FOR MID-SIZE LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE

Luxurious and responsive, the 2005 9-5 lineup continues to offer excellent value in performance-oriented midsize Sedan and SportWagon models – a continuation of the 9-5 repositioning that is helping customers who are new to Saab find the right vehicle for their needs. A new, DVD-based navigation system is available in '05, enabling 9-5 drivers to call up important and convenient travel information at the touch of a button.

Saab 9-5 model designations, or 'forms,' continue to give customers three distinct vehicle personalities from which to choose: Linear SportWagon, Arc Sedan and SportWagon, and Aero Sedan and SportWagon. Each form is matched with unique interior trim, upholstery, wheel package and powertrain. Changes for 2005 include a stylish new wheel design for Arc models and a freshened palette of exterior colors, including Parchment Silver, Smoke Beige and Chili Red, for all 9-5 models.

'The 9-5 continues to be a strong value for customers who demand uncompromising luxury and performance,' said Saab Automobile President and CEO Peter Augustsson.

Although each 9-5 form comes with unique equipment and appointments, all 9-5 models have the following standard features:

Leather-trimmed seating
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Cabin air filter
Cooled and lockable glove compartment
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable front seats
Power windows with express-down in front
Power operated and heated exterior mirrors
CD audio system
Integrated audio controls on steering wheel
Saab Information Display with trip computer
Split-folding rear seat
Rear-seat center arm rest with pass-through (Sedan)
Central locking with remote
Anti-theft alarm with immobilizer
No-charge scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Additionally, all 9-5 models benefit from the following standard safety features:

Dual front air bags
Head/torso side air bags (front seats)
Seat belt pretensioners (front seats)
Pendulum B-pillar side-impact protection structure
'Triple Load Path' safety cage construction, front and rear
Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) for front seats
LATCH (Lower Anchorages and Top tethers for CHildren)
Headlamp delay function ('follow-me-home').

All 9-5 models offer OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital system and external antenna for greater reception.

Details: Linear

The Linear embodies elegant Swedish design and is powered by a 2.3L DOHC four-cylinder engine with a light-pressure turbocharger system. It's rated at 185-horsepower (138 kw) and 207 lb.-ft of torque (281 Nm). The standard transmission is a five-speed manual and Saab's Sentronic five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Available exclusively as a SportWagon for 2005, the 9-5 Linear's standard features include an electronic traction control system (TCS), electronic stability program (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and 16-inch light alloy wheels.

Inside, Linear SportWagon customers are rewarded with leather seating surfaces, a wood-effect instrument panel, electrically adjustable front seats and automatic climate control with separate temperature controls for driver and front passenger. Maximizing utility, the 9-5 Linear SportWagon also features a rear seat that can be fully or partially folded (60/40), a rigid cargo shelf and the CargoTracks load-securing system. With the rear seat folded, the vehicle has a cargo volume of 73 cubic feet (2067 L).

Details: Arc

For customers who prefer a sportier ride and additional comfort features, Saab offers the 9-5 Arc, available in Sedan or SportWagon body styles. For 2005, it retains the powerful, 220-horsepower (164 kw), 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which can be had with the standard five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission or the optional five-speed manual transmission. The Arc rides on standard 16-inch wheels sporting a new design, while 17-inch wheels with all-season tires are optional.

Heated front seats are standard on all Arc models, as are the power sliding glass sunroof with express open, color-matched body skirts, and front and rear foglamps. Ventilated front seats remain a popular option on Arc models.

Adding a degree of safety, thanks to superior illumination, Xenon headlamps with headlamp washers are optional. Rain-sensing wipers and parking assistance also are available.

Details: Aero

The ultimate in 9-5 performance is found in the Aero Sedan and Aero SportWagon. All Aero models feature bolstered sport seats, 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned chassis and the 2.3L High-Output Turbo (HOT) engine producing 250 horsepower (187 kw) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm). A five-speed manual is standard and Saab's five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission is available.

Aero models are distinguished with a body kit that delivers a more aggressive exterior appearance. In addition to equipment found on Linear and Arc models, the 9-5 Aero features leather sport seats with sport steering wheel, a 200-watt, nine-speaker Harman/Kardon-tuned audio system, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror with compass and integrated garage door opener. As with 9-5 Arc models, Xenon headlamps with headlamp washers are available.

The Saab Aero Academy two-day driving program is included with every Aero model.

Source - GM Media

The all-new Saab 9-3 SportCombi, announced today, takes Saab into the premium, mid-size wagon segment for the first time by combining distinctive design, sporty driving dynamics and five-door functionality
Its strong, compact proportions are a bold reaffirmation of a Saab tradition for designing cars that are sporty in character and versatile in use. The cohesive five-door styling and a solid, muscular stance give the 9-3 SportCombi a clear, stand-out identity within the Saab 9-3 range.

Making its public debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show and due to go on sale in Europe and the United States from the fourth quarter of 2005, the 9-3 SportCombi will appeal to customers who require the versatility of a wagon, including smart load-carrying features and a generously proportioned cargo area, without compromising their desire for driving satisfaction.

The SportCombi rounds out Saab's best selling range of cars, the 9-3. 27,139 Saabs 9-3 were sold in 2004 in the United States, of which over 6,100 were convertibles. The newest 9-3 proudly carries on the Saab tradition of hatchback models that began in 1959 with the Saab 95. In 1973, Saab pioneered another landmark design with the 99 CombiCoupe. Of the more than 500,000 Saabs on the road in the United States today, nearly 50 percent are hatchbacks.

Building on Saab's reputation for progressive design and high fun-to-drive quotient, , the 9-3 SportCombi is poised to open up major new sales opportunities for the brand.

In the United States, the new 9-3 SportCombi range will start with a well-equipped 210 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder. The high performance Aero model features an all-new turbocharged V6 that makes 250- hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. This new engine will also be available in the 2006 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and 9-3 Aero Convertible.

Debra Kelly-Ennis, president and COO of Saab USA, said, 'The turbo V6 in the 9-3 Aero SportCombi and other 9-3 Aero models will give drivers more of what they expect in the Saab driving experience - ready torque throughout the rev range, high rpm power, smoothness and refinement.'

Progressive design

With a wedge-like profile and Saab 'signature' styling cues, the close-coupled proportions of the 9-3 SportCombi include a surprisingly spacious cargo area (volume with the cargo cover in place and the rear seat up and folded is, respectively, 14.8 cu.ft. and 44.95 cu. ft. and useful load-carrying features.

Sporty, distinct alternative to conventional wagon proportions. Saab traditional 'hockey stick' belt-line and 'fastback' rear quarter styling with steeply raked taillight lenses and LED bulbs.
TwinFloor stowage facility. By pulling the chrome, aircraft-shaped handle, the main cargo area floor lifts to divide the space into two separate sections and to reveal additional storage in the recessed sub-floor. The optional sub-woofer is located in the spare wheel storage well.
The 9-3 SportCombi has zero lift levels at both axles, (0.00 Clf and 0.00 Clr). The car has an excellent drag coefficient of 0.33 and impressive high speed stability. The integrated rear roof spoiler is standard.
Strong performance

The powertrain line-up is led by the launch of a sophisticated new 2.8V6 Turbo engine. The SportCombi inherits the outstanding chassis dynamics of the Sport Sedan, with a 'fun-to-drive' appeal that concedes nothing to its functionality as a versatile, five-door car.

New aluminum 2.8V6 Turbo. 250 bhp/184 kW, exclusive to top-of-the-line Aero, with 32-valves, DOHC, variable intake valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger.
The unique Saab ReAxs rear wheel steer characteristic from the Sport Sedan gives enhanced driver feedback and control for excellent handling and stability.
The rigid five-door body structure provides a solid foundation for the car's sporty handling, refinement and outstanding safety characteristics. Torsional rigidity (21,000 Nm/degree) only marginally less than that of the Sport Sedan, despite the open five-door body format.
New generation Saab-tuned ESP and ESP Plus. All 2.8V6 Turbo variants include ESP Plus, with Hill Start Assist for manual gearboxes to prevent roll back.
'Although the SportCombi is a natural extension of the 9-3 range, it has a fresh character all of its own. In the tradition of the Saab brand, it is not simply a 'me too' type of product,' says Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile President and CEO.

'Its progressive design and dynamic talents are intended to resolve any conflict between the rationality of need and the passion of desire. Customers will see it as a car that meets the demands of their lifestyle while still satisfying their desire for a sporty, fun-to-drive experience.'

Source - General Motors

A company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949, Saab, originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), was a Swedish company that early on focused on aerodynamics.

Introduced in 1997, the four-door Saab 9-5 was an executive vehicle that was produced as the replacement to the Saab 9000. Representing a huge leap for Saab, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998 for the 1999 model year. The Saab 9-5 was available with either a four-cylinder or V-6 engines, both turbocharged.

Available in both sedan and station wagon body styles, the 9-5 sedan had a drag coefficient of 0.29, while the station wagon was 0.31. To make loading easier, the 9-5 introduced amazing innovation such as tracks to secure cargo down along with a sliding load floor. Advertised as the Saab 9-5, the car was originally badged as a 95. It's important that this model not be confused with the Saab 95 that was produced from 1959 through 1978.

Powered by Saabs B205 and B235 straight-4 engines, the 9-5 was also powered by Alfa Romeo's 1.9 JTD 1V diesel straight-4 engine in Europe. From 1999 to 2003 a version of the GM 54_ V6 powered by a unique asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger was made available. Only available with an automatic transmission, this engine, and cars with this engine installed were recognizable by their twin tailpipes. This feature was only available on Arc, Griffin and SE models.

The V6 engine was replaced by a high-pressure turbo straight-4 engine that was capable of producing 200HP in 2004. This engine was able to produce 260HP even in the non-Aero model by 2008.

Winning technology and safety awards in Australia, the U.K. and Denmark, the 9-5 continued with Saab's long-standing tradition of offering class leading safety features and the new availability of ventilated seats with active headrests that moved forward to prevent whiplash when the vehicle was hit from the rear. The ‘Night Panel' was also an inventive feature that permits dousing of the lighting from the instrument panel, which aided in lessening the distraction while driving at night.

Originally the public was told that the new 9-5 would be unveiled at the end of 2008, but recent reports have suggested that the current 9-5 will be replaced in 2009 for the 2010 model year. Most likely to be constructed in Ruesselsheim, Germany at the Opel plant, the new model will be based on GM's Epsilon 2 platform, shared with the next generation 9-3.

In various parts of its native country, Sweden, the Saab 9-5 was used for patrol and undercover police work. In Aspen, Colorado, the City has been utilizing Saabs as patrol vehicles from the early 1970's until 2005 before it was discontinued in favor of the Volvo XC90. Since 1980 the town of Vail, Colorado has been using Saabs until 2005 when the black Saab 9-5 was replaced by Ford Explorers due to budget cuts.

Jessica Donaldson

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