2011 Saab 9-5 Sedan

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Start of a New Era for Saab

• Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X concept and Saab heritage
• Engineered with driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience




• Most technically advanced Saab with an array of ‘high-tech' features

The all new Saab 9-5 sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines stand-out looks with advanced technologies and brings a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment.



The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HÚD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; dynamic parking assistance and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.
The all-turbo powertrain line-up starts at 1.6 liters and carries forward Saab's rightsizing engine strategy, which focuses on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient and relatively small four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels - gasoline, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO2 emissions as low as 139 g/km.

'This car is the start of a new era for our brand,' says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's CEO. 'We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.'

Scandinavian Design
Forward-looking design that doesn't ignore where it's coming from – that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. (concept carz) 'We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,' says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. 'We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand's aircraft heritage.'

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound' mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab's signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture' of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick' belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.

The car's dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5's overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Driver-focused cabin
Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5's premium appeal.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter' speed read-out, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HÚD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car's ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through ÚSB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature/fan speed control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.

On the road
An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5's size.

Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system, already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered with all engines except the 1.6-liter gasoline and 160 hp turbo diesel.

Available throughout the range is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense, Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting and intelligent cruise control. Three different suspension combinations are factory-fitted according to engine power and are also available with a sport chassis setting.

Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops Saab's rightsizing engine strategy. The gasoline choice comprises a 1.6-liter turbo developing 180 hp, a 220 hp 2.0-litet turbo with direct injection, and a range-topping 2.8V6 turbo generating 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, offered exclusively with Saab XWD. An E85-capable Saab BioPower version of the 2.0-liter engine is also available.

Two 2.0-liter turbo diesel engines are offered: a 160 hp, single turbo unit delivering CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km, and a 190 hp version with two-stage turbocharging, which is available with front wheel drive and Saab XWD. This is the first time Saab has combined diesel power with its advanced all-wheel-drive system. All transmissions are six-speed.

New era
Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It is being built at Saab's home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.

Available in Linear, Vector or Aero specification, the all new 9-5 heralds the start of a new era for Saab. Scandinavian simplicity was never this advanced!

Source - Saab

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Less Is More with All Turbo Engine Line-up

• Responsible performance with efficient four-cylinder turbo engines
• CO2 values from just 139 g/km
• Three fuel types: gasoline, E85 and diesel in all-turbo line-up
The new 9-5's all-turbo powertrain line-up brings together Saab expertise in turbocharging with state-of-the-art engine technologies.



Gasoline choice
All engines feature electronic management, electronic throttle control, direct ignition and four valves per cylinder operated by overhead, maintenance-free, chain-driven camshafts. For longevity and reliability, turbochargers are water-cooled and use air-to-air intercooling to increase intake charge density.

To give minimal piston friction and wear characteristics, while also benefiting fuel and oil consumption, the cylinder walls of the engines are laser-etched for an extremely smooth finish. Únder-skirt piston oil cooling and sodium-filled exhaust valves are further efficiency measures.



Rated among the most powerful series production engines in its displacement class, this ‘rightsized' powertrain gives the new 9-5 strong performance: zero to 100 kph in 9.5 seconds, and impressive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 7.8 l/100 km and 179 g/km, respectively.

For strength and reduced noise, the cylinder block is in cast iron. A die cast, structural aluminum oil pan adds further stiffness and noise suppression. Additional refinements include the use of hollow camshafts, for reduced weight and lower reciprocating mass, and a dual-mass flywheel for improved running refinement. A map-based thermostat control raises the coolant temperature at low engine speeds, or under light loads, to help reduce internal lubricant friction and also improve fuel consumption.

2.0 Turbo – Gasoline and BioPower
The performance stakes are raised with this all-aluminum engine, which is also available in BioPower specification, enabling it to run on gasoline and/or E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) in any blends. In both configurations, it delivers peak power of 220 hp/162 kW and plentiful torque of 350 Nm from just 2,500 rpm.

This engine is offered with front wheel drive or Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system. It features variable valve timing and direct injection to further improve fuel consumption, emissions and performance. The camshafts have hydraulically operated vane-type cam phasers which allow both the inlet and exhaust valve timing to be adjusted independently, according to varying engine speed and load. The many benefits include a broader spread of torque, higher maximum power and improved fuel consumption.

Direct injection delivers fuel under high pressure directly into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke. This enables the separation of air and fuel delivery, allowing improved scavenging of the combustion chamber to give substantially more low-end torque and reduced engine knocking.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is also used, which virtually eliminates turbo lag at low engine speeds and delivers a throttle response comparable to that of a naturally-aspirated engine. Each of the two scrolls on the turbine is fed by a separate exhaust passage - one from cylinders one and four, the other from cylinders two and three. Other features include: twin counter-rotating balance shafts for smooth running; a forged steel crankshaft for added strength and aluminum pistons to reduce reciprocating mass.

With front wheel drive, this engine propels the new 9-5 from zero to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds, giving combined fuel economy of 8.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 194 g/km.

2.8V6 Turbo
Available exclusively in Aero specification with Saab XWD and a 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine has a classic 60° angle between the cylinder banks to give optimum balance for vibration-free running to match its silky power delivery. It delivers 300 hp/221 kW and an impressive 400 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm, giving zero to 100 kph acceleration in just 6.9 seconds.

Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides ensures a near linear delivery of torque, irrespective of engine speed and load. The single, twin-scroll turbocharger is mounted centrally above the transmission and fed by both banks of cylinders. The use of two inlet tracts, one for each cylinder bank, separates the exhaust gas pulses, improving gas flow, reducing energy losses and raising turbocharger efficiency.

The exhaust manifolds are double-skinned with hydroformed stainless steel liners to improve cold start emissions by minimizing heat absorption to the manifold. Air injection into each exhaust manifold for up to 30 seconds after a cold start also helps the central pre-catalyst, positioned upstream of the main catalytic converter, achieve 'light off', its effective working temperature, as early as possible.

The strong, forged-steel crankshaft runs in four main bearings and the steel connecting rods are sinter forged for extra strength and durability. The polymer-coated, aluminum pistons and the floating wrist-pins are cooled and further lubricated by triple under-skirt oil jets.

Diesel Choice
Both 16-valve, 2.0 liter turbo diesel engines have a cast-iron cylinder block with laser-etched cylinder walls and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. The twin overhead camshafts are chain driven and maintenance-free. The engines also feature electronic management, common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection, a weight-saving plastic intake manifold and a dual-mass flywheel for greater running refinement. Maintenance-free exhaust particulate filters to meet Euro 5 emissions requirements are fitted as standard.

2.0 TiD
The 16-valve, 2.0 liter turbo diesel engine develops 160 hp (118 kW) and 350 Nm of torque and offers CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km, together with impressive fuel economy of just 5.3 l/100 km over the combined cycle. It has a variable geometry turbocharger for excellent low-end response.

2.0 TTiD
The more powerful two-stage turbo version is available with front wheel drive and Saab XWD. It delivers 190 hp/ 140 kW, and 400 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm for exceptional pulling power. With front wheel drive, it offers zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than 9 seconds, together with combined cycle fuel economy of 6.0 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 159 g/km.

The series sequential two-stage system uses two turbochargers of different sizes with by-pass valves that direct the exhaust gas stream between the two turbines. At low engine speeds, the small turbocharger supplies boost pressure independent of engine load. At intermediate engine speeds under higher loads, both the small and large turbochargers provide boost pressure; while at high engine speed and load, only the large turbocharger is engaged.

This arrangement provides the driver with the ‘best of both worlds‘: good, instant torque at low engine speeds - via the low-inertia small turbo -and strong, top-end power at higher engine speeds when the large turbo is engaged.

Source - Saab

All New Saab 9-5 Sedan: Scandinavian Design Simplicity Has Never Looked This Good

• Saab unveils new era in expressive Scandinavian design
• Delivers on signposts from Aero X concept car
• ‘Organic sculpture' presents Saab signature design themes
• More spacious, driver-focused cabin
Born and bred in Scandinavia, the all new Saab 9-5 Sedan is a sleek expression of the power of simplicity and heralds the arrival of a new, more assertive design language for the brand.




The ‘words' in the new vocabulary come from Saab's award-winning Aero X concept car, revealed in 2006 as a signpost to the future of Saab design. Its bold front-end styling, ‘wraparound' window graphic, clean body surfacing and ice-block lighting themes are key visual elements now translated into the powerful form of the new 9-5 Sedan. They reflect a brand inspired by Scandinavian design and a unique aircraft heritage.

'We pushed out the boundaries of Saab design with the Aero X concept,' says Simon, 'and the new 9-5 shows how we are bringing this more assertive look to our products. It is the first step in a new era for Saab design.'



The ‘organic sculpture' of the low-slung body blends clean convex and concave surfaces with natural, curvaceous forms. Seeming shaped by the wind, the bodywork has a smooth, fuselage-like quality inspired by Saab's aircraft heritage. Fenders stretched to the outer edges of the wheels, 17 to 19-inches in size, energize the looks of the car and add to its dynamic, purposeful stance.

In Scandinavian tradition, the visual impact of the design is heightened by an absence of exterior trim or stylized detailing. All individual elements contribute to the appearance of the design as whole, without providing visual distraction or ‘clutter'. 'With Scandinavian design, we are seeking to simplify forms,' says Simon. 'Things don't have to be complicated to be interesting. In visual terms, less is more.'

Such ‘passive' design detail can be seen in the door mirrors. 'The mirror casings are black, rather than body colored, because the mirror unit occupies the same visual space as the windows,' explains Simon. 'We didn't want any interruption to the wraparound window graphic which makes such a bold statement.'

Saab brand design cues can be seen in the ‘hockey stick' belt-line, underlined by a simple matt aluminum trim, leading into the strong rear C-pillars.

The car's dynamic character is underlined by a falling roof-line and those strong, sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. The flow of the roof and pillars culminates in a smooth, flat rear deck with an integrated spoiler in the trailing edge. A full-width ice-block rear light bar, echoing the front light theme, adds to the new 9-5's Scandinavian character.

Saab's design heritage is evident from that rear screen, a counterpoint to wraparound windshield at the front. 'We have inverted the shape of the rear screen of the classic 900 sedan,' explains Simon. 'In fact, we've probably been even bolder with the design at the back than the front. We haven't had a consistent Saab identity in this area before. You can expect to see the light bar, and the way the rear lights wrap into it, as a signature feature in future products.'

Viewed from any angle, the all new 9-5 has a distinctive character. 'We deliberately wanted to avoid the cliché of the coupé look for sedans. We've stretched the traditional three-box sedan proportions but kept a defined trunk line – this is a sports sedan which makes a powerful visual statement. It doesn't need to look like a coupé or a hatchback.'

The sleek shape also contributes to excellent aerodynamic properties. An impressive 0.28 Cd (coefficient of drag) contributes to reduced fuel consumption and low wind noise. Good high speed stability is also ensured by near zero lift forces at the front axle and the achievement of negative, downforce values at the rear, assisted by airflow from the slightly concave surface of the trunk lid. The rear light moldings are also shaped with small side ‘spoilers' to further improve rear stability.

Top-of-the-line Aero variants are visually distinguished by unique front and rear bumper moldings, 19-inch ‘turbine' alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a lowered sport chassis, bi-xenon headlamps and twin exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear bumper fascia.

Driver Focused
The new 9-5's spacious cabin is characterized by simple forms that echo the clean lines of the exterior. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5's premium appeal.

A wheelbase longer than that of its predecessor has enabled a substantial 58 mm increase in rear legroom, which exceeds that offered by all main competitors. Front legroom is also up by 11 mm.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all new. A deep center console sweeps up around the driver into the main instrument display. It is a new expression of Saab's signature cockpit layout, first introduced on the Saab 9000 model and continued with the current 9-5. The console is now inclined at a much shallower angle, improving driver ergonomics in the operation of its functions and in viewing the display screen.

Simplicity of form is evident from a ventilation zone, with signature Saab ‘joystick' controls, which extends across the top of the main instrument display. 'This helps clean up the look of the front fascia area,' explains Simon. 'We have eliminated separate vents in the center and on the driver's side, which would break up the fluid, integrated forms we wanted.'

The deeply recessed main dials include a driver-selectable, rolling ‘altimeter' speed read-out, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. The needles of the dials, the main display screen and the optional HÚD in the windshield, are all illuminated in signature Saab green. The 'Night Panel' button, another unique Saab feature, allows the driver to minimize distraction during night driving by switching off all the main instrument illumination, except the speedometer.

In Saab tradition, the car's ignition – now a start/stop button – remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift and an electric park brake, which is fitted as standard for all variants. The matt aluminum trim surrounding the gear shift and start/stop button has an ‘organic' shape with a varying width and thickness to match the curvature of the surface. 'This is in harmony with ‘free form' that we've applied to the exterior,' says Simon. 'It's a detail that looks very natural, adding to the crafted, quality appeal of the cabin.'

Another subtle detail are the small channels in the center stack fascia that link the main infotainment and climate controls. They resemble the shape of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, a hint at the combination of human design and scientific precision deployed in the layout of the cabin. It's part of the logical, zonal groupings used for the location of the car's interior, chassis and lighting controls.

The removal of a mechanical handbrake linkage frees up space for a large, two compartment center console, with twin cup-holders and the potential to connect several portable devices through ÚSB and AÚX connections alongside a 12V power outlet. A useful pull-out storage drawer next to the driver's door is big enough to take a number of personal items, such as a wallet, PDA and glasses.

The rear of the cabin provides comfortable accommodation for three adults. Apart from more leg room, it now offers the option of rear seat entertainment via fold-out screens in the front seatbacks and separate rear climate control. The 60/40 split, folding seatback includes an arm-rest with twin cup-holders, a storage compartment and a load-through ‘ski hatch'.

The trunk features convenient bag holder hooks on each side, an umbrella holder and a storage compartment in each sidewall. The optional, Ú-shaped track in the floor carries a telescopic cargo divider which can keep a wide range of different sized items in place.

Interior Decor and Equipment
Linear, Vector and Aero variants are each distinguished by a unique cabin ambience, including decor trim applied to the main instrument panel, center console and behind the door grab handles.

In Linear specification, the upper/lower instrument panel, door cappings and decor trim are in Jet Black, with a choice of Jet Black or Parchment fabric seat upholstery, complemented by door inserts and armrests in a light or dark color.

Vector adds a choice of Shark Grey with Jet Black, or Dark Cocoa with Parchment for the instrument panel and doors, and the decor trim has a brushed metal look. The seats are upholstered with leather bolsters and fabric inserts in Jet Black, Parchment or Shark Grey.

Top-of-the-line Aero adds a sporty, all-leather interior. The front fascia and door trims are in Jet Black with dark, bushed metal, titanium-like decor trim. The sculptured, perforated leather sports seats are offered in the same colors as Vector.

Standard equipment for Linear includes: a keyless start/stop button, electric park brake, six-way adjustable driver and four-way adjustable passenger seat, dual zone climate control, a nine speaker audio system with an AÚX socket, a leather steering wheel and a text information display

Vector adds front seat squab storage pouches, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, an adjustable front arm-rest, cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a ÚSB connection and a graphic information display.

Aero adds powered and heated front seats, with an extending under-thigh support. The interior is further distinguished by a full color information display, an ‘Aero' embossed, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and sports aluminum foot pedals.

Source - Saab