Spyker has announced it will build a MINI fighter retro revival of the iconic 1946 92. Photos courtesy of Saab.
Spyker is wasting no time in having its way with new friend Saab. The Dutch maker of limited production, highly exotic cars has announced intentions to build a new version of the 1946 "92" Saab's first car.
The first Saab cars were designed and built by sixteen aircraft engineers, only one of whom had a driver's license. They naturally utilized aircraft design principles: aerodynamic bodywork, lightweight, with an upright, command driving position. The first Saab was the most aerodynamically efficient production car of its time with a CD rating of .30--respectable even today.
Early Saabs were economical, fun to drive and all but unbeatable on the rally circuit with their then rare front-wheel drive. Saab continued to innovate with a 93 model that was followed by the 96 with a V-4 motor.
The all-new Saab 99 arrived in 1968 and introduced innovations including self-repairing bumpers and side-guard door beams. 1978 brought the 900 evolution with a turbo powered model that proved to be a game changer for the sport sedan market.
General Motors bought Saab in 1990. The company's evil cult of bean counters eagerly sharpened their steely knives and surgically removed Saabs' unique character, transforming them into faceless, mindless clones of forgettable GM brands.
But that was then. Spyker of the Netherlands fought valiantly for three months and finally purchased the brand from its abusive parent.
Spyker has announced ambitious steps to revive the company with three new models to emerge in the next 15 months. Most exciting of all, they just revealed plans to re-introduce the company's much beloved, smallest model in a modern interpretation. The new model 9-2 should find a welcome niche as a competitor to BMW's MINI Cooper, VW's new New Beele and Fiat's revived 500. It's proven a winning formula: a practical economy car with a stylish, updated retro design. A revitalized Saab revisiting its history as it looks to the future might be the most original of the lot. But we'll have to wait, the 9-2 isn't expected until 2013.
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Comments
In the last paragraph, don't you mean the 9-2? "The new 9-3 should find a welcome niche as a competitor to BMW's MINI Cooper, VW's new New Beele and Fiat's revived 500." I think that should have read 9-2.
The next-gen 9-3 will shrink to be more in line with the 3 series, mercedes benz c-class, and Lexus IS. The 9-5 will the 5er competitor. The 9-2 will compete with the Cooper, 500, and Beetle (to a certain extent), although the Volvo C30 should also be a contender.
That said, I'm hoping for a 9-7 sedan - a full-size four-door sedan to go against the 7er, S-Class, etc. That's where the highest-margins are in the auto industry - and from the looks of it - that's what Spyker's specialty is.
Alex from GMAuthority.com - the best General Motors fan site and podcast.
Alex,
Thanks for catching that error, now corrected. Exciting times for the Saab brand.
Alex I'm more inclined to think that the next 9-3 will aimed at the compact segment, where the Audi A3 resides. I think when we look at the 9X-BioHybrid and the 9X-Air concepts, these will more likely be the starting point for the next generation 9-3. The 9-5 is pretty big and the question should be asked whether SAAB really needs to branch into larger vehicles. However a full size GT with Spyker influences could make a very beautiful SAAB indeed.
When considering this sub-compact entry vehicle, it might be best to forget retro and try to imagine a very sleek coupe with a modern contemporary design. We might just be able to see an old 92 but the emphasis will be based more on what the original 92 achieved. Highly aerodynamic, super efficiency with engaging driving dynamics but surprisingly affordable.
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