Underneath the new sheet metal will be a heavily revised version of GM’s FWD Epsilon II platform, which is also shared by Opel for its new Insignia range. To differentiate Saab as a premium product engineers will provide a stiffer suspension set-up, a new steering rack and a different range of electronics. The car’s wheelbase will stretch 2.84m, which is up 14cm on the current model, and the overall length will stretch just over 5m. This increased wheelbase will free up more interior space as well make the 9-5 a real rival to cars like the Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.
Engine options will include a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel units including a biofuel model. There will also likely by an AWD flagship model with a turbocharged petrol V6 displacing 3.6L and developing upwards of 350hp (261kW). Other engines will include a 210hp (157kW) 2.0L unit and mid-level 2.8L V6. A petrol-electric hybrid model is also expected. Different markets will configure different choices depending on their own needs, so the US for example would get the Buick Lacrosse's 3.6-litre V6 while Europe a 2.8-litre V6 turbo.
The new 9-5 will be built at Opel’s Ruesselsheim plant in Germany with production tipped to start in the middle of the year.
