The vehicle you see above is a 1950 Saab 92. A little car that would forever define Saab’s quirkiness and inspire so many Saab followers to this day. Now that Saab is finally free and clear of the huge implosion that GM underwent last year, they are undertaking the task of coming up with new models to sell. Given that their current platforms are basically GM’s, that they are no longer under GM’s wing, and that they don’t have too much in the way of cash and resources, coming up with all new platforms is a bit difficult. Regardless, Saab CEO Victor Muller’s heart is set on building a modern day version of the 92.
His vision is of a genuine, authentic small Saab that would compete in the relatively new premium small car segment. In order to do this he is trying to work out a deal to borrow one of the best architectures in this class, BMW’s MINI Cooper. MINI arguably established the segment with a sporty, high quality hatchback that can be easily optioned to well over $30k.
Negotiations are ongoing with a BMW spokesman explaining that “We are in talks with several interested parties who have interest in our technology… there are no contracts with Saab at the moment.” That’s to be expected as the two makers probably haven’t been talking for more than a few weeks. Such a plan would take at least a couple years to pan out and given that Saab has to roll out its new 9-5 sedan and a Cadillac SRX-based SUV next year its plate is full at the moment anyways.
However it works out for Saab, I wish them lots of luck and hope that they can get the MINI Cooper’s bones into their new car soon. MINI’s squared off little bulldog of a car is a classic, the world (and Saab) could always use another premium, squat little car with great driving dynamics.
Source: Reuters
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