Following the first photos taken by Jalopnik.com at a GM Paris show preview event in Detroit, German print mag Autobild was up next with the leakage of 5 low-res press images. Now, our Scandinavian neighbors, AutoMotorsport.se have trumped them all with details, new hi-res photos and even a test drive of the yet to be revealed Saab 9-X Air Concept!
The 9-X Air concept shares most of the same technology and powertrain with sister concept, the 9-X BioHybrid. This means it receives the same1.4-liter Opel Astra motor producing 200 hp and consumes 5 liters of petrol per 100 km and 6.5 liter with E85 coupled with an electric motor and generator for the hybrid aspect.
Nonetheless, the man responsible for the 9-X BioHybrid and 9-X Air, Designer Anthony Lo, has confirmed that it has left the concept stage with a prototype already built and expect it roll very soon. Hello, spy photographers!?
Confirmed by AMS through Saab sources, the 9-X Air Concept is a preview of the production Saab 9-3 convertible which is planned to go into production in 2011. Based on the 9-X BioHybrid concept, which appeared in Geneva, the 9-X Air highlights a new, patent pending, innovative top called, Triple Top. The main aspect of the design are the C-pillars which sweep upwards rising above the belt line. AMS amusingly suggests that in English, the top may be referred to as a “Toupée Top”. Another innovation is seen in the back window as it is not integrated into the folding soft top like most convertibles. Instead, it is hidden in a compartment between the rear seats and trunk space and can be raised and lowered when the soft top is folded down.
Although the 9-X Air is set to be the successor of the 9-3 convertible, it is still a concept. So, it's most probable that the production version will not look exactly the same, and it's certainly not clear if the new Triple Top design will make it through testing.
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