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Old 02-13-2008, 01:17 PM   #1
AVANTI R5
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Default New GM small car sketched, possibly Saab 9-1

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In what could either be an inexplicable security slip or a brilliant viral marketing campaign, GM apparently left some drawings of a proposed car out on a desk in a room full of journalists. Sounds suspicious, certainly, but either way we get a sneak peek at a new car, so there’s no need for complaints. The new car is shown in pictures reproduced by sketch artists, and is suspected to be either a Saab or Saturn - or both - and is being touted as a MINI fighter.

The top and rear of the car certainly show signs of the MINI’s influence, although that may be an artifact of relaying the design to a sketch artist - these aren’t the actual pictures seen in the GM design studio. Nevertheless, the similarity exists, although up front the car is more Honda Fit or Nissan Versa, although with a decidedly Saab-like bent. The aggressive intake area seems to be covered in mesh - a feature normally reserved for high-performance variants, and therefore likely only a design cue.


Enormous wheels fill up arched and flared wheel-wells, and a side-sill kit ties the front fascia in with the profile of the vehicle. Side mirrors are thin, angular and bifurcated, while the side windows are relatively short. The highly raked windshield and hood indicate the GM MINI-fighter should get good fuel efficiency - an essential element for anything designed to go up agains BMW’s sporty little hatch.
Design objectives should place the price of the new car in the $20,000 price range. There’s a possibility it could be built on a rear-drive platform such as GM’s Kappa or upcoming Alpha, but that wouldn’t be in keeping with a high-efficiency econocar designed to compete with the MINI.
Via: MotorTrend
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Old 02-13-2008, 01:36 PM   #2
Lantec
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Should be interesting to see what comes of it.
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Old 02-13-2008, 04:29 PM   #3
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I cant say where, but Ive heard news from a very reliable source that GM has started development on a "Premium" small car project. Its likely that these journalists only saw a few preliminary sketches of the concept, meaning that the whole thing is still up in the air. It makes sense that they would put it up against the Mini. Thats the closest thing to a premium small car available right now. But I think we can expect GM to try and 1up the Mini, rather than undercut it. It therefor makes more sense that it will come out of the Saab brand rather than Saturn. But I wouldnt rule out the possibility of it being a Cadillac either.
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Old 02-13-2008, 06:02 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swilcox01 View Post
I cant say where, but Ive heard news from a very reliable source that GM has started development on a "Premium" small car project.
That isn't exactly new news really. There was even a posting about it just days ago.

If it looks anything like the sketch, that would be a very sharp looking small car. Basing it on the RWD Kappa platform would be fantastic... I have been waiting for quite some time for a coupe r hatch version of the Sky convertible... more room, less weight and a price starting around $20k. Saab should also get a version of it to help pay for development costs.
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Old 02-21-2008, 12:54 PM   #5
AVANTI R5
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Default Saab 9-1 minicar to spawn Saturn variant

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Saab 9-1 minicar to spawn Saturn variant





After watching BMW reap profits in the premium minicar segment with its Mini range for years, rival carmakers are now rushing to develop small runabouts to capture their own part of the lucrative market. Volkswagen Group has already shown us the Audi A1 Metroproject and VW up! concepts, and Fiat’s launched its 500 minicar to great success, and now GM is just weeks away from revealing its Saab 9-1 Concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

According to latest reports, the 9-1 isn’t the only minicar GM is planning. Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport claims GM will have two premium minicars, the Saab version and reskinned model for Saturn in North America. The production 9-1 will be available with Saab’s first hybrid system, which will be available as soon as the car is launched, and it will be sold as a global model. There aren’t many details surrounding the Saturn model but according to the source it will feature a removable roof and could be available with the same hybrid drive system.


GM also plans to launch a budget minicar designed by GM Daewoo in South Korea. This car will be based on the Beat concept from last year’s New York Auto Show and will be sold as a global model.
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/h...aturn-variant/
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Old 02-21-2008, 01:54 PM   #6
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Sweet, mini hybrid Saturn?
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Old 02-21-2008, 01:55 PM   #7
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BOOO!!!! Long live the 9-2X!
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