SAAB Sonett Greenlighted

[Flybrian]

Road and Track has reported in their latest issue that GM has given the greenlight to produce the Saab Sonett as a roadster followed by a 2+2 coupe, both carrying styling traits from the Aero-X concept. The Sonett should go on sale in about two years.

[ocnblu]

Hmmm... didn't they also say it will be on the Kappa platform? A 2+2? Can I say TEMPEST?

[Northstar]

Saab already has an affordable (relatively) convertible: 9-3, and it sells like crap.

Cadillac needs a roadster of this size and price much more than Saab.

[FAPTurbo]

This'll be RWD right?... And this will be for SAAB...?

SAAB purists already seem to hate the SAAB 9-7x, so why make it worse.

I agree with NorthStar, Cadillac would be better served by a car like this...

[balthazar]

saab just does not have the retail coverage / consumer base to pay for it.

[sciguy_0504]

Good image boost for Saab. Bad business decision, overall.

[pow]

If styled properly, this can be the next TT phenomenon.

[balthazar]

Another thing- while I don't see cannabalization per say, there are only so many roadsters the market can soak up, period. I believe a Solstice coupe would accomplish far more than a saab roadster.

[Drew Dowdell]

dumb move GM.

This should be a Cadillac KLR. Make it a baby XLR with a HF 2.8 litre and a HF 3.6 litre KLR-V.

Since the 3.6 is getting direct injection, that could me a factory stock Kappa with 300hp.

[Croc]

Guys...I have a feeling this might be sent to Europe as well as sold in NA. This vehicle is to help GM pay off its sunk costs...and I have a feeling that if Pontiac Saturn and SAAB can sell a vehicle in the US, Opel and SAAB can sell theirs in Europe, especially given SAAB's greater presence overseas.

[Backup7]

Note that the main page says it could "possibly be based on the Kappa platform."

I think it's equally likely that it may be based on the Opel Astra, as there already exists a 2+2 coupe:

and a (albeit fairly large) roadster:

I think the coupe (Astra GTC) is particularly hot, and would make a great GTi / A3 fighter.

Further, I'm feelin' that both cars will be given the name 9-1 and slot in underneath the 9-3 as it moves upmarket with its next redesign.

[heintz]

Hmmm... didn't they also say it will be on the Kappa platform?  A 2+2?  Can I say TEMPEST?

Can I say Nomad?

[ToniCipriani]

Front wheel drive... please...

[91z4me]

Note that the main page says it could "possibly be based on the Kappa platform."

I think it's equally likely that it may be based on the Opel Astra, as there already exists a 2+2 coupe:

and a (albeit fairly large) roadster:

I think the coupe (Astra GTC) is particularly hot, and would make a great GTi / A3 fighter.

Further, I'm feelin' that both cars will be given the name 9-1 and slot in underneath the 9-3 as it moves upmarket with its next redesign.

164818[/snapback]

I am with you on it not being on Kappa and for a while my only guess was a tiny Epsilon but I just remembered something: Opel Tigra Twin Top

Hmmm...FWD and already built in Europe.

Edited July 11, 2006 by 91z4me

[Croc]

I like the way you think...but is it capable of 2+2? What platform? Styling looks like it could be easily converted into a SAAB with AeroX cues.

[Imaj]

Is it on Kappa, or Epsilon?

[91z4me]

I like the way you think...but is it capable of 2+2?  What platform?  Styling looks like it could be easily converted into a SAAB with AeroX cues.

165225[/snapback]

2 seat only. The next 9-3 would be the compact FWD global architecture and would be 2+2 capable. This would be below the 9-3.

It is built on an updated, heavily modified Astra T-body, I believe.

[quantum110]

Any news on when we could see an updated concept?Autodeadline has recently just posted pics of a Sonett III and a Sonett I...could this possibly mean seeing a new concept soon?

Edited October 1, 2006 by quantum110