Saab 9-7X

Saab 9-7X
Overview
Manufacturer	Saab (General Motors)
Also called	Oldsmobile Bravada (Canada), 2002-04
Production	2005-2009
Assembly	Moraine, Ohio, United States
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, all-wheel drive
Platform	GMT360
Related	Buick Rainier Chevrolet TrailBlazer GMC Envoy Oldsmobile Bravada (2002-04) Isuzu Ascender Chevrolet SSR
Powertrain
Engine	4.2 L Vortec I6 5.3 L Vortec V8 6.0 L LS2 V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic 4L60-E (4.2L Linear, 5.3L Arc) and 4L70-E (Aero only, 6.0L)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.0 in (2,870 mm)
Length	193.2 in (4,907 mm)
Width	75.5 in (1,918 mm)
Height	68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Oldsmobile Bravada
Successor	Saab 9-4X

Interior of the 2006 Saab 9-7X showing the Saab-style dashboard, cup holder, and ignition key location

The Saab 9-7X is a mid-size luxury SUV built by Saab on General Motors' GMT360 platform, which also includes the GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and for this the 9-7X had been given the various nicknames (although it was not assembled in Trollhättan, Sweden, the traditional production site for Saabs).

The 9-7X was the first American-built Saab. It was assembled in the same United States Moraine, Ohio, production plant as the other GMT360 SUVs and shared many components with its platform mates. The Saab 9-7X succeeded the Oldsmobile Bravada as GM's flagship mid-size SUV, and was GM's highest priced mid-size SUV. Two first prototypes be made in mid-2002 but still on standart Oldsmobile Bravada chassis without any changes. In fall 2002 Saab Sweden begin work on ,,more Saabish feel" on the car and build team around Per Jansson who make this changes. Most bodyshell was shared with the Bravada, yet its exterior was distinguished by its front fascia, headlamps, hood, front fenders, roof rack, tail lamps, rear licence plate area, wheels, and rear bumper.

The Saab 9-7X was the last of the GMT360 SUVs. It was one of the first Saabs to feature standard all-wheel drive, along with the Saab 9-2X. It was the only GMT360 SUV not available with rear-wheel drive. The 9-7X was the first production Saab with a V8 engine. It also featured substantial chassis revisions, including a 1-inch (25 mm) lower ride height, revised bushings and dampers, and quicker steering to sharpen the handling. Like the Oldsmobile Bravada and Buick Rainier, it featured standard rear air suspension. The interior design was inspired by the Saab 9-5 with features like the console-mounted ignition switch and swing-out cup holder retained. Missing were the "night panel" switch that extinguished all unnecessary dash lighting, as well as the Saab active head restraints.

The GMT360 platform and the 9-7X were not scheduled to be updated or continued after the 2009 model year. Its position in the Saab lineup was eventually to be occupied by the Subaru B9 Tribeca-based Saab 9-6X. However, GM divested its Subaru stock, leading to the 9-6X development being cancelled, giving the Tribeca an early face-lift as the 9-6X exterior was less controversial. Instead, the position was filled by the Theta-based 9-4X, which was produced in 2011.

According to the GM Fleet website, the 9-7X, along with its platform mates, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy were to remain in production for the entire 2009 model year. However GM closed the Moraine plant on December 23, 2008. The decision to close came early in the 2009 model year as sales continued to decline throughout the North American SUV segment. Sales of the 9-7X declined 30 percent in the first nine months of 2008. Envoy and Trailblazer sales declined 44 percent and 37 percent respectively.

The 9-7X should not be confused with the Saab 97 (Saab Sonett II and III) produced from 1966 to 1974.

Variants

All 9-7Xs featured automatic all-wheel drive with a rear limited-slip differential. In addition to the rear limited-slip differential, the Aero model is equipped with a Torsen center differential. All 9-7Xs include leather seats, 18-inch (460 mm) or 20-inch (510 mm) alloy wheels, and side-curtain airbags. Entertainment and convenience features included OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, a 6-CD 6-speaker 275 Watt Bose audio system, StabiliTrak (from MY2006), optional DVD-based navigation system (from MY2006 up), and either a moonroof or a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. (From MY2006 up, those two options could be combined) Like other Saab models, there were two named variants in 2005:

• Linear (later renamed 4.2i) - Featured the 285 horsepower (213 kW) Atlas LL8 straight-6 engine with 12-spoke wheels. Xenon HID headlamps with high-pressure washers and adjustable pedals can by added as "Prestige Pack" for option but be droped in 2007 onwards due low-as-expected sales.
• Arc (later renamed 5.3i) - Featured the 300 horsepower (224 kW) Vortec LH6 V8 engine with six-spoke wheels and added xenon HID headlamps with high-pressure washers and adjustable pedals. The 5.3 litre V8 engine gained Displacement on Demand in 2006.
• Aero - For 2008 as 2008 model a new high-performance variant was added using the 390 horsepower (291 kW) 6.0L GM Small-Block LS2 V8 also found in the Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac GTO, and Chevrolet Trailblazer SS. In addition to the LS2 V8, the Aero featured 20 inch wheels, improved suspension, a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission and Aero-embroidered leather-appointed seats and floormats. Saab claimed that the 9-7X Aero could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. With very little modification, Aero owners are able to see 1/4 mile dragstrip times in the mid 12 second range.^[1]

Yearly Production Numbers

Rear view of 2005 Saab 9-7X "Arc" in "Ocean Blue" Metallic

Markets

Although the Saab 9-7X was developed for the North American market, the model was also sold in many other countries: Sweden, Bulgaria, Chile, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.

Recall

In 2012, General Motors and Isuzu recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the U.S. and Canada to fix short-circuits in power window and door lock switches that could cause fires. The recall covered Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years. The SUVs were sold or registered in 20 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, where salt and other chemicals are used to clear roads in the winter.^[2]

Recalls was made due to fire in the vehicle. Moisture entered through the door and caused the issue, in 2008, the electrical system in the doors were now covered in plastic to protect them.

References

• Corbet, Brian (July 1, 2005). "Saab Gets Dirty With First SUV". Wards Auto World. Retrieved July 13, 2005. (subscription required)
• Saab 9-7X will be distributed in Switzerland and Italy via importers, and will be sold through selected Saab dealers, The Auto Channel
• "General Motors Presents More Than A Dozen Debuts at 8th Middle East International Motor Show" (Press release). GM Media Online GM Arabia. 11 December 2005. 
• GM to close Ohio SUV factory December 23, The Detroit News

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saab 9-7X.

• Saab USA press release
• Saab 9-7X Official Home Page