Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Saab's 390 hp 9-7X Aero

In the latest instance of answering questions that nobody asked, GM has announced a high-powered version of its slow selling Saab 9-7X SUV. For 2008, Saab will offer a 9-7X Aero with the much-lauded 6-liter small-block V-8 from the Corvette, for the shopper out there who might be looking for such a thing. The problem is, there aren’t many shoppers for the Saab 9-7X period, let alone one that guzzles even more gas in today’s mileage conscious world.

The 9-7X is by far the worst selling GM SUV on the market. It managed to sell just 558 units last month. The more expensive, and more loathed by the public, Hummer H2 sold 825 units.

Will a high performance version of the 9-7X — which itself is little more than a Chevy Trailblazer disguised as a Saab — priced at $44,945 (not including $745 destination) help the flagging brand? We’ll have to wait until it hits dealers this fall to see if anyone’s buying.

Related
2007 Saab 9-7X Expert Review (Cars.com)
More Saab News (KickingTires)
More Forecast News (KickingTires)

Comments

"In the latest instance of answering questions that nobody asked, GM has announced a high-powered version of its slow selling Saab 9-7X SUV." Totally.

"little more than a Saab disguised as a Chevy Trailblazer"

Don't you mean a Trailblazer disguised as a Saab?

I don't get it, but whoever buys one may have a real collector's item.

LT,
Yes, thanks. that got lost in editing.

Is this a Saab version of the Trailblazer SS? I've always thought the Saab was the nicest looking of all the GMT900 SUVs. Too bad it doesn't sell better, but I just don't think the typical Saab buyer is even interested in a big SUV. Is Saab going to do a version of the Buick Enclave platform after the old model is phased out?

Have you driven it, Dave? Most of the complaints I've heard about this car are philosophical ones from people that haven't driven it. Every owner I've heard from has been really happy with the vehicle.

And as for the 'slow' sales (it's still Saab's second best selling vehicle in the US), well it wouldn't hurt if GM gave Saab USA a buck or two for marketing.

Swade,
You know I've driven the 9-7. Its the best Trailblazer ever made. That doesn't mean it's a good product in 2008. Having an SS/Aero version won't help. I don't understand how GM can get some things so right and other so so wrong.

The Trailblazer platform is going away,so why would GM gild the lilly over at Saab only for a short time exercise? Knee jerk reaction.When you dont know enough to fold them,you throw more money into the pot.Saab is nearly doomed,and GM doesnt seem to understand that.Restyling Subarus and Chevys doesnt help its cause at all.Whatever happened to Saabs experimental zero emission combustion chamber design? (had a huge pointy thing that mated with a similarly shaped hole on the other side),it was touted on ABCs World News Tonight years ago (right when GM bought them) as a breakthru.I guess it was as much a breakthru as the 200 mpg carb and those drop in pellets(moth balls) that boosted fuel mileage and power....

Because Saab loyalists have a thing for speedy SUVs, is that why GM decided to throw up speedy SAAB a la 1998 Escalade? Or, are they reacting to a competitor. But to what company are they reacting? What luxury auto maker has a super fast midsize SUV on the market? Is it the 4.6 X5? Nope..can't be that; it's a crossover. Wait, maybe it's the supercharged Range Rover. Naaa..that's much higher priced. Ok, so they aren't reacting to a competitor.

They must have had some left over 6.0s laying around and decided to drop them into the 9-7. Therein lies the ongoing problems with SAAB - no target market, no product definition, and most importantly, no customers. SOMEBODY SHOULD BE FIRED!

We all know 9-7x is a lower volume model, directly based on the GMT360 body/platform.

What folks don’t know;

* 9-7x was consistently Saab’s second best selling US model.

*9-7x is a high profit margin vehicle- profit helps SAAB and therefore GM.

* Surprisingly, its also among the highest resale value SUVs in it’s segment, holding value better than comparable Lexus and Land Rover trucks.

* 9-7x has expanded Saab’s demographic, it brings in many first time Saab buyers.
It also has helped keep some Saab owners from defecting to other SUV brands.

* Automotive magazines have given favorable reviews to this heavy truck based Saab, praising its handling, pricing and interior design.

Despite it’s american heritage and some misconceptions about the decent work Saab did while adapting the GMT360 GMC/Chevy body/platform, 9-7x does its job well.

Not to argue with you NY but being the 2nd best selling saab when they only have four (now three) models isn't a big feat.

It still sells less than almost every other luxury brand SUV I can think of. Audi sells about 3 times as many of the more expensive Q7 for example.