Finally, Saab seems to be getting closer to replacing its flagship sedan, the ageing 9-5 that is one of the oldest cars in the market as it has been around in its current form -albeit with several facelifts- since 1997. These latest spy photos are some of clearest yet of the new 9-5 sedan revealing details such as the headlamps and taillights, both of which feature LED technology.
Though still heavily camouflaged, it is evident that the new 9-5 features a sporty look with many Saab design traits like the fastback rear styling and the wraparound windshield with the darkened A-pillars.
Our spies also managed to get a couple of shots of the 9-5's interior, but the black sheet covering the dashboard doesn't allow us to see any significant styling details other than the deep set instrument panel.
Despite the fact that General Motors has decided to ditch Saab, the 9-5's development was signed off when Swedes were under the protective umbrella of the American automaker so the executive sedan is based on GM's global Epsilon II architecture, the same one used on the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia.
In fact, even though the 9-5 will be larger than the Insignia rivaling cars such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6 models, the Swedish saloon gets a similar engineering setup to the Opel with the option of front- or four-wheel drive layouts. Furthermore, the engine range will most likely be common including 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as new 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.
Unless we have any negative developments in Saab's ownership status, the new 9-5 should be revealed for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September ahead of its showroom debut in early 2010. A station-wagon model that is expected to be as popular as the sedan version in many markets will also follow in 2011.
