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August 18, 2003"
At a special event on Monday, 8-September - in conjunction with next month's Frankfurt Motor Show - Saab will unveil a new 'Sport-Hatch' concept car that challenges the distinction between traditional hatchback and wagon bodystyles.
Saab continues its recent product offensive with the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept - a sporty, five-door, four-seat car that offers driver-focused performance and innovative versatility features, all packaged in a 'fastback' shape that draws its inspiration from the Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept that premiered last year.
Powered by a high performance 250 bhp, 2.0-liter turbo engine, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept signifies Saab's intention to enter the mid-size wagon segment with a sporty product that reflects Saab's tradition for designing surprisingly versatile 5-door models. The concept team, under Saab Executive Director of Design Michael Mauer, has expanded a number of exterior and interior design themes from the 9-3X concept car - signaling Saab's future in this segment.
"Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon," says Mauer. "It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this."
"We have promised the largest product offensive in our history," said Saab CEO Peter Augustsson, "and with all the products that we've shown in the last two years, it's obvious that we're keeping that promise. This concept car isn't just a show car. It demonstrates our intent to continue to evolve and expand the 9-3 model line."
The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is the latest development in the most comprehensive product development program in Saab's history. Following the unveiling of the multi-dimensional Saab 9X concept at Frankfurt two years ago, the 9-3X was shown at Detroit last year and the all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan went on sale last September. This fall, the Saab 9-3 Convertible was launched and next summer the all-wheel-drive Saab 9-2 model is scheduled to arrive in North America markets.
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