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May 28, 2006
Diluted Saabs Coming
Saabs were once vehicles for those who wanted to be different. Cars that fused intelligence with sport, effectively carving their own niche in the marketplace. However, ever since GM's take over, the Saab DNA is stripped away with each iteration.
For example, lets take a look at the current 2006 9-3.
I am for one, a proponent of Saab interior design. GM may have reduced the build quality in materials but at least have left HVAC controls and Saabs iconic digital keypad intact. Now check out the next photo.
This is the new 2007 Saab 9-3. The HVAC controls have been simplified to three knobs. The digital keypad and navi screen have been replaced with GM's standard audio head unit. The entire center console has been flattened so it no longer faces the driver. The digital read-out above the center console has also been eliminated. It basically looks more American than European.
Now some will look at this and say GM has taken the right steps towards making Saab more mass market. By simplifying the control scheme, they've made it more accessible. However, I've never had a problem with Saab's control scheme. It's not difficult, it's just a different take on how to do the same things, and that's what makes it Swedish, makes it unique, and what attracts many of its buyers - the same buyers that want to be different.
So if GM was so intent on making Saabs "easier", they could have taken what Saab's design unit already created - a futuristic look at what Saabs could like like, echoing their jet fighter heritage, staying true to their aesthetic while meeting GM's goal of simplifying their control scheme. I'm talking about the Saab Aero- X concept.
A new integrated digital odometer reflecting the jet fighter cockpits of tomorrow. A new steering wheel design that mimics the wings of Saab's jet fighters. A center dash that brings all audio, HVAC, and statistical information into three screens. The center key ignition, replaced with a simple start button, something many of its luxury competitors have. Saab created it, but GM decided to dive deep into its shared platform bin. A place that is so overused, you can find it in almost every GM vehicle.
find out where after the jump
Just take a gander at of GM designed center consoles. If anything, GM has further cheapened the Saab brand.
Buick Lucerne
Chevy Monte Carlo
Chevy HHR
Saturn Ion
Saturn Sky
Pontiac Solstice
Chevy HHR
Saturn Vue
Posted by tranism at 4:25 PM | Permalink
Comments
if its not broke... dont fix it.
i like the jetfighter look. can i put that in my escort? ;) Haha
Posted by: djhinn at May 29, 2006 8:20 AM
I was interested in the 93 Areo, now I'm going back to either an Aydi or VW for my next car!
Posted by: Passat v6 at August 31, 2006 7:16 AM
GM never understood Saab. They bought it on the rebound of losing Jaguar to Ford. They figured that one premium Euro brand is pretty much the same as any other. The concepts of identity and authenticity don't compute.
My own piece on Saab is here:
Saab needs to find its future in the past
Part of me would still like to pick up a 9-5 Aero wagon some day.
Posted by: Michael Karesh at June 6, 2007 8:44 PM