Saab 9-7X

Saab 9-7X
Overview
Manufacturer Saab (General Motors)
Also called Oldsmobile Bravada (Canada)
Production 2005-2009
Assembly Moraine, Ohio, USA
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size luxury SUV (J)
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 nickname "Trollblazer",[1] (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. Its bodyshell was shared with the Bravada, yet its exterior was distinguished by its front fascia, headlamps, hood, front fenders, roof rack, tail lamps, rear wiper, wheels, tires, 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, available DVD-based navigation system, and either a moonroof or a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. (From 2006 on, those two options could be combined) Like other Saab models, there were two named variants in 2005:

Saab 9-7X rear

Markets

Although the Saab 9-7X was developed for the North American market, the model was also sold in many other countries: 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.[3]

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

  1. ↑ The Detroit News: Saab hangs on by its fingernails
  2. ↑ youtube.com
  3. ↑ "GM recalls SUVs for fire hazard". CNN. Retrieved 18 August 2012.

External links

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