We've known for a while that Saab's long-neglected 9-5 sedan has been undergoing a badly needed makeover, and now we have the first evidence of the car in development.
The new 9-5 will reportedly be based on GM's Epsilon II FWD and AWD-capable platform, which is also underpinning the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse. The 9-5 will more than likely be bigger in every dimension than the car it replaces, with a wheelbase expected to be about 5.5 in longer than the present 9-5's 106.4 inches. The 9-5 has grown long in the tooth since its debut in 1997, undergoing only minor updates since.
According to our spy photographer on the scene, the prototype you see here is powered by Saab's 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine with 210 horsepower. Also expected to be available is the 2.8L V-6 from the 9-3, which will probably only be available for the European market, as will a diesel option. As yet unclear is if the 9-5's signature 2.3L turbo will carry over to the U.S., as well as if the automaker's five-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be updated.
If Saab continues on in the American market, the new 9-5 is also more than likely to get a version of GM's 3.6 liter V-6. Saab is also reportedly working on a hybrid powertrain for the car. Expect it to come with a version of Saab's XWD all-wheel-drive system as an option.
At this point, it's hard to see much under the camouflage, but it looks as though the spied car may be a hatchback. It is expected that the 9-5 will employ several cues from the automaker's 9-4X BioPower concept.
Expect to see the car in some form, most likely a pre-production concept, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September -- that is if Saab can make it that far.