2006 Saab 9-7X Aero Concept

All Dressed-Up: Saab 9-7X Aero Concept Debuts at SEMA

The sophisticated, jet-originated Saab brand gets in touch with its inner funk and is strutting its new and improved hip side, as the 9-7X Aero Concept debuts at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association trade show here this week.

In a collaboration with the DÚB customization company in Los Angeles, Saab's first ever SÚV is decked-out with a high-level of specialized elements. Those include:

- 24-inch custom fabricated 'Aero X' wheels and 225/30 Pirelli tires
- Suede and leather interior trim
- Custom front fender side vents
- Custom three-inch lowered suspension
- Borla Performance Exhaust System
- Window and tail light tint
- DVD/TV in-dash double-din head unit
- Four, seven-inch TV monitors for seats
- 15-inch flip down LCD center
- Two amplifiers and two 12-inch sub woofers with custom box
'DÚB was really inspired by the Saab Aero X concept car and the 'Born from Jets' theme,' says Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of DÚB Magazine and Industries. 'We wanted to integrate it into a custom vehicle. The 9-7X is a great vehicle to customize. We are very pleased with the outcome. It looks hot.'

The big question at the show very well may be: when will this black beauty go into production? 'Shows such as SEMA provide Saab a terrific opportunity to try new things and quickly get the evolution out in front of the public,' Julie Kenar, Saab Automobile ÚSA 9-7X marketing manager explains. 'This will act as a good gauge for whether this concept is one which resonates with customers.'

Earlier this year, Saab announced the 9-7X Altitude Edition, of which only 500 will be produced. Beyond the extremely rich standard equipment of the 9-7X, the Altitude Edition includes 18' alloy polished wheels, side assist steps, a rear DVD player, and an exclusive carbon fiber gray metallic paint. The package will be offered at a savings of nearly $1,000 than if the items were ordered individually. The package is available on the six-cylinder 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3I V8 - which will bring the total vehicle price (MSRP, destination charge and Altitude package) to $42,130 and $44,130, respectively.

For 2007, OnStar-equipped 9-7X models will feature a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully-integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. Also in 2007, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System becomes standard equipment on the 9-7X, and one new color, Crystal Blue metallic, has been added.

The Saab 9-7X, which debuted in the summer of 2005, brings unique Saab characteristics to the SÚV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium quality and design features, and sporty and fun-to-drive performance. With its high-level of standard equipment, the 9-7X offers a terrific value.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile ÚSA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2007 model year, Saab markets seven engines/transmissions that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Saab also offers vehicle warranty coverage for five-years or up to 100,000 miles. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

Source - GM