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There’s not much more to say than that; Saab lives on! It was officially announced today that Spyker cars was successful in their bid to purchase the company. I look forward to the future and the new models that will be introduced under the new management.

Now, if they can only sort out the Canadian distribution network…

GM will now begin what they are calling “an orderly wind-down of Saab operations”, the meaning of which is not entirely clear to anyone. GM is assuring customers that their Saab will still be serviced and the warranties will still be honored although they are yet to tell anyone where/how to get the service done.

I received a letter from GM a couple weeks ago which was dated Nov 14 informing me that as of October 31, my local Saab dealership is no longer an authorized Saab dealer/service center. Nice of them to be on time with things… letter was dated two weeks after my local dealership was closed and I didn’t even receive the letter till the first week of December. I’m a bit bitter about this whole Saab thing.

Ultimately, it is a sad day for the automotive industry as a whole, Saab were innovators and the industry, let alone current car models, owe a lot of their successes to Saab’s innovations. A quick Wikipedia read reveals the following innovations from Saab:

• 1958: The GT 750 is the first car fitted with seatbelts as standard.
• 1963: Saab becomes the first volume maker to offer diagonally-split dual brake circuits.
• 1970: Saab introduces a world-first – headlamp wipers and washers.
• 1971: Heated front seats are introduced, the first time in the world they are fitted as standard.
• 1971: Saab develops the impact-absorbing, self-repairing bumper.
• 1976: Saab was the first manufacturer to produce a turbo engine with wastegate to control boost.
• 1978: Saab introduces another ‘world-first,’ the passenger compartment air filter (pollen filter).
• 1980: Saab introduces Automatic Performance Control (APC), and an anti-knock sensor that allowed higher fuel economy and the use of lower grade fuel without engine damage.
• 1985: Saab pioneers direct ignition, eliminating the distributor and spark plug wires.
• 1991: Saab is the first manufacturer to offer CFC-free air-conditioning.
• 1996: Saab introduces active head restraints (SAHR), which help minimize the risk of whiplash.
• 1997: Saab introduces Electronic Brake-force Distribution

… and the list goes on. How many modern cars use and profit from these innovations? A sad day indeed.

R.I.P. Saab Automobile AB

I sincerely hope that someone with the right intentions, proper financial backing, and sustainable plan picks up this brand in the future and returns it to its former glory. I will buy another Saab in a heartbeat, as quirky as my Saab is I love every little thing about it.

So what’s The Truth about Saab?

Super Aero wheels are The Truth.

The B235R engine is The Truth. Hey, let’s face it: sometimes The Truth hurts.

The rear of the Saab 9-X Air is The Truth.

Headlamps wired through the vehicle’s ignition are The Truth. I am always amazed at how such a simple design thought hasn’t been taken up by modern vehicle manufacturers.

The classic Saab 900 is The Truth, The Whole Truth and nothing but The Truth.

Your first ever experience with the Saab turbo rush was The Truth. You’ll never forget it and it’s a big part of why you’re reading this right now.

Erik Carlsson was The Truth.

–

The Saab Truth is one that is worth preserving. The Saab Truth is one that truly enhances the lives of the people it speaks to. Like music, it crosses borders, language barriers and politics. It stimulates and inspires. It comforts, coddles, warms, cools, purifies, drives, races, corners, starts, goes, stops and when called for, it protects you from moose.

Saab seats are The Truth.

I have always believed that your car should be more than just a transportation appliance. In that field, Toyota is The Truth. For me, if a car is going to be the second biggest purchase you make in your life and you have a wide field to choose from, then that choice ought to be one that makes you happy. One that sets you free. The Truth can set you free.

For me, a ride in a stonking V8 is fun, a circuit in my Alfa 33 is exciting and a view of the Alfa Brera is positively arousing, but always……always, my Saab is The Truth.

The Truth is that the classic Saab design ethos of practicality, utility, performance, strength, design and safety reaches out and speaks to a lot of people.

It doesn’t speak to everyone, which is fine. Their Truth lies elsewhere. But it speaks to me.

The Truth about Saab is that for me, Saab is The Truth.

Source: Saabs United. Read the full article.

Oh my god, they finally made it. Nick over at GenuineSaab came up with a strut tower brace (STB) for the Saab 9-3 SS. I have been looking for/wanting one of these since I bought the car. They’re going for $150 USD and can be powdercoated black or chrome.

I think I’ll have to assemble a wish list for the car and start making some orders when the exchange rate gets better… or in the spring; whichever comes first.

PS: Click the pictures for larger shots.

Toyota approached Ducati to collaborate on a project for this year’s SEMA show. Ducati let Toyota borrow their amazing Desmosedici RR bike and matching Ducati Corse racing leathers to build this custom Desmo transporter truck complete with a hydraulic ramp, popup solar panels, and flip up bedsides. And, of course, the truck features the iconic Ducati red and white paintwork.

The truck is based on Toyota’s Tunda CrewMax chasis which has been stretched to accomidate the bike in the back. The flip out sides feature tool chests and storage areas for racing gear.

No word if the truck would carry my Ducati 999R, but I’m sure I’d make it fit on way or another!

Source: MotoGP.com