Our spy photographers outdid themselves this time snapping the first undisguised shots of the all-new Saab 9-5 as it was being transferred on a trailer. The photos reveal the premium sedan's swoopy, almost coupe-like roofline as well as its curvaliscious rear end with the distinctive LED tail light assembly. A closer look at the images indicates that Saab's designers have opted for a traditional boot instead of fastback rear gate. Exterior photos aside, we also have by far the best spy shots yet of the 9-5's interior providing us with our first uncluttered view of the premium sedan's newly designed dashboard.
While we can't gather a complete picture of the new 9-5's overall design, the pictures show us a shapely rear end with taillights inspired by the 9-4X BioPower Concept which debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Another picture provides a partial glimpse of the car's rear greenhouse which boasts a dynamic sweeping appearance but thanks to an unfortunately parked Opel, details are limited.
Saab aficionados with a strong memory will recall that the same exact dashboard design -minus a few minor details- was previewed on last year's 9-4X prototype. Same goes for the newly designed three-spoke steering wheel which Saab refers to "aircraft-shaped trimmed".
The interior also echoes the 9-4X Concept as it features Saab's trademark "7" dashboard, complex air vents, and a button intensive center stack. Judging by the looks of this prototype, the cabin seems rather somber so hopefully that will change by the time the 9-5 heads into production.
Underneath the sheetmetal, the new 9-5 uses the same Epsilon II chassis as the Opel Insignia. Saab of course has not released any details, but it's no secret that the engine range will be common between the two models. This means that the 9-5 will be offered with 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as with an updated line-up of 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.
Riding on the new Epsilon II platform, the 2010 9-5 will feature a variety of engines including a host of updated four-cylinder gas and petrol units as well as a new 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 with 300 horsepower.
Saab's new executive sports sedan is expected to make its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with sales following in early 2010.
Source:carscoop
