The 9-4X took shape once the Saab 9-6X project was cancelled, after the divestment by General Motors of its holding in Subaru. The 9-4X replaced the larger Chevy Trailblazer based, United States built Saab 9-7X, production of which ceased in December 2008. The concept of the 9-4X made its debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The production car is almost identical to the concept of 2008 on the exterior and similar to the second generationSaab 9-5 on the inside. The mechanical parts such as the engine, transmission, and other mechanical systems are all GM, but there are exterior trim and lighting items that are specific to the 9-4X. As such, a review noted specific Saab identity and "charm" as well as its flaws that included excess weight and lackluster fuel economy, but "it is easily as compelling as the Cadillac SRX on which it is based." The car began selling as a model year of 2011 vehicle in June in the United States, and in August elsewhere. The 9-4X was the only Saab built in Mexico.
Production
manufactured the 9-4X and the closely related Cadillac SRX at the Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, assembly plant. The company announced that the 9-4X would go on sale in 2010 to bolster Saab's position in the United States, the brand's largest marketplace The first unit was produced in February 2010, and it was displayed at Saab's Museum in Sweden. In November 2011, General Motors announced that production of the 9-4X would end, because General Motors was unwilling to provide a modern chassis and engine to a Chinese buyer that was a potential competitor to General Motors in China. In February 2010, GM sold Saab Automobile AB to the Dutch automobile manufacturerSpyker Cars N.V. It has been reported that 614 units were assembled during the 9-4X's brief production run for 2011. However, VIN numbers for 2011 go over 600, and there were approximately 60 9-4X models of 2012 produced. A version of Aero from 2012 was reviewed by Road & Track in April 2011. According to information at the Saab Museum in Trollhättan, Sweden, 814 9-4X units were produced.
Specifications
The 9-4X was available with a choice of two petrol V6 engines: a 3.0 L producing, torque and a 2.8 L turbo with,. The 2.8T engine is mated to an Aisin-Warner six speed automatic transmission, operable in manumatic mode via paddle shifters. A diesel engine for the market in Europe was discussed, but not offered.
