35% off Dell's Most Popular LaptopsAs you probably know by now, General Motors has decided to discontinue producing the Saab brand after failing to make a sell to European manufacturers Spyker and Koenigsegg Group. Whether it's a lack of resources to produce the Saab brand, or just general disinterest in doing so, GM is about to swing the axe on the Saab imprint, and soon there will be no more Saab.
I have never found Saab to be anything to do cartwheels about, but there are many European car aficionados who appreciate the subtle beauty of Saab over the years, and this Web video is a slideshow tribute to the soon-to-be fallen European automobile. Though Saab has never been a sexy car, upon reflective review it does have a uniquely succinct flavor and aura. Thanks for everything, Saab. It was fun while it lasted. Cheers!
Tonight most of us will be counting down to the birth of the new year, 2010. However, it appears that General Motors will be counting down to the last Saab produced by the company, as it was announced a couple of weeks ago that the automotive manufacturer will be discontinuing the making of the Saab imprint because of its inability to sell the line to prospective European carmakers. As it appears, nothing will be changing on this front prior to the self-imposed deadline of December 31, 2009, and it seems all but certain now that the Saab car and name is to be a thing of the past in the near future.
I know this isn't exactly breaking news with the official announcement coming down the pike almost two weeks ago, but for those who've yet to get the low down on this low blow to the Saab brand, this Web video produced by the Associated Press gives viewers a quick glimpse on how and why GM has decided to shed the Saab brand from production. Though I've never been big on Saab, it has still issued many classy and reliable vehicles over the years, and my guess is GM doesn't see Saab as a marketable name to prospective American buyers to invest in. I'll pour out a little champagne for you tonight, Saab. May 2010 be much better than 2009. Happy New Year's everyone!
STOCKHOLM -- General Motors on June 12 was close to selling its loss-making Saab unit after tiny Koenigsegg agreed to ride to the rescue of its fellow Swedish carmaker, a source familiar with the talks told Reuters. A deal would put a company that has fewer than 50 employees and turns out only a handful of $1 million supercars in charge of Saab, which produces that many family cars every hour.
(Source: Automotive News)
(Credit:
CNET)
Swedish company Koenigsegg, with its CCX supercar, was in contention for fastest production car in the world before it was bested by the Bugatti Veyron. But at the Geneva auto show, the company showed off a different side by launching the Koenigsegg Quant concept, a four-seater electric car. However, the company didn't stray too far from its supercar legacy, as the Quant is expected to hit 62 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds and hit a top speed of over 170 mph.
Koenigsegg teamed up with NLV Solar AG to build the Quant, using a technology called Flow Accumulator Energy Storage (FAES) in place of traditional batteries and a special paint with photovoltaic properties for extra energy generation. With these technologies, and a relatively light curb weight of just 3,924 pounds, the Quant is expected to achieve a range of 310 miles, and more when the sun is shining.
The Quant uses electric motors at each rear wheel.
(Credit: CNET)The Quant features an aerodynamic design and uses an electric motor at each rear wheel for propulsion. These motors do away with the need for a differential, lessening the weight and complexity of the drivetrain. In addition, all four wheels are equipped with regenerative brakes to enhance range.
For passenger comfort, the Quant has three-zone climate control and three video screens, with one in front and two in back. Although there are four seats, there are only two doors. The doors are extra long and open knife style, so there is no B-pillar. But even with the single doors, Koenigsegg has engineered separate side windows for the front and back.
The real mystery part of the Quant is the FAES system, which isn't detailed in Koenigsegg's press materials, other than referring to its use in the concept as "NLV mobile redox FAES." Koenigsegg claims it can be given a full charge in 15 minutes, and the claimed range would make it truly a breakthrough technology. The vehicle is currently far from production, as the concept shown at the Geneva auto show was mostly a plastic shell.
At any auto show there is a world of exclusivity that lives just beyond the velvet ropes. Brian Cooley tries to keep his chin off the floor as he checks out the new supercars being unveiled at this year's Geneva auto show.
Koenigsegg released more details on its special edition CCX and CCXR cars.
While the car will not be officially unveiled until the 2008 Geneva auto show in March, the company has released some early images and a full set of specs for fans to salivate over.
Special edition CCXR.
(Credit: Koenigsegg)Both versions of the limited-edition run will feature a 5-liter twin supercharged engine with 6-speed plus reverse gearbox. Both models will go 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds. The CCX tops out at 245 mph, while the biofuel CCXR tops out at 250 mph.
But you better act fast if you have the 1,330,000 euros or 1,500,000 euros ($1.9 million and $2.2 million ) it's gonna cost you to pick up one of these. Koenigsegg is only making 14 in the CCX and six in the CCXR ,and two of each version are already sold, according to the company.
For more photos and specs, check out our gallery on CNET News.com.
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