Saab's Insignia-Based 9-5 Sedan Caught Testing on the 'Ring

As Saab officials struggle to find a new owner for the troubled automaker to emerge from bankruptcy protection by June, the Swedish firm's engineers are continuing the development of the all-new 9-5 executive sedan. If all goes well, Saab's flagship model should be revealed for the first time this autumn at the Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of its showroom debut in the first quarter of 2010.

The replacement for the 9-5 has been long overdue as the current model was introduced into the market back in 1997 - talk about GM's commitment to Saab... The new 9-5 will use a modified version of the Opel Insignia's Epsilon II platform featuring a longer wheelbase.

As with the Insignia, the 9-5 will come with the option of front- or four-wheel drive layouts, while the engine range will also be similar and include 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as new 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.

Via: Worldcarfans