Unlike wine, cars don't get better as they age, and at 11 years old, the current Saab 9-5 is long overdue for replacement. Still, Saab tries to make the best of it by constantly introducing new editions of its mid-size executive model in a wary attempt to draw buyers into its showrooms. At the Detroit auto show next month, the Swedes will perform the debut of the 9-5 Griffin Edition powered by the firm's 2.3-liter, 260HP four-cylinder engine that can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.
Available in both sedan and station-wagon forms, the 9-5 Griffin Edition is distinguished on the outside by the matte chrome front grill and frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish. A set of five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels and Griffin badges on the front fenders complete the look.
On the inside, the 9-5 Griffin comes equipped with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are also foldable and auto-dimming.
Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Swedes have priced the 9-5 Griffin from $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the SportCombi. We're no marketing gurus, but 40+ grand for a outdated car that was designed in the mid-to-late 90s doesn't exactly sound like a deal.
What would have been unheard of a year ago could now very well become a reality: if auto sales don't rebound by the second half of next year, Toyota may be forced to lay off workers in the U.S. for the first time since it began manufacturing cars in the States in the mid 1980s. Jim Wiseman, vice president of external affairs for Toyota's North American production unit, told Bloomberg News that the company cannot rule out job cuts as sales continue to fall. "We wouldn't anticipate it getting to that point, but we never say never," Wiseman said. Overall, Toyota's North American operations employee some 30,000 workers.
