This old 900 three-door could inspire new 9-3
Spyker might have only just got its hands on Saab, but already it seems it has big plans for the Swedish brand - including a return to its quirky roots.
According to Dutch car news website Autointernationaal, Spyker wants to bring back the spirit of the old Saab 99/900 series with the next 9-3.
Plans said to be under consideration include a five-door fastback in the mould of the Audi A5 Sportback, and even a three-door coupe/hatch.
As well as adding in new body styles, some shapes could be for the chop - the next 9-3 will probably get a convertible body style, but the four-door saloon and five-door estate bodies could be axed altogether.
PH smiley happy that quirky Saab is back...
There are no official statements floating around the interweb to confirm or deny these plans, let alone to suggest a date for the new Saab 9-3, but the new car could be here sooner than you'd expect. Continuing links with GM mean that Saab could use the new Vauxhall Astra platform and its turbocharged 1.4-litre motor for the next 9-3, a move that would slash development times for the new car.
One thing we know for sure is that there will be enough money in the pot to get the new models to market, after the European Investment Bank last Friday approved a loan to Saab of 400 million euros (£347m).
Jan Ake Jonsson, Saab CEO, said: "This represents another milestone along the path towards the creation of an independent Saab. This is very good news and everyone at Saab should feel very positive now."