RE: Spyker: Yes, We Do Want BMW Engines For Saab

[Clivey]

The problem is that it's not so much new petrols, but new diesel engines that they need in order to be competitive. The 23d (204BHP twin-turbo) version of BMW's 2.0-litre would have been just the ticket...but BMW were never going to let them use it.

[The Hypno-Toad]

Here's a little conspiracy theory for you.....



That engine sounds way too small to be putting it in the new 9-5. Why would they bother putting in the current 9-3 which isn't selling? And any new product is at least three years away and the chassis isn't even in place.

Just wondering if the contract is actually with Saab or Spyker/Saab and if Spyker have a smaller hybrid sports car on the drawing board? If so I'm guessing where those engines might end up..

The whole things a stunt anyway. Of course they're not telling how much the deal is going to cost, SAAB HAVEN'T GOT ANY MONEY! Nor will they have. As I've said before you can only tell the banks "Wait and see, this new car will sell loads," so many times.

[va1o]

Clivey said:

The problem is that it's not so much new petrols, but new diesel engines that they need in order to be competitive. The 23d (204BHP twin-turbo) version of BMW's 2.0-litre would have been just the ticket...but BMW were never going to let them use it.

Yeah I'm a bit surprised by that, your right its the diesels that they need. They already have a GM sourced 1.6t 180ps 4-cylinder petrol (coming soon to the 9-5) so swapping that for a BMW derived unit of the same capacity/ power seems a little pointless. Oh well, maybe the much needed diesels will come later.

Also O/T but I love that tin-foil hat picture

[davepoth]

Makes sense to me - Saab will already be paying GM a lot for the platforms for their cars, they won't want to have to pay any more to them than is necessary.

[va1o]

But surely switching from the GM 1.6T to the BMW/ PSA 1.6T isn't going to save much money?

[alfettagtv2000]

don't see the big deal, Saab have used DKW, FORD, Triumph and GM lumps in the past.. OK they totally redesigned the Triumph unit and made it their own but still...

Loads of makes share engines...

[Petemate]

saaby93 said:

Nope
I expect SAAB to go more of an eco route with a turbo/hybrid lpg etc
They dont have to be cheaper just different
Their seats could win on their own

You are so right re the seats. My lad loves driving my 9-3 Sportwagon - he reckons it is a nicer driving position than his Evo 9; steering column in & out as well as up & down - the Evo only goes up & down, and he reckons the seats are VERY nice.
Sorry - went O/T there.
I like the idea of Saab continuing with diesels. I have said before on this forum - the Saab with the same engine as a relative's Vectra is quieter and a more refined car. I would love a TTid but for now my Tid is OK, though could do with a bit more grunt below 2000 rpm when I'm pulling the caravan. May get it mapped next year.
But it will be interesting to see what Saab put in the next 9-3; I am waiting with baited breath to see pics.

Edited by Petemate on Saturday 2nd October 22:39

Edited by Petemate on Saturday 2nd October 22:40

[volvoforlife]

Engine sharing has gone on since the car was invented, but what about transmission?

I recently got an automatic BMW and was dreading it because I know what autos can be like after having a Ford and Volvo automatic.

The BMW automatic is so responsive and smooth its a breath of fresh air - i absolutely love it and don't miss manual at all. I hope Saab mate a good transmission to the engines because otherwise it'll just be a waste.

[bobthemonkey]

If it is a recent BMW then the auto is a bought in ZF unit as also used by Aston, Maserati, JLR among others. No problem at all for Saab to get hold of.