As there seem to be a few Saab fans on this site aside from myself, I thought it would be a good place to ask the question:

How much of the new 9-3 sport saloon is GM?

My mate reckons it is not far off being a rebadged vectra. I on the other hand thought that Saab had steered away from GM parts since the new shape 900 was replaced by the 9-3?

Anyone know?

 

The new Saab 9-3 saloon uses the Epsilon platform developed for the new Vectra but that's about it.

The platform is shared to reduce costs obviously but the suspension and petrol engines are all Saab's own work, with the diesel coming straight from Opel/Vauxhall.

The Petrol engines are new 1988cc units, all share the same capacity, but running at different boost levels to provide varying power outputs. They are Saab only units. The suspension shared basic design cues with the Vectra, but has been developed seperately. The Diesel engine is the 2.2 unit from Opel/Vauxhall and is a complete nail, its due for replacement in Vauxhall cars next year, so Saab will get the new unit at the same time I guess.

I hope this helps.

 

Thats great. Thanks for your help.
Any idea about gearboxes/electrics etc?