| |
| Manufacturer | General Motors Corporation |
|---|---|
| Parent company | General Motors |
| Production | 2005-2007 |
| Assembly | Moraine, Ohio, USA |
| Successor | Saab 9-4X |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, all-wheel drive |
| Platform | GMT360 |
| Engine(s) | 4.2 L Vortec I65.3 L Vortec V86.0 L LS2 V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 in (2870 mm) |
| Length | 193.2 in (4907 mm) |
| Width | 75.5 in (1918 mm) |
| Height | 68.5 in (1740 mm) |
| Related | Buick Rainier Chevrolet TrailBlazer GMC Envoy |
The Saab 9-7X is a Saab-branded mid-size SUV based on the GM GMT platform, which also includes the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (and for this the 9-7X has been given the nickname "Trollblazer", even if it is not built in Trollhättan, the traditional production town for Saabs), GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and the Isuzu Ascender. It is built on the same USA production line in Moraine, Ohio, using most of the same parts as its sister vehicles.
The 9-7X went into production and was scheduled to go on sale in May 2005, but a computer invoicing glitch (unrelated to the vehicle) delayed United States sales until September. About 50 2005 model year vehicles were sold in Canada in July, however. These vehicles have the Displacement on Demand hardware, but it is not functional. This feature will be added for 2006.
The 9-7X is somewhat more differentiated from its siblings than the small 9-2X. The car features substantial chassis revisions, including a 1 in (25.4 mm) lower ride and revised bushings and dampers, to sharpen the handling. Inside, the design is inspired by the old 900 with Saab features like the console-mounted ignition switch and swing-out cupholders retained. The idiosyncratic "night panel" switch, which extinguishes all "unnecessary" dash lighting, is missing, however as well as the saab active head restraints.
The successful GMT360-based 9-7X is not expected to be updated after 2007. Originally, its place in the Saab lineup was to be taken by the Subaru B9 Tribeca-based Saab 9-6X, but since GM has sold off their Subaru stock, the project has been cancelled. Instead, the spot will be taken by the Theta-based 9-4X for 2008.