Saab gets with the program

It's not often that Saab comes out with conceptual designs, so as soon as we heard news of the new 9x concept, we jumped at the chance to check it out.

The 9x is to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, 2001. Saab has never really delved into the concept car idea, but we're sure it will be just one of many more prototypes to come.

The big Japanese marques have always enjoyed whipping up a zany new model once or twice a year for the car shows, but the millions of dollars spent on the research and development of these concepts is completed for a reason.

A good example is the Crysler PT Cruiser. Just a few years ago it a was a prototype at the Detroit motor show. The general response to the retro roadster was extremely positive. Crysler made a few changes, released it not long after and now it's winning awards and selling like proverbial hot cakes.

With Saab now taking the concept car idea seriously, stating that it will create at least one new model or concept per year, for the next six, we might see some rather radical designs in future.

For now, the 9x is still pretty groovy, with Saab claiming that it combines four different types of cars into one - coupe, roadster, estate and pcik-up (they mean ute). The front-end is very futuristic, though there are still a few tell-tale Saab lines in there.

Perhaps Saab is just looking to create an Audi TT-killer, which is quite plausible, seeing as the small Audi roadster has been selling very well right around the globe.

Not much else is known about the car, such as engine type, displacement and the important statistics, like 0-100 times and so forth.

However, the fact that Saab has finally seen the benefits behind creating concept models is promising. Saab CEO Peter Augustsson had a few words to say about the 9x: "I regard this car as a statement of intent. It is physical proof that Saab is embarking on an exciting journey."

As it stands, we'll have to wait until the Frankfurt motor show for the official unveiling. We'll get to the nitty gritty when this happens but until then, we'll have to make do with these images.