Saab Debuts New 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition at the Chicago Auto Show
8 February 2000
Saab Debuts New 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition at the Chicago Auto Show New Model Adds Exterior Design Enhancements, Versatility Systems And
A Limited Edition Saab Gary Fisher Mountain Bike
CHICAGO, Feb. 8 -- Saab Cars USA, Inc. unveils a new
versatility-enhanced sport wagon at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 2000.
The Saab 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition combines the performance, safety and
cargo-hauling abilities of the standard 9-5 Wagon with a number of enhanced
versatility features that suit one of the world's top mountain bike teams. The
vehicle begins with Saab's entry-level 9-5 Wagon, adds the Premium Package,
and a number of unique versatility features including a roof rack system,
body-leveling system, sliding load floor and more. To top off the package, a
$900 Saab Limited Edition Gary Fisher mountain bike is also included. Saab is
the official automotive sponsor of the Gary Fisher Saab Professional Mountain
Bike Race Team.
Visitors to the Chicago Auto Show are also invited to see Saab's entire
2000 model line including high-performance variants like the Saab 9-3 Viggen
Convertible, 9-3 Viggen 5-door and 9-5 Aero Sedan and Wagon. These
performance-oriented models deliver the unmistakable thrust of a Saab high-
output turbo while retaining traditional Saab character traits, including
world-first safety features.
For example, the new 9-5 Aero Wagon, that made its U.S. debut in January,
is a performance-oriented luxury sport wagon offering a high-output
turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that produces 230 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of
torque from 1,900 to 3,800 rpm. Its performance character is complemented by
sporty exterior and interior styling changes, including flared rocker panels,
a front chin spoiler, a rear valance and a sport steering wheel. Saab
engineers have also integrated a sport chassis with performance-optimized
suspension, upgraded brakes and 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile tires.
Since it's a Saab wagon, it also features the ability to carry a wide array of
cargo with up to 73 cu. ft. of available cargo space.
In addition, the Saab 9-3 Viggen - the highest-performing and most
expressive Saab ever - is now offered as a coupe, convertible or 5-door, and
features a similar high-output turbocharged 2.3-liter engine. Additionally, it
benefits from a highly modified sports chassis and enhanced sport interior.
Less than 3,000 9-3 Viggens will be produced for the world in model year 2000,
with 1,000 of them coming to the U.S. market.
In 1999, Saab Cars USA, Inc. and Gary Fisher -- two brands with a passion
for breaking the rules - teamed up to form the Gary Fisher Saab Mountain Bike
Race Team. The partnership immediately proved its merits as the team garnered
the world championship title and a world cup victory.
The Saab 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition will be available this March, and
Saab plans to produce only 650 units. They will be available in Silver and
Black and, including the additional versatility features and Saab Gary Fisher
mountain bike, will only be $1,880 more than the base 9-5 Wagon with the
Premium Package. The price of the Saab 9-5 Wagon Gary Fisher Edition will be
$36,995.
Saab's relationship with Gary Fisher illustrates their shared vision.
While four decades and an ocean separate the creation of the two companies,
their philosophies are strikingly similar. The two brands define innovation,
individuality, outstanding design and intelligent technology, and they have a
passion for breaking the rules. Their partnership will be front stage at this
year's Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia as the team features four
Olympic contenders. In addition, this spring, they will launch the Saab Gary
Fisher Ultimate Trails Tour (UTT), bringing Gary Fisher and Saab dealers, as
well as potential Saab and Fisher customers, together for a weekend of bike
and car testing, entertainment and technical clinics. For more information
about the UTT, see http://www.saabgaryfisher.com .
