LA Show 2010: All-New Saab 9-4X receives its World Premiere [with Videos]

Saab chose the city of Angeles to hold the world premiere of its second all-new model after the recent 9-5 sedan and the company's first compact crossover vehicle, the 9-4X. The Swedish automaker says the new 9-4X is aligned in looks and size between the 9-3X crossover and new 9-5 sedan.

A crucial model to Saab's recovery after the Swedish brand changed hands, the 9-4X is one of the last vehicles to be co-developed with its former owner, General Motors. It is based on the Cadillac SRX and will be built alongside its American counterpart at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Under the hood, North American buyers will have a choice of naturally-aspirated or turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level powerplant is a 265HP 3.0-liter V6 with direct-injection that can be ordered with FWD or AWD, while at the top of the range sits a 300HP 2.8-liter V6 with twin-scroll turbocharging and standard AWD. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions under adaptive, electronic control.

"We are now embarking on the biggest new product offensive in Saab's history," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "The 9-4X is the second new car we have introduced this year and it will significantly broaden the appeal of the Saab brand by giving us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that is sporty and unmistakably a Saab."

The Saab 9-4X will hit U.S. dealerships in May 2011, with sales in Europe and other global markets due to begin from August of the same year.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________VIDEOS_______________________________

VIDEO: Saab Design Chief Jason Castriota Drives the New 9-5 Saloon

Saab's newly appointed design boss, Jason Castriota of former Bertone and Pininfarina fame, wasn't around when the Swedish automaker crafted the all-new 2010 9-5 saloon, so it's interesting to see what he has to say about the styling of the premium sedan. In this video, as well as sharing his insight on the 9-5's design, Castriota also took the car for a quick spin.

The first official assignment at Saab for the 36-year-old Italian-American who is known for his work on the Ferrari P4/5 one-off special, Bertone Mantide and Maserati GranTurismo, will be the redesign of the Swedish firm's 9-3 range, which is expected for release in 2012.

VIDEO: Saab Tester Takes New 9-5 for a Spin on the Track

Saab continues to publish new promotional material on its freshly revealed 9-5 sedan. This time the Trollhattan-based automaker has released a video with Stefan Runquist, Vehicle Dynamics manager for the new 9-5, behind the steering wheel. Runquist took the executive saloon for a spin on a Swedish test track and offered an overview of the 9-5's ride and handling characteristics. Watch the clip after the break.

Saab Releases New Promotional Video for 2011 9-5 Sedan

It's been a tough year for Saab, but for time being and with the help of its new owner, Spyker Cars NV, the Swedish carmaker seems to moving on to better days. By far the company's most promising asset is the all-new 2011 9-5 sedan that goes on sale in the U.S. this summer. Saab has already started promoting the 2011 9-5 with a new online commercial that you can watch right after the jump.

Video Interview with Spyker CEO Victor Muller and SAAB CEO Jan Ake Jonsson

As you probably have already heard by now, SAAB was rescued on the 11th-hour on Tuesday when General Motors agreed to sell the struggling Swedish brand to Dutch sports car maker Spyker Cars N.V.

The deal is still subject to a European Commission approval of a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank, but GM expects that the sale will be completed in mid-February.

Shortly after the two companies agreed on the terms of the sale, GM's European unit released a video with interviews with Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile and Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars.

The two men talk about the deal and their hopes for the future of Saab. Watch it after the jump.

VIDEO: 2010 SAAB 9-5 Sedan Promo Film Plus Frankfurt Show Interview with Saab Boss

Saab has dropped an official promotional video of its 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show star, the all-new 9-5 sedan that will be heading our way sometime in early 2010. You can check it out after the break along with a second video that contains a short interview with Saab's managing director Jan Ake Jonsson. The latter talks about the firm's newest creation as well as the latest developments in the company and in particular about Beijing Automotive's interest in buying a minority stake in the firm that has agreed to buy Saab from GM, Swedish sports car maker Koenigsegg Group.