The Demo Site

General Motors is still in dire financial straits, but product certainly is not a main cause, and this upcoming Saab 9-5 is an example of the potential that lies within GM's platform strategy, even though Saab is expected to be forced out of the conglomerate shortly.

Most 9-5 prototypes still wear heavy front-end camouflage, but the stylistic genes are hard to hide. The wraparound windshield flows into the side windows and the window sills make a characteristic upswing into the C-pillar. We caught the rear end uncamouflaged, and the shots reveal a rakish, semi-fastback look—the car’s look is unmistakably Saab. The lower rear light units hold LEDs, while a dark glass strip stretches over the entire rear end. Other shots reveal a rear fog light stretching halfway across the rear bumper, but this futuristic styling element likely won't make it to the U.S. market, where rear fogs aren’t mandated as they are in Europe.

Finally: A New 9-5

The next 9-5 will replace one of the oldest cars on the market, as the current 9-5 was launched in 1997, albeit a few makeovers have attempted to keep the car somewhat fresh. The 9-5’s latest refresh modernized the exterior with an attractive look, but the car as a whole won't be missed when the new model is launched.

Keep Reading: 2010 Saab 9-5 - Spied