At Geneva, a phoenix rises from the ashes

(Saab)

Two months after being left for dead, Saab is back with a new owner and a new model debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Only a week after being bought by its new owner, Spyker Cars NV, the Swedish brand plans to launch its new Saab 9-5 Saloon at the Geneva Motor Show, saying that it is excited about its future as an independent premium carmaker.

The firm's new flagship 9-5 is everything that Saab stands for, showcasing Scandinavian design, technological innovation and its aviation heritage. The 9-5 Saloon will be the centerpiece of the Saab stand, allowing visitors to get a close look at its aircraft-like heads up information display (HUD), adaptive lighting, keyless entry and starting and fold-out rear entertainment panels.

Described by Saab boss Jan Åke Jonsson as "the start of a new era for our brand," the saloon will be available in turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines and a top-end 2.8 litre V6 turbo at launch. A smaller 1.6 litre petrol turbo and a biofuel-compatible 2.0 litre version are also in the pipeline.

Saab says that it is ushering in a new era of Scandinavian design with the 9-5 Saloon. Taking its cue from the Aero X concept car, which debuted in 2006, Saab has disguised the side pillars to give the appearance of a cockpit window that wraps around the front of the vehicle.

The Saab 9-5 is due to hit showrooms later this year, although firm dates and pricing are still unconfirmed. Saab will also be showing a part of its history - a replica of the 1957 Saab 93 that propelled the Saab brand to rallying fame in the early 1960s.

It will be shown en route to its latest competition, the Italian Mille Miglia race, where the Spyker and Saab CEOs Victor Muller and Jan Åke Jonsson will pit themselves against other vintage fans to complete the 1,600 km rally.

The Geneva International Motor Show is open to the public from March 4-14 at the Palexpo conference centre in Geneva.

Website: http://www.saab.com
Website: http://www.salon-auto.ch/