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Unveiling Saab’s Forgotten Sketches: New Sonett and 99 Wagon Revealed

"Lost and Found: Saab's Hidden Sketches Resurface, Unveiling the Untold Future

Long-lost treasures: Unveiled sketches of Saab's secret projects that never made it past the drawing board.Long-lost treasures: Unveiled sketches of Saab's secret projects that never made it past the drawing board.

Saab Cars Magazine‘s latest edition delves into a hidden treasure trove nestled within Saab’s old premises in Trollhättan. Exclusive access granted to the magazine has uncovered long-forgotten sketches that provide a glimpse into Saab’s ambitious future projects.

Among the fascinating discoveries are secret designs for a modern-day Saab Sonett and a surprising rendition of the Saab 99 as a wagon. This article explores the contents of the magazine’s tenth issue and sheds light on NEVS (Saab’s successor) unveiling these intriguing sketches from the former Saab design center in Trollhättan.

The Enigma of Saab’s Secret Sportscar Project

Delving into the depths of NEVS’ design office at the old Saab factory, Saab Cars Magazine has obtained access to previously concealed images, dating back to 1998, showcasing Saab’s most enigmatic sportscar project. Former design chief Einar Hareide, reflecting on the venture 25 years later, reveals the impetus behind this clandestine undertaking.

Frustrated by the challenges faced in getting their designs into production, the team felt a strong need to explore their creativity. Hareide explains that the struggle to see their ideas come to fruition was a significant factor in his departure from Saab in 1999, shortly after the completion of the sportscar project.

Unveiling Saab's Secret Convertible Project: A glimpse into the unrealized masterpiece.
Unveiling Saab’s Secret Convertible Project: A glimpse into the unrealized masterpiece.

A Covert Operation

This secretive project was carried out covertly at the Formtech consulting firm in Gothenburg, without the knowledge of Saab’s management. Einar Hareide reminisces about the few months of “skunk work,” with a full-scale clay model and 3D interior sketches taking shape. The resulting design was a direct shot at Saab’s challenges, featuring a touch of retro influence. Hareide suggests naming the sportscar “Sonett” from that point forward, paying homage to Saab’s earlier iconic model.

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Exclusive Insights and Studio Klassiker Episode

Saab Cars Magazine provides further details on this fascinating project in its latest edition. Readers can delve into the captivating stories surrounding NEVS’ Emily GT, an unknown style study of a modern-day Saab Sonett, and the remnants of Saab’s factory being cleared out as NEVS disperses.

The magazine also features an article on a sleeper version of the Saab 900 Turbo, captivating egg photography, and the historical significance of Saab 92 chassis number 19. Additionally, the latest episode of Studio Klassiker presents an in-depth exploration of these remarkable finds and Saab’s automotive heritage.

June 2023 edition of Saab Cars Magazine
June 2023 edition of Saab Cars Magazine

Don’t miss the latest issue of Saab Cars Magazine

The latest edition of Saab Cars Magazine offers a glimpse into Saab’s hidden design vault, revealing intriguing sketches that had long been forgotten.

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NEVS’ revelation of the clandestine sportscar project, the resurrection of the Sonett name, and the unexpected depiction of the Saab 99 as a wagon pique the interest of Saab enthusiasts worldwide. As the magazine uncovers these hidden gems and shares exclusive insights, it celebrates Saab’s legacy and keeps the spirit of innovation alive for automotive enthusiasts everywhere.

Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

4 Comments

  • The 1st two issue’s were translated to English, then nothing. I would love to seem the remaining 5 or 6 issues translated to English. This is a great magazine. I’ve sent emails requesting English translations of the magazine with no reply. Maybe this web site editor can get more information on English translation issues!

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