When Jason Castriota was a young child, he was already beginning his career in the auto industry.  From his own mouth he claims that “I literally started sketching Ferraris when I was about five years old,” he said. “For whatever reason, some kids might kick around a soccer ball, I picked up a pencil and started sketching cars.”  Thus, the start of an awesome career Castriota has had designing some amazing cars.

Recently, Castriota was hired by Saab to create a more luxurious 9-3 model that is scheduled for release in 2012.  According to Spyker’s CEO, Victor Muller, Castriota and his team have already put together a 9-3 design and it is amazing!  As you know, Spyker purchased Saab from GM in February 2010 and is committed to make the brand profitable again by 2012.  They are determined to make future Chicago 9-5 Griffin models more in tune with Swedish design.  After being under GM’s hat, some of the spunk was taken out of the brand by being part of a larger picture.  They want Saab cars to be their own men, so to speak. 

Castriota certainly sounds like the man for the job.  He was responsible for designing the Ferrari P4/5 and the Maserati GranTurismo, two fabulous sports cars.  His experience drove him to start his own company, Jason Castriota Designs.  He has five designers that work for him, with offices New York City and Turin, Italy.  Not only was he responsible for revamping the 9-3, but he’ll also have a vital part in designs on future models.

Another model that Saab/Spyker is looking to possibly bring back is the 92 model that was made from 1949 until 1956.  They are currently working with BMW to possibly use the MINI platform for this new design.  They feel that having a smaller scale car as a buyer’s option is important for making them profitable again.  They currently have Chicago 2010 Saab models on lots helping them on their journey back to being a top car brand!

Saabs truly are great cars.  I hope that Jason Castriota and his team are able to create some fresh, exciting models for us to drive.  Stay tuned and in the meantime, check out your local Saab dealer for the Chicago 9-5 Griffin and so much more!

There is some great news for the state of Michigan.  After a few years of automotive woes for the “auto-giant state”, Saab has made the decision to base it’s North American Headquarters in Royal Oak, Michigan.  As you probably remember, General Motors sold Saab to Spyker Cars NV, in a $74 million deal in February of this year.  The good thing is that for awhile, Spyker will continue to get some technology and vehicles from GM, since the company has shares in Saab worth over $300 million.  This will help Spyker get stated and move forward.

Saab felt that basing the headquarters in Michigan was a smart move.  Since it’s been a hub of the auto industry in North America, there is plenty of talent and resources to draw from.  This will give qualified individuals in the area a chance at employment.  The job categories at the Royal Oak site will include IT, human resources, and sales and marketing, to name a few.  This business venture will also give Michigan around $2 in state tax revenue.

Since the Saab name was sort of on the line before Spyker came to the rescue, not all Saab models can currently be found as a Chicago 2010 Saab model.  But, they are moving forward on new models and of course, your local dealer has plenty of fabulous Chicago used Saab cars to choose from.

On amazing model that will be  available this spring as a 2010 car is the 9-3 Sport Sedan.   It comes in two trims: the 2.0T and Aero.  The 2.0T starts around $28K and the Aero around $35K.   Both models have plenty to offer.  For example, the Aero features XM satellite radio, a nice power moonroof, and and very cool 6 disc changing CD player.  In the Chicago 2010 Saab 2.0T, you’ll get an eight way power driver’s seat, beautifully crafted leather seats, and good gas mileage (21 mpg for city and 31 mpg highway).

Saab is getting back on track, re-establishing itself as a great brand that has many amazing models to offer.  If you are already a Saab enthusiast, you know what’s behind the wheel of a new or Chicago used Saab.

Wasting no time, Saab has three new models that will arrive over the next year of time, all of which our Chicago Saab dealership, Patrick Saab, are quite excited about. First, Chicago Saab 9-3 drivers will be introduced to the improved Saab 9-3X this spring. Next, the summer will welcome to Chicago Saab 9-5 Luxury sedans for all of your driving needs. Finally, the automaker is looking ahead to the spring of 2011 and plans to introduce the new Saab 9-4X. Few details of this model have been leaked as of now, but stay tuned as I’m certain statistics and pictures will be coming soon.

These models are proof of the company’s intention to remain forward looking. Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars said “… we will be concentrating all of our efforts into reviving Saab and transforming it into a sustainable and profitable company with the confidence to be bold. We will reinforce the emotional experience between Saab drivers and their cars and we will focus on Saab’s historical strengths in the fields of independent thinking, aircraft heritage, ecological performance and motorsport.” Chicago Saab 9-3 and Chicago Saab 9-5 drivers, as well as drivers of other Saab models, are sure to feel positively about these actions. Saab drivers, as stated above, have a unique relationship with their car and thanks to the Spyker/Saab deal that relationship can continue to grow and flourish. As GM’s vice president for corporate planning and alliances, John Smith, said on the day of ownership transfer, “This is a great day for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, and a great day for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide.”

Visit your Chicago Saab dealership, Patrick Saab, to check out the Saab 9-3X and get more details on the new Saab vehicles that are in the works. I’m certain that you won’t be disappointed.

February, 2010 is a month and year that will go down in history for Chicago Saab cars.  As of this date, Saab is officially part of Spyker Cars, who purchased the line of vehicles from General Motors.  This was done to relieve GM of the financial burden that having Saab under their wing has brought.  Spyker is confident that they will be able to revive this car line and make it profitable.  I hope so, Saab autos are great and deserve the chance to live on!

Let’s see what Spyker has in mind for Saab?  In addition to Chicago Saab used cars on lots right now, several new models are in the works.  These include a new 9-5, 9-3X, and 9-4.   There is also talk that a 50′s style inspired 9-2 may be a possibility.   Several auto experts believe that in order for Saab to truly be profitable, Spyker may have to partner with a larger, more profitable automaker to help field that costs associated with producing new models!

Spyker certainly has it’s work cut out for them. They expect Saab to be a profitable car by 2012.  To do this, they will need to sell around 75,000 cars per year.  In 2009, only about 40,000 Saab’s sold and it resulted in a $550 million loss!  It is hard to see that, but in a tough economy, it’s been difficult for many auto makers!

On a positive note,  what might you find right now at your local Saab dealer?  The 2009 Chicago Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport is a great car.  It starts around $35K and comes with many great features.  It has decent fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway.   The engine provides 201 HP and 221 pound feet of torque.  The 2.0T comes with good warranty options.  For example, the Basic and Powertrain Warranties are for 48 months/50,000 miles.

I really hope that Spyker can keep the Saab line running.  They seem determined and optimistic, and that is half the battle!

As you may or may not know, Spyker, a Dutch car company, recently purchased Saab from GM.  The auto brand has been in trouble for awhile now, but with the recent purchase and plans by Spyker, it’s looking like Saab has some great new models coming up.

The 9-5 Sedan, which was developed by GM originally, is still part of the plan.  The 9-5 went on display last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show.   This would have been a great Chicago 2010 Saab model, but it will go on sale this summer as a 2011 model.  The 9-5 will be available as a sedan, wagon, and “X” body style.

Another model (this might be my favorite) for Saab that will come to dealerships in 2011 is the 9-4X Crossover.  It will actually be manufactured by General Motors at their plants in Mexico.  GM will be able to pull profit from it’s sales, but can also charge a markup that can go to Saab Spyker Automobiles.

The 9-3 line will also be a great option for the Saab lover.  Spyker really wants to make this lineup great.  They are planning for all newly designed 9-3′s to be available as a 2012 model.  You’ll be able to choose from a sedan, wagon, “X,” convertible, and a hatchback, which perhaps one of the most coveted style by a loyal Saab enthusiast!  The Chicago 2010 Saab 9-3X starts out around $37K.

The 9-1 small car concept is more of a vision at this time.  Smaller cars that are more economical and give off less emissions are a wave of the car industry’s future.  To make a 9-1 model go from thought to process will require some more funding for Spyker.

Lastly, the Saab Aero X, which went on display several years ago as a conept, is probably not going to happen for awhile.  It looks amazing, with it’s futuristic, sporty looking design.   If you are craving a Saab now, consider a Chicago Saab used cars instead.

Spyker is going to work extremely hard to make sure Saab is reestablished as a leading car brand.  Right now, you can visit your local dealer for more information on new and Chicago Saab used cars.