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      09-28-2010, 10:30 AM   #33
mkoesel
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Drives: No BMW for now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MenTul View Post
Most here has focused on the BMW technology sharing, engine sourcing.
Ignoring the fact that of all the engines BMW produces, Saab wants one with only 220hp.

Is Saab trying to position themselves as a premium niche brand as they have in the past or defining some new obscure position in the market?
Saab already has higher output engines available, namely the GM 2.8L "High Feature" LP1 V6. I suspect that, for packaging reasons, they plan to keep using V6 engines rather than switching to BMW I6 engines - at least in the near term. Its true that Volvo has their transverse I6, but platforms must be designed with this consideration from the start. Perhaps somday Saab will switch to the I6, but perhaps not.

So, the 220hp BMW turbo I4 will most surely just be to replace the current GM EcoTec I4. BMW will have a 250hp version available at launch also, so maybe Saab will elect to use that eventually as well.
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