1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
When I learned last year that the 3-series was not to have a "coupe", I was quite disappointed. My Saab dealer's general manager is likewise disappointed; coupes have always been prettier and more youthful. As far as automotive styling goes, I think (my opinion) that the best shapes were produced from 1959 - 1972...that's my era anyway and nothing was generic like today. If you had a 2-door, you were hip because all of the other families had stodgy 4-doors, but, at least hardtops were dominating the sedans back then.
Since we became adults, for some reason, we have gravitated towards 4-door vehicles. Everything is a sedan, no more hardtops. I never minded folding the seat forward to let someone into the back, but, the rest of the world seems to. There are many 4-door sport sedans that look fine, even good, however, but lose 2 of those doors on most vehicles and you've something much prettier. My 9-5 looks like the best looking 4-door vehicle produced today, but, I can't help visualizing how much better it would look by enlarging the front doors and losing the back ones.
Coupes will surface again; styling goes in cycles and one manufacturer will eventually dare to be different and really lock on to something. Others will follow. Rear-wheel drive will return somewhat as well. Some manufacturers have already planned (RWD)for their return on their more upscale models. Hatches are not completely dead either, but, many associate them with plain, utilitarian vehicles and Saab doesn't fit that segment. Saab does not produce many vehicles compared to the other marques, therefore, we benefit from having uniqueness. They can't tool-up for 2 and 4-door cars without incurring high expenses. Since people buy more 4s than 2s, the 2s are out (temporarily?). You had a hint this was coming when you could only buy the 9-3 coupe in "base" trim the last year or two.
There is a convertible in the works, but, it will not come from the Valmet plant in Finland, but be assembled in Austria.
Lets hold on to those OG 900s.
posted by 198.240.13...
, Mon, 12 Aug 2002 22:51:55
, Tue, 13 Aug 2002 12:01:35
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