Saab Releases Images Of 9-6 Prototype That (Thankfully) Wasn't To Be

Some cars don't see the production light of day, and it is a good thing when they didn't. The "Vuick" from General Motors comes to mind. This new one comes from the Saab file. When Saab was under GM's ownership, management briefly got a brilliant (not!) idea to have Saab and Subaru share models.

They're both quirky, right Well, it turns out the similarities and opportunities for successful cross-branding ended there.

One product resulted from the pairing; the 9-2X, based off the Subaru Impreza. It didn't meet sales success, and was quickly axed after GM sold off its 20% ownership in Subaru.

A second project was in the works though, a 9-6 based off the Subaru Tribeca. Many have said Saab's problem and reason it was losing sales was the lack of a crossover SUV.

GM tried to give it an SUV with the 9-7X, but only after an attempt based on the Tribeca. What you see here is the result of that - not platform sharing but basically rebadging.

Up front there are a few changes that consist of a different grille and headlights, while out back the design remains the same. That carries through in the interior, which receives different gauges and a badge on the steering wheel.

Interestingly, the changes on Saab's 9-6 seem to have been applied to updated Subaru that followed later. Anyhow, we're glad this one stayed in the prototype file. We also think its cool that Saab is reaching out to enthusiasts at Inside Saab. Head over to the site to check out more news and photos of the 9-6 prototype.