U.S Pricing for Saab 9-5 Announced

Last year was a difficult year for the automotive industry - iconic brands being lost and lots of changes in the order of things. Porsche was bought up by Volkswagen, and over at GM Pontiac, Saturn, and now HUMMER have all disappeared.

Saab was almost added to that list more than once, until an unlikely bid came from Spyker that saved the brand. Now, the car that everyone hopes will save the brand - the 9-5, is getting official pricing for the United States market.

It is good to be talking product again! The 9-5 a product many thought would never get to see the light of day. Autoblog attended the opening of Saab's new U.S headquarters in Royal Oak, Michigan and while they were there, got the scoop on pricing.

For the 2010 model year, there will only be one model - the top-shelf Aero sedan. It is powered by a 300-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6 and checks in at $49,990 (Ouch!) For 2011, a lower priced model with Saab's 2.0-liter turbo should be arriving, with a price of "under $40,000."

The pricing illustrates the challenge that faces Saab as a smaller company- at lower prices, the new company wouldn't make any money - at high prices, the possibility for more sales decreases.

However, there is something to be said for exclusivity and being different. We think that is alluring. Hopefully, there will be enough Saab fans and people that want to be different out there to make the 9-5 a success.