American Saab 9-7X gets Corvette V8

The Saab 9-7X is considered somewhat of a flop. Simply a dressed-up Chevy Trailblazer, consumers never took to the awfully high price. The new limited edition 9-7X Aero is an attempt to make it more capable at chasing X5s and Cayennes, with a Corvette engine.

For 2008, Saab adds the Aero model with a 6.0-litre V8, 20-inch wheels and 255/50 tyres, unique paint and custom interior accouterments.

The new 9-7X Aero features a 6.0-litre small-block V8 delivering 390 hp and 542 Nm of torque. With 0-100 kph acceleration in around six seconds, the 9-7X Aero comes only in charcoal metallic paint. Complementing the refined and driver-oriented cockpit-inspired interior are “Aero” embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats. Maximum towing capacity on the 9-7X Aero model is 2994 kg.

The American-built 9-7X Aero has a lowered chassis, larger front stabilizer bars and a heavy-duty rear axle with limited-slip differential.

A four-wheel disc braking system with larger 12.8-inch front disc rotors and iron twin-piston calipers, ABS and automatic all-wheel-drive are standard on all 9-7X models as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

There is no word on whether a few will come here.