18 August 2001: Saab's 9X concept car to be shown at Frankfurt next month is only the third concept car ever to be produced by the company. The last one was in 1985 when it showed the EV-1 sports coupe.

The car is designed to show elements of future models from the GM-owned Swedish carmaker, including perhaps hints of a revived Sonett sports car, a model which was discontinued in 1974. It could also have cues for a series of other cars, including a coupe, saloon and pick-up.

The 9X concept will show an all-glass roof and a widened grille to incorporate the car's headlinghts. Saab intends to double the number of models in its lineup over the next five years, and model revitalisation will begin with the replacement for the Vectra-platformed 9-3 next year.

The company may well also try to emulate rival Volvo with a 'crossover' SUV/estate model. TW