Posted : 11/08/2010

Rate this article :

There is one way to make a small fortune out of a large one - motorsport. However, for the manufacturers, entering motorsport can offer the ultimate performance brand cache. Even for a brand like Saab.

Before it was in the wars and without an owner, and before the more recent and rather lacklustre crop of cars, Saab was into rally in a big way.

Rumour has it that the Swedes are now in talks with the FIA and WRC to get back into the game in 2012 as the ultimate launch for its newest small car, which will probably be called either the 9-1 or the 9-2.

This comes just weeks after the announcement that BMW/MINI will enter its new Countryman in the 2012 WRC.

The small car entry originally developed with former owners General Motors on the Opel Corsa platform; a deal that is now defunct. Saab may look to the Germans of the Chinese to underpin the car now, and should be basing it on a hardtop version of the concept 9-X Air BioHybrid (below).

Back to top

Rumours abound that the Swedes are in talks with the FIA and WRC to get back into the gravel game in 2012. more

New aero and colour changes before testing starts more

Loeb and Hirvonen head-to-head in Wales Nov 10-13 more

Hit the Where to Buy link to locate nearest stockist more

Tarmac's exclusive breakdown of who got what on TV more

WRC champ to race new Olsberg Fiesta in LA more