Saab hires ex-Ferrari man to pen new 9-3
Designer says new 9-3 will tackle 3 Series, A4Following its recent acquisition by Spyker Cars , Saab has announced it will employ the services of ex-Ferrari designer Jason Castriota to head-up the Swedish company’s new design team.
Castriota began his career with Italy's luxury-car design firm Pininfarina in 2001 before moving to Bertone in 2008. In 2009, the young designer decided to go it alone, creating Jason Castriota Designs, the design house now employing five designers with bases in New York and Turin.
"I literally started sketching Ferraris when I was about five years old," he said. "For whatever reason, some kids might kick around a soccer ball; I picked up a pencil and started sketching cars."
Famous for penning such stunning designs as the Ferrari P4/5 and Maserati GranTurismo, 36-year-old Castriota's first assignment will be the creation of an upscale version of the Saab 9-3, slated for release in 2012.
"It's vital we get this car right," explained Castriota. "This is Saab returning to its roots, not having to worry about being part of a much larger organisation."
The new aircraft-inspired 9-3 design, which is rumoured to be near completion, is said to be 'Swedish-clean' and far more aerodynamic than its dated predecessor which first hit showrooms back in 1998, a second generation model following in 2002 (pictured).
Castriota says the new 9-3 will be a convincing rival to the likes of BMW's world-beating 3 Series and the ever-popular Audi A4.
"Those are the benchmark cars," said Castriota. "They're true premium vehicles and the 9-3 also needs to be a true premium vehicle."
What's more, the young designer's new boss, Saab CEO Victor Muller, says the upcoming 9-3 is nothing short of stunning -- big kudos for a designer who will soon shape other models in the reborn Saab line-up, including a smaller car that's said to take its inspiration from the teardrop-shaped Saab 92 model (built between 1949 and 1956).
"A small premium car from Saab is a very important vehicle and is something that could truly help the overall production volume of Saab in a great way," Castriota said.
Saab is currently in talks with Germany's BMW about using the brand's MINI platform to underpin its proposed smaller offering, those close to the source indicating Saab could also even utilise existing MINI engine and transmission combinations beneath the funky new model.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
