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Saab's new 9-5 (2009) leaks early: the first photos

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 23 July 2009 09:00 Breaking news: early shots of the new Saab 9-5 have leaked out early in Germany. These low-res photos of the new 9-5 were published online today – revealing an exec that trades on the style that has made Saab's greatest hits so distinctive.There's a hint of old 900 around the C-pillar, lending a dash of coupé style to what remains a defiantly four-door saloon to rival the Audi A6 and other execs. Note also how the side glass graphic slopes rearwards, in Saab's true cockpit style.The face of the new Saab 9-5 is distinguished by a much more dominant grille, with a pair of headlamps ringed with chrome (it works much better than on the current geriatric 9-5, don't worry!) and a prominent Saab name.

Maserati shows Alfieri concept at the Geneva motor show

It's named the Alfieri concept, which Maserati will be the first to tell you is not the "Guyfieri." Otherwise, it'd come with a golden roof, a Ferrari V8 slathered in beer batter, and a deep-fried interior reeking of Cheetos and desperation. Make that balsamic vinegar, according to Maserati, the dark condiment evidently imbued with "a centenary tradition of craftsmanship and passion." Much like Maserati's celebration of its 100-year history at this Geneva auto show, as represented by the silver ingot shown above. Indeed the Alfieri concept, a gorgeous wide-grilled sports car more in line with the Porsche 911 than its own GranTurismo, is a celebration of Alfieri Maserati, one of the five brothers who founded the eponymous company.

The fall and rise of the budget car

Twenty years ago, the classic bargain brands like Lada seemed to be going the same way as the Soviet empire that spawned them. Woefully dated and badly made, only a weirdo would have bought a new Lada rather than a second-hand model from Ford, Vauxhall or VW. However, one of the big trends in the car industry today is the re-emergence of bargain cars.