The current-generation Saab 9-5 is one vehicle in serious need of an update. However, Saab will be showing a special edition of the 9-5 -- the Griffin -- at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

The 9-5 Griffin uses the standard 9-5's 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, so there's no boost in performance, but some very minor appearance tweaks are what make this 9-5 different from all of the others. Unique seventeen-inch five-spoke wheels and special Griffin badging are really the only exterior modifications to speak of, and this 9-5 can be had in either Polar White, Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, plus new colors such as Carbon Grey and Glass Grey.

Inside, premium stitching and Aero-inspired leather seats are standard, as is high-gloss trim. The seats are available in either black with parchment inserts or, naturally, parchment with black inserts. Other standard features include rear park assist and heated outside mirrors with an auto-dimming feature.

Ready for the shocking part? When the 9-5 Griffin hits dealerships next month it will be priced at $42,775 for the sedan and $44,045 for the SportCombi. This is indeed a hefty sum to pay for the aging 9-5, so we'll be interested to see how many Griffins fly off of dealer lots. Click through the post for Saab's official press release.

2009 Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition Takes Off in Detroit

DETROIT – In the luxurious 9-5 Griffin Edition, making its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, Saab offers levels of premium standard equipment that are unprecedented in the 62-year history of the Swedish car brand.

As underlined by its U.S. advertising tagline, “Born From Jets,” Saab’s illustrious aircraft heritage is part of its design philosophy that runs throughout its range of automobiles. With the vigor of its turbocharged engine and agile road manners, the Saab 9-5 Griffin Edition resonates with its aircraft namesake, the Gripen (Swedish for Griffin) – the first of the new generation of multi-role combat aircraft to enter into active service, developed by Saab Aircraft AB in Sweden.

“With the 9-5 Griffin Edition, Saab reaches a new altitude in terms of premium standard equipment and value,” said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

Available in four-door Sedan as well as five-door SportCombi models, all versions feature Saab’s signature 2.3L, 260-horsepower (194 kW) four-cylinder engine and can be matched to five-speed manual or automatic transmissions without extra charge.

The exterior of the 9-5 Griffin shows influences from the recently updated Saab 9-3 family, such as the use of matte chrome for the front grill, as well as the frames around the Xenon headlamps. The Sedan has a rear spoiler on the trunk lid, while the SportCombi can be recognized by its roof spoiler and roof rails in matte chrome finish.

Unique five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, plus Griffin badges on the front fenders adorn both body styles. In addition to Polar White, this special edition Saab 9-5 is available in six metallic colors, including Jet Black, Snow Silver, Nocturne Blue, Pepper Green, plus the new Carbon Grey and Glass Grey. 

On the inside, every 9-5 Griffin shines with high-gloss interior trim, floor mats with grey piping, as well as the use of accent color stitching on the steering wheel, shift lever and handbrake. This premium stitching also applies to the Aero-inspired leather-appointed sport seats. They are available in two two-tone variations: black with parchment inserts and parchment with black inserts. Additional standard equipment includes a rear parking assist system, plus heated outside mirrors that are not only power-adjustable and foldable, but also auto-dimming.

Expected to start arriving in Saab dealer showrooms in January 2009, the 9-5 Griffin will be priced starting at U.S. $42,775 for the Sedan and $ 44,045 for the versatile and stylish SportCombi (prices include destination charges). In addition to the rich standard equipment, including an automatic transmission, the only options for the 9-5 Griffin are metallic paint, ventilated seats and a navigation system.