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The sophisticated, jet-originated Saab brand gets in touch with its inner funk and is strutting its new and improved hip side, as the 9-7X Aero Concept debuts at the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association trade show here this week.

In a collaboration with the DUB customization company in Los Angeles, Saab’s first ever SUV is decked-out with a high-level of specialized elements. Those include:

• 24-inch custom fabricated “Aero X” wheels and 225/30 Pirelli tires
• Suede and leather interior trim
• Custom front fender side vents
• Custom three-inch lowered suspension
• Borla Performance Exhaust System
• Window and tail light tint
• DVD/TV in-dash double-din head unit
• Four, seven-inch TV monitors for seats
• 15-inch flip down LCD center
• Two amplifiers and two 12-inch sub woofers with custom box

“DUB was really inspired by the Saab Aero X concept car and the ‘Born from Jets’ theme,” says Myles Kovacs, president and co-founder of DUB Magazine and Industries. “We wanted to integrate it into a custom vehicle. The 9-7X is a great vehicle to customize. We are very pleased with the outcome. It looks hot.”

The big question at the show very well may be: when will this black beauty go into production? “Shows such as SEMA provide Saab a terrific opportunity to try new things and quickly get the evolution out in front of the public,” Julie Kenar, Saab Automobile USA 9-7X marketing manager explains. “This will act as a good gauge for whether this concept is one which resonates with customers.”

Earlier this year, Saab announced the 9-7X Altitude Edition, of which only 500 will be produced. Beyond the extremely rich standard equipment of the 9-7X, the Altitude Edition includes 18″ alloy polished wheels, side assist steps, a rear DVD player, and an exclusive carbon fiber gray metallic paint. The package will be offered at a savings of nearly $1,000 than if the items were ordered individually. The package is available on the six-cylinder 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3I V8 - which will bring the total vehicle price (MSRP, destination charge and Altitude package) to $42,130 and $44,130, respectively.

For 2007, OnStar-equipped 9-7X models will feature a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully-integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers’ vehicles through their OnStar system. Also in 2007, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System becomes standard equipment on the 9-7X, and one new color, Crystal Blue metallic, has been added.

The Saab 9-7X, which debuted in the summer of 2005, brings unique Saab characteristics to the SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium quality and design features, and sporty and fun-to-drive performance.