A bittersweet reminder of what could have been...
This is the Saab Aero-X Concept car, which was displayed at the Geneva International Auto Show in 2006. The Aero-X would be the last concept car under GM ownership, and the second to last concept ever from the Swedish icon.
The exterior design of this car is nothing short of elegant. The elongated hood and bulging fenders flow to the slopey fastback rear. The back end is somewhat of a breadvan design; the car featured both a hatchback trunk and a pull-out “drawer” for additional storage.
The windshield glass wraps around to the side windows with no A pillar to speak of. In true concept car fashion, there weren’t any doors but rather a cockpit style canopy that lifted up and away from the body. Most certainly a nod to Saab’s aeronautical history, but you probably figured that out on your own. Probably a pain to get into your car during the rain, but completely badass for a car that will never intentionally see the outdoors.
The car featured a twin-turbo 2.8l V6 engine and all-wheel-drive (sounds like a Saab, doesn’t it?), good for 400hp to shoot this carbon fibre masterpiece to 60mph in under 5 seconds. Sadly, the car never saw production and Saab fizzled out from there. GM sold the company to Spyker, but they couldn’t do anything with it and sold it to an electric vehicle manufacturer NEVS, and I don’t think we’ve heard much since.
DNA Collectibles, and up and coming resin model maker, had the courage to bring this wonderful concept to the 1/18 world. I scooped one of their Aero-X’s of their super limited run of 320 during an impressive Black Friday sale: 50% off!
Like most high-end resin models, this Saab has incredible details that you wouldn’t find on a traditional diecast car. The photo etched badges look amazing and the pearl white paint is as glossy as a mirror. Panel gaps are phenomenal, and the headlamp lenses shine like jewels.
DNA did an amazing job with this little piece of Swedish eye candy. Proportions are fantastic, the ride height is perfect, and there’s no issues with the wheel gap. Speaking of wheels, they’re brilliant! Right down to the centercaps, the wheel and brake details on this thing are among the best in my collection. The whole thing is a gorgeous, gorgeous model!
Of course, the major drawback of resin models is that the cars a sealed. That means no opening canopy roof, and no sliding breadbox trunk. I know, I’m cutting onions over here too.
Another unlovable characteristic with most resin cars, the plastic film used for the windows is dangerously thin. With a canopy like the one on the Aero-X, there’s a ton of real estate covered by glass. I’m afraid to handle this model; I was worried my thumb was going to pierce the roof while I positioned the car for photos.
Both of these flaws I mention are of not fault of DNA, however. This is just the nature of the resin model world.
I’m happy I got this car on sale, because it’s retail price of $180 is incredibly steep. At that price, I expect perfection. The chrome foil on the front grille accent piece is a little crinkled. Lastly, the badge, exhaust outlet, and center reverse light are misaligned ever so slightly. The badge is too far right, the exhaust is too far left. I didn’t know notice it until I was trying to line up the grid lines on my camera.
This is my first model from DNA, and it definitely won’t be my last! They just released their 2019 lineup which includes the V70R and Coupe Concept from Volvo, as well as a Volkswagen W8 Passat. DNA is basically the model car company that we would be, if we had one...
