Advance auto zone blog about fast cars and auto trader

Advance auto zone blog about cool fast cars, and auto trader



2009 Saab 9-5 spied

Saab's new 9-5 continues testing – as the Swedish car maker continues to fight for its survival. These latest spy photos, taken yesterday at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, are proof that Saab does finally have the new product for which its dealers are clamouring.

2009 Saab 9-5 -12009 Saab 9-5 -2Pending the sale of Saab, the new 9-5 is due to be shown this autumn at the September 2009 Frankfurt motor show, ahead of a showroom launch in winter 2009-10. It's a step change for Saab's range-topper; after a decade of stagnation in the exec sector, the 9-5 is finally brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Our latest spy photos confirm a more low-slung style, with an especially noticeable fastback rear screen (a touring estate will also be offered later in 2010).

GM might have turned its back on Saab 9-5, but this car was engineered under its watch – so the global Epsilon II architecture underpins the new 9-5. That means a similar engineering set-up to the Vauxhall Insignia, with the option of front- or four-wheel drive and the likelihood of turbocharged Aero models. Downsized, four-cylinder turbo engines form the backbone of the engine line-up and – this is cuddly, enviro-conscious Saab, don't forget – eco-friendly E85 biofuels will be available.

© Source: carmagazine
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2009 Saab 9-5 spied

These will most likely be the last spy photos we see of the Saab 9-5 in prototype form as it prepares for its first public appearance later this year. The prototype captured here on the Nurburgring wears a substantial amount of camouflage although the production version is unlikely to waiver from typical Saab styling.

2009 Saab 9-5-12009 Saab 9-5-2These images also reveal the much shallower rear roofline, giving the new 9-5 a more coupe-like silhouette - with the car taking many of its styling cues from the 9-4X BioPower concept. The new 9-5 is likely to gain some extra weight, with a greater length and height than the current model as well as a longer wheelbase, making it a closer competitor to models such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS and Volvo S80.

The prototype in these images uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine making 160kW, while a 2.8-litre V6 will be available in the European market with the US getting an even bigger 3.6-litre V6.

Saab 9-5 diesel model is also a given along with a hybrid model, with its first public unveiling scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

© Source: caradvice
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Saab 9-3X SportHatch

Saab did its best at the Geneva motor show, presenting its new 9-3X SportHatch, which follows in the footsteps of some offroad offerings such as the Volvo XC70 and Audi’s allroad range.

Saab 9-3X SportHatch-1Saab 9-3X SportHatch-2The model is equipped with either the 2.0L turbo engine at 210hp, or the 1.9 litre TTiD at 180hp. The petrol version has all wheel drive, while the diesel features rear wheel drive. The higher wheel base, XWD, and rear electronic differential with anti-slip eLSD, make this an excellent competitor in this segment, compared to some of the soft-roader options.

Other Saab 9-3X SportHatch features include the transmission offered, a six-speed manual or automatic, and the boot, which has a variable capacity of between 477 and 1331 litres.

© Source: eurocarblog
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2009 Saab 9-3X wiil appear at Geneva motor show

Saab has officially unveiled 2009 Saab 9-3X - the new sports wagon ahead of its official debut at the Geneva motor show. Positioned as an ideal alternative to large and heavy crossovers or SUVs, the new 9-3X range incorporates two efficient engines into its range.

2009 Saab 9-3X  -12009 Saab 9-3X  -2The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 157kW and 300Nm between 2500 and 4000 rpm mated to either a six speed manual or automatic transmission. Coupled with Saab’s advanced Cross Wheel Drive system (XWD) the 2.0T reaches 100km/h in just over 8.2 seconds (0-60mph quoted) from a standstill with the manual, whilst returning fuel economy of 6.9-litres per 100kms.

The XWD system is capable of continuously distributing engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and traction in all conditions by employing an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD). The standard fit rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same principle, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more traction. The diesel option is a 1.9-litre twin turbo engine which produces 134kW and 400Nm with power sent to the front wheels via either a six speed manual or automatic gearbox.

The sprint from zero to 100km/h is roughly the same as the petrol model at just over 8.3 seconds (0-60mph quoted) while fuel economy stands at 4.6-litres per 100km.

© Source: caradvice
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2010 Saab 9-4X – Spied

Among the GM brands, Saab stands out for the richness of its Swedish heritage, the immutable character of its cars (the older ones, anyway), and the voracity of its loyalists. But about four years ago, GM cast it all aside when, in an effort to satisfy SUV-starved U.S. dealers, it slapped a Saab aerospace-inspired grille onto its big midsized GMT360 SUV body, relocated the ignition switch to the center console, and then tried to pass the result—the 9-7X off as a true Saab. To Saab-o-philes, this was akin to bleaching Rosanne Barr’s hair blond and passing her off as supermodel Victoria Silvstedt.

2010 Saab 9-4X -12010 Saab 9-4X -2In Saab’s defense, the 9-7X, aka the “Troll-blazer,” was only meant to fill the void until Saab could bring out a crossover ute more in line with Saab’s decidedly Euro sensibilities than the body-on-frame, petrol-swilling, non-turbocharged, and soooo-not-born-from-jets 9-7X.

Since then, the 9-7X has been killed. But the good news is the brand will get back into the crossover game with an all-new, smaller, car-based ute. And development is well on track, as evidenced by these spy shots of the almost completely exposed 2010 9-4X, caught testing at or near GM’s Milford Proving Grounds outside Detroit.

The 9-4X shares its “TE” midsize crossover platform—so-named because it has elements of the old Epsilon mid-size car and Theta compact crossover Saturn Vue platforms—with the 2010 Cadillac SRX. Both will be built at GM’s Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

In the U.S., the Saab is expected to be powered—initially, anyway—by GM’s lovely, 304-hp, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6, a six-speed automatic, and Saab’s new “XWD” all-wheel-drive system. Other markets will likely be able to specify the new 2.9-liter V-6 diesel that GM engineered with newly acquired Italian diesel-builder, VM Motori SpA.

© Source: caranddriver
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2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T convertible

With a starting price in the low-$40,000 range, the 9-3 Lynx Yellow convertible competes with the same group of vehicles familiar to its four-door counterpart – namely the roofless versions of the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series, but also the Volvo C70. However, once the option boxes begin to get ticked, the 9-3 convertible starts to have more in common with the A4 cabriolet and C70 than it does with the drop top Bimmer – which retails for about 6 grand more than the 9-3 when comparably equipped.

2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T -12008 Saab 9-3 2.0T -2Although on the lower end of things, it’s possible to lump Toyota’s Solara convertible in with the list of 9-3 competitors

With Saab’s 210-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder underhood, the 9-3 convertible has more than enough power to zip around town. The 9-3 convertible’s hefty curb weight (about 3,800 pounds) and hint of turbo lag will never make it king of the drag strip, but there’s enough on tap under your right foot to confidently merge into highway traffic or have a little fun on the back roads – the latter made all that much better by putting the top down to hear the turbo at full song.

And the 9-3 convertible’s suspension will gladly let you have some fun on the twisties. Not only does the 9-3 absorb bumps and road imperfection far better than we thought it would, it continues to overachieve even in sporty driving. You won’t confuse the 9-3 convertible with a true sports car, but it holds its own up until about 7/10. There is a touch of body flex from the removal of the roof, but it’s hardly noticeable, even over rough patches of tarmac. Although not quite up to BMW standards, we were thoroughly impressed with the 9-3 convertible’s suspension setup.

While our 9-3 convertible tester shared the same engine as our 9-3 sedan test car, the burden of the convertible’s extra weight was noticeable at the pump. We averaged just over 25 mpg during our week with the 9-3 convertible – albeit with a healthy stint of highways driving – but still fell short of our 9-3 sedan’s average. However, our 25 mpg bested the EPA’s ratings of 18/24 mpg city/highway.

© Source: leftlanenews
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Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept

Saab has unveiled its new 9-X Air concept which could hint at the design style of future open-air roadsters from the brand. Inspired by Saab’s heritage in aviation, the concept boasts what the brand hopes to become the trademark ‘Canopy Top’ - an evolution of the typical rag top.

Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept-1Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept-2Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept-3Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept-4Pushing the boundaries of conventional convertible design, the rear pillar of the 9-X Air concept curves upwards to create the distinct wraparound glasshouse. Penned alongside the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept by designer Anthony Lo, the 9-X Air shares its distinctive front end styling, together with its highly efficient powertrain.

The turbocharged 1.4-litre Saab BioPower engine has been optimised for E85 fuel and incorporates an electric boost hybrid system for optimal fuel efficiency.

Performance is a substantial 147kW and 280Nm with a projected fuel consumption figure of 5 litres per 100kms and 119g CO2/km on standard fuel, which changes to 107g/km and 6.5l/100km when used with E85. This is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with an automatic clutch and steering wheel mounted controls. In partnership with Sony Ericsson, the 9-X Air and its hatchback sibling also showcase the next generation of Bluetooth wireless connectivity with one or more mobile devices.

The in-car interface allows the driver to stream data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions, which are transferred automatically to the car while the device remains in the user’s pocket.

© Source: caradvice
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2010 Saab 9-4 X spied

If you’re into the spy shot scene you may have noticed some earlier pictures of this car scattered on the web, but our European photographers have just gotten up close and were able to verify – 100% – the true identity of this masked prototype.

2010 Saab 9-4 X -12010 Saab 9-4 X -2We first saw this bodystyle at the Detroit Auto Show, being touted at as the 9-4X BioPower Concept, but Saab is obviously serious about bringing this to the marketplace in a timely fashion.

Codenamed GMT168, the Saab 9-4X will arrive in time for the 2010 model year. Sharing the platform with the upcoming Cadillac BRX, the Theta-Epsilon based Saab will be built in at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

Unlike the U.S. based 9-7X, this will be sold globally. Styling – as you can easily see – will be very close to that of the concept, and powerplants will include a range of gasoline, as well as a new 250-horsepower diesel.

The 9-4X will also offer Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.

© Source: caradvice
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2008 Saab 9-3

Tougher emissions and fuel economy regulations in Europe and the United States have forced Saab to put the brakes on development of the next-generation 9-3. The current Saab 9-3 is built on GM's Epsilon platform (shared with the Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Malibu, and Pontiac G6). The next-gen model was set to be based on the longer and wider GM Epsilon II platform (used for the 2009 Saab 9-5). However, Saab and parent company General Motors are considering radically downsizing the model to fit GM's upcoming 'Global premium compact' platform - a size rivaling the Audi A3.

2008 Saab 9-3GM design sources told Autocar that a smaller chassis would dictate new technologies to maximize interior room. These would include a slim modular roof assembly and slimmer doors with advanced side-impact technology. General Motors has also hinted that the new 9-3 could be manufactured in the United States. Many European automakers are feeling the impact a weak dollar is having on profits and, like BMW, are moving or increasing production in the States.

© Source: autoblog
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New York International Auto Show 2008

Automobiles De Luxe at the New York International Auto Show 2008. Hosted and produced by Gunnar Heinrich with co producer Neil Rogers-Reo.



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Saab Turbo X - Limited Edition

Saab Australia has announced pricing for the eagerly awaited all-wheel-drive limited edition performance Saab Turbo X. Only 30 of these limited edition models will be made available to customers in Australia and New Zealand, with 25 Sport Sedan and five SportCombi models arriving between June and September this year.

The Turbo X is the first to debut the XWD (cross wheel drive) system which continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles and also between the rear wheels.
To optimise traction at take-off, the XWD system anticipates the engagement of the rear wheels unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems which need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated.

Saab Turbo X -1Saab Turbo X -2It also boasts an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) as standard, which can transfer up to 50 per cent of maximum rear torque between the rear wheels, to whichever has more grip.The Turbo X is powered by Saab’s award winning 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 206kW at 5500rpm and peak torque of 400Nm between 2150rpm and 4500rpm.This translates into a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.5 seconds.

The limited edition Turbo X model is identifiable by its deeper front lip spoiler, re-profiled bumper, rear spoiler and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels in a grey titanium-like finish. The interior features black leather sports seats and carbon-fibre highlights on the main fascia, door inserts, glove box and gear shift console which is unique to Turbo X.

In recognition of Saab’s turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display, and owners will receive a unique “Ready for Take-off” message when they start the car including their name and edition number of the car.

Pricing
Sport Sedan 2.8TV6 $88,800 (Automatic) $91,300 (Manual)
SportCombi 2.8TV6 $91,300 (Automatic) $93,800 (Manual)

© Source: caradvice
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2010 Saab 9-4X Spied, Under All Those Bras

These are the first true pictures of the 2010 Saab 9-4X crossover vehicle, just captured by our spy photographers undergoing track testing.

We first saw this body style at the Detroit Auto Show, being touted at as the 9-4X BioPower Concept, but Saab is obviously serious about bringing this to the marketplace in a timely fashion.

2010 Saab 9-4X -12010 Saab 9-4X -2Codenamed GMT168, the Saab 9-4X will arrive in time for the 2010 model year. Sharing the platform with the upcoming Cadillac BRX, the Saab 9-4X will be built in at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. And unlike the larger 9-7X sport-utility vehicle, this will be sold globally.

Styling – as you can easily see underneath quite a lot of automotive lingerie — will be very close to that of the concept, and powerplants will include a range of gasoline, as well as a new 250-horsepower diesel. The 9-4X will also offer Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 SAAB 9-3 Vector Review

Engine: 1910cc four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 110kW @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 320Nm @ 2,000 - 2,750rpm
Transmission: Sentronic Six-Speed Automatic
Driven Wheels: Front
0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds (Claimed)
Top speed: 210km/h (Claimed)
Safety: ESP (with TCS); ABS (with BA, CBC & EBD); Front, Side and Curtain Airbags
NCAP rating: 5 Stars
Turning circle: 10.8 metres
Wheels: Alloy 17″ x 7.5″ (As Tested - Usually 17″ x 7″)
Spare Wheel: Space Saver
Fuel tank: 58 litres
Fuel consumption : 6.8 litre / 100km (ADR Combined Average)
Fuel type: Diesel
Towing Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
Weight: 1,509kg (Tare)

Take the 9-3 on face value and the car is quite impressive, rather stunning to look at and surprisingly comfortable to ride in, but start blending the various parts and practicalities together as a whole and you soon realise a few things could have been done a little better. Smooth parallel shoulder and hip lines carry unbroken through the length of the vehicle to a well finished rear end sporting frosted tail lights and high boot line.

2008 SAAB 9-3 Vector-12008 SAAB 9-3 Vector-22008 SAAB 9-3 Vector-3Upfront the 110kW 1.9 litre common-rail turbo diesel does a brilliant job of keeping things on the boil once moving and with thanks to a healthy 320Nm, pulls rather strongly mid gear. The down side however is that the performance suffers incredibly from (initial) turbo lag.

Braking though is good, reassuring, and a lot better than the 9-5, but the pedal feel is still somewhat firm and requires far more input than similarly priced European or Japanese rivals. Still the ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, brings the 9-3 to rest confidently and drew little in the way of messy black dust all over the sporty 17″ alloys which was nice for a change come clean up time.

In all though SAAB 9-3 is a great looker, is cheap to run and is surprisingly comfortable. Whilst it does lack some of the driving finesse you’d expect of a premium brand, and though it could do with a little tweaking to satiate the needs of a fiercely fought price bracket, it’s has one unique thing going for it - people just love to admire it.

© Source: caradvice
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Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept: Geneva '08 Preview

Saab is showing off its latest addition at the Geneva Motor Show today by adding a smaller model at the entry point to its lineup. The new Saab 9-X BioHybrid is strictly a concept at this stage, but it will almost certainly pop up in Saab showrooms before long. The 9-X is built on General Motors' next generation Global Compact Car platform (a.k.a. Delta). That's the platform that underpins cars like the Opel Astra, Chevy Cobalt and, in the future, the Chevy Volt. Given the size, the 9-X will probably become the 9-1 when it hits the streets.

Saab 9-X BioHybrid ConceptSaab 9-X BioHybrid Concept-2Like other recent Saab concepts, this one carries forth much of the same design language, particularly in the nose and fenders. In profile, it's apparent that the windshield has a much more pronounced wraparound than recent production Saabs or the 9-4X crossover. The roofline has a distinct downward slope toward the back of the car, and the concept features active aerodynamics that help this compact hatchback from the wind. Above 70 km/h, for instance, a spoiler that wraps over the rear pillar and a diffuser below the back bumper extend to increase the effective length of the body and reduce drag.

Underhood, the 9-X has a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder that, in typical Saab fashion, is optimized for running on ethanol and earns an output of 200 hp when doing so. Fuel efficiency is enhanced by a next generation GM Hybrid system, which we'll here more about in Geneva, as well. The battery charging capability is further enhanced by a solar panel mounted on the roof. Overall, the 9-X/1 could be a capable competitor to the MINI in the premium compact segment that's fiercely competitive in Europe, but has yet to heat up in the U.S.

© Source: auoblog
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Saab 9-1 concept bound for Geneva

Saab has got its work cut out for it over the next few years, as it attempts to recreate itself – once again – by offering a slew of new products that will hopefully differentiate it from the rest of the General's line. The next big small thing from Saab is the 9-1 concept, which aims to compete with the BMW 1-series, the Audi A3 and Volvo's C30.

Saab 9-1 conceptOriginally, the 9-1 was supposed to make its debut at the London Motor Show, but Saab designer Anthony Lo divulged to Auto Motor Und Sport that the new hatch would be unveiled this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Details about Saab's new compact offering are still scarce, but expect styling to be heavily influenced by the Aero X concept, with power provided by either a turbocharged 1.4-liter four or a BioPower mill.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Road Test

Likes: Convertible appeal, four-seat utility, distinctive style, room.
Dislikes: Expensive, quirky bits, slower than the average Euro ragtop.
TCC's Take: Probably the best Saab convertible ever, but there's not much to woo away the Audi/Benz/BMW crowd.

2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible-2It takes a special kind of enthusiast to appreciate Saab's lineup of sedans, wagons and convertibles. There's nothing particularly different on the spec sheet, but for whatever reason - some quirky cachet - they appeal to a very specific breed of driver.

And while the Swedish carmaker's 9-3 Convertible gets the same kind of top-to-bottom renovation that the sedan and wagon models also receive for the 2008 model year, it doesn't move the needle much when it comes to wooing new buyers away from the likes of BMW and Audi, not to mention cheaper hardtop convertibles with Euro nameplates.

In part, it's a big pricetag that makes the 9-3 not such a bargain. It carries a base price of $38,965 for the base 2.0T version and tops out around $45,000 for the V-6-powered Aero. Fully loaded the Convertible nudges $50,000, in a convertible world filled with cheaper four-seat hardtop cabrios like the Pontiac G6 Convertible and Chrysler Sebring, and comparably priced ones like the Volkswagen Eos and Volvo C70.

And while it's a good-looking, solidly built, decently powerful, and an entertaining drive, the Saab's primary appeal lies more in factors that folks judge when buying sedans. It's not the sex appeal of its thick flanks that stands out, it's the 9-3's large trunk (12.4 cubic feet) and rear-seat legroom that tops other four-seater ragtops. It's not the blazing power that snicks through a manual shifter, but the seamless gearchanges of its six-speed automatic that feels right.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

The new concept bows next week at the Detroit auto show. Earlier today a Dutch newspaper broke a worldwide embargo on the information presented here.

The 9-4X is a strong indication of the size and look of Saab's future crossover plans - and is likely drawn from the same set of mechanicals as the Cadillac concept, which is rumored to wear the initials BRX in production. The Saab concept's differences are clear, though, from the engine to the distinctive sheetmetal creases and the traditional Saab grille up front, with other elements drawn from Saab's recent Aero X concept.

2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept-2In another nod to Saab tradition, the engine is a small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder. Only here, the 2.0-liter turbo four gets its power from ethanol fuel. Saab says its efforts to "rightsize" its engine lineup, getting more power out of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines. In this application the turbo four makes 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque when running on ethanol, and produces less carbon dioxide emissions than it would running on gasoline.

An automatic transmission is installed in the concept. As does Saab's new 9-3 lineup, the 9-4X concept runs on a version of the brand's "Cross-Wheel Drive," which uses an electronic rear differential to split power side to side at the back, while it also splits the engine's power front to rear.

© Source: thecarconnection
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2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible

(from Saab Press Release) 2008 SAAB 9-3 RANGE FEATURES EXTENSIVE EXTERIOR ENHANCEMENTS, POWER UPGRADE and introduction of XWD cross-wheel drive

The 2008 Saab 9-3 range makes its debut in Saab showrooms sporting major exterior enhancements inspired by the acclaimed Aero X Concept.Additionally, in keeping with Saab’s driver focused heritage, the 2008 9-3 range gets a more powerful engine to match the more powerful-looking exterior: The 2.8L V-6 turbo has been modified to produce 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm), a five-horsepower improvement over the 2007 model.

2008 Saab 9-32008 Saab 9-3-2For 2008, the Saab 9-3 range includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 Convertible and 9-3 SportCombi in 2.0T and Aero models. Saab engineers developed the 9-3 Convertible structure concurrently with the Sport Sedan and SportCombi, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car frotonewsm the very start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and driving refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

For 2008, designers made the Convertible interior window frame and A-pillar black, to better coordinate with the instrument panel. The soft top headliner is Parchment, providing a more roomy feeling inside the car when the soft top is up. The 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan and Convertible newly designed 16-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, body color rocker panels and bumper skirts, 9-3 Aero models have the 255-horsepower (190 kW) 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Saab Turbo X Bows in Frankfurt

Saab had gripping news forFrankfurt, where it officially revealed the latest spin-off of its newly-redesigned 9-3 line. The 9-3 Turbo X will be the first model to make use of the automaker's all-new, all-wheel-drive technology, or as Saab prefers to call it, Cross-Wheel-Drive. (Saab will now take the development lead for all AWD technology used on GM's transverse engine vehicles worldwide.)

Saab Turbo XThe intelligent system will also deliver a nice boost of power, the Turbo X pumping out 280 hp from its blown 2.8-liter engine, compared with just 255 hp for a standard 9-3 2.8T. That should yield 0-60 times in the range of 5.7 seconds, making the Turbo X among the fastest Saabs ever.

Saab insists the system is more than just a new name for old technology. By mating its version of all-wheel-drive to an electronic, limited-slip differential, the Turbo X and subsequent production models will be able to shift torque not only from front-to-back, but also between the rear wheels. It's not as sophisticated a system as Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, Saab officials acknowledge, but it will also be markedly lighter and, they promise, less expensive. (Look for an option price of around $2000 or less as it's integrated into the rest of the 9-3 lineup).

© Source: thecarconnection
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Saab 9-3

At first glance, it looks like a straightforward mid-life facial tweak for the Saab 9-3, but under the skin, the Swede has had some serious re-engineering.

Prime among the revised 9-3's new technology roster is four-wheel drive or, in Saab-speak, 'cross wheel drive'.

Saab 9-3Saab 9-3 2Saab 9-3 3The 'cross' part of the name comes from the rear axle's ability to divide power between the rear wheels to behave like a limited slip differential and optimise grip.

The four-wheel-drive system can also divvy up power between the front and rear axles, sending up to 100 per cent thrust to one end or the other if necessary.

The pre-facelift 9-3's engine range remains, but is now joined by the twin-turbocharged 1.9-litre TTiD diesel with 180bhp and 295lb ft of torque to trouble that new 4x4 system.

No performance figures yet for this new diesel, but Saab says it offers the same in-gear acceleration as the turbocharged 2.8 V6 petrol (read blog), but hopefully without the wallet-clenching trips to the pumps. Which makes it fast and frugal.

Prices for the new Saab 9-3 start at £18,575 when it goes on sale in September.

The twin-turbodiesel TTiD will come in sporty Aero trim only and costs from £26,495. It is also available in the SportWagon estate and Convertible models.

© Source: topgear
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