2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan

2010 Saab 9-5 side view

2010 Saab 9-5 body back view

2010 Saab 9-5 interior

Saab 9-1 Latest Details

Last month we presented an artist rendering of a Saab 9-1 Concept expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks. Prompted by confirmation from Saab designer Anthony Lo to Auto, Motor & Sport, our rendering showed a supermini-class car build on the Opel Astra platform.

And it looks like we were pretty accurate.

At a recent gathering of journalists at a GM design studio, drawings of a GM-made three-door hatchback were "accidentally" left lying around during an event for the Volt. Motor Trend reports these drawings as a near copy of the MINI Cooper, "with a conventional, vertical B-pillar." A manually removable roof, a la Honda Civic Del Sol, lifts off between the a- and b-pillars.

Motor Trend is showing off their version of the drawings, likely taken from journalists' descriptions. As it turns out, the Motor Trend renderings practically replicate our Saab 9-1 drawing. Seen above, the drawings diverge at two key points: our artist envisioned a more elongated body, especially at the rear, and the Motor Trend artist keeps the rear windows large and square, like the MINI Cooper. Higher resolution versions of each drawing can be seen in the gallery at right. Motor Trend also believes in the possibility of this car being used as a Saturn, hence the front-end difference in the drawing of the red car.
The car magazine believes GM would need to sell the car between $20,000 and $25,000 to turn a profit. However, we believe the profit point to be much lower, but mid-$20s pricing is necessary to actually market a competitor to the BMW-made MINI. Although we do believe near-identical pricing to the MINI Cooper would be likely for a Saab 9-1 production version, the actual cost of making such a car is likely much lower, making the Saab 9-1 a potential cash cow for GM.

America's supermini sales has proven to be more successful than expected over the last ten years. As oil prices climb, and concerns about the environment grow, supermini sales could expand even further. With $38 billion in losses last year, GM will be looking to squeeze as high a profit margin as possible out of new models over the next few years, making further entry into the supermini segment a very promising venture for GM.



Related entries:

Saab 9-1 Concept to Geneva

Saab 9-1 Concept to Geneva

Compact Saab

Saab designer Anthony Lo has confirmed, but not released a teaser image, to our Swedish neighbours at Auto, Motor & Sport that Saab will indeed be showing their new Saab 9-1 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Previous rumours insinuated that London would receive the honour to debut the Volvo C30 competitor.

The Saab 9-1 Concept is based on the Opel Astra platform, and will be pitted against rivals such as the BMW 1 series, Volkswagen Golf and Volvo C30. Power is expected to come from a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine and, as always at Saab, a BioPower version will be available too.

Stay tuned for its Geneva world debut early March.

Related entries:

OFFICIAL: 2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
In Detail: New Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi Facelifts

Saab Aero X Concept

Showcases Future Design Themes

• Inspired by aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage

• Previews more progressive design language

• Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars

• 'Green Power' from 400 bhp BioPower engine using 100% bioethanol fuel

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As you would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupé breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.

First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'.

Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.

All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedoms to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products.

With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically-controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph (limited).

Despite being so tightly driver focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

The Saab Aero X is the latest in series of concepts from Saab, each accentuating different brand qualities. These include the 'four-dimensional' 9X (IAA Frankfurt 2001), the 9-3X Cross-over Coupé (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003).

From Aircraft to Automobiles

Saab's aviation roots go back almost 70 years to 1937, when Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Swedish Aircraft Company Limited) was founded in the town of Trollhättan, 70 km north of Gothenburg, where Saab cars are still built today on the site of the original aircraft factory.

The company supplied military aircraft to the Swedish Airforce and began diversifying into civil aviation in 1944 and the automotive business in 1947, when its first car, the Saab 92, was unveiled (Saab 91 was a light aircraft used for pilot training). The 92's streamlined, teardrop shaped bodywork was clearly the work of aircraft engineers and radical for a small production car of the time, as was the use of wind tunnel testing during its design.

The adoption of front-wheel drive for sure-footed handling, excellent roadholding and efficient space utilization was also unconventional for the time - more than a decade before the layout was to become popular in the rest of the auto industry...

Another innovative design from Saab's newly-created car division was the Sonett 1, a lightweight sports car for competition use, unveiled exactly 50 years ago this year. Its 'monocoque' chassis was made from aviation specification, aluminum panels, instead of the usual arrangement of steel beams and tubes. Although common in aircraft construction, Saab was using this design six years before it was introduced to Grand Prix racing.

Today, more than 4 million cars and 4,000 aircraft later, Saab is one name and two companies. The car business, Saab Automobile AB, is now wholly owned by General Motors, the world's largest auto maker, and the Saab Group is a global leader in the application of advanced technologies, specializing in aerospace and defense systems.

Over the years, Saab cars have continued to incorporate aircraft-inspired design features, from wrap-around windshields and cockpit-like ergonomics to green instrument illumination and need-to-know information displays. And the innovative spirit of those early aircraft engineers, including their pioneering attention to safety, continues to be reflected in Saab's unconventional approach to car design.

Related entries:

2008 SAAB 9-3 Convertible
2008 Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi Facelifts In Detail

Saab Aero X Concept on Ice

If you going to see Saab’s newest concept car, you might want to put on a coat. The company is using the world famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden to showcase its Move Your Mind experience which highlights Saab’s core values and heritage.

“The Move Your Mind room is designed to be a journey, a flow, a pulse which aims to disrupt and challenge the visitors perceptions of what is normal or expected. The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and leave feeling more engaged with the Saab brand.”

The main attraction is a version of Saab’s Aero X concept sculpted completely from ice that features various light and sound effects.




Press Release

Saab creates a Move Your Mind experience at the ICEHOTEL


The Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has created a truly all-encompassing brand experience that will open its doors to the public on the 11th February 2008.

Housed within the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Saab Move Your Mind room will allow the public to experience Saab – the brand, its spirit, tonality and core values through innovative design installations made wholly from ice.

Designed and created by Simon Padian, chief designer for Saab and Tjåsa Gusfors – a leading designer at the ICEHOTEL, specializing in ice and snow sculpture, the installation has been inspired by Saab’s core brand pillars - progressive design, responsible performance and sporty driver focus. By drawing inspiration from these core brand values and from the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car, the installation showcases Saab’s heritage in design innovation and independent thinking.

Simon Padian: ”The Move Your Mind room is designed to be a journey, a flow, a pulse which aims to disrupt and challenge the visitors perceptions of what is normal or expected. The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and leave feeling more engaged with the Saab brand.”

Visitors will be encouraged to walk through an ice suite featuring key Saab brand messages and showcasing Saab’s design heritage. Highlights include an ice sculpted Saab Aero X and impressive light and sound sequences.


Related entries:

Saab Aero X Concept

2008 SAAB 9-3 Convertible

The 9-3 Convertible confirms Saab's leading position in the premium convertible segment and is the product of more than 20 years' experience in designing four-seater, four season soft tops that are as practical as they are stylish.

The Saab Convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of its class. Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be 'more than a Convertible' by offering effective all-year-round transport. In addition to its functional qualities, the Convertible also offers strong driving appeal through sharing the excellent chassis dynamics of the 9-3 range.

The extensive engine line-up incorporates a 'tri-fuel' choice of gasoline, diesel or bioethanol (E85) powered engines. It is led by an all-aluminum 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged engine rated at 255 hp (188 kW); a powerful two-stage turbo diesel packing 400 Nm of torque and a choice of two Saab BioPower (E85) flex-fuel engines.

Exterior Design

Well-balanced proportions and a purposeful stance endow the car with a strong, sporty character that, roof up or down, echoes its fun-to-drive appeal.

• Unique 'stand alone' design. Scandinavian design flair that ensures the lines are clean and flowing, but never cold or clinical. An open top car that looks like a unique model in its own right, free from any awkward styling compromises.

• Bold frontal styling. The prominent central grille with its wing motif is inspired by the Aero X concept car, as is the U-shaped pressing in that classic Saab clamshell hood. The form of the grille and headlamp units is complemented a smooth bumper molding with a deep trapezoidal air intake. .

• Clean rear deck styling. Pop-up roll bars and retractable rear head streamlined by twin fairings, hinting at Convertible's sporty character.

• Coupé looks. The soft-top has a taut, smooth appearance through use of six cross-braces and strong tensioning.

• Unique 'Surround Trim'. U-shaped styling line extends from base of A-pillars along the top of the doors, rear side trims and tonneau cover. Color-keyed with metallic colors, it integrates the front and rear passenger areas and visually unites the only top exterior surfaces that 'come inside' when the top is up.

• Hydraulically-powered, triple layer roof. Automatic self-latching to the windshield header and deploys fully in just 20 seconds. Among fastest in its class.

• Integral rain gutter sewn into side of the soft-top fabric. Prevents water droplets dripping down on to the seats when a door is opened.

• Weight-saving design. Soft-top frame, swivelling braces and front header rail all made from magnesium.

• Unique tonneau cover operation. For quicker roof deployment, the tonneau has a unique two-stage cycle, rising horizontally and then moving rearwards parallel to the top of the trunk. More robust operation, better sealing.

• 'CargoSET' Automatic trunk expansion. Soft-top connected to flexible, 'concertina' storage well. When the roof is in position, the well retracts, releasing useful storage space in the trunk.

• Class-competitive 0.34 Cd (roof up). Soft-top resistant to high speed 'ballooning'.

Interior Design and Features

The interior shares the cockpit feel and driver-focused themes of the Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Particular emphasis was placed on styling that integrates the rear passenger area, including a 'f'ixed-head' interior ambience.

• Front and rear passenger areas integrated by consistent styling themes, contributing to 'bespoke' character.

• 'Fixed-head' interior ambience. First convertible to offer soft-top with light colored headlining. Combines with near seamless fitting to give impression of fixed-head interior.

• Front seats with integrated seat-belts unique to Convertible. Deeply bolstered for comfort and support.

• Easy entry/exit for rear passengers. Single action movement of front seats through 243 mm and elimination of 'B' pillar-mounted seat belts.

• Rear seat comfortably shaped and upholstered. Deep squabs with back-rest kept at a comfortable angle, not compromised by packaging requirements.

• 'Hydroblox' water repellent textile for seat upholstery. Unique feature.

• 'Profiler' customization. A wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal preference including: anti-theft alarm, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and automatic climate control.

• Saab ComSense functionality minimizes potential for driver distraction through 'dynamic workload management', suppressing messages/phone calls, includes Night Panel instrument illumination dimming to reduce visual 'clutter'

• 'Light room' or 'dark room' interior themes. Beige or black seats, door panels, rear side panels, lower front fascia and carpet.

• 'Intelligent' dual zone air conditioning. Automatic Climate Control (ACC) switches to offer manual heat settings when soft-top is lowered.

• Infotainment systems include DVD/GPS satellite navigation with large 6.5-inch color monitor, Bluetoothâ„¢ Phone Integration system (BPIS), providing automatic connection to audio system with operation by voice control or steering wheel buttons. Auxiliary input socket standard with all infotainment systems. .

• Foldable wind deflector for easy stowage among wide range of accessories.

• Choice of Linear and Vector 'forms', plus 'Aero' sporting flagship. Each with uniquely-designed seat upholstery and 16/17-inch alloy wheels. Aero adds sports bodystyling, lowered chassis and optional 18-inch alloy wheels.

Chassis

The 9-3 Convertible retains the sporty handling characteristics of the Sport Sedan. The rigid body structure provides a solid foundation for suspension systems with impressively low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

• 'ReAxs' passive rear wheel steer characteristic. The kinematics of the rear suspension are tuned for a unique rear wheel steer response for optimum handling and stability.

• Four-link independent rear suspension. High lateral stiffness for stability and grip; longitudinal compliance for ride comfort.

• Front suspension by MacPherson struts with lower A-arms mounted on a hydroformed (hollow), sub-frame. High lateral bushing stiffness for good steering response and precision; high longitudinal compliance for ride comfort.

• Low mounted steering rack gives excellent feel and precision with progressive power assistance and fast responses.

• Mechanical Brake Assist (MBA). Automatically boosts braking pressure when driver presses hard on pedal, reducing stopping distance. Standard fitment.

• Advanced chassis electronic systems. Saab-tuned 'user friendly' ESP® (Electronic Stability Program). EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and TCS (Traction Control System) all standard features.

• Minimized unsprung weight for better ride comfort. Hub carriers, brake calipers, lower control arms in the front suspension and the toe and lower links in the rear suspension made of aluminum.

Body Structure and Systems

The 9-3 Convertible was developed in tandem with Sport Sedan, ensuring all the special structural requirements for an open top car could be accommodated from the outset of design work. Structural integrity and build quality positions it at the very top of its class.

• Excellent torsional rigidity (11,500 Nm/degree), despite the absence of a fixed roof, contributes to excellent running refinement, stiff suspension mountings and a strong safety structure.

• Second 'supplementary' chassis. To compensate for absence of fixed roof, torsional stiffness raised by completely integrated, additional strengthening system, linking front, rear and side structures.

• High and ultra high strength steel widely used, accounting for about 60 per cent of the Convertible's body weight.

• Reinforced A-pillars and windshield header rail able to withstand loading 2.2 times greater than weight of the car.

• Low speed impact resistance. 'Self-repairing' bumpers and deformable crash boxes provide bodywork protection in impacts up to 15 kph, minimizing accident repair bills.

Powertrain

Fine chassis dynamics are complemented by outstanding driveability and refinement from the all-turbo powertrain line-up, which includes 2.8V6 and 2.0-liter four cylinder turbo gasoline engines, a powerful diesel with two-stage turbocharging two Saab BioPower variants. All notable for typically strong, mid-range torque characteristics.

• All-aluminum 2.8-liter turbo engine. The first six cylinder unit to be purpose-built for Saab's turbocharged application. Offering 255 hp (188 kW), it combines multi-cylinder refinement with outstanding turbo performance. Single twin-scroll turbocharger fed by both cylinder banks.

• All-aluminium 2.0-liter turbo engines. Saab developed and tuned for 150 (110 kW), 175 (129 kW) and 210 hp (147 kW) with high torque for swift overtaking. All internal components unique to Saab. Balancer shafts for greater running refinement.

• 1.9TTiD engine with two-stage turbocharging develops 180 hp (132 kW) and exceptional torque of 400 Nm with two turbos integrated as a single unit and common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection. A 150 hp (110 kW) version with a single VNT turbocharger also offered. . A maintenance-free particulate filter is .fitted as standard.

• Choice of two BioPower engines givemore power and torque when running on E85 fuel. Saab BioPower unique in offering flex-fuel engines with enhanced performance, as well as reduced fossil CO2 emissions.

• Wide transmission choice. Uprated five and six-speed manual gearboxes, with six-speed units standard for 2.8V6, 210 hp/155 kW and 175 hp/ 129 kW turbos and both turbo diesels.. Five-speed, adaptive automatic transmission with Saab Sentronic manual gear selection and optional steering wheel controls. Six-speed units offered with the 2.8V6 turbo and turbo diesels.

Safety

Saab products consistently show well in real-life safety surveys, and the 9-3 Convertible joins 9-3 Sport Sedan in achieving a maximum five star EuroNCAP crash safety rating test study. The 9-3 Convertible meets the same crash performance targets as the sedan.

• Crash testing based on 'real life' research. Test and simulation configurations developed from Saab database covering more than 6,100 real-life road collisions involving Saab cars on Swedish roads.

• Wide range of crash test configurations used in development of body structure and restraint systems for 9-3 range, including eight different types of rollover test for the Convertible.

• 'DynaCage' rollover protection includes pop-up rear roll bars, strengthened A-pillars, sills and automatic seat-belt pre-tensioning

• Fully integrated front seat-belts mounted entirely to frame of seat. Optimized belt geometry regardless of seat position, also more comfortable to use.

• Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR). Protection against neck injury for front seat occupants in event of rear end impact. Automatic re-setting.

• Adaptive front airbags. More occupant-friendly deployment according to impact severity, seat position and seat-belt usage status.

• Two-stage side airbags. Separate chambers for thorax and head protection. Mounted in outer edge of front seat-back for optimal deployment irrespective of seat position.

Related entries:

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi Facelifts In Detail

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi Facelifts In Detail

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Interior features
Page 4: Chassis, Brakes, Steering
Page 5: Powertrain
Page 6: Body structure
Page 7: Safety
Page 8: Security and Operation
Page 9:Ownership and Accessories

Overview

The 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi range is focused on delivering a unique, 'fun to drive' experience that places it among the class leaders for sporty performance and excellent chassis dynamics.

The coup-like silhouette and strong, sporty stance of the Sport Sedan help convey that 'moving when stationary' look. And the muscular proportions of the SportCombi are a bold reaffirmation of Saab's tradition for designing cars that are sporty in character and versatile in use. Both models are positioned in the premium, mid-size segment, providing an alternative choice to natural competitors such as the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class.

The extensive powertrain line-up offers a 'tri-fuel' choice of gasoline, diesel or bioethanol powered engines. It includes an all-aluminum 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged engine rated at 280 hp (206 kW) in combination with all-wheel- drive (Saab XWD); a powerful two-stage turbo diesel packing 400 Nm of torque and a choice of two Saab BioPower (E85) flex-fuel engines.

Exterior Design

The sporty, distinctive looks of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi are an expression of modern Scandinavian design, incorporating contemporary and classic Saab design themes. Both models have a bold and assertive stance that reflects their strong, driving appeal. The sedan's coup-like profile communicates its sporty character, while the SportCombi's cohesive, five-door bodystyle inherits the 'combi-coup' genes of the first Saab 99 Turbo.

• Saab 'signature' styling cues: The wedge-like profile with its rising belt-line culminating in that distinctive 'hockey stick' curve into the C or D-pillar; the clamshell hood, the single side window graphic; the shaping of the headlamps units and smoked white rear light clusters.

• Bold frontal styling. The prominent central grille with its wing motif is inspired by the Aero X concept car, as is the U-shaped pressing in that classic Saab clamshell hood. The form of the grille and headlamp units is complemented a smooth bumper molding with a deep trapezoidal air intake.

• Distinctive alternative to conventional wagon design. The SportCombi's compact proportions - its raked rear screen and the short rear overhang, with a small glass area behind the C-pillar - distinguish it from traditional wagon formats.

• Excellent aerodynamics. Impressive drag coefficient of 0.28 for the sedan and 0.33 for the SportCombi. Low lift forces for good high speed stability, with SportCombi first Saab to achieve zero lift values at both axles.

Interior Design and Features

In common with all Saab cars, the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi are designed 'from the driver outwards'. That means the cabin ergonomics, the instrumentation, the controls and the seating position are all developed from the driver's perspective. The SportCombi adds versatility features, such as a surprisingly large cargo deck, to facilitate the active sports and leisure pursuits of owners.

• Cockpit feel. The main instrument panel arcs around the driver. Logical layout and tactile feel to controls. Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach.

• 'Profiler' customization. A wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal preference including: automatic climate control, clock/alarm, speed scale illumination, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and anti-theft alarm.

• Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control fitted as standard, allowing different temperature settings for left or right hand side of interior. Includes an automatic airflow balance function to compensate for temperature changes if one side of the car is in direct sunlight.

• ComSense functionality minimizes potential for driver distraction through 'dynamic workload management', briefly suppressing in-car warning messages/phone calls when a moment of high driver workload is detected by the operation of the indicators or heavy braking. Includes Night Panel instrument illumination dimming to reduce visual 'clutter'.

• Infotainment systems include DVD/GPS satellite navigation with large 6.5-inch color monitor, Bluetooth Phone Integration system (BPIS) for automatic connection to audio system with operation by voice control or steering wheel buttons. Auxiliary input socket standard with all infotainment systems.

• Additional load-carrying potential. Both the Sport Sedan and SportCombi have 60/40 split fold rear seats with a ski hatch. The SportCombi features a wide-opening tailgate with a low floor giving access to a spacious, well-proportioned cargo deck, free from intrusions. An optional folding front passenger seat-back offers further interior space.

• Innovative TwinFloor stowage in SportCombi. After pulling the aircraft-shaped handle, the middle section of cargo floor hinges upwards transversely and slots in place. This provides support for the convenient stowage of shopping bags or other items in the recessed sub-floor, easily secured by a cargo net.

• Choice of three specifications: Linear, Vector and top-of-the-line Aero. Each with 'light room' (parchment) or 'dark room' (black) color theme.

Chassis, Steering and Brakes

The outstanding 'fun to drive' chassis dynamics of both the Sport Sedan and SportCombi deliver a level of driving involvement and pleasure that challenges the class benchmark. An active all-wheel-drive system (Saab XWD) is offered for Aero variants

• 'ReAxs' passive rear wheel steer characteristic. The kinematics of the rear suspension are tuned to give a unique rear wheel steer response for optimum handling and stability.

• Four-link independent rear suspension. High lateral stiffness for stability and grip; longitudinal compliance for ride comfort. The compact design allows a spacious load area free from intrusion.

• Front suspension is by MacPherson struts with lower A-arms mounted on a hydroformed (hollow), sub-frame. High lateral bushing stiffness for good steering response and precision; high longitudinal compliance for ride comfort.

• Saab XWD, an active all;-wheel-drive system, is available on Aero variants, together with an uprated 280 hp/ 206 kW 2.8V6 turbo engine. It offers enhanced driver involvement and control in all road conditions. The Haldex multi-plate clutch unit infinitely varies engine torque between the front and rear axles, and an optional rear limited-slip differential can transfer torque between the rear drive shafts.

• Advanced chassis electronic systems. Saab-tuned 'user friendly' ESP(Electronic Stability Program), Mechanical brake assist, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and TCS (Traction Control System).

• Low mounted steering rack gives excellent feel and precision with progressive power assistance and fast responses. Electro-hydraulic system with 1.8i and 1.9TiD engines.

• Three disc brake sizes according to engine power. Excellent high speed braking stability with automatic rear wheel 'toe-in' through ReAxs geometry.

• Minimized unsprung weight for better ride quality. Front hub carriers, brake calipers, lower control arms in front suspension and toe and lower rear suspension links in aluminum.

• 'Shear' bushings at top of rear shock absorber mountings for compliant ride quality and effective vibration suppression.

Powertrain

The turbo powertrains add excellent refinement and driveability to Saab's traditional strengths of high torque for strong, mid-range pulling power. They deliver a level of responsive performance in keeping with the chassis's excellent dynamics, further reinforcing the car's driver focus. The line-up comprises six gasoline engine options, including two BioPower versionsand a choice of three diesel engines..

• Sophisticated Saab Trionic engine management for all four cylinder turbo gasoline and BioPower engines simultaneously measuring and adjusting ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass and the electronic throttle for optimum combustion.

• All-aluminum 2.8-liter turbo engine. The first six cylinder unit to be purpose-built for Saab's turbocharged application. Offering 280 hp (206 kW) or 255 hp (188 kW), it combines multi-cylinder refinement with outstanding turbo performance. Single, twin-scroll turbocharger fed by both cylinder banks. Exclusive to top-of-the-range Aero variants.

• All-aluminium 2.0-liter turbo engines. Saab developed and tuned for 150 (110 kW), 175 (129 kW) and 210 hp (147 kW) with high torque for swift overtaking. All internal components unique to Saab. Balancer shafts for greater running refinement.

• Choice of twot BioPower engines giving more power and torque when running on E85 fuel. Saab BioPower is unique in offering flex-fuel engines that give enhanced performance, as well as reduced fossil CO2 emissions.

• 1.9TTiD engine with two-stage turbocharging leads the diesel choice.. It develops 180 hp (132 kW) and exceptional torque of 400 Nm with two turbos integrated as a single unit and common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection. Two other versions, with a VNT turbo, deliver 150 hp (110 kW) with 16-valves or 120 hp (88 kW) with 8-valves. A maintenance-free particulate filter is offered as an option..

• Naturally-aspirated 1.8i engine with 122 hp/90 kW and variable length intake manifold. Available in all specifications, except Aero, for broad customer appeal.

• Wide transmission choice. Six-speed manual gearboxes standard for 2.8V6, 210 hp (155 kW) and 175 hp (129 kW) turbos and all turbo diesels. Five-speed, adaptive automatic transmission has Saab Sentronic manual gear selection and optional steering wheel controls. Six-speed units offered with the 2.8V6 turbo and the 180 hp (132 kW) and 150 hp (110 kW) turbo diesels. A '5+2' variant, with two intermediate gears on kickdown, for 210 hp (155 kW) engine.

Body structure and Electrical systems

The 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi have the stiffest four and five-door body structurest yet produced by Saab, providing solid foundations on which their exemplary handling, ride and safety characteristics are built. A multiplex digital signal network ensures the fast and efficient control of major functions.

• High torsional rigidity - 22,000 Nm/degree of deflection for the Sport Sedan and, despite the large tailgate opening, only 6.6 per cent less for the SportCombi Use of FEM design techniques and tailored blanks in construction reduces unnecessary weight and concentrates strength where needed.

• Almost 60%of body weight in high strength or ultra high strength steel, used mainly in central passenger safety cage where all main beams have closed sections for additional strength.

• Structural 'rings' around C and D-pillars in the SportCombi include transverse beams in floor and roof to compensate for loss of sedan cross-bracing. 'Rings' linked longitudinally by six beams in rear bodywork and the base of C-pillars is further reinforced.

• Deformable crash boxes behind front bumper minimize body damage in low speed impacts up to 15 kph.

• Multiplexing for entire electrical and electronic network with databus transmission for control of powertrain, chassis, body, 'infotainment', telematics, navigation and climate and comfort systems.

Safety

Saab has a long tradition of successful work with car safety and Saab cars consistently show well in real-life accident surveys, often being ranked best in their segment. In EuroNCAP crash tests, the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible have achieved a maximum five-star rating.

• Database covering more than 6,100 real-life accidents involving Saab cars in Sweden. Used in computer simulations and crash testing to replicate what happens in real accidents on real roads.

• Strong steel safety cage helps protect passenger compartment. Fabricated mainly from high strength steel, with beam sections completely closed for additional strength. Protected by deformable front structure with three load paths and wide bumper beam to spread impact forces.

• Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) for front seats help to prevent serious neck injury in rear-end collisions. Effectiveness demonstrated by crash investigation findings and independent tests.

• Side impact protection with 'pendulum' movement of lower B-pillar, designed to engage side sills and door beams as an integrated structure.

• Roof-rail airbags to help provide occupant head protection throughout an entire crash sequence, including potential roll-over. Front seat-mounted side airbags help provide thorax protection.

• Sophisticated sensing for airbag/seat-belt deployment, including two-stage adaptive front airbags, pre-tensioning of seatbelts in side impacts and wearer reminder system.

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