Trollhattan Saab has changed!
The site you're viewing now is the original Trollhattan Saab weblog, though it's now an archive only and no new material is posted here. As of February 2009, all new material is posted at our new site - Saabs United.
Please join us at Saabs United and get your daily Saab fix from Saab sources all around the world.
The first image of the Saab Turbo-X, aka the Black Turbo, has been shown at Auto Motor and Sport.
Here’s a small version of the image that you can click to enlarge to 800px wide. Click through to AMS at the link above for the full story in Swedish and a huge 2000px version of the image. The press release in English appears below.
The all-too brief press release:
Black Turbo Reborn
Saab Turbo X debuts at Frankfurt Auto Show
Saab will go ‘back to the future’ at next month’s (Sept) Frankfurt International Motor Show by evoking the iconic appeal of its classic ‘Black Turbo’ models.
The Swedish premium car maker will celebrate 30 years of leadership in turbocharging by unveiling the Saab Turbo X. This limited edition, all-wheel drive performance car inherits the visual appeal of the Saab 99/900 black turbos – while also introducing cutting-edge technology. This ultimate expression of the new 9-3 range will deliver standard-setting levels of performance for the brand.
It was at Frankfurt in 1977 that Saab surprised the automotive world in revealing its first turbocharged model. It set a performance trend that others were to follow. Now the innovative features of the new Saab Turbo X are also expected to attract widespread emulation.
To read all that’s now known about the Turbo-X so far, click here.
In short, the Turbo-X is expected to be the launch vehicle for Saab’s new XWD system. It’ll feature a 280hp engine, special trim and the full XWD system.
Later models that feature XWD will have the eLSD component as an option, but it’s believed that the Turbo-X will come with the full, brand new XWD system.
The name “Black Turbo” is the name by which this project first became known around the end of 2006. I tend to think that it will remain as the name for this car among enthusiasts.
You can see from the photo above that the brushed trim around the grille, air dams and foglamps appears to be a bit more subtle. That appears to be one heck of a deep front spoiler, too.
The spoiler in the front seems to feature a more sophisticated air dam with a splitter and different mesh, and it’s much deeper than the standard Aero unit (see below). Click both images to enlarge.
47 responses so far ↓
1 Jeff
// Aug 10, 2007 at 9:09 pm
My new desktop wallpaper. I want to make a poster.
2 napahlm
// Aug 10, 2007 at 9:10 pm
hmm, looks deeper, wider and with an added lip.
now i got really sad that our frankfurt trip were cancelled
3 Joe Lobo
// Aug 10, 2007 at 9:11 pm
If Saab OZ gets their act together we may see it in Sydney too at the Motor Show in October. I am already talking to my accountant so that I can put my name down for one. I hope I get there !!!
4 eggsngrits
// Aug 10, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Looks great.
Oh, wait, you were talking about the other Saab in the picture. The one that’s really close to the camera. Yeah, I guess that it looks good, too. If you like that sort of thing.
5 Ted Y
// Aug 10, 2007 at 10:00 pm
I’m with eggs, I saw the 900 Turbo and got excited, then realized it wasn’t the Black Turbo. Still nice though. Hope it’s an attention grabber at the show.
6 dan
// Aug 10, 2007 at 10:09 pm
lol. I too first noticed the classic 900 and was like, hot damn!
Save the classic 900 comparison for the 9-1, oh, and give the 9-1 a similar, though updated, design.
HAVING SAID THAT, I still want a 9-3 Black Turbo please. I’ve been really good this year!
7 Mats
// Aug 10, 2007 at 10:42 pm
x2 on the desktop wallpaper….
8 Koo Wee Leng
// Aug 10, 2007 at 11:12 pm
What is eLSD?
Can anyone shed some light?
Thanks.
9 Mr. Aero
// Aug 10, 2007 at 11:14 pm
WOW, the front looks amazing! would love to see more pics of that car. cant wait to go to the frankfurt motorshow. i really would like to get one of those few black turbos!
10 swade
// Aug 10, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Koo,
Check out the “Black Turbo” or “Turbo-X” tags at the end of the entry. They are the categories on the site that contain all the info on the car. There’s an entry there on the Haldex XWD system and it’ll spell out the components.
I could just post the link I suppose, but consider this an exercise in combing through the archives
11 Kroum
// Aug 11, 2007 at 12:42 am
Make that 3 on the wallpaper gang.
I’ve been such a good boy this year, I deserves me a Black Turbo please!
12 Joe Meek
// Aug 11, 2007 at 1:37 am
There seems to be a two-tone pain job going on, although this may be a photoshop job or dulling spray for the shoot. Notice how the top of the clamshell hood is high-gloss black and the perimeter is satin/matte. This theme is also applied to the wing mirror where the top half is matte and the bottom half is gloss. Just an observation that could all just be nothing but studio work but they did say it would have “special black paint.” It would certainly be a more dynamic look if they choose to give the car a two-tone job.
13 Bejron
// Aug 11, 2007 at 1:41 am
Ok, where do I turn in my soul in exchange for one of these ? It’s hardly been used and doesn’t come with any noticeable wear & tear.
Any takers ? Anyone ? Please ?
14 Charles
// Aug 11, 2007 at 2:02 am
Desktop x4. What a great picture. I think I’m going to turn this picture into a poster.
My 04 Aero sure looks tired compared to the MY08
15 Kroum
// Aug 11, 2007 at 2:41 am
Just as predicted, Saab and GM are getting flamed on other blogs for not reaching the 300 bhp mark. Torque moves, but horse power sells.
16 ctm
// Aug 11, 2007 at 2:46 am
It easy to flame something when they are not required to prove their point. I wonder who many of those people would actually buy one even if it had 400 bhp…
17 Mr. Aero
// Aug 11, 2007 at 2:55 am
^ I would buy it!
18 Mr. Aero
// Aug 11, 2007 at 2:58 am
Desktop x 5
I wonder what the rear bumper will look like?
19 Baracuda
// Aug 11, 2007 at 4:27 am
Germany will only get 50 units of the Turbo – X
20 patric95
// Aug 11, 2007 at 5:04 am
That teaser pic gives away none of the full impact of this model. The TurboX as its name will be is stunning. Next to even an Aero!! The back end which isn’t shown is as dramatic. It features a unique rear spoiler,lower facia similar to the front and wheels which are Sweet!! They are black with gray accents. The design is hard to describe but they are unlike a saab wheel ever. Plus a massive dual exhaust complete the look. If you like the look of the Aero the Turbo X will blow your mind!!
21 Dragan
// Aug 11, 2007 at 6:01 am
is there any chance that this model will be equipped with an auto transmission??!!!
22 Teddy
// Aug 11, 2007 at 6:08 am
I can’t wait to see this monster in disguise.
23 eggsngrits
// Aug 11, 2007 at 6:23 am
Dragan:
What’s this ‘auto’ transmission that you’re on about? Isn’t that what all transmissions are for? Autos?
LOL!
24 chaaalie
// Aug 11, 2007 at 6:24 am
I doubt the two-tone paint … because if you look at the windshield, it, too, appears matte.
That was either done by super-softening the studio lights, or in Photoshop.
Can’t wait for more images … a very nice taste/tease!
25 patric95
// Aug 11, 2007 at 6:38 am
Manual tranny only
26 Mr. Aero
// Aug 11, 2007 at 6:54 am
@ Baracuda
How do you know it is 50 units for germany when they say they do not know how many they will produce at all.
@patric95
have you seen the turbo x already? I know that saab is showing the prototypes to the dealers when they are invited to this years xwd presentation.
What size is the Turbo X wheels? Is it 19 inch wheels, if yes will the us market also get the 19 inch wheels?
))))))))))
Could you descripe the exhaust a little more. is it more sport tuned sound?
27 Matt
// Aug 11, 2007 at 7:06 am
Looks pretty good to me, but does anyone remember the pictures we saw of the Black 9-3 with the Chrome (or Satin) sideview mirrors?
I was guessing that those would appear on the Black Turbo. Simlar to how Audi does the Satin mirrors on the R or RS versions…thoughts?
28 Erek
// Aug 11, 2007 at 7:53 am
I’m thinking that when I buy mine, I’m gonna call it ’serious’ black.
29 1985 Gripen
// Aug 11, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Is anyone else getting sick of the “X” thing besides me yet? I know that the “X” in this case stands for “cross” as in “Cross Wheel Drive”, but there was the 9ˣ, then the Aero-X, then XWD, and now Turbo-X. Isn’t the “eXtreme” fad of a few years ago played-out yet? What’s next, the “iTurbo”?
30 Kroum
// Aug 11, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Grip, what you’re saying kind of makes sense. While I would not say I am sick of the X, they should definitely look into something else for future releases.
X… It does sound cool, though, and fits almost everywhere!
31 gryphon
// Aug 11, 2007 at 1:10 pm
All I can say is, “Gimme mine now, SAAB!”
32 patric95
// Aug 11, 2007 at 2:24 pm
MR Aero- I was one of the few during a recent “convention” was able to see the car in all its beauty.sadly it was never started due to its location!! But needless to say the dual exhaust was quite un Saab like in a great way!!.Plus the rear fascia is as aggressive as the front. The best way to describe the look overall is that it makes even the aero look tame!They were a bit shy on other specs i.e. wheels but whatever size..the wheel design will be remembered as a true Saab classic. The Viggen never had it so good. Now about those other “cars” we saw.
33 Richo
// Aug 11, 2007 at 3:51 pm
yummy…. Viggen needs a sister…….
34 CAM
// Aug 11, 2007 at 7:12 pm
patric95- did you sit in it? can you remember what the Turbo guage looked like wink wink, it just made me smile from ear to ear when i seen it and yes it has a very nice rear too
35 Ted Y
// Aug 11, 2007 at 11:33 pm
I like this quote from Channel 4, 4Car News:
“the unofficial line – from respected Saab blog Trollhatten Saab”
36 Ted Y
// Aug 11, 2007 at 11:35 pm
I like this quote from Channel 4, 4Car News:
“the unofficial line – from respected Saab blog Trollhatten Saab”
(I can’t post the link, the filters don’t seem to like it.)
37 Kroum
// Aug 12, 2007 at 1:52 am
Sic on Trollhatten. But made me smile, too, when I read it.
38 Baracuda
// Aug 12, 2007 at 2:34 am
@ Mr Aero
I know that, because yesterday i read the german press release of the Turbo -X.
Germany definetly gets only 50 units.
39 Mr. Aero
// Aug 12, 2007 at 2:58 am
@ Baracuda
could you post the link please?
40 Mr. Aero
// Aug 12, 2007 at 2:59 am
@ Baracuda
you know how many usa will get?
41 Baracuda
// Aug 12, 2007 at 3:04 am
I don’t know about the units of all the other countries, i only know that germany will get only 50 units.
42 patric95
// Aug 12, 2007 at 5:16 pm
ThE U.S is getting 2000 units of the TurboX…mirrors are black and no two tone. To CAM – I think u know what the turbo guage looks like!! DOH!.
43 Baracuda
// Aug 12, 2007 at 7:27 pm
2000 units is what Saab said for all over the world, not 2000 for the U.S.
44 Lewis
// Aug 13, 2007 at 2:42 pm
I’m waiting for that Turbo-X 9-1 in the back there.
Oh wait. Already have that one, just without the AWD bit.
Show of hands, who thinks a 9-1 would totally rock in Black Turbo/Turbo-X form, with 80’s-retro styling?
45 swade
// Aug 13, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Hand.
46 Jeff
// Aug 13, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Try as I might, I just can’t picture a retro-styled Saab without it just being a c900 with the new 9-3 nose on it, and that’s obviously not what it would look like. How would a retroSaab look?
47 Lewis
// Aug 14, 2007 at 12:14 am
Jeff: like a c900 that got updated instead of being killed off. Sort of like a GM900, but with a bit of a trunk lid extending past the spoiler, instead of just going straight down, and the whole thing being more squared off.