The way a convertible should be?
I got this email in my inbox with the title “Wanna make some US people angry?” which I thought was quite humorous and appropriate.
I don’t know if it will make anyone angry, but it certainly looks a bit more like the way some US customers would prefer to be able to buy their Saabs.
This little baby’s got the Hirsch 275hp upgrade, a set of 19-inch three spokes (I assume it’s also got the Hirsch suspension upgrade too). Inside it’s got the leather door trims and carbon leather dash.
And of course, it’s in the convertible color for 2008 - Arctic White.
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“Wanna make some US people angry?”
Meh.. we can just buy a new Convertible in the US for half the price they sell them for in Europe, tune it with BSR to 285hp for $990, slap on some flashy 19″ wheels for $2000 and put some eye candy on the inside if you want to.
Honestly, those Hirsch 19″ wheels don’t look too hot imo and will be terrible for a comfortable ride. I really don’t see what’s so special about the Hirsch stuff.
I am not impressed. I think this car would look better with the Turbo X rims; even if they are 18″.
Sorry. I forgot to add my long drawn out yawn.
You should have left it out. The first comment was worth approving. This one, not so much - SW
I, for one, AM jealous! I love those wheels. I also like the leather door pulls. I would prefer carbon-leather so they could match the dash, though.
But IMHO, the best part about buying a Saab in Europe is being near the BSR HQ. But then again, I guess their E85 package isn’t such a big deal when you can get EcoPower from the factory.
I’m also really surprised E85 conversions haven’t been covered more here, what’s up with that? This is a really big deal in the states, where E85 is becoming more common just as quickly as gas prices are rising.
Sorry for sounding a bit negative in my first post but I don’t understand wanting to have 19″ wheels with rubber bands on a 9-3. The nice thing about Hirsch tuning is that it won’t affect your warranty and that is definitely worth something. And “official manufacturer tuner” status is worth something as well. I think I am just jealous I can’t afford a new 9-3 Vert!
Those ‘vert wheels don’t do the car justice. I agree that the Turbo X wheels would make that a much more attractive car.
Are you guys (Wulf and James) somehow in another wave length than the rest of us ??? To state that you are not impressed with Hirsch and that the wheels in question are not hot is almost like disliking a Vanquish and a 360 Spider. I share and accept my won experience with you, as I didn’t like these myself at first and if I had the money then would not have bought them. However, after seeing them in the flesh these are absolutely the hottest set you can get for any Saab. Yes, the ride will be harsher but much more firm on the road. I guess everyone to their own liking.
It’s not bad at all, although the auto is dissapointing
Joe Lobo: I guess everyone to their own liking.
Absolutely. If we all liked the same cars, everybody would be driving Saabs.
I don’t like these 19″ wheels because I think people buy them just to “look cool”. They are probably a marginal improvement in handling over 17″ wheels. They are probably ok on the smooth European roads but terribly uncomfortable on the neglected US road system.
I like the wheels, but I’d rather have them as 17s.
Joe Lobo - I don’t like Astons, or Ferraris (for the most part. Testosterossas are cool). Too flashy. Ferraris aren’t as bad as Lambos, though.
Well gents I guess everyone pushes their own tastes the way they see fit to satisfy their own pleasure. But everyone has to agree that the wheels on Saabs have always been one of the many key features that make them even more unique. After market accessories have to keep the taste and looks as if they are original. See the Saab Down Under Web site and view what tasteful wheels can do to any Saabs. Jeff B has got that fine touch to lift his cars so well, even when interchanging from newer to older models. See for yourself.
This isn’t an article about Saab cancelling a model, neither is it about a Saab getting yet another mediocre to poor review by some blinkered journalist who thinks that a car can only be brilliant if it still holds a corner at speeds that could result in a driving ban or at worse; injure or kill someone if it all goes wrong.
This is actually GOOD NEWS… But I get the impression that some have missed the point.
Although Swade has mentioned the Hirsch items that have been fitted to this car.
What I read; was that a US dealership has taken the time and effort to meet their customer’s needs.
There are so many computations required to have Hirsch-Performance items fitted to a Saab for US customers as a direct order, that it is of no surprise to me that Saab USA does not offer it. But this dealer has put the effort in, has gone the so called ‘extra mile’
The parts have been fitted by trained mechanics and there is no doubt the dealer will offer a personal warranty on those items,
as they are probably legally bound to.
Intercontinental purchasing isn’t easy; with customs forms and import duty and extra time to complete these actions complicating what would normally been seen as a simple task. (especially if you have never done it before). To have somebody to do all of that for you, making sure it is done efficiently and correctly including having it fitted, so all you have to do is walk in, pay your money and drive away is something that shouldn’t be treated with ‘Meh’ or a ‘Yawn’.
It looks like they may have accidentally installed all of those cool hirsch goodies on a car with an auto gear box.
I am jealous of those non-US head lamps and tail lamps. Isn’t it painful to see an Aston Martin, Ferrari, or even these new SAABS with those blocks of red and orange reflectors slapped on them?
I really like the leather trim on the door panels – they kind of fix what is a weaker point on the car in my opinion.
Having never driven a 9-3 convertible I have to wonder how much that 19” wheel/tire combo would affect the way the vehicle rides. Convertibles (bodies) tend to have more flex than their roof equipped counterparts so that is where concern comes from. The aspect ratio (sidewall) of those tires is nearly non-existent which means very little ‘give’ in those tires when going over bumps. Of course the plus is quicker steering response when having fun in the car.
Beautiful, needs to the two tone leather though.
I’m not crazy about the rims. But the leather on the door handles really work to give more quality to the interior… Especially when I have seen later models of the 9-3 have the black part fading or wearing off. Also the rubber on the button to open the glove compartment is something that I have also seen worn off…
<Erek is right about the red/amber reflectors mandated on the US models, too bad they have to be there…
WooDz, it’s in Europe, not in the US. Still can’t get Hirsch there at this point.
The the entry is mis-leading as there is only reference to USA.
I think ‘misleading’ is a bit strong….. we’re not in parliament here.
I just referred to the thought that this is how some US consumers would like to be able to get their car. But, whatevs. Live and learn and all that. I’ll try to be clearer next time.
Swade - Has there ever been any discussion regarding customers being able to order a car in the color they want?
If Saab makes convertibles and Aeros in Arctic and Polar white, why can’t they allow US customers (or anyone) to order them just as if they were special ordering a “normal” car?
This doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility, does it?
“Wanna make some US people angry?”
Yeah, you’ve made me plenty angry. Way to build a brilliant car and then drill holes in the front bumper for a stupid front plate. Congrats, you ruined the front end. Fail.
IronJoe.. Atleast where I live (Sweden) it´s elegal to drive without a front plate.. Would be pretty hard to catch a speeder with a camera without the plate.
Or were you just trying to be funny?
Love the Hirsch stuff Swade!
/Tompa
Look at my link or a better picture of the leather doorhandle. I like them a lot in my convertible. I am going to use some leather conditioner on them to get them as well as the leather parkingbrake handle and “slot” to look less “dull” and more leather rich!