Mini-turbines?

May 8th, 2008 · 17 Comments

Introducing one of your new Saab 9-3 wheels for 2009. Saab have a long tradition of fitting alloy wheels as standard, and those alloy wheels being fantastic.

This wheel might not see the light of day until the later part of the 2009 model year and the spec that it’s part of looks fantastic (try an Aero specification level with the 2.0T engine in the US model).

It’s only a small image, but it almost looks like there’s an angle on those blades. Could this be the first production iteration of the turbine wheels from Saab’s concept cars?

I hope so. Once again, Saab’s managed to design some brilliant rims.

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Count this model news in with the new colors that’ll come on the 2009 Saab 9-3 and the way overdue arrival of Bluetooth for the US market in 2009.

Tags: Saab Goodies

17 responses so far ↓

1 Kristian // May 8, 2008 at 8:02 pm

Oooh! These look great! I have loved the SAAB-rims ever since I had Ince rims on my 84 900 turbo
2 MarkoA // May 8, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Looks really good! I wish they´d make some new 17″ wheels available too.
3 Edonis // May 8, 2008 at 9:25 pm

I must say Saab make some of the best looking rims around, the only problem is that there are so many to choose from!
4 Tiago do Vale // May 8, 2008 at 10:10 pm

Beautiful
ohhh if only if only they had 3 spokes instead of 5 :p
5 mark_belfast // May 8, 2008 at 10:25 pm

Mabe it’s just me, but inthe interests of a balanced dsicussion, those wheels do nothing for me. It is difficult to judge from the photo, but are they significantly convex, i.e. are they kerb-scraping in the centre which looks raised compared with the rim? Maybe they’ll look better in the metal.

It is funny though that Saab normally have decent alloys but TERRIBLE steel wheels and covers. I’m sure we can dredge them up, but the flat steel plate with the bullet holes around the rim, the multi-spoke plastic covers etc etc. Personally I would never let a Saab leave the factory without alloys as it damages the appearance, but then that’s the marketing and sales guys favourite sell-on and they have to be commercial.
6 matteo // May 8, 2008 at 10:46 pm

Those look amazing.
I so appreciate that Saab puts so much thought and work into creating really interesting and good looking rims. One of the many things that sets them apart.
7 David // May 8, 2008 at 10:48 pm

I have always been a fan of SAAB wheels and this one just adds to it.
One thing that struck me with the write-up was the reference to the AERO 2.0T for the US. When the V6 was introduced, we only had the 2.0T is base or the V6 AERO. We no longer have the luxury to get the AERO trim with the 2.0T. Is this changing???
8 rpg // May 9, 2008 at 12:00 am

An Aero trim 2.0T with XWD and those wheels would be awesome. They would sell tons of those here in Boston. Wish it was available now, as I’m in the market for an Aero, but would really prefer the 2.0T.
9 triple // May 9, 2008 at 1:40 am

I like ‘em, but damn they’d be a pain to clean….

On a side note, I have the hardest time getting any brake or road stuff off our 05 9-3’s rims. My 02 isn’t as tough.
Zero problem removing stuff from my Pathfinder’s (painted titanium colored) alloy rims. Perhaps Saab could do some coating and or painting options?
10 1985 Gripen // May 9, 2008 at 3:08 am

Those new wheels look very similar to these wheels for the OG9-3 I always liked.

I’ve never seen them on a Saab outside of the internet though.

Saab’s releasing another 9-3 with a 2.0T engine but Aero-look next year (like the Anniversary Edition)? That’s a good move with oil prices increasing. If I were in the market for a new 9-3 that’s the car I would want to buy.
11 CWilson // May 9, 2008 at 3:29 am

Oh Saab, why do you tease me so? I love those wheels (at least in pictures, we’ll see how they look in person, on the car). With those wheel, XWD, and bluetooth (finally!), the 2009 looks pretty enticing.

Fortunately, Saab has saved me from myself by still not offering the 9-3 Aero Sedan and Combi in any shade of white. I honestly could not resist getting an Aero in white if it were offered. Thankfully for me, but unfortunately for Saab, this decision (and the deletion of the upgraded leather option) has kept money in my pocket and out of theirs. Maybe they just want me to wait for the new 9-5.
12 PGAero // May 9, 2008 at 7:55 am

1985 Gripen,
My brother had those wheels (17″) on his ‘97 900SE. Kinda like a “strong” Viggen wheel. I liked them.

~P
13 zippy // May 9, 2008 at 9:34 am

I hope Canada gets Bluetooth for 09 as well. Those wheels, far too fussy for my liking.
14 joemama // May 9, 2008 at 10:58 am

Well knock me over and tar me with feathers! Not often do I give praise, but those wheels look freggin’ awesome!

If Saab decides to offer an Aero-level trim package on the 2.0T, it will be the smartest thing they have done in years….that and offer XWD, POLAR WHITE (please), AND bluetooth.

I will trade in my wife’s MY07 for one.

Swade, can you tell us more about bluetooth? Is it going to be integrated? Controls from the wheel?

Man, I am psyched!
15 swade // May 9, 2008 at 11:42 am

I don’t have full details on that, Joemama, but as far as I know it’ll be an integrated kit, just like you get on a real car
16 joemama // May 10, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Swade - Awesome! Thanks for the info.
17 Kroum // May 10, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Swade, that’s a long shot, but any word on whether Bluetooth will be available as an upgrade for MY08 cars?