European 2.0T to get XWD and eLSD
When details of the 2009 Saab 9-3 for the US market emerged earlier this month, there was welcome news in the form of XWD being confirmed for the 2.0T range. US customers had to be content with the base version of the technology, however, as there is no eLSD available on the 2.0T range for the US market.
This state-of-the-art, all-wheel-drive system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off; and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD is standard on Aero XWD models and not available on 2.0T models)…..
The eLSD is an important piece in the full XWD setup as it enables the power split between the two rear wheels. This is the XWD system’s signature move, the key differentiator when compared to almost all other all-wheel-drive systems.
I suspect US customers are going to be less than pleased, then, when they hear that their European counterparts will have access to the full XWD system in the 2.0T range, with the eLSD becoming an option in European markets.
Here’s the 2009 Saab 9-3 2.0T XWD press release from GM Europe:
Featuring new generation, active control to bring the driver and car even closer together, the innovative XWD system now leverages the benefits of Saab’s smaller, 2.0-liter turbo engine. “This makes a very nimble handling package for the 9-3 range,” says Per Jansson, Vehicle Integration Engineer for Saab XWD.
“Saab is best known for using a relatively small four-cylinder turbo engine and our XWD system makes a perfect partner. Its compact and sophisticated design improves weight distribution, as well as handling and traction.”
Aligning signature Saab turbo power with XWD introduces a total traction choice for Linear and Vector, as well as Aero, variants of the latest 9-3 line-up. The XWD system also includes an optional, active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), an innovation for this segment of the market.
The all-aluminum, four-cylinder engine delivers 210 hp (155 kW) at 5,300 rpm and impressive torque of 300 Nm between 2,500 - 4,000 rpm. A sports chassis set-up, with stiffer springs and dampers, larger brake discs and 18/19-inch alloy wheels, is a further option for XWD variants with this engine.
Saab XWD is an ‘intelligent’, active system that continuously distributes engine torque between the front and rear axles, giving optimum handling and grip in all driving conditions. On the open road, it operates seamlessly and helps the driver keep the car stable by splitting drive torque to counteract oversteer or understeer characteristics when cornering.
To optimize traction at take-off, Saab XWD also features an innovative, pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels. Unlike conventional all-wheel-drive systems, this eliminates the need to detect front wheel slip before rear drive is activated.
I’m sure that SaabUSA will have a neatly packaged, delivered-with-a-smile answer as to why this is the case - and yes, I’ll be writing to them shortly to find out what it is.
For the moment, it looks like a poor decision that’s trying to funnel customers towards the more expensive 2.8 V6. Given the paltry prices that US customers pay for the 2.0T, I can almost understand. But it looks bad nonetheless. It robs US customers of what I imagine would be an extremely popular option, which in turn means less Saabs parked in the driveways of enthusiastic customers - something I imagine SaabUSA could use in the next 12 months.
I’ll get back to you when I know more.
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So just fly to Europe, buy on there and have it shipped over….
Better still, move to Europe and save on the shipping costs.
“enables the power split between the front and rear wheels”
Sorry Swade, standard XWD does this, the eLSD adjusts torque between the rear wheels. This is potent in cases like when dropping the right side of the Turbo X in the kitty litter at the track (Oops not used to LHD) and it not being fussed as torque goes to the rear wheel that does have traction. Likewise when applying power through a corner it will ensure the outside rear wheel gets torqued up as it is the rear wheel with the most traction. The feeling is uncanny as it reins in the rear and keeps the vehicle feeling very stable even when accelerating through the corner from an already high speed. The rear is very active under these circumstances rather than passive as it might be during a more nuetral, constant speed or decelerating cornering.
Right you are, Turbin. A blonde moment, now corrected without a trace of it ever being there and in so doing, making your comment looks a little superfluous (until people get to this one)
Same happens to me, except it’s when a brunette walks past instead.
GTFO.
You must be joking.
Pardon the acronym, but that is absolutely ridiculous. I can understand they are doing all they can to counter the ever increasing fees and such that is mounting on European auto companies. But Jesus. This is unreal.
This SURE will fix the U.S. sales problem. Saabusa better have something as a replacement, to entice potential customers, because Volvo and Audi is finding it increasingly easy to take sales from Saab.
Its as if they are TRYING to decrease their sales. I hope they find a way to reverse their decision before its too late.
My comment stands as an instructional/experiential one Swade. ; P
The US is Saab’s biggest market and not to offer eLSD on the 2.0T is, quite frankly, a MASSIVE mistake. I can understand how Saab USA (an probably Canada for that matter) want to keep the “trick diff” for the 2.8L V6 but lets face it - that car sucks gas BIG TIME and I cant see Saab selling a whole ton of those even with eLSD.
I think Saab should sell all cars with XWD and the eLSD as the bragging rights when you compare it to a BMW3 and even that Porsche 911 would make the public sit up and take note. Do it now - before its too late.
Swade, while you’re making inquiries, could you ask what’s in store for us Canadians. Thanks.
I think Saab made a bad decision when they decided to bring two version of XWD to the (U.S.)market. Having it with and without eLSD confuses the consumer and undermines customer perception of the full XWD system (w/eLSD). Consumers will see both versions as one and since they sell way more 2.0T’s than 2.8T’s, the lesser of the two XWD’s will set the performance bar for XWD in the consumers’ eyes.
So I guess the question is: How does XWD w/o eLSD compare to the AWD systems from Audi, BMW, and Subaru? And Acura’s SH-AWD which also has torque vectoring as standard?
brianL, that’s my question too! How will it compare? I still think the eLsd should be sold throughout but I am curious!
hi all
along with the eLSD option on 2.0TS models there will be a carbon trim option as well. btw, all those XWD models will go with 6 speed automatic. and another goodie, the BOSE sound system is only $2.8k and comes along with bluetooth. all these specs are relavant for russia at least. the bad thing is that it will only be available in AERO spec, so the base price of the car is around $57k. add to this eLSD ($730), carbon ($650), BOSE+bluetooth package plus a bit of other pleasantries and u have a price tag of $62k. i must say, a lot of options for this kinda money. i am dissappointed. i was waiting for XWD cars to change from my 9-3 Aero 2000my. my heart stays with saab, but my reasoning and feet are taking me to a bmw dealer for a 325Xi.
There is a weight gain of 100ish kilograms (220 pounds for the imperial generation) for XWD.
The marketing statement suggests that most of the weight gain is at the rear???
Anybody seen some accurate 9-3 XWD weights and distributions…?
The 2.0L with the full XWD system would be the perfect model to showcase in the US right now, and of course the spotlight is being placed on the 2.8L V6 instead. Car makers have changed the focus of their ads recently to emphasize “performance with economy”, which is a long time Saab virtue. It doesn’t make sense to downplay this message at a time when the US market is FINALLY listening!! GM, do you want Saab to succeed?? Please show us a sign!
Argh. Well, have to wait a bit longer than. If I’m going to drop some coin for a 9-3 with XWD, I’d want the eLSD too. No reason not to. The average customer will want all the acronyms they can handle for their dollar.
This can’t be right. They couldn’t be THAT stupid, could they?
I mean, is Saab TRYING to lose sales? People are NOT going to buy Aeros because they have the eLSD. The Northeast especially will continue to buy Subarus, Audis and BMW AWD cars.
If this is true, that’s the final straw. I’ve lost what little faith I had in Saab. Who’s running the show over there?
Saab Dealers better get on the phones and try and get SaabUSA to change the US specs.
Saab / GM in their infinite wisdom to not offer eSLD on the 2.0 will give those who are interested in it an incentive to wait for the 2010 when it may show up. Of course by 2010 many of us will be thinking that we should wait until we get the next gen 2012 (which should have showed up in 2011). But maybe, just maybe they’ll sell two more 2.8’s so they think its worth it.
I think that Saab is worried that there is not enough of a performance gap between the 2.0 and the 2.8. Here is an easy answer: Allow the 2.8 to breath at 300 - 350 bhp and then both models can have the eLSD. Saab will loose the “boy racer” tag of a sub - 300 car and the ones who are willing to suffer on gas mileage will get a performance boost.
The 9-3 would blow the Audi A4 out of the water with the 2.0 and would raise the bar to the BMW 335i on the top-end. What is there to lose?