Following is information received from Hirsch regarding some of their latest performance products for 2009. I’ve covered at least one of these already, but will post them all together now for future reference.

Saab 9-3 TTiD upgrade

The long awaited performance upgrade for the Saab 9-3 TTiD is now available. The upgrade offers 200hp and increases the maximum torque by 30 Nm.

The exhilarating torque is already available from low RPMs on the standard version of this car, with an unperceivable transition between the small and the large turbocharger. With the upgrade installed, the driving experience becomes clearly more dynamic, yet the fuel consumption and the CO2-emissions remain as low as before.

Click to enlarge and view the performance specs for the TTiD upgrade.

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Engine testing at Hirsch Performance

In the sound-proof and bullet-proof test cell at Hirsch Performance, the Saab engines are taken to their extremes. The worst possible ambient conditions are simulated by regulating temperature and pressure of intake air to simulate desert heat or high altitude alpine passes. Computer-controlled water and charge air cooling systems are used to simulate poor cooling as enocuntered for example in traffic jams at high temperatures. During these extreme tests, the engines are closely monitored to ensure that no critical components such as cylinder head, catalyst or turbocharger become overheated, overstressed, or overspeeded, while keeping a close eye on emission levels so that they are not exceeded.

But it is not enough that an engine performs well under controlled conditions. All Hirsch performance upgrades are therefore test driven on the German Autobahn at steady state at top speed to ensure that the performance is really there when it matters, and that the integration in the car works as it should.

Then, to validate the durability, the upgraded engines are driven at full load at various RPMs according to a predefined test cycle. The durability test runs at full throttle around the clock for a month, stopping only to change oil at the regular service intervals. Thereafter, the engines are dismantled to check for fatigue, wear and other damage. So, as an owner of a Hirsch Performance Saab, you can rest assured that your engine has the durability it needs.

Meanwhile, the upgrades are driven by several test drivers to ensure that the driving experience, the torque curves and pedal response feel just right. Because in the end, a performance upgrade from Hirsch Performance is more than just added horsepower.

A Hirsch Performance upgrade is built for a reason - to give you the ultimate Saab driving experience.

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New 19″ Wheel in Diamond Black and Satin Silver

The new 19″ wheels in Satin Silver and Diamond Black are now available for delivery. The new wheels are exceptionally lightweight for their size, and have been specially designed for the Saab 9-3. This means that not only the styling, but also their technical parameters such as load index, offset and brake clearance are a perfect fit for the Saab 9-3, with no compromises made for any other car.

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