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I received this advice today from a friend in Germany:
A few hours ago we got a mail from Saab Germany, that the Hirsch edition Convertible will not be coming to the market. Hirsch won’t finalise the 300 HP for the FWD only for the XWD. Sad News. So you can’t get a full Hirsch Vert, you can only make your car looking with all parts……
I’d previously reported on this vehicle, which looked absolutely spectacular, by the way, back on October 22.
So after I got the email I contacted Hirsch in Switzerland and received the following response:
Unfortunately we have had to skip the 300hp upgrade for the Saab 9-3 2.8V6 FWD. The reason was that the confirmed volumes will not create a positive business case for the product.
Saab Germany will still offer the convertible as a Saab Performance by Hirsch version but with the standard 280hp.
The configuration for the convertible will be
- Base car Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 Aero
- 19×8″ 6-twinspoke wheel (diamond black or satin silver) Michelin PilotSport PS2 235/35R19
- Front air splitter
- mesh grille
- Stainless steel dual sports exhaust system
- Carbon-Leather instrument panel
- Leather door handle, handbrake handle and smart-slot cover
- Carbon-Leather gearshift cover, glove box trim
- Aluminium pedal
- Hirsch Performance lowering spring set
- 345mm brake upgradeThe Saab performance CV will still have a price advantage over a car fitted by a dealer / customer using the same parts from us.
It’s good news that a package is still available, but I’m sure the people who were looking forward to some extra zip with the wind in their hair will be a little disappointed.
Thanks to Hirsch for the follow-up.
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5 responses so far ↓
1 Joe Lobo
// Nov 27, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Is the vert still delivered with the old 07 Door handles ??? If so, what a shame.
2 bk-aero
// Nov 28, 2008 at 3:22 am
Steinmetz/Opel has its own Turbo X !
carscoop.blogspot.com
3 James
// Nov 28, 2008 at 3:26 am
uhh, it’s a chip, an intercooler, and an exhaust system right? Uhh, That’s not a difficult “DIY” project, if I’m honest. I mean I know Saab drivers don’t like to get their hands dirty like MkII VW owners, but shoot, an intercooler is just a heat exchanger under the bumper. The exhaust (probably) just bolts on and off. And the chip can be done at a dealer or through an OBD-2 flashloader.
I would say if you have an Aero ‘vert, you can probably still get some extra power
4 Jörgen Trued
// Nov 28, 2008 at 4:44 am
Lobo,
Making new press-tools for doors is not a good business case for SAAB concidering THE OTHER MUCH B I G G E R issue of survival!
5 Joe Lobo
// Nov 28, 2008 at 8:58 am
Use the door handles on the other models that have the new style !!! No need for re-tooling and new mouldings etc etc. It’s not hard.