Comments on: What I learned about the Saab Turbo X from the Saab 99T and a Maptun Saab 9-5 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html Saab 9-1, 9-3, 9-4x, 9-5, 9-7x News Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:34:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: aeroo http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55932 aeroo Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:13:03 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55932 Interesting comments , here is a Melbourne Australia comparo on Saab Turbo X XWD Vs BMW rear drive , here we have as part of our public transport system electric trams that share the road with cars and run on steel tracks (2 sets ) down the middle of the road, there is probably a 100k or so of track in the suburban area. The tram tracks are notorious in the wet and dry for cars and motorcyclists to drop there bikes if you happen to speed or turn quickly on the tracks ( l know from experience) There is a section of the road near where l live that has a sharp left turn that you must take over the tracks. A few weeks back a Beemer was in front of me and accelerated into this left turn on a wet night - probably showing off ( Fitzroy st entering upper Esplanade for locals who know this corner ) , l saw his face - twice as he spun out , l stopped, and luckily he didn't hit anything but he looked like he needed a change of underwear . Recently on another wet night same area l deliberately accelerated through this corner on the tram tracks ..the initial feel was that l was starting to oversteer and needed to correct , then the XWD kicked in with the result that kept the car turning into the corner but the feeling of off center drift was not there ... l did it once more to convince myself that this was the car not me.. same result. This XWD is a serious bit of technology and deserves to be on a Saab Interesting comments , here is a Melbourne Australia comparo on Saab Turbo X XWD Vs BMW rear drive , here we have as part of our public transport system electric trams that share the road with cars and run on steel tracks (2 sets ) down the middle of the road, there is probably a 100k or so of track in the suburban area. The tram tracks are notorious in the wet and dry for cars and motorcyclists to drop there bikes if you happen to speed or turn quickly on the tracks ( l know from experience) There is a section of the road near where l live that has a sharp left turn that you must take over the tracks.

A few weeks back a Beemer was in front of me and accelerated into this left turn on a wet night – probably showing off ( Fitzroy st entering upper Esplanade for locals who know this corner ) , l saw his face – twice as he spun out , l stopped, and luckily he didn’t hit anything but he looked like he needed a change of underwear . Recently on another wet night same area l deliberately accelerated through this corner on the tram tracks ..the initial feel was that l was starting to oversteer and needed to correct , then the XWD kicked in with the result that kept the car turning into the corner but the feeling of off center drift was not there … l did it once more to convince myself that this was the car not me.. same result. This XWD is a serious bit of technology and deserves to be on a Saab

]]> By: Jörgen Trued http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55875 Jörgen Trued Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:59:50 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55875 Tasmania is just about the antipode of Sweden http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0d/Antipodes_rect2160.png Even if everything is "different" down under, summer when it is winter, people should be falling off the globe etc. there are som things in common globaly among SAAB people. - The joy Turbo X driver get behind the wheel the feel of control and dynamics - The sadness the car even came with an auto transmission, the Turbo X should as mentioned eralier had come with the Hirsch interior. Would have been cheap way of getting the media attention away from the usual talk about "does not feel like Audi" etc. I LIKE my Turbo X but the marketing people could have had added som more nice touches to the interior in particular. I am waiting for the first snow to fall here in Sweden. Not becuse I like it in general but in particular for the excitemet of commanding 300+ bhp in snow. Will be back with information on that. Two great option for all Turbo X people to get what my friend Walt at ODOT Salem Oregon calls my Turbo X " I sinister car, a rolling crimescene" Add dark Solarplexius panels in the windows - http://www.solarplexius.se Add Visualeyes Rayzer lightsystem for the "Policelooks" http://www.rayzerwidebeams.com/ Picture from inside my car http://www.garaget.org/?car=110968&image=1122317 Tasmania is just about the antipode of Sweden http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0d/Antipodes_rect2160.png
Even if everything is “different” down under, summer when it is winter, people should be falling off the globe etc. there are som things in common globaly among SAAB people.

- The joy Turbo X driver get behind the wheel the feel of control and dynamics
- The sadness the car even came with an auto transmission, the Turbo X should as mentioned eralier had come with the Hirsch interior. Would have been cheap way of getting the media attention away from the usual talk about “does not feel like Audi” etc.

I LIKE my Turbo X but the marketing people could have had added som more nice touches to the interior in particular.

I am waiting for the first snow to fall here in Sweden. Not becuse I like it in general but in particular for the excitemet of commanding 300+ bhp in snow.
Will be back with information on that.

Two great option for all Turbo X people to get what my friend Walt at ODOT Salem Oregon calls my Turbo X ” I sinister car, a rolling crimescene”
Add dark Solarplexius panels in the windows – http://www.solarplexius.se
Add Visualeyes Rayzer lightsystem for the “Policelooks” http://www.rayzerwidebeams.com/
Picture from inside my car http://www.garaget.org/?car=110968&image=1122317

]]> By: Joe Lobo http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55838 Joe Lobo Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:45:52 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55838 Thinking of or even owning a Turbo X in Auto set up is as much of a sacrilege as on any predecessors Aero. As a matter of fact any well equipped European that is threading on performance must be a manual. When I was selling my beautiful (I still miss it a lot) 9-3 Coupe Aero I learned through the Meloburne colleagues (Alex and Steve) that only 4 of each model year were brought to the country in manual mode. What a surprise and also, what a coo to have owned one. But, when speaking to other Saabatist they see this as a negative. Surprisingly the buyer that took it only saw it once, drove it once and then bought it. His other car is a 335 Manual. He had to take it as he was looking for a manual !!! In his own words: “you can’t drive any Saab Turbo in automatic mode, you loose ½ of the rush and fun of it”. I can not imagine the disservice that any Turbo X will get as an auto however, at Lang Lang we were in an Auto and that thing moved very well. I wonder why ???. Thinking of or even owning a Turbo X in Auto set up is as much of a sacrilege as on any predecessors Aero. As a matter of fact any well equipped European that is threading on performance must be a manual. When I was selling my beautiful (I still miss it a lot) 9-3 Coupe Aero I learned through the Meloburne colleagues (Alex and Steve) that only 4 of each model year were brought to the country in manual mode. What a surprise and also, what a coo to have owned one. But, when speaking to other Saabatist they see this as a negative. Surprisingly the buyer that took it only saw it once, drove it once and then bought it. His other car is a 335 Manual. He had to take it as he was looking for a manual !!! In his own words: “you can’t drive any Saab Turbo in automatic mode, you loose ½ of the rush and fun of it”. I can not imagine the disservice that any Turbo X will get as an auto however, at Lang Lang we were in an Auto and that thing moved very well. I wonder why ???.

]]> By: Barry http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55832 Barry Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:40:34 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55832 Excellent write up .. My feelings about the comments are ... I've gotten use to the exhaust note. Rear seat passengers say its more boomy back there .. Oh well I guess its just me in the car :) Dash material ... Other than the infamous squeaky drivers seat molding (soon to be addressed), I don't mind the interior. Sure it's not Audi quality, but I think it's just as good as any BMW (IMO). Oh yea, Bose Radio .. B- Engine, I'll probably be VTuning or BSRing my beast in the spring. I want at least 10000 miles on it before I go ape. Gas mileage, well for the meantime I'm REALLY enjoying $2.40 for premium. Sure beats $4.15 when I got it. Handling, telepathic on rails. Even in the rain, on leaf covered roads, I can't believe the grip and confidence it inspires ... Sometimes I can't believe what it can do ... Other times it leans/rocks a tad much for the seats/seatbelt setup. I wish I could have attended the academy. Oh well. It would have helped if the car came with shoulder bolsters too like my on 9000 Aero; and had a firmness setting. Guess I'll have to look for 5 point harness. It's gotta be cheaper than a seat :) Then I wouldn't feel like Im trying to hang on ... Back end ... It's a little gimmicky but then again no ones watching it long :) Tail lights look best in black because I dont like the stripe effect. Front end style (best damn front facia to come out in eons). Tranny ... I have a manual - nuf said ... Would have only thought about an auto (and I mean thought) if it had DSG style setup. Shifts are tooooo slow in all SAAB automatics. If the manual was smoother in all shifts that could help. Each SAAB I have bought over the past 25 years has made me forget my prior one (almost) with in 30 minutes. The Turbo X made me forget my tuned Aero wagon, in 10 seconds. Wish I could put more fun miles on it. My commute is only 7 miles. Barry Excellent write up ..

My feelings about the comments are …

I’ve gotten use to the exhaust note. Rear seat passengers say its more boomy back there .. Oh well I guess its just me in the car :)

Dash material … Other than the infamous squeaky drivers seat molding (soon to be addressed), I don’t mind the interior. Sure it’s not Audi quality, but I think it’s just as good as any BMW (IMO). Oh yea, Bose Radio .. B-

Engine, I’ll probably be VTuning or BSRing my beast in the spring. I want at least 10000 miles on it before I go ape. Gas mileage, well for the meantime I’m REALLY enjoying $2.40 for premium. Sure beats $4.15 when I got it.

Handling, telepathic on rails. Even in the rain, on leaf covered roads, I can’t believe the grip and confidence it inspires … Sometimes I can’t believe what it can do … Other times it leans/rocks a tad much for the seats/seatbelt setup. I wish I could have attended the academy. Oh well. It would have helped if the car came with shoulder bolsters too like my on 9000 Aero; and had a firmness setting. Guess I’ll have to look for 5 point harness. It’s gotta be cheaper than a seat :) Then I wouldn’t feel like Im trying to hang on …

Back end … It’s a little gimmicky but then again no ones watching it long :) Tail lights look best in black because I dont like the stripe effect.

Front end style (best damn front facia to come out in eons).

Tranny … I have a manual – nuf said … Would have only thought about an auto (and I mean thought) if it had DSG style setup. Shifts are tooooo slow in all SAAB automatics. If the manual was smoother in all shifts that could help.

Each SAAB I have bought over the past 25 years has made me forget my prior one (almost) with in 30 minutes. The Turbo X made me forget my tuned Aero wagon, in 10 seconds. Wish I could put more fun miles on it. My commute is only 7 miles.

Barry

]]> By: David http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55831 David Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:32:29 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55831 Great write-up I just returned from a 3 day trip in the mountains of Colorado with my turbox (auto) covering about 700 miles and got about 26.4 mpg. This included spirited driving (got my first turbox speeding ticket), over many mountains passes up to 11,500 feet in elevation and snow covered roads and we loved it! We were a bit concerned with the snow depth and the low stance of the turbox but it survived. The draw back is the sound quality of the xm radio set up, but we'll live with it - it's more about the power, the safety, rareness, versatility of the combi, xwd, and the overall design of the turbox that is so satisfying for me. Great write-up
I just returned from a 3 day trip in the mountains of Colorado with my turbox (auto) covering about 700 miles and got about 26.4 mpg. This included spirited driving (got my first turbox speeding ticket), over many mountains passes up to 11,500 feet in elevation and snow covered roads and we loved it! We were a bit concerned with the snow depth and the low stance of the turbox but it survived. The draw back is the sound quality of the xm radio set up, but we’ll live with it – it’s more about the power, the safety, rareness, versatility of the combi, xwd, and the overall design of the turbox that is so satisfying for me.

]]> By: kwaw http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55821 kwaw Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:18:02 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55821 I would like to defend automatic transmission.It requires more effort to use all TurboX power, I agree. But it's... comfortable, if you use the car not only for sport rides, but also for sightseing during holidays. Especially as 'tiptronic' works perfectly -- mountain roads in Switzerland were veeery entertaining because of it :-) I would like to defend automatic transmission.It requires more effort to use all TurboX power, I agree.
But it’s… comfortable, if you use the car not only for sport rides, but also for sightseing during holidays.
Especially as ‘tiptronic’ works perfectly — mountain roads in Switzerland were veeery entertaining because of it :-)

]]> By: Johnny http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55818 Johnny Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:11:18 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55818 I am not so sure about adding interior carbon fibre bits here and there - when it's not coupled to any particular function, I find it somewhat removed from the good old "form follows function" idea. And these days I even find it a little pseudo-exclusive as you can find such things in almost any hot hatch. It is beautiful to look at if it's there to really reduce weight/improve strength, but otherwise I'd personally rather do without it. What I really liked about the Aero-X concept was the use some almost shockingly functional elements, such as the anti-slip rubber features on the floor and so on. That's the kind of approach I would like to see for future Saab interiors, even though I can see the difficult balancing act between sportiness, luxury and innovative ideas. One thing is for sure about Turbo X though - it is a performance car, and as such the press vehicles should have been equipped with manual gearboxes. I am not so sure about adding interior carbon fibre bits here and there – when it’s not coupled to any particular function, I find it somewhat removed from the good old “form follows function” idea. And these days I even find it a little pseudo-exclusive as you can find such things in almost any hot hatch. It is beautiful to look at if it’s there to really reduce weight/improve strength, but otherwise I’d personally rather do without it.

What I really liked about the Aero-X concept was the use some almost shockingly functional elements, such as the anti-slip rubber features on the floor and so on. That’s the kind of approach I would like to see for future Saab interiors, even though I can see the difficult balancing act between sportiness, luxury and innovative ideas.

One thing is for sure about Turbo X though – it is a performance car, and as such the press vehicles should have been equipped with manual gearboxes.

]]> By: Ron57RC http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55817 Ron57RC Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:54:33 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55817 I passed the IAM, (Institute of Advanced Motorists), advanced driving test in 2002. The overall requirement is to give a drive which is safe, smooth and progressive. Swade, from your report it sounds that you were leaning heavily towards the progressive. Well done; SAABs are there to be driven. Thanks for the great review. I passed the IAM, (Institute of Advanced Motorists), advanced driving test in 2002. The overall requirement is to give a drive which is safe, smooth and progressive. Swade, from your report it sounds that you were leaning heavily towards the progressive. Well done; SAABs are there to be driven. Thanks for the great review.

]]> By: shyang http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55815 shyang Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:32:49 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55815 The Turbo X should have come with all the Hirsch bits right from the start. Intercooler, air filter and ECU upgrades for performance. Leather dash, door handles, handbrake and smart slot will add alot to the interior of the car. One of my major complaints about the Turbo X is the rear diffuser. It looks fake and I am pretty sure it does absolutely nothing. The Hirsch rear diffuser for the Aero is a much better option, pity it won't fit because of the shape of the exhaust. As for the exhaust note, I find it to abit loud when the engine is warming up but after a couple of minutes, it settles down to an amazing sounding purr that is just right. At the end of the day, the Turbo X is a great car. The Turbo X should have come with all the Hirsch bits right from the start. Intercooler, air filter and ECU upgrades for performance. Leather dash, door handles, handbrake and smart slot will add alot to the interior of the car.

One of my major complaints about the Turbo X is the rear diffuser. It looks fake and I am pretty sure it does absolutely nothing. The Hirsch rear diffuser for the Aero is a much better option, pity it won’t fit because of the shape of the exhaust.

As for the exhaust note, I find it to abit loud when the engine is warming up but after a couple of minutes, it settles down to an amazing sounding purr that is just right.

At the end of the day, the Turbo X is a great car.

]]> By: Fasttrader http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/11/what-i-learned-about-the-saab-turbo-x-from-the-saab-99t-and-a-maptun-saab-9-5.html#comment-55814 Fasttrader Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:52:45 +0000 http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=9885#comment-55814 Overall I am very satisfied with my Turbo X, especially the handling is a great experience and the XWD does it perfect. And I like the styling very much, what was one of the key decision-drivers when I bought it. The package it offers is great value for money if you ask me, I regret not one single second having bought it and I appreciate it today very much. But there are some minor points which I think are important to mention from the perspecitive of a daily-user. One of these is the exhaust note which sounds great indeed, but it is way too loud. It is fancy and impressive for the first one, two three hours and for some 100 kilometers, but not from Monday to Sunday over 15'000 kilometers since May. Especially as it becomes louder with almost every kilometer you put on it. I am very used to loud cars as I had a hirsched V6 before and this rumbled the neighbours out of bed. But the Turbo X is much louder than this one and please don't forget that it is still a passenger car and not a Porsche. Another point was the engine which was nothing to compare with my previous hirsched Aero V6. And that's why I upgraded to Hirsch's 300 hp version (thanks god I live in Switzerland). Now I am very happy as it does its job excellent. I think the Turbo X is a very good car, but Saab missed the chance to get the non-plus-ultra out of it and to make it a "must-have" car for everyone. That might be the reason why still a fairly high amount of cars is available for sale. Overall I am very satisfied with my Turbo X, especially the handling is a great experience and the XWD does it perfect. And I like the styling very much, what was one of the key decision-drivers when I bought it. The package it offers is great value for money if you ask me, I regret not one single second having bought it and I appreciate it today very much. But there are some minor points which I think are important to mention from the perspecitive of a daily-user. One of these is the exhaust note which sounds great indeed, but it is way too loud. It is fancy and impressive for the first one, two three hours and for some 100 kilometers, but not from Monday to Sunday over 15’000 kilometers since May. Especially as it becomes louder with almost every kilometer you put on it. I am very used to loud cars as I had a hirsched V6 before and this rumbled the neighbours out of bed. But the Turbo X is much louder than this one and please don’t forget that it is still a passenger car and not a Porsche.
Another point was the engine which was nothing to compare with my previous hirsched Aero V6. And that’s why I upgraded to Hirsch’s 300 hp version (thanks god I live in Switzerland). Now I am very happy as it does its job excellent.
I think the Turbo X is a very good car, but Saab missed the chance to get the non-plus-ultra out of it and to make it a “must-have” car for everyone. That might be the reason why still a fairly high amount of cars is available for sale.

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