T9s consider what options might be available for Saab to jazz up the range a little and consider that a revival of the Viggen badge and the infusion of some Hirsch techonology might be the key to doing this in an inexpensive way.

Personally, I’m divided over a potential re-birth of the Viggen badge. I owned one. I loved it and still do today. But I also know that the press would fill their stories with references to negative vehicle attributes that are purely historical and would be irrelevant in a modern XWD-equipped Viggen. Simply put, I’d love to see the badge again if you could guarantee that it didn’t come with the baggage.

As for Hirsch, I’ve been lobbying for greater access to Hirsch parts in the USA and Australia for around three years now (here’s a biggie from earlier this year). Unfortunately, the arrangement with Hirsch doesn’t make it a fait accompli that it’s offered in all markets. The Saab organisation in each country needs to have Hirsch parts tested and approved prior to offering them in their jurisdiction because Hirsch equipped Saabs are still covered by the factory warranty.

Saab Australia have already done that homologation style work, around four years or so ago, yet they’ve delayed bringing Hirsch parts to Australia due to the small scale of our market. Earlier this year, we received intel to the effect that Hirsch would become available around mid 2009, however.

In the US, I’m sad to say that I’m not sure the top levels of SaabUSA are really aware of what Hirsch do. When I spoke with Steve Shannon about it last year he kept referring to “cold air induction kits”. To be fair, he had a general knowledge, but he also had a lot on his plate and getting across the finer details of a small scale tuner that might appeal to a minority of your already-small customer base wasn’t a task that was high on his list. Bottom line: Hirsch aren’t on SaabUSA’s radar, however right or wrong that might be.

The TS verdict: it’s an entertaining and very worthwhile read. If T9s position were possible then as a Viggen enthusiast I’d love it. I still tend to think, though, that Saab Performance by Hirsch might be the hi-po way of the future for Saab. If Saab could get to a point where Hirsch models could regularly be shown in Saab forecourts in all countries, I think that’d be a fantastic result not only for Saab, but for the guys at hirsch in Switzerland who do all the work, too.

Read the full story, with imagery, at TurboNines.

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Here’s all the recent news from Saab’s official tuning house in Switzerland.

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Power Upgrade for 2.0T with XWD

The long awaited Saab 9-3 2.0T XWD has arrived and it is a great car to drive. Independent of weather conditions it provides enough grip to feel secure at all times.

The Hirsch Performance software upgrade adds an additional fun factor to the car’s overall driving experience, and makes it a true driver’s car.

The following figures are for Manual 6 speed (with 6sp Auto in parenthesis)

Top speed - 245 km/h (240 km/h)
0-100 km/h – 7.3 s (7.5 s)
60-100 km/h (4th gear) – 6.4 s (n/a)
80-120 km/h (5th gear) – 7.8 s (n/a)
Fuel consumption combined – 8.2 l/100km (9.6 l/100km)
CO2 combined – 195 g/km (227 g/km)

The new performance upgrade for the Saab 9-3 2.0T XWD delivers 240 hp/350 Nm and will become generally available at the following times:

Week 49 for all TÜV markets (DE, GB, BE, NL, AT, IRL …)
Week 51 for other EU markets (SE, NO, DK, FIN…)
Week 52 for Switzerland

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New: Stainless steel dual sports exhaust system for the Saab 9-3 V6 XWD

The best sounding Saab ever. For those who enjoyed the sound of the Turbo X, here is more of the same! Despite the distinctively sporty sound, the Hirsch Performance sports exhaust for the V6 XWD has been finely tuned to avoid the typical booming at motorway speeds that can be an annoying companion for many sports exhausts. This exhaust system was developed for the recently launched Saab 9-3 Performance by Hirsch special edition vehicle.

The sound could be described, but should be experienced.

As an option, the exhaust system is also available as a set together with the new Hirsch Performance rear diffusor.

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Carbon leather interior trim kit

There was one piece left to complete the Hirsch Performance interior design, and here it is: the new carbon-leather interior trim kit. It includes the center console trim, glove box trim (SS/SC/CV) and the door trim (SS/SC – front- and rear door).

A perfect match to the already available carbon leather instrument panel and the leather door handles.

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Brushed aluminum door sill trim

Now there is a Hirsch Performance door sill trim that adds a special touch to the car’s interior, and perfectly matches the Hirsch Performance aluminum pedals. The door sill trim fits all Saab 9-3 from MY03-.

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Saab 9-3 Leather Seat frame covers

The all new seat frame covers in black premium leather are elegant and easy to install. They feature visible stitching and smooth, natural grain leather. The perfect add-on for any Saab with the premium leather option.

The covers are available for Saab 9-3 MY03- LHD with electric seats and memory function.

One set consists of driver and passanger front seat frame covers.

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Software performance upgrades for used cars

Starting December 1, 2008, a 30% discount is offered on all Hirsch Performance software performance upgrades for vehicles from MY05 and older. This special offer gives owners of used Saabs a chance to enjoy the Hirsch Performance driving experience at a very attractive price.

The offer is valid for software upgrades for the Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 from MY05 and older.

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Phase-out of the classic Hirsch Performance wheel

After more then 10 years of representing the Hirsch Performance brand all over the world, the last set of the classic 18×8″ six spoke wheel has left the Hirsch Performance warehouse.

Still in the line-up are all the new Hirsch Performance wheel designs, available in both 18″ and 19″. These designs have been specially designed to match the design of the current Saab 9-3 and 9-5.

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Ed note: It’s certainly sad to see the end of the line for the classic Hirsch six spoke. Farewell old friend. I wish I’d had a chance to use your services, but then I’m a dumbass who crashed his Viggen!!

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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 upgrade

The 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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At least I’ve got you, Richo.

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I’ve had a hardcopy version of this for a while, but seeing I’ve had a number of people email it to me in the last few days, I figure it must have just been released online.

What am I talking about?

It’s the Hirsch 2008 brochure in PDF form. You may not be in a market where you can get their stuff, but at least you can download the PDF and take a look at it – click here.

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The sales news ain’t all bad for Saab.

They grew by 161% in Russia last month. Not a bad place to be growing in. Not bad at all.

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I wonder if the old guard at Arthur Andersen are still working? GM needs an auditor that understands.

In connection with their year-end audit of our annual financial statements, our independent auditors assess whether a statement should be included in their audit report related to the existence of substantial doubt related to our ability to continue as a going concern. If the report on our audited financial statements included such a statement, we would not be in compliance with the covenants in certain significant credit agreements, including our $4.5 billion secured revolving credit facility and $1.5 billion U.S. term loan, both of which would be callable by the lenders.

More at TTAC. I don’t agree with their stance towards GM, but this is a great find that shows just how close to the knife-edge GM are right now. Would you like to be the audit partner at an accounting firm and have to sign off on those accounts right now?

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AutoExtremist waves the flag in a warning cry. A little OTT IMHO, but in essence he’s right.

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The cost cutting spreadeth:

General Motors, the troubled US carmaker, is understood to have frozen its $2.1bn (£1.36bn) global media spend and has not ruled out cutting marketing jobs, as it desperately seeks to save money across its business.

Senior sources say the struggling manufacturer, which owns the Vauxhall and Bedford marques in the UK, has suspended all media spend on new campaigns. It is thought that existing campaigns and planned campaigns will continue, but no new work will be launched.

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Saab driver behaves badly.

Saab driver behaves very badly and goes to jail.

I hope neither of them are anyone we know. Please behave.

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And finally….

The crisis that GM are facing right now is hitting everyone. I think Audi and Mini are the only companies with a monthly sales rise in recent times, and they’ve been marginal.

One of the big growth companies from Japan in the last few years is Honda. ou would think that with a range in Europe that consists of popular, small and efficient cars with popular, small and efficient diesel engines would insulate it a little from the slowdown.

In chatting with Lance Cole last weekend, he mentioned the Honda have leased an airbase in the UK for a period – for storage. They’re storing at least 7,000 excess capacity vehicles there while they wait for sales to pick up.

No-one’s immune.

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This is what every Saab 9-3 Aero should be. In fact, if Hirsch want to take Saab off GM’s hands, I’d be all for it. The minnow swallowing the whale.

Rear view: 2009 Saab 9-3 by Hirsch

Front view:

Rear deck spoiler in detail:

Carbon interior with leather trim on brake handle, etc:

Magnificent. It’s the interior stuff that the Saab 9-3 really needs and the Hirsch guys have that all sewn up.

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Carscoop are reporting that the Hirsch 9-3 convertible will still get the 300hp and 400Nm treatment. Being the convertible, however, the car won’t get the XWD option to help you control all that.

Top speed will be limited to 162mph (or 260km/h) and the leadfooted sprint will take 6.4 seconds before you hit three figures.

The convertible will come with 19″ wheels, shown below in black, a rear diffuser, front splitter, a mesh grille and Hirsch’s dual exhausts.

Hopefully this will be the sort of thing we’ll be able to order here in Australia soon.

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That image is a clickable, huge 1920×1200 wallpaper that I’ve put together from the Original Hirsch image. Click to enlarge and then re-size it to your needs.

I’ll add this to the Saab Wallpaper collection here at the site. If you’re thinking of redecorating your desktop, drop in and check it out.

Related: 2009 Saab 9-3 by Hirsch, sedan and combi.

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I’ve been tooting Hirsch’s horn on this website since my first encounter with Jeff B’s Hirsch 9-5 in Melbourne, way back in 2005. From that day to this, we haven’t received any good news on Hirsch expanding to new markets……until now.

Around 12 months ago I attended the Australian launch for the 2008 Saab 9-3 and one of my key points to clear up was whether or not Saab Oz were looking at introducing Hirsch products here in Australia. At that time, I was told that the compliance, warehousing and marketing costs would be too big for a small market like ours.

Thanks goodness for time and a little bit of daring and common sense: it appears that that decision has now changed.

I have received information indicating that Saab Australia GM Premium Brands will be offering Hirsch performance parts in the Australian market starting in the second quarter of 2009.

I can’t tell you how pleased I am at this news. I haven’t heard whether it’s just a selection of Hirsch’s range or the full catalog, but hopefully it’s the latter.

Yes, Hirsch stuff is expensive and yes, the market will be fairly small here in Oz. But it’s a move that adds no small amount of panache to the brand and positions the brand image well and truly in the direction that it needs to be heading prior to the release of the new 9-5.

The performance packages and tunes that Hirsch offer are the only ones that will preserve your original Saab warranty. The mere fact that they’ll be available will create interest amongst late model Saab buyers. The cosmetic equipment, especially the leather dash for the Saab 9-3, should also create no small amount of interest.

I’d like to thank and congratulate Saab Australia GM Premium Brands for what is a courageous and right decision.

Hopefully the powers-that-be in other markets that don’t currently have access to Hirsch will follow suit soon.

Woohoo!!!!!

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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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Hirsch Performance have just released a new aerodynamics package for the 2009 Hirsch Performance edition cars that will be sold in various markets aroud the world. These are Hirsch’s own notes about the new package and they’re good for not only finding out about Hirsch products, but also the importance of aerodynamics and the role played by various parts in the package.

Click any of the photos to enlarge.

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Improving the aerodynamics of the current Saab 9-3 was a real challenge, since the car has excellent aerodynamics already from the factory.

However, for this project Hirsch Performance enjoyed the co-operation and support of Saab’s master aerodynamicist Håkan Danielsson and his team, as well as renowned designer Taras Czornyj from Mutations AB, whose combined experience made it possible to develop a truly exciting aerodynamics package.

The final product range reaches from front splitter to an exclusive – limited edition – carbon fiber body kit for the SAAB 9-3 Performance special edition car.

Form follows function – Design process

The aerodynamics package was designed as a complete set of modifications to improve stability and reduce drag. In addition to the functional benefits, the aerodynamic modifications should also contribute to the car’s dynamic appearance.

During the entire development process, close co-operation between design, aerodynamics and engineering ensure that the end result creates the best possible experience, both when viewing the car from the outside and when driving at high speeds.

The design process started with the sketching phase, trying to get the most distinctive look possible while still integrating with the shape of the original car.

The sketches were then interpreted in clay, to ensure that the shape of each component looks good from all angles.

Once the basic clay design had been approved, the car was scanned using a 3D-Scanner, and the surfaces translated into 3D computer models.

Aerodynamic optimization – Wind tunnel test

Based on the computer models, aerodynamic test parts were produced and specially prepared so that minor adjustments could be made quickly during the wind tunnel testing.

Front splitters were added to reduce air flow under the car and in front of the wheels, thus creating down force. A larger front spoiler was integrated with the lower mesh grille, further reducing air flow under the car while also increasing the cooling air flow for the intercooler. Side skirts were added to reduce wake behind the wheels and keep the air flow under the car from leaking out. In the rear, a diffuser was added under the bumper to direct the air flow slightly upwards, thus reducing the wake behind the car while also improving rear stability.

For the Convertible and SportSedan, enlarged bootlid spoilers also help improve rear stability.

Perhaps the most interesting component, however, is the roof spoiler for the SportCombi, where a Saab innovation from 1961 was put to use again in a modernised form: the air slicer. The top surface of the air-slicing roof spoiler directs the airflow upwards, generating improved rear stability. In addition, an air slot directs a small portion of the airflow down onto the rear screen, thus reversing the semi-stationary vortex behind the car and thereby reducing the wake and the associated aerodynamic drag, while also helping to keep the rear screen clean.

This design was extensively tweaked and tested in the MIRA wind tunnel, to create an optimal combination of drag and stability.

Safety first – Homologation

Once both the design and aerodynamics targets were met, homologation prototypes were produced. All prototypes were installed on cars and sent to RDW in the Netherlands for homologation. At RDW, the parts were examined to verify that they will not influence the safety of the car or the safety of pedestrians in case of a collision.

All aerodynamic parts have successfully passed the homologation tests, and are included in the latest Saab 9-3 whole vehicle type approval, and can therefore be installed in all markets.

Carbon fibre body kit

Hand laminated in high quality carbon fibre and lacquered with a UV-resistant high gloss coating.

The limited edition complete carbon fibre body kit is available exclusively for the Aero trim level. As a sign of authenticity, Hirsch Performance logotypes in aluminium are laminated into the rear side skirt extensions.

The kit is available for all body types; SportSedan, SportCombi and Convertible, and consists of 8 pieces: Front splitters, side skirt extensions front and rear, and rear bumper extensions.

The front splitters direct airflow away from the front wheels. The skirt extensions help separate the airflow under the car from the airflow on the sides, and also reduce the wake behind the wheels, thus reducing lift and aerodynamic drag.

Front splitters for Aero and Vector

Available for both the 9-3 Aero and Vector/Linear front bumpers, front corner splitters were developed to help direct airflow away from the front wheels. The front splitters generate downforce at higher speeds and help to reduce the aerodynamic drag.

The Aero front splitters are available in two versions; hand laminated carbon fibre, as part of the carbon fibre body kit, and as individual components in high-quality PUR.

The Vector/Linear front splitters are available only in high-quality PUR.

The PUR front splitters are delivered primed, and can be painted – either as the designer intended in matte black – or in body colour.

Bootlid spoilers for SportSedan and Convertible

Rear lift forces cause instability at high speeds on sedans and convertibles, and the perfect solution to address this issue is to add a bootlid spoiler that raises the airflow and provides a clear separation point for an optimized wake behind the car.

The Hirsch Performance bootlid spoilers are optimized primarily to improve high speed stability, and therefore they are slightly larger and have a slightly steeper rake to produce optimal aerodynamic results.

The styling is functional and minimalistic with no grooves or decorations. The spoilers are delivered primed, and can be painted – either as the designer intended in two tone with matte black underside and body colour on top – or completely in body colour.

Roof spoiler for SportCombi

Most wing-type roof spoilers trade off aerodynamic drag to achieve better rear stability. The new Hirsch Performance roof spoiler for the Saab 9-3 SportCombi is unique in that through rigorous wind tunnel testing, it was possible to achieve both a reduced drag and improved stability, while in addition keeping the rear screen clean!

The styling continues the smoothly curved wing design theme established with the Hirsch Performance 9-5 roof spoiler.

The roof spoiler is delivered primed, and can be painted – either as the designer intended in two tone with matte black underside and body colour on top – or completely in body colour.

The kit includes brake light extension cables to be used with the existing brake light, which is positioned in the spoiler, and an extension hose and nozzle for the rear screen washer.

Mesh grill

Improved cooling air flow helps keep the engine temperature under control, and improves the performance of the intercooler. Therefore, the Hirsch Performance mesh grill kit has large openings that allow maximum airflow. However, the outer upper grills remains closed like on the original grill, to achieve lower aerodynamic drag, and ensure that splashing water does not enter the engine’s air intake snorkel.

The upper 3-piece grill is available separately, and fits Aero, Vector and Linear cars. The lower grill with integrated spoiler is available only for the Aero trim level.

The mesh grill is produced in injection-molded high-quality UV-stablized ABS, to ensure that the matte black finish remains beautiful for many years, with the best possible resistance against chipping and harsh cleaning agents. As a sign of authenticity, a Hirsch Performance emplem in matte chrome that matches the original grill frame is integrated in the upper grill.

Rear diffuser

With the installation of a diffuser under the rear bumper, the airflow under the car is stabilized and directed upwards, thus improving stability and reducing the wake behind the car.

The Hirsch Performance diffuser features two round openings for either the Saab Original dual exhaust or the Hirsch Performance dual exhaust. The diffuser has been specially designed to fit both the longer SportCombi and the shorter SportSedan/Convertible bumpers, as well as both the Aero trim level and Vector/Linear trim levels. The diffuser is compatible with the Saab Original towing hooks, and features markings for the required cut-out on the inside of the diffuser.

The diffuser is delivered in matte black high-quality UV-stablized ABS. The kit includes rivets for installation. The bumper reflectors (not included in the kit) are moved over from the original bumpers to the diffuser.

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Anyway, I’ll have heaps from Hirsch on site shortly, but these images and the story I want to show you now came up quite unexpectedly.

These photos popped up on a Hirsch-related Flickr account today. Have a peek and then I’ll tell you the story about that white car (as best as I can remember it, at least).

The green car in those photos is Saab Sonett #4. It was the subject of a book a few years ago, where the story of its restoration was told. My copy of that book is currently sitting on (former SaabUSA chief) Bob Sinclair’s desk as he was unfamiliar with the story, too. As I don’t have my copy here, you’ll have to forgive me if some of the details are sketchy, but the basics are as follows:

Saab built just six of these Sonetts and when it was known that they weren’t going into production, they sold a majority of them. The price wasn’t steep as they weren’t considered a valuable car way back then, they were just another registerable vehicle in the test stages.

Sonett #4 was purchased by a guy who didn’t like the Saab body shape, so he removed the green body and crafted his own body to sit on the Sonett’s framework. He called it the Facett (I don’t recall what it means), drove it for a few years and then left it in his yard as a plaything for his young children!

Eventually the car was found by a German guy by the name of Dr Klaus Muller-Ott, who restored the car to its original Sonett condition and published the aforementioned book (note to self: write to Bob and get it back some time).

Recently, the car was purchased from the doctor by Rene Hirsch, owner of Hirsch Performance in Switzerland. Rene Hirsch has a great collection of Saab cars and I’ve got no doubt this is the jewel in the crown.

What I’d forgotten until seeing this story this morning, however, is that they got the Facett body as well. It looks like that’s been restored to prime condition, too. What a fascinating extension to the collection and a great way to fill out the Sonett story.

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Here’s a taste of the Hirsch material to come later, and something a little Bizarre as well.

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