Category Archives: Saab 9-3 SS MY2008

2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible

2009 Saab 9-3 – US model details

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New for 2009

    * Saab XWD cross-wheel-drive system available on 2.0T models (as of October 2008)
    * More powerful 280-horsepower (209 kW) engine on Aero models
    * Electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) standard on Aero V-6 XWD
    * Aero-type appearance and performance package available on 2.0T “Sport” FWD models
    * Carbon-fiber interior finish trim on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi
    * OnStar 8.0 hardware with Turn-by-Turn Navigation* and Bluetooth hands-free calling
    * Matte chrome finish roof rails available on Aero SportCombi model
    * Sleeker roof rail design for SportCombi model
    * New 17 x 7-inch wheel on 2.0T XWD-equipped models
    * Newly designed 17 x 7.5-inch, five-spoke alloy wheel, standard on 2.0T 1SD, Aero Convertible models
    * Available additional convertible top color: Grey
    * Exterior colors: Carbon Grey Metallic, Glass Grey Metallic (all models) replace Parchment Silver, Smoke Beige (all models)

2009 SAAB 9-3 RANGE expands XWD CROSS-WHEEL-DRIVE TECHNOLOGY to 2.0T Sedan AND SPORTCOMBI, MORE POWERFUL V-6 Engine on AERO MODELS AND NEW 2.0t ‘sPort’ MODEL

Saab 9-3Fresh from the major exterior redesign it received for the 2008 model year, the Saab 9-3 range broadens its customer appeal for 2009 with available XWD cross-wheel-drive technology on 2.0T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, a more powerful, 280-horsepower (209 kW) engine on all V-6 Aero models, and a new, available Aero-look exterior appearance package for 2.0T Sport models.

Other enhancements include interior trim, roof rail and wheel changes, as well as new, standard OnStar 8.0 hardware that enables Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available in late 2008) and Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities.

For 2009, the Saab 9-3 range includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 SportCombi and 9-3 Convertible in 2.0T and Aero models. XWD technology is standard on Aero Sport Sedan and
SportCombi models.

Intelligent all-wheel drive

Originally available in the 2008 model year only on the V-6-equipped Turbo X or Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, Haldex Gen 4 XWD cross-wheel-drive technology brings additional functionality to four-cylinder 2.0T models while preserving the fun-to-drive attributes and Scandinavian sensibilities that characterize Saab vehicles.

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Monday night Flickr run

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Well, I had my days mixed up. I sat down tonight, ready to watch the Celtics close out the NBA championship versus the Lakers, but it was not to be. Tomorrow night. This will happen tomorrow night. For the record, I’ve been on a little bit of a roll for the NBA playoffs — accurately foretold the Heat winning in 2006 and the Spurs winning last year. However, this year, I’ve been off by a country mile. I simply never considered that it would end like this. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom have been non-existent, and Rajon Rondo has given the Lakers match up problems from the beginning.

So, without basketball tonight, on to the Saabs. I saw several cars in the “artsy” category, so I went with the theme. Prehaps except for the last one.

First, an oft-ignored goody, the Saab 9-2x in a magnificent shot with a strong background color from RyanMcLaughlin:

Next, a neat little vintage Saab pic from Spain for all of you two-digit fans out there. This one is from grismarengo and is sporting a great interpretation of the Catalan flag on the roof.

This shot is such high art that it’s really not even a picture of the Saab, it’s just using the Saab to take an artistic picture of a building. That’s Andrew Burrows taking a picture of King’s College Chapel using the hood (bonnet in this case) of a black Saab. Appears to be a 9-5?

Finally, a Saab that has art work on it, this is a Saab 9-3 with those amazing wheels — these should be mandatory for all 9-3 owners. I really like these wheels on this car! Anywho, our friend Goran Aničić (thank goodness for control-c), presumably from Serbia, is proving to all of us that diesels are great cars even if some of us can’t have them (thanks, EPA!!).

Techie Time 2.8 Liter Turbo V6 Style

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Once again, armed with photographs from the Saab TurboX Media Drive, I’m coming to you via the internet with information that you must, at all costs, absorb and hold dear because it’s going to be on the final exam.

Today’s topic: the GM 2.8 liter V6 in turbocharged form as in the upcoming Saab TurboX.

Oy, this is one smooth engine. After all, it’s won awards from people who really know a thing or two about engines, so you expect some refinement. This engine, as I’ve said before, has power and torque available from the minute that you stomp on the gas pedal. So, you really want to know how that power is made so quickly and smoothly, don’t you? Of course you do!

Well, here’s the secret: it has six cylinders.
And here’s the other secret: the turbocharger has two scrolls.

Now, I’m not advocating a wholesale change, and I’m not saying that everyone needs a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6, but I am saying that it’s nice to have in your product line because some people, myself included, will want the performance that it offers.

While at the Saab TurboX Media Drive, I studied the display V6 for a few minutes. After orienting myself and studying the airflow and the layout, the first thing that struck me was the additional piping and routing required to make a V arrangement work. On the four-cylinder Saabs, everything is easily routed from the same side of the inline bank of cylinders, while the V6 has to route exhaust to and inlet air from a single point on one side of the engine: the turbocharger. The well-sculpted inlets of the Saab V6 are a testament to both design and manufacturing prowess, but what a tangle it appears to be.

While we’re on the subject of metals, take a good look at the engine block and the cylinder heads. Casting technology has come a long way in just the past ten or twenty years. The detail and specialized shaping of each component is truly amazing and most certainly adds efficiency and performance.

The two-scroll turbocharger by Mitsubishi enhances the driver experience by allowing a workable variable inlet arrangment that gets the turbocharger impeller spinning at operating speeds with even a small change in exhaust flow. That is, turbo “lag” is greatly reduced. I can tell you first-hand that it works. With thirty years of turbocharging experience, Saab certainly made good choices with this one.

Not only is it easy to see the air and exhaust routing with this cutaway, it’s also to easy to see the 60 degree angle that helps to balance the engine and make the whole assembly a little shorter from top to bottom.

Notice that the exhaust manifolds are lined with stainless steel to keep the aluminum alloy from being heat worked over the life of the engine. That’s reliability, folks. Kudos to Trollhattan.

Pictures of the TurboX Fleet at Herb Chambers Saab in Boston

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If you’ve missed the last day or so here at Trollhattan Saab, I’ve been fortunate enough to drive the new Saab TurboX in the Boston area in the last 24 hours.

Here are a few shots of the fleet of TurboX cars at the dealership prior to our departure. I’ve also thrown in a couple of shots of the 9-3 cars on display in the showroom there. Beautiful.

I apologize in advance for the lighting — the sun was bright and high in the sky. Great for driving, but it plays havoc with photography, especially the digital stuff.

I think that this is a very good way to display the SportCombi — with the accessories that show how versatile the car can be. I think that such things may be missed by a three-brand dealership — the small differences that can display Saabs in the best light.

Globe and Mail review the Saab 9-3

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I feel a little confused about this Saab 9-3 review at the Globe and Mail from Canada, and I’m a little ashamed to admit that. I’ll tell you why shortly.

Much like The Most Glowing Saab 9-3 Review I’ve Ever Seen, this review is very positive about the 2008 Saab 9-3. Actually, it’s incumbent upon me to remind you all that around 90% of the reviews of the Saab 9-3 have been very positive, but I digress.

Here’s a few selected quotes:

The Europeans tend to put forward models that are just one step ahead of the pack, and the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is no exception. This is one of the most driveable and nicely engineered four-door “saloons” you’ll find….

….As far as drivetrain refinement is concerned, the new six-speed transmission is superbly designed: unbelievably light clutch action, well-spaced gear ratios and reverse located to the left, out of the shift pattern, so there is no ambiguity during gear changes. I’ve rarely driven a manual gearbox sedan with this level of refinement.

Now that’s something you don’t read everyday!

Not far from where I live there’s a freeway access ramp that is basically a huge circle, with a slight elevation change and a sneaky little decreasing-radius turn at its end. Although it’s part of the highway system, it wouldn’t be out of place on a racetrack….. I can hustle around it in a Porsche 911 Turbo at about 100-odd km/h before things start to go hinky. Although it’s a four-door sedan, the 9-3 Sport would be right on the 911′s tail. It was comfortable at 85-90 km/h time and again.

In terms of all-round handling and balance, the 9-3 Sport Sedan is on equal footing with the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.

And therein lies the source of my shame.

You see, I’ve driven the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and I’ve driven BMWs and Audis and whilst I regard the Saab higher than either of them, I just put that down to me being some sort of freak. We read from every publication not named Globe and Mail that the Saab handles like a wet sponge compared to the German competition and therefore we assume it must be so.

But I still rate the Saab higher. I still rate it as a more interesting drive, if not quite as well finished. And yet I find it hard to trust this review because he’s put the 9-3 on a par with the Germans. I should be waving flags and shouting it from rooftops and instead I’m suspicious. Shame on me.

The Saab isn’t as precise as those cars. That’s my recollection. But I’d still prefer to drive one eight days a week.

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Interestingly, our author finds the styling to be a major flaw in the vehicle. And yet he loves it. Just goes to prove my theory that you can do one thing badly, earn forgiveness and even more loyalty and love for the things you do well.

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XWD arrives in the US

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You might have missed it in comments the other day, or the quick reference in the US sales data entry, but XWD Saabs have begun arriving in the US. And it’s not the Turbo X that’s come first.

Dan from Lehman Saab (the music “off” button is to the left) dropped a note in comments a few days ago to mention that his dealership had just received two Aero XWD Saab 9-3′s. Yep, Aeros before the Turbo X.

Now there’s pictures as well, over at Saab Central.

Lehman Saab

Turbo X deliveries should start pretty soon. I know site sponsor Saab of Hunterdon has at least one customer itching to get his Black Turbo but I’ve not heard if XWD Aeros have arrived there, yet. Dan from Lehman Saab mentions that both their Turbo X’s are sold, so the interest in XWD is definitely there.

I’m sure Saab dealers are going to be fielding a lot of calls about XWD in the next few months, and more than a few test drives. Who isn’t at least curious about how it drives?

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Thanks Mo!

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The most glowing Saab 9-3 review I’ve ever seen

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I need to look at some of the other reviews these guys have done to see if this is for real. Maybe they absolutely adore every car they drive? Maybe they’re just happy to be alive and have jobs that get them on television, driving cars and stuff.

I don’t know.

But this is one very, very positive review of the Saab 9-3. We run that car pretty hard here because we’re familiar with it and even more, because we want so much for it to do well.

The fact is, though, that it’s a pretty darn good machine. I could live with a 2.0T with no complaints at all. Would I like a better interior? Yes, but I could live with it and not complain. Quite happily.

This review is from some a program called Miles Around. I don’t know where it shows, but it tells me two things. 1) you’re never too tubby for television, and 2) there’s some people out there who really like what the 9-3 brings to the table. And so they should.

One thing that rings true from this – not enough people take the chance, or the time, to put the Saab to the test. That’s a strong message to Saab’s marketing arms, if you ask me.

Enjoy.

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Saab 9-5 and 9-3 future model news

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Behold the second GM vehicle to be shown that will use the Epsilon II platform – The Buick Invicta concept.

This was revealed in Beijing overnight. Bear in mind that it’s a concept vehicle, but it is said to be pretty close to the final product. One would suggest that the rear roofline might be a tad higher and slightly less glassy on the road-going version.

This Buick is for China only at this stage, though I can well imagine some in the US saying why don’t you sell it here?

This comes hot on the heels of the official pictures of the Opel Insignia being let loose late last week. Again, the Insignia will be built on the new Epsilon II platform, the same architecture that will be used for the Saab 9-5 next year.

The big question is whether or not either of these can tell us anything about what’s coming in the next Saab 9-5. I guess they can hint at proportions and sizing. GM’s penchant for sharing parts (check out the similar grille openings on those two, for example) might suggest that the Saab could be similar in some areas, though hopefully the sheetmetal is completely different and the only common touches are hidden away.

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I heard from one Saab dealer over the weekend that the 9-5 could be due for a September 2009 release – and that’s here in Australia! If so, that would indicate a sooner-than expected arrival in other parts of the world.

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Albert has sent through a translation of an AutomobileWoche article, once again talking about the uncertainty surrounding the next Saab 9-3.

I’ve written about this before and it seems this story just won’t go away. I think some questions for Saab are in order here.

Exclusive: OPEL plant worries over utilization

The OPEL plant in Rüsselsheim worries over its utilization. The until 2018 contract (wherein GM assures the existence of the factory) has not been ratified. Among other things the GM management has not committed itself whether the next SAAB 9-3 will use the architecture of the Insignia.

Contrary to earlier statements of the works council, the utilization of the Opel factory in Rüsselsheim has not been secured yet. There is still no definite decision whether the Saab 9-3 will be built in Rüsselsheim, so say GM-sources to “Automobilwoche”.

With that it is just before the ratification of the “Standortsicherungsvertrages” uncertain whether the 6.000 employees can keep their jobs in the long run. “Some details are still open” a manager from GM Europe confirmed to the newspaper.

The 9-3, the best sold Saab-model, could be built on the Global Compact Architecture from GM. The Rüsselsheim plant is not laid out for this architecture. Because of this could not only the Saab entry-level model 9-1, but also the originally planned for Rüsselsheim 9-3, been built in the Swedish Trolhättan. With that, about 80.000 units would lack to the full utilization of the German mother-plant. Until now only the production of three variants of the Insignia, of which about 140.000 a year are planned, is sure. The maximum capacity in Rüsselsheim of 275.000 cars cannot be reached by that.

Long decision process.

Another battle point is the outsourcing-possibilities in areas that are not directly linked to car production, said a GM-employee. In the German facilities there are about a 1.000 jobs in danger by this. It is discussed for instance to outsource the security service ore the works fire brigade.

The long taking decision process around the 9-3 could also mean that the Swedish middle class limousine will come late to the market. Originally the production start was determined for 2010. “By now it will nearly be 2012” a GM employee said. The chairman of the works council, Klaus Franz, told already in November 2007 that the future of the plant was secure until 2018 but took this back later on. According to Franz the successors to the 9-3 and 9-5 as well as a crossover as a substitute for the wagons of the Swedes would be built alongside of the Insignia – all on the basis of the new Global Midsize Platform.

The 9-3 could well be headed for a 9-5-like timeframe, a decision that would surely hurt the brand in the next five years.