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	<title>Saab Cars - Trollhattan Saab &#187; Saab Black Turbo</title>
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	<description>Saab 9-1, 9-3, 9-4x, 9-5, 9-7x News</description>
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		<title>Two new Turbo-X reviews</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/two-new-turbo-x-reviews.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/two-new-turbo-x-reviews.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:16:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Road Tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6958</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Like the rhyming headline? I haven&#8217;t featured any reviews for a little while as they were all starting to blend into one another. Given that we&#8217;ve had a bit of a break, though, I thought it OK to bring these &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/two-new-turbo-x-reviews.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Like the rhyming headline?</p>
<p> <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>I haven&#8217;t featured any reviews for a little while as they were all starting to blend into one another.  Given that we&#8217;ve had a bit of a break, though, I thought it OK to bring these onto the front page. </p>
<p>From Australia: </p>
<p>Here we have <a href="http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=54558&#038;IsPgd=0">Drive.com.au&#8217;s coverage</a> of the event I attended at Lang Lang a few weeks ago.  I had the option of attending the press event and maybe I should have as they got the chance to drive the car themselves.</p>
<p>It seems it made the appropriate impression, too.  Whilst they&#8217;re not jumping out of their skins about it, the surefootedness of the car was noticed:  </p>
<blockquote><p>Saab invited us down to Holden&#8217;s cold, windswept proving ground at Lang Lang where we could put the hottest 9-3 through its paces in relative safety.</p>
<p>First was the skid pan, where a slalom course would demonstrate how tightly the Turbo X could spear through the cones. Yes, it goes hard, but although it is claimed the 9-3 could almost match a Porsche 911 for exit speed at the end of a slalom, with no 911 to test it against, we&#8217;ll just have to take that on trust. Then it was on to a wet circular track to demonstrate the Turbo X&#8217;s grip. Sprint halfway around the outer edge of the circle, switch to a full inside loop, and then down the other outside half to a stop.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s difficult looking at the speedo when gravity is trying to throw you out the side window, but other drivers said they had the Turbo X up to 80 km/h in a loop no wider than a soccer pitch.</p></blockquote>
<p>And from the US:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.motivemag.com/pub/feature/first_steer/Motive_First_Drive_2008_Saab_Turbo_X.shtml">MotiveMag</a> got to drive the Turbo X at Road Atlanta and their tagline <em>We&#8217;ve been waiting nearly a decade for a Saab like the Turbo X</em> should tell you most of what you need to know:  </p>
<blockquote><p>We tested a standard 9-3 and a Turbo X sedan back-to-back at Road Atlanta and around a wet skidpad, and found that the Turbo X is a huge improvement over the 9-3 according to any metric you care to use.</p></blockquote>
<p>It really is. that. good.</p>
<p>Enjoy either review at your leisure.</p>
<p>And if you&#8217;ve picked up a Turbo X recently and we don&#8217;t know about it yet, then why not shoot through a photo as well as your initial impressions of the car.</p>
<p>Maybe August should be the month of Turbo X loving?  The photos mightn&#8217;t change much, though <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>-</p>
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		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Turbo X&#8217;s and tow hitches</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/turbo-xs-and-tow-hitches.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/turbo-xs-and-tow-hitches.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:23:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6912</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Jonnyboy asks a good question in comments: Anyone have a tow hitch on their Turbo X SportCombi and where did you get it? I was told by a dealer today that you can’t install one because of the new chassis &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/turbo-xs-and-tow-hitches.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jonnyboy asks a good question in comments:  </p>
<blockquote><p>Anyone have a tow hitch on their Turbo X SportCombi and where did you get it? I was told by a dealer today that you can’t install one because of the new chassis enhancements. Please tell me this isn’t so…as I really wanted to install a tow hitch utilized bike hitch.</p></blockquote>
<p>Unfortunately for Jonnyboy, it&#8217;s true.  Though in his case, he <em>might</em> be able to find a solution.</p>
<p>I heard about this for the first time last weekend and I&#8217;ve just written to a rep from Saab UK about it &#8211; just to make sure I had it right.  </p>
<p>It&#8217;s not to do with chassis enhancements &#8211; or not primarily, at least &#8211; so your dealer&#8217;s a little out there.  The reason why Saab won&#8217;t allow you to fit a tow hitch to a Turbo X is because the torque limiter has been removed on the Turbo X.  As a result, Saab don&#8217;t want you towing heavy items with the vehicle.</p>
<p>Given that Jonnyboy wants to carry bikes around rather than a trailer or a caravan, it might not be such an obstacle, however.  I&#8217;d suggest that your dealers should be able to help you with a solution.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>It should also be noted that the Aero with XWD will have the torque limitation in place, and therefore won&#8217;t be restricted in this way.</p>
<p>-</p>
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		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
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		<title>Turbo X: the drive that stole the show</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/turbo-x-the-drive-that-stole-the-show.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/turbo-x-the-drive-that-stole-the-show.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:50:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Videos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trollhattan Video]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6901</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last weekend I attended a drive day sponsored by Saab Australia at the GM Holden proving grounds at Lang Lang, in south eastern Victoria. Because Saab Australia only has one Turbo X to act as a photographic model AND press &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/07/turbo-x-the-drive-that-stole-the-show.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last weekend I attended a drive day sponsored by Saab Australia at the GM Holden proving grounds at Lang Lang, in south eastern Victoria.  </p>
<p>Because Saab Australia only has one Turbo X to act as a photographic model AND press car, they didn&#8217;t want us car club hoons driving it at high speeds on a dirt track.  To make sure we got something memorable out of it, though, they brought in Peter Johansson to take us for a spin.</p>
<p>During the week, Peter is the lead engineer working for GM on XWD applications for front-wheel drive vehicles.  He&#8217;s third-gen Saab, his grandfather working on tooling for the very first Saabs and his dad working for them as an engineer as well.  Peter and his Dad came up with some early AWD technology, which they sold to a company called Haldex in Sweden.  See where this is going?</p>
<p>On the weekends, Peter drives rally cars.  The AWD technology that he and his dad developed was primarily a response to his own needs in rallying.  Not only can he build this stuff, he can really use it too.</p>
<p>There were four events on the program.  I&#8217;ll get to the other three in another post, but this was the final event that our group took part in &#8211; Peter Johansson taking us for a hot lap on the GM proving ground dirt track in the Saab Turbo X.</p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0I9UjamkAlU&#038;hl=en"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0I9UjamkAlU&#038;hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
</div>
<p>-</p>
<p>Peter got to speeds of up to around 170 km/h on the back section of the track and if you&#8217;ve never been that quick on dirt, let me tell you it&#8217;s quite an experience!</p>
<p>The car was an auto, much to Peter&#8217;s disappointment, but he still gave it a pretty good run.  </p>
<p>This really was the highlight of the day.  The car&#8217;s incredibly solid and to see it in the hands of an expert was quite a revelation.  We did two laps of filming at the end of the day and the brake rotors were glowing at the end of them!</p>
<p>I hope you enjoyed the video.  There&#8217;s plenty more to come from the weekend.</p>
<p>- </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>17</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Saab Turbo X: What it&#8217;s all about&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/saab-turbo-x-what-its-all-about.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/saab-turbo-x-what-its-all-about.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:59:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Road Tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6730</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some time ago I put a post up here asking new Turbo X owners how their cars were going. I don&#8217;t know if you&#8217;ve noticed, but there&#8217;s been a bit of traffic in that comment thread over the last few &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/saab-turbo-x-what-its-all-about.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some time ago I put a post up here <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/04/calling-all-saab-turbo-x-owners-hows-it-going.html">asking new Turbo X owners how their cars were going</a>.  </p>
<p>I don&#8217;t know if you&#8217;ve noticed, but there&#8217;s been a bit of traffic in that comment thread over the last few days.  One owner has even posted his mini-review in there and in keeping with my theory that the best judges of a car are those who actually pay for it, I thought I&#8217;d reproduce it here.</p>
<p>Saabs are a bucketload better than what the press give them credit for, hence we try and tell the great stories about Saab here.  The satisfaction and happiness evident here make for a pretty good recommendation if you ask me.</p>
<p>Our owner&#8217;s name is Bob.  I&#8217;m not familiar with who Bob is, but his story seems to include some prior Saab ownership, as well as wider Swedish ownership having traded a Volvo S60R for his Turbo X.</p>
<p>His review (for which I thank him), as posted in comments on June 17, goes like this:</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>OK, here is a mini review.</p>
<p>I got my car 10 days ago and I am now at almost 1000 miles, as I had to drive around the state. It had 200 miles on it as it had to be driven for the trade. It is a Sedan Navi 6 speed. Looks gorgeous and I love the relatively narrow wheelbase which is so SAAB. Very aggressive looking, esp. from the rear, as it stands a bit elevated. </p>
<p>No gas cap lock, but XM module takes it’s place. Got me a Stant locking cap. </p>
<p>Peels off like there is no tomorrow, kicks your head back, then just goes. My fault was that I was used to the Volvo S60R’s longer clutch so I was hesitant to drop it fast. The clutch is quite short and you just drop it, the car is so powerful it will not die, as long as you are at 2000 rpm. My mistake was to grind the clutch thinking it was already engaged while accelerating. No more, now I got the hang of it and it is a blast. </p>
<p>The cop in our two stoplight town was having his donut and looking at me downthrottle (brrrvvmmm), downshifting (oh so sweet noise to my ears it does it like the Lamborghinis in the movies) to stop, then we looked at each other, then <em>PING!</em> I am off to 35 mph in 1 sec, he just jumped into his car and followed me all the way to work 5 miles down the road at 30mph. We talked and he had a good laugh, he thought i was going to gun it for 80 in town <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </p>
<p>Well, now he now knows my new car and aversion of lawyers <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>On the twisties going up on a 20 deg gradient it sings in 3rd gear with the Haldex doing its magic on gravel, love how it howls for more. Windows down is a must.</p>
<p>On the highway I stopped dropping in 5th to pass, all it takes is a gentle “milking” of the turbo with the needle in the orange zone (just like the 2001 9-3 I had) and <em>voila</em>, I am flying slowly releasing the gas while this things “buuuugs” whistling past people.</p>
<p>So far I&#8217;ve had about 10 people stop me and talk to me about the car, but keep in mind I live in the deep country, I may have the only SAAB in town <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  People turn heads to watch (men more than women) the source of that sweet throaty growl that this thing puts out between 1500-2500 rpm in town.</p>
<p>Needless to say I am in love again. Not much time to play though: infant seat in the middle and two child seats on the back row.  I&#8217;ve already removed juice, crackers, and ice cream from the car <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>My 5 year-old looked at the car one evening when I pulled in and commented on the car, “Oh daddy your car looks like a monster”, then pointed to the LED eyebrows over the active cornering halogens that really wiggle as I turn the steering wheel.</p>
<p>K&#038;N filter 33-2337 arrived today, UltimatePedals ($120 alternative to Hirsch’s $400 aluminum extravaganza) are on the way.  To BSR or not to BSR?  I pray RICA does a PPC based tune just like I had in my S60R.</p>
<p>Get it while you can!</p>
<p>-</p>
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		<slash:comments>15</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Learning the limits of the Turbo X in Atlanta</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/learning-the-limits-of-the-turbo-x-in-atlanta.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/learning-the-limits-of-the-turbo-x-in-atlanta.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:38:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saabs in Action]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6701</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It seems like everyone&#8217;s out there driving Turbo X&#8217;s these days! Earlier it was an Aussie flying to Spain for his X-rated experience, now we have JT taking the not-insignificant flight from Hawaii to the US mainland to hit the &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/learning-the-limits-of-the-turbo-x-in-atlanta.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It seems like everyone&#8217;s out there driving Turbo X&#8217;s these days!</p>
<p>Earlier it was an Aussie flying to Spain for his X-rated experience, now we have JT taking the not-insignificant flight from Hawaii to the US mainland to hit the Turbo X edition of the Saab Aero Academy at Road Atlanta.</p>
<p>My thanks to JT for sending in the following writeup and photos.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>I was one of the fortunate few to be in the first Turbo X Academy which was held on June 2nd and 3rd.  I believe there were about 15 of us in total.  It was quite an eye opening experience, learning what these vehicles can do and how lousy most of our driving skills were.</p>
<p>In addition to the usual Aero Academy exercises such as the autocross, skid pad, emergency braking and slalom, we got to drive on the Road Atlanta track.  Going around that historic track at high speeds gave me a whole new respect for Saab engineering.  For us &#8220;island folk&#8221;, I&#8217;d say it very well could be a chance in a lifetime experience.</p>
<p>I definitely believe that the TX Academy has made me a better driver in a variety of conditions.  I was able to shave 4 seconds (33 sec. to 29) on my autocross time.  That was good for third-most improved.  However, I believe that was still light years behind Kaylan&#8217;s best time.  What I am not proud of is having to sit out of a few exercises because I was on the verge of losing my lunch from all the spinning, braking and G forces.</p>
<p>The Skip Barber instructors were the nicest and most professional bunch of guys you&#8217;ll ever meet.  I have a whole new respect for what they do.  It was also a treat to sit with Steve Shannon (one of the 15 in our class) at lunch and pick his brain on everything Saab.  I know Saab USA spent a lot of money to put this event on for such a small group, but I believe that in the long run, it&#8217;s memories like this that make Saab people so loyal to the brand.</p>
<p>I know the pals I made at the TX Academy frequent TS, so I look forward to reading their take on this great experience.</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/autocross.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/autocross-300x224.jpg" alt="Turbo X" title="autocross" width="300" height="224" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6702" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/photo.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/photo-300x225.jpg" alt="Turbo X" title="photo" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6703" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/parked.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/parked-300x225.jpg" alt="Turbo X" title="parked" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6704" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/track.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/track-300x225.jpg" alt="Turbo X" title="track" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6705" /></a></p>
<p>-</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Exploring the limits of the Turbo X in Spain</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/exploring-the-limits-of-the-turbo-x-in-spain.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/exploring-the-limits-of-the-turbo-x-in-spain.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:40:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saabs in Action]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6700</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Aussie regular and SportCombi pilot, Turbin, recently won a competition and scored an opportunity to drive the Saab Turbo X at the IDIADA test track in Spain. This is an ultra-sectret test facility used by many different companies, hence there &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/exploring-the-limits-of-the-turbo-x-in-spain.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Aussie regular and SportCombi pilot, Turbin, recently won a competition and scored an opportunity to drive the Saab Turbo X at the IDIADA test track in Spain.  This is an ultra-sectret test facility used by many different companies, hence there are no photos from the event as cameras were strictly off limits.</p>
<p>One of our mates from England, David R, also attended the event and we may hear from him in the next few days as well.  Until then, here&#8217;s Turbin&#8217;s account of the trip &#8211; an unforgettable event.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>As Swade previously reported, my wife and I were recently in Spain to tour Barcelona and ultimately drive the Turbo X. The couple of days in Spain were fantastic and the hotels and restaurants were great, enhanced by the friendliness of the staff.  Our group consisted of a mixture of Saab salespeople and employees from several nations, as well as some lucky customers such as ourselves. </p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/iaidatrack.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="leftp" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/iaidatrack-300x235.jpg" alt="Track" title="iaidatrack" width="300" height="235" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6262" /></a> The main event, of course, was the Turbo X drive at IDIADA. </p>
<p>IDIADA is a top-secret, world-class proving ground and a black hole for the automotive press. The media isn&#8217;t welcome there so it is one track motoring writers will most likely never drive or report on. We have been instructed to say that we saw nothing there but Turbo Xs, which may as well be true. Once we got past security there was a Combi at the welcome lunch to whet our appetite for the rest of the afternoon. The welcome presentation was conducted by Chris, Saab&#8217;s events manager, and attended by Jean, Kenneth and Kent from the Saab Performance Driving Team.</p>
<p>The drive event was divided into four segments, to be completed in groups and a final time trial event involving all attendees. The four segments were:</p>
<ul>High Speed Driving<br />
Wet Handling<br />
Dry Handling<br />
ABS Braking</ul>
<p><strong>High Speed Driving</strong></p>
<p>This was conducted on the high-speed loop, a 7.5km track with 2km straights and banked corners. Waiting in the carpark were 2 lines of 5 or 6 Turbo Xs with Sportcombis at front and back and sedans in the middle. The idea is that the vehicles travel in convoy with the lead combi setting the pace and the other checking the tail. All vehicles were equipped with autos and 19&#8243; wheels, and were set up in stock specification. There would be three full high-speed laps with an extra at each end to get up to speed and slow down. Speed would be limited by the lead car and a safe gap was to be kept with no intentional &#8220;rubber banding&#8217;, dropping back so you can accelerate to higher speeds. The minimum speed limit was set at 130km/h &#8211; how refreshing <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' />  .  </p>
<p><span id="more-6700"></span></p>
<p>Leaving the carpark I found the engine note to be really nice. Above about 120km/h  the engine began to be almost entirely drowned out by wind and tyre noise.  At 200km/h there is a lot of wind noise from the mirrors etc.  At speeds above this the car remains very stable but the limits of the body-shape become apparent with a squeal developing at the top of the windscreen, presumably due to pressure on the top limit of the sealing.  </p>
<p>Also of note was the cornering. When running through the corners at a constant speed the steering would sometimes feel a little floaty. If I put the foot down and powered through it was obvious the XWD was coming into play. At that point the car would really settle and feel extremely stable; clearly the torque transfer to the outside and rear was instrumental in this. Slowing down again the engine note progressively came into play again, a beautiful V6 burble. </p>
<p><strong>Wet Handling</strong></p>
<p>This was an event with no guest driving allowed.  We were confined to being passengers. </p>
<p>Local track specialists ran an irrigated wet circuit with ESP on and off to illustrate the performance both with and without the technology in play. The grip was considerable either way, but without the ESP the tyres were eventually seen to be the limiting factor with a lot of squealing. The ride was fairly violent and those that weren&#8217;t prepared, or were nervous passengers, found themselves regretting eating too much lunch. </p>
<p><strong>Dry Handling</strong></p>
<p>This was conducted on a purpose-built 2km long tyre and chassis test track.  It has a combination of uphill and downhill sections, S-corners, blind corners and a few very short straights. Basically it keeps you busy all the time. </p>
<p>Again there were two convoys that would alternate their 3-lap runs. Also, there were 2 people in each car, each taking a turn as passenger and as driver. As it turned out there was a shortage of participants in my group and I drove twice. I was advised to put the auto in sport-mode and didn&#8217;t actually bother with the steering mounted shifts.  From prior experience, I knew that the manual shifts tend to lag a bit.  </p>
<p>The gearbox did an admirable job of keeping the 2.8T in the sweet spot, though given the engine&#8217;s elasticity this is not too hard.  It proved to be a &#8216;lower&#8217; speed drive, maybe 140km/h max.  There was plenty of time to appreciate the sounds of the drive-line, mostly in 2nd and 3rd. This was heaps of fun and I was able to progressively increase my trust in the car.  Ultimately it was this trust and the only moderately supportive seats (under these circumstances) that were the limiting factors. </p>
<p>I&#8217;m no expert at driving lines so was not particularly smooth, either. The lateral forces meant I had to spend a lot of energy trying to brace in order to keep planted through the corners. In any case the XWD was very active and forgiving, and I felt I was still far short of its limits.</p>
<p>I did find a wheel or two stepping into the gravel a few times and I&#8217;m sure it was only the XWD that prevented <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2007/01/worst_driving_e.html">a Swadesque spin-fling</a> across the track. Finishing the runs allowed me to once again appreciate that nice sounding note from the rear-end rhomboids.</p>
<p><strong>ABS Braking</strong></p>
<p>This was fairly straightforward and was performed on a few different surfaces ranging from ceramic tiles (ice) through to asphalt. The combination of TCS/ESP, XWD and slippery surfaces made for interesting take offs after the stops, as the systems would retard power and torque to prevent slippage.</p>
<p><strong>The Time Trial</strong></p>
<p>This was a one-chance only shootout through a motorkhana style witches-hat course. It was hard to see the course properly until you were on it. The run was fairly short but it was great watching and<br />
hearing all the participants run through (especially the more skilled drivers). I wanted to run without the TCS/ESP but the &#8217;07-on vehicles do not have a one-touch button, and instead you have to run though the menu to disable them. I couldn&#8217;t fathom this at short-notice so had to leave them on. The pull power standing starts felt a bit retarded as the systems allowed no slippage, although it would have been minimal with the XWD anyway. </p>
<p><strong>The After Party</strong></p>
<p>Returning to the hotel there was a warm reception with goodies and complimentary spa treatments. After drinks and chats with the Saab Performance Team guys, there were prizes for the best times in the shootout, congratulations to the winners and place getters. After that there was a delicious buffet with Saab hosts at each table and some surprise local entertainment closing what was a fantastically memorable event.</p>
<p>The following day all participants were given certificates signed by Jean, Kenneth and Kent with our shootout times &#8211; a great memento and a nice finishing touch.</p>
<p>Thanks to all from Saab, GM, IDIADA and Grassroots for a fun, rich, warm, highly memorable and beautifully located event. </p>
<p>We&#8217;ve come back feeling very <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/being-a-snaab.html">Snaaby</a> indeed. </p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>Thanks a bunch, Turbin!!</p>
<p>It must have been an incredible event and I&#8217;m sure the memories will stay for a long, long time.  Thanks heaps for the writeup.</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p><em>This is not from the event, obviously, but the lack of pictures left me wanting some XWD goodness, so here&#8217;s a great compilation of XWD clips from Sweden last year, edited and posted to Youtube by a guy called NobleP:</em></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXRzOOK1MVg&#038;hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TXRzOOK1MVg&#038;hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
</div>
<p>-</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Kroum finally gets his X</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/kroum-finally-gets-his-x.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/kroum-finally-gets-his-x.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:40:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6653</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is another one of those purchase stories that we followed for a long time. There were all sorts of mishaps along the way. In fact, you could say that at several points along the way, Saab Canada were doing &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/kroum-finally-gets-his-x.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is another one of those purchase stories that we followed for a long time.  </p>
<p>There were all sorts of mishaps along the way.  In fact, you could say that at several points along the way, Saab Canada were doing everything they could to not sell him a Turbo X.  There&#8217;s a salesman at Saab on the Queensway who should thank his lucky stars that Kroum&#8217;s been so patient and so keen on giving the Turbo X every opportunity.</p>
<p>The good news is that Kroum held his interest and finally picked up his Turbo X last weekend.  His initial thoughts follow.  I&#8217;ve got to say, it&#8217;s very satisfying to hear him so keen on the car.  I&#8217;ve been backing this car since day 1, and that&#8217;s in spite of the &#8220;only 280hp&#8221; concerns.  I loved the very idea of this car and felt justified at the great things we saw at the release.  </p>
<p>Now, with someone who actively shopped quality competition from the Germans choosing the X, I feel really pleased, mostly because he feels so very happy with the car.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Kroum!!!</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>Hey Swade,</p>
<p>It&#8217;s been a long road with a few bumps along the way, but it has finally come to writing to you about the Turbo X from an owner&#8217;s perspective! Actually, make than one very happy owner&#8217;s perspective.</p>
<p>You know that thing they say about Saabs having souls? Ever since I had a firm delivery date for my X, I started to feel kind of sorry for my old 9-3 Sedan. I felt like I&#8217;m betraying my first Saab, feels almost as if I left my loving wife for that younger, hotter girl. </p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_002.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_002-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_002" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6654" /></a></p>
<p>I guess no one would be surprised when I say the Turbo X is one heck of a great car. It just begs to be driven, and the mean exhaust note is absolutely addictive. You almost want to keep it a gear lower all the time just to get more of it &#8211; that, however, is an expensive addiction as the X is everything but a Prius. For the first 100 km. I was averaging 18 l./100 km. mixed driving. That has improved to around 15 l./100 km. for today, and I sure hope it has something to do with the car being brand new. My old 2.0t was averaging around 9.5 l./100 km. and it was automatic &#8211; I know that&#8217;s like comparing apples to oranges, but I&#8217;m pretty sure it will go down to 12-13 within a week or so. I&#8217;ve always filled up with premium (Sunoco 94), it adds performance and helps with mileage, too.</p>
<p>The Turbo X is a fast one, let me tell you that. Acceleration is effortless, and that considering I am trying to not rev beyond 4,000 rpm for the first little while, just to be sure. Highway cruising is a blast and even shooting out in 6th gear is ridiculously easy &#8211; all you need is throttle. Drop it down a gear and it catapults so quick it becomes borderline-stupid with heavy Toronto highway traffic. And no matter what you do to that car, the engine seems completely unimpressed &#8211; the &#8220;wake me up when you&#8217;re up to something no good&#8221; attitude. But I&#8217;d rather let her nap for now as I do value my driver&#8217;s license. Don&#8217;t we all wish we lived in Germany sometimes? As my girlfriend said, you itch for a fast car and when you finally get it you find yourself aggravated there&#8217;s nowhere to drive it.</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_067.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_067-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_067" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6655" /></a></p>
<p><span id="more-6653"></span></p>
<p>But you do get the added benefit of just massaging the throttle while hanging out in neutral at a traffic light. The sound it makes, at even low rmps, is so damn good. And it&#8217;s not just the exhaust &#8211; the engine sounds mean and ready all the time. It has this deep, no-bullshit growl, a sleeping giant of sorts, that will probably make my day for years to come whenever I start the car. We decided to go for a short show off drive in one of Toronto&#8217;s posh districts, but the plan fell apart the moment a red Ferarri pulled right in-front of me and basically ruined my show of Swedish sound engineering. As mean as the Turbo X is, it&#8217;s no match in terms of sounds when you have a friggin&#8217; Ferarri going off right there before you.</p>
<p>The X is a beautiful car &#8211; pictures really don&#8217;t do it justice. The exterior looks somewhat subtle at first, it is not the kind of car that&#8217;s going to turn many heads parked curbside. But a second later, and the sleeper cover reveals a downright sinister look. No, it doesn&#8217;t have the S5 lean muscular stance, nor does it look as angry as an M3. It just looks mean. Evil. Sinister. And I like that. Darth Vader was not the WWF type, nor did he looks particularly pissed off at anyone. He just epitomized evil, and the Turbo X has the exact same effect. &#8220;Don&#8217;t be coming to me all pissed and angry, I&#8217;m gonna make you eat kittens for breakfast.&#8221; Oh, the lighting, those light pipes look particularly good and add a great deal to the Sith look. At night, it&#8217;s a light symphony of destruction (pardon the Megadeth reference). Seeing &#8211; and hearing! &#8211; a fast-approaching Turbo X in your rearview mirror must be a very intimidating experience.</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_033.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_033-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_033" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6656" /></a></p>
<p>The interior is a great place to be, too. Saab have obviously done their homework on sound insulation and rattle elimination and the X is very quiet, even on some of Toronto&#8217;s roughest roads (not that we have any good ones &#8211; but that&#8217;s a separate story). Wind noise is practically absent at even 160 km/h, and at high speeds the only thing you can clearly hear is the mean murmur of the engine &#8211; it is constantly there and does add a lot to the overall experience. I mean, who doesn&#8217;t want to drive a car with a mean-sounding engine that constantly reminds of itself (Buick LaCrosse owners excluded)? The touch-screen nav is a great unit, too &#8211; extremely intuitive and easy to operate. And the Centerpoint sound system is brilliant, the sound is perfect, although admittedly I keep it down as at this point the engine/exhaust orchestra is much more endearing to my ears.</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_053.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_053-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_053" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6657" /></a></p>
<p>Seats are fantastic, as one would expect from Saab. Highly comfortable and the leather feels a lot more upscale than the standard 9-3 fare. The perforated inserts and large stitches create great texture, so the saloon does not look too boring or ordinary. The quality of the plastics has also visibly improved &#8211; softer, and obviously more upscale materials have been used throughput the cabin. The perforated leather steering wheel is simply awesome. Thick and easy to grip, and makes you smile the moment you grab it &#8211; you know what you&#8217;re in for, even if all she asked for was skim milk and a dozen eggs. (On a side note, I sure hope they keep the Griffin on the steering wheel, it looks so much better than just SAAB written on it.)</p>
<p>A very noticeable car &#8211; I am getting used to people looking at me and the X. You get the &#8220;what the hell is that mean sound coming from?&#8221; look all the time. And I won&#8217;t lie, I love it! Call me a young punk, but I am also noticing passing in the left lane has actually become easier with the Turbo X &#8211; for people move out. Quick.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve already put 300 km. on the car, just looking for any excuse to get out and drive really. It&#8217;s such an addictive machine. The long wait was worth it! I feel like I must also thank Rob Werstroh and Roy Hori from Saab on the Queensway for helping me become what is possibly the first Turbo X owner in Canada, and also being very active during all the hassles with the wrong equipment trims, VIN unrecognized by the insurance companies, etc. Marten Wahlstedt of Saab Canada was also personally involved, which I find commendable. It&#8217;s just too bad that it had to come to a public outing for them to become so proactive &#8211; I hope everyone has learned their lesson, and things such as customer service and communication will improve for Saab in general. They sure have great cars to sell, now all they need is the customers.</p>
<p>Oh, I almost forgot to mention I also got that nice Turbo X box with the keyfob and a sticky metal badge &#8220;Turbo X &#8211; One of Two Thousand&#8221;. It&#8217;s a very nice treat, I am just contemplating is I should put the badge somewhere inside the car, or just leave the all-black interior as is.</p>
<p>Cheers,<br />
Kroum</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_024.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_024-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_024" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6658" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_036.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_036-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_036" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6659" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_059.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center"  src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_059-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_059" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6660" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_021.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/kroum_saab_turbo_x_021-300x200.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="kroum_saab_turbo_x_021" width="300" height="200" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6661" /></a></p>
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		<title>Black Turbo meets Black Turbo</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/black-turbo-meets-black-turbo.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/black-turbo-meets-black-turbo.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2008 11:21:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My thanks to Brad Lauzze from the Saab Owner&#8217;s Association of Rochester for sending me the link to these shots. Brad turns wrenches at Dorschel Saab in Rochester, New York and they got their first Turbo X&#8217;s delivered last week. &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/06/black-turbo-meets-black-turbo.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My thanks to Brad Lauzze from the Saab Owner&#8217;s Association of Rochester for sending me the link to these shots.  </p>
<p>Brad turns wrenches at Dorschel Saab in Rochester, New York and they got their first Turbo X&#8217;s delivered last week.  Being a quick thinker, Brad called up Gary Stottler, owner of one of the best kept Saab 99 Turbos in the US &#8211; and a black one at that.  Gary was only too happy to bring his 99 Turbo down to get some respect from the X.  It&#8217;s <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2007/08/the-original-black-turbo.html">the original Black Turbo</a>, after all.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s a case of Black Turbo 08 versus Black Turbo &#8217;78.  And I think they both acquit themselves pretty well.  That 99T certainly looks the goods, even 30 years after it&#8217;s release.  That&#8217;s a tribute to Sason and Envall&#8217;s great design as well as Gary&#8217;s TLC.</p>
<p>The full gallery of shots is <a href="http://saabpics.com:3000/gallery2/v/SaabDriver87/Turbox99TurboReunion/">here</a>.  Click to enlarge the couple I&#8217;ve posted here.</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/blackturbox2.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/blackturbox2-300x225.jpg" alt="Saab Black Turbo" title="blackturbox2" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6642" /></a></p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/blackturbox2-3.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/blackturbox2-3-300x225.jpg" alt="Saab Black Turbo" title="blackturbox2-3" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6643" /></a></p>
<p>-</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Gaywheels drive the Turbo X</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/05/gaywheels-drive-the-turbo-x.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/05/gaywheels-drive-the-turbo-x.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 22:23:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Road Tests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6624</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The reps from Gaywheels were at the Boston media drive for the Saab Turbo X and they&#8217;ve recently published their writings on the car, giving it a very positive review. You Turbo X buyers really ought to head out to &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/05/gaywheels-drive-the-turbo-x.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The reps from Gaywheels were at the Boston media drive for the Saab Turbo X and they&#8217;ve recently published their writings on the car, giving it a very positive review.</p>
<p>You Turbo X buyers really ought to head out to your garages right now, fire it up, and just take a moment to appreciate what your wisdom, good taste and good fortune has placed in your possession.  Limited to just 2,000 units all &#8217;round the world, the reports that keep coming in week after week confirm that this is one very. desirable. car.</p>
<p>As an aside, I&#8217;m pleased to note that our mate, Kroum, should be picking up his X this weekend.  I&#8217;m sure plenty of photos and thoughts will be forthcoming (hint hint! <img src='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':-)' class='wp-smiley' />  )</p>
<p>But back to our reviewers from Gaywheels and their drive in the Turbo X.  Once again, the X proves to be a formidable drive and very tidy package.</p>
<blockquote><p>SAAB &#8211; They Have Great Seats Right?</p>
<p>When you think of Saab, you don&#8217;t necessarily think of high performance. Most wouldn&#8217;t think that a sexy Saab 9-3 could take on the boys from Bavaria when it comes to performance and up to this point, they couldn&#8217;t&#8230;&#8230;.Enter the Turbo X. The sport suspension, advanced all-wheel-drive system and the additional horsepower it allows, makes this Saab speak Swedish with a German accent.</p>
<p>&#8230;.Where as the 9-3 Aero is sporty the Turbo X is downright aggressive.</p></blockquote>
<p>It&#8217;s a great writeup and well worth your perusal.</p>
<p>And one bit is worth noting at the end, where they mention that several of the Turbo X bits for 2008 will be available on 2009 Aero model Saab 9-3s.  These include the eLSD as standard, as well as some of the carbon fibre accents and the (reportedly much better) steering wheel.</p>
<p>-</p>
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		<title>Black Turbo wishes fulfilled &#8211; in Hawaii</title>
		<link>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/05/black-turbo-wishes-fulfilled-in-hawaii.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/05/black-turbo-wishes-fulfilled-in-hawaii.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 13:58:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>swade</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Saab Black Turbo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saab Turbo X]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.trollhattansaab.net/?p=6619</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I love Saab stories. I love happy endings. I love good things that are a long time coming. This story&#8217;s got all the above. It comes to us from JT in Hawaii. When Saab likened the Turbo X&#8217;s to the &#8230; <a href="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2008/05/black-turbo-wishes-fulfilled-in-hawaii.html">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I love Saab stories.  I love happy endings.  I love good things that are a long time coming.</p>
<p>This story&#8217;s got all the above.  It comes to us from JT in Hawaii.  When Saab likened the Turbo X&#8217;s to the black turbos of the past, they seem to have picked the spirit of the car very accurately.  From the reviews it&#8217;s getting, the Turbo X seems to be every bit as revolutionary and it&#8217;s doing a great job of paving the way for the XWD models that will follow it.</p>
<p>JT&#8217;s story &#8211; one of black turbo wishes that were a long time in the making&#8230;..</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/turboxoff10copy.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="left" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/turboxoff10copy-300x217.jpg" alt="Saab 900" title="turboxoff10copy" width="300" height="217" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6620" /></a>The first time I ever saw a Saab was on a used car lot.  This was back in 1989 during my youth and my parents were looking for a good used car.  There was an absolutely gorgeous black 1984 900 turbo calling my name.  I knew nothing about the car but it was love at first sight.  Unfortunately, my parents passed on the black beauty. </p>
<p>Several months later I came home from school to find a 1983 900 Turbo in the garage.  It wasn&#8217;t the black beauty but it was my first Saab.  Fast forwarding about 6 months later.  I was returning home from school but strangely, my parents weren&#8217;t home which was unlike them.   I received a call shortly thereafter stating that they were at the dealership.  They had purchased a brand new 1990 Edwardian Gray 900 sedan.  Needless to say I waited about 2 hours in the driveway for them to pull up.  </p>
<p>As an &#8220;adult&#8221;, I lost touch with my love for Saab and joined the BMW cult.  I must say that the driving dynamics are very hard to beat on BMW&#8217;s.  On a chance encounter I ran into the owner of my local dealership and he stated that I should test drive the 2007 9-3 Aero.  For kicks, I went down to do a test drive and ended up trading in my 2006 330i for a 2007 9-3 SportCombi Aero.  </p>
<p>Some time went by and in Dec. 07 I received an interesting email from my Saab guy about the Turbo X.  I ended up putting a deposit on a Turbo X sedan and I think I was number 12 in the nation.  The only thing that made my almost 6 month wait bearable was the TS website.  Reading stories, seeing pictures and watching videos made it clear that the Turbo X would be totally worth the wait.</p>
<p>I received a call from my dealership a few days ago stating that my car was ready for pick up.  I am now the proud owner of the first Turbo X in the &#8220;Aloha&#8221; State.  After driving the TX for a few days, I can honestly say that I have the black beauty from my childhood.  The Turbo X is everything I expected in a car and more.  BMW, Audi and Benz should worry if Saab continues to put out fine cars like the Turbo X.</p>
<p>Besides the much talked about awesome exhaust note, velcro grip and effortless power, I&#8217;ve noticed some nice touches not present in the 2007 Aeros.</p>
<p>1. The car&#8217;s auto headlights will only go on when the car is put in gear.  Additionally, the interior lighting will be at the dimmest setting until the car is put in gear.</p>
<p>2. The turbo boost gauge will light up when the car is unlocked.  This has a cool effect at night.</p>
<p>I leave for the Turbo X Academy at Road Atlanta on Saturday, May  30th and I really look forward to see when these awesome machines can do.  Hopefully I will be able to share this experience with other TS members.</p>
<p>Thanks Again,</p>
<p>JT</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;</p>
<p>I&#8217;m looking forward to hearing a little about that Academy outing.  It should be an absolute blast.</p>
<p>Congratulations, JT.  Thanks for the kind words and enjoy the X!!!</p>
<p><a href='http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/turboxjt.jpg' rel="lightbox"><img class="center" src="http://www.trollhattansaab.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/turboxjt-300x225.jpg" alt="Saab Turbo X" title="turboxjt" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6621" /></a></p>
<p>-</p>
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