RE-POSTED for the benefit of those Aussies who didn’t see it last night.

This is fantastic news. Finally, the TTiD has arrived here in Australia. A brilliant engine, great kit, and pretty well priced, too. This should definitely be popular.

Here’s the press release from Saab Australia:

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New Aero Saab the Torque of the Town

The first diesel Saab to earn the coveted Aero title is now on sale in Australia.

Super efficient and powerful, the 9-3 Aero TTiD boasts a unique two-stage turbocharging system, which was a world ‘first’ in the premium car segment.

Matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the 1.9-litre, 16-valve two-stage turbo engine puts the performance and efficiency of the Aero TTiD among the best in its class.

The responsible performer delivers a sporty drive with 132 kW and 400 Nm of maximum torque, in gear performance similar to the 9-3 petrol Aero and a frugal combined 5.7 litres per 100km for the manual Sport Sedan model.1

The Saab TTiD engine meets a growing demand from drivers unwilling to sacrifice performance in the interests of fuel economy. With power characteristics typical of a much larger engine, it is an example of Saab’s commitment to ‘right-sizing’, the achievement of ‘big’ engine performance without the usual drawbacks, such as extra weight, bulk and higher fuel consumption.

Pricing

Saab 9-3 Aero TTiD is competitively priced in the premium segment, with recommended retail price excluding dealer delivery and government charges as follows:

Aero TTiD – Power/Torque – RRP – Fuel consumption (Combined)

Sport Sedan manual – 132kW/400Nm – $62,600 – 5.7l/100km

Sport Sedan auto – 132kW/370Nm – $65,100 – 6.8l/100km

SportCombi manual – 132kW/400Nm – $65,100 – 5.8l/100km

SportCombi auto – 132kW/370Nm – $67,600 – 6.9l/100km

Two-stage turbocharging

The two-stage turbocharger housing is integrated with the exhaust manifold and contains two turbochargers of different sizes. The pair of turbine/compressor wheels are sequentially mounted and each is able to by-pass the input and output feeds of the other, while also being able to operate in tandem.

This arrangement provides a driver with the best of both worlds – good, instant torque at low engine speeds – via the low-inertia small turbo when the exhaust pressure is light – and strong ‘top end’ power at higher revolutions, when the larger turbo is engaged.

1 Performance and economy figures based on ECE/ ADR 81/01 regulations
Saab’s two-stage turbocharging uses a system of by-pass valves that directs the exhaust gas stream between the two turbine wheels and also separates the air intake charge from the compressors.

From tick-over to 1,500 rpm the exhaust feeds only the small turbo. Between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm the flow is split between both turbines, giving stronger boost and ensuring a smooth transition phase to full power operation, above 3,000 rpm, when only the larger turbo is engaged.

The compact design provides more efficient packaging than systems using two separate turbochargers linked together externally in series. It ensures that the complex control and regulation of gas flows on both the exhaust turbine and intake compressor sides is achieved with a minimal number of seals and connections.

TTiD engine

The TTiD engine is a substantial development of the current 16-valve 1.9TiD unit, using common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection. It operates with a maximum boost pressure of 1.8 bar (1.4 bar for the current engine) together with a slightly lower compression ratio of 16.5: 1 (17.5:1). The cast-iron block, alloy cylinder head and all internal components are strengthened as necessary to withstand the higher thermal pressures.

The exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) system is characterized by extremely efficient cooling and now includes an electronically controlled by-pass, and a low-maintenance exhaust particulate filter for improved emissions.

Other technical enhancements include the adoption of a larger air-to-air intercooler, for better cooling of the intake charge; the introduction of more efficient pre-heating elements inside the cylinder head, for faster starting in cold conditions; and the use of a weight saving plastic intake manifold.

Automotive News had an article today about an assessment being done in Washington on diesel engines, including light duty diesels, for the US. I don’t have a link and I couldn’t see the story due to the fact that I don’t have a subscription. But in my AN email alert the story started like this:

A panel of outside experts advising federal regulators about available technologies for improving fuel economy will include light-duty diesel engines in its final report.

In an interim report made public today, the panel said developments in emission controls indicate that modern diesels will be able to comply with U.S. clean-air regulations.

This will be an interesting report, and the US manufacturers will be right up against it if the report talks favourably about light duty diesels, which that paragraph indicates it might. GM have diesels in their medium duty vehicles (read as light commercial vehicles) but have so far resisted all calls for diesels in passenger cars in the US. They cite the added cost of the engine as well as higher fuel costs in the US.

In fact, they’ve written a whole article about it at GM Next, almost as if they knew this report was on it’s way.

There’s a lot of diesels coming into the US in the next few years from a number of Euro and even Japanese manufacturers. If increased demand for good quality diesel fuel leads to suppliers meeting the market and reading the trend for more, then GM’s going to look a little silly.

Actually, they already do. The US market is going to love the modern diesel when it gets hold of it. Guaranteed. The issues of price and supply are short-to-mid-term at most.

I started this blog in February 2005 and I’ve been carrying on about diesels here since around March 2005. Given their new Euro-focus, Saturn now offer GM a viable reason to invest in 50-state compliance for 1.9 diesel, botht the TiD and TTiD versions.

I’ll await that report with interest and in the meantime, the diesels will keep coming.

The 2008 Saab 9-3 TTiD deliveries began a little while ago and we showed our first known TS-related TTiD delivery back on February 1.

Today we have another TTiD story, this time from Miaik in Germany. I’m telling you, this is a grrrreat engine.

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First of all, I’m rather new to Saab, but I must say it was love at first sight.

Long story short, my wife and I went to see an apartment and just across the street there was a Saab dealer. At the time we were also looking for a car, and after seeing (and being disappointed by) the new Mondeo and a Honda Accord, and being incredibly annoyed by the people from Audi, I thought it would be a good idea to just take a look at some nice cars. So we entered the place.

I was instantly conquered by the SportCombi 9-3 (a 2007 model was on display). I know it’s not the traditional Saab design (been observing the cars for quite some time now), but I find it very appealing. The icing on the cake was the dealer himself, who was so refreshingly different from the rather obnoxious Audi lady. This took place in Germany, so I really appreciated the availability and openness to talk to us even though my German is really lousy, and this isn’t exactly frowned upon, but Germans prefer to do business in German not in English.

I signed for a 2008 9-3 with the brand new TTiD engine. It took a little longer to have it delivered (about 4 months actually). But in the mean time I drove a convertible 9-3, with a petrol engine, so I can’t complain about that.

Finally the car came and when I first saw it I was almost left breathless. The front is awesome and the back is one of the sexiest out there. I was a little fretful about the diesel engine (had some not so pleasant experiences with diesel X3 BMW). But from the first moment the pleasure of driving was better than with any other car.

The engine’s very powerful, everybody knows that much. Thanks to its incredible torque it is also very elastic. On the highway the sixth gear can be used anywhere between 90 Km/h and 230 Km/h. The advantage is obvious, I made a 500 Km trip with just an idea more than a half tank (the car computer calculated a 6,6 l/100 Km). Ok, the speed was not 200 but still somewhere between 160 and 180. I estimate an average autonomy of around 900 km. Which is exactly the same as a Renault Clio (with a 70 HP diesel engine), only that the Saab is twice as heavy and more than twice as powerful.

I did not notice the infamous “turbo lag” though I must admit I may not be the most appropriate person to judge that. The engine responds almost instantly (as fast as any other car I drove before) and with a lot of force. Maybe in the city the lag is noticeable (yet barely perceptible), but then again, I only had the chance to try it twice or three times. Usually you just don’t have enough space to rev it.

Yes, we all read a number of reviews saying the Saab’s steering is not as precise as a BMW’s but I think this is just rubbish. Yes, it does not feel as nervous as a BMW, yet it’s precise and very easy to handle. It feels like the whole car it’s somehow buffered so that your driving experience is more refined.

I perceived the X3 as a beast I needed to tame, while the Saab cooperates with me like a natural extension of my body. All the maneuvers get a great fluidity, like the car knows what you’re about to do just half a second before you. I prefer this to the surgical precision of some other “fancy” cars. After all I’m not a surgeon and even if I was, surgery belongs in the OR.

Of course, if you really want it, you can drive it aggressively and it will feel aggressive (understandable with 400 Nm @ 1700 rpm).

Usually I experience back pains in the car, right after the first hour. Is not the case of 9-3. Both front seats are very comfortable, giving no discomfort after 6 hrs.

We got our Aero with the nav system and it also came with the Bose Surround Audio system which delivers a great sound.

There are still many things I have to discover about this car so I’ll stop here.

The conclusion is that every time I see a BMW or Audi (together are 80% of the cars in Munich) I’m even happier I bought a Saab. I feel good in my car, I feel good when I see one on the street and that matters.

Of course now we want a convertible as well!

Trollhattan Saab – May, 2005

Jay Spenchian should really be pushing for GM to test the diesel-waters in the US for the 9-3 Sport Sedan, Sport Combi and Convertible. We’re right at the beginning of a new dawn for diesel and Saab is well positioned to take advantage.

Trollhattan Saab – Sept 2005:

I mentioned here the other day that Bob Lutz doesn’t think diesels are a certainty for the US, though I’m pretty certain that Saab’s competition will be introducing them when the legislation makes the commercial environment better suited. A failure on GM’s part to get this right will lead to a huge loss of marketshare. There’s been enough comments here and elsewhere to make this decision an apparent no-brainer. The old adage that American customers wouldn’t accept them because they’re scarred by bad memories of diesels is rightly squished by The AutoProphet when he says that “the myth would be dispelled the moment that modern diesel engine cars from Europe [were] demonstrated here.”

Edmunds – January 2006:

While diesel clearly isn’t the answer to everyone’s prayers, the U.S. market is unquestionably missing out on the modern diesel phenomenon. Bountiful torque, excellent refinement and a huge range are qualities well suited to the American highway. It is surely time to put away the prejudices of the 1970s and embrace the modern diesel engine.

SaabUSA – May 2006:

Before we make a strong – and expensive – push to make Saab diesels compliant with US regulations and bring it over here, we have to make sure that it is worth the effort for the relatively small brand that we are.

Currently, we are not convinced that such is the case.

Trollhattan Saab – April 2007:

I kept writing about this ad infinitum until I got a chance to discuss it with Saab USA. At that time I was told that the 1.9 diesel used in Europe wasn’t compliant with US emissions laws, and it’d be too expensive to undergo the compliance tests for Saab anyway. They didn’t see a big market for diesel at the time due to the higher cost of the fuel there and the added cost of manufacture. They were, however, open to reassessment in all of this.

Fast forward to today’s story, and we learn that this very same 1.9 litre diesel engine might be making a US debut in the Astra for Saturn. The only obstacle that’s mentioned in the article is the additional $1,000 or so that the oilburner would add to the price of the Astra. No mention is made of compliance.

Autoblog – May 2006:

Autoblog reported yesterday that diesel’s accounted for 22% of Volkswagen’s US sales in the first four months of 2006.

Trollhattan Saab – May 2006:

if Saab don’t prepare for the new US regulations on diesel and get these highly successful and well regarded cars to the US market – then they’ve got rocks in their heads.

Bob Lutz – September 2007

We have the gravest of doubts that diesels are the solution.

International Herald Tribune – January 2008

Oil prices rose above the symbolic level of $100 a barrel for the first time on Wednesday, a long-awaited milestone in an era of rapidly escalating energy demand.

Autoweek – January 2008:

BMW will begin selling two new performance-oriented diesel models in North America in 2008–the 335d sedan and X5 3.0sd SUV.

Both vehicles run a specially adapted version of BMW’s existing 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder common rail diesel engine. The diesel is fitted with an oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and a system to reduce nitric oxide outpt, which allows the powertrain to be sold in all 50 states.

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Add to this the diesels to be offered by VW, Audi and Mercedes Benz in 2008 and you can see who read the wind.

Fortune favours the brave. These companies will reap the rewards for being early diesel adopters in the US. AutoProphet was right – the myth (of Americans fearing diesels due to bad memories) would be dispelled the moment that modern diesel engine cars from Europe [were] demonstrated here.

The Saab TTiD is a brilliant engine and should be sold in the US. I’d defy any US driver to have a crack at it and not enjoy it.