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NEW SAAB 9-3: DYNAMIC LOOKS SHOWCASE UPRATED V-6 AND ‘XWD’ ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE TECHNOLOGY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The new Saab 9-3 range, expected at North American dealerships in early September, features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting enhancements that include the introduction of all-wheel-drive and more powerful gasoline engines.

The distinctive frontal styling, inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal. For the U.S. market, it heralds the introduction of an uprated 2.8L V-6 turbo gasoline engines that produces 280 horsepower (206 kW) when combined with Saab’s new all-wheel-drive (XWD – “cross-wheel-drive”) system available in spring 2008.

The advanced Saab XWD system is exclusive to 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models. It features innovative developments in wheel slip management and, as an option, the use of an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential.

Progressive design

The new 9-3 range is visually distinguished by all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar, with new bumpers and light assemblies front and rearm as well as new doors and handles for the Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Flared side sill extensions become standard across the range. All these elements combine to give the car a clearer Saab identity and a bolder, more assertive stance. On the Sport Sedan, for example, 70 percent of the external body panels and parts are new.

The styling strategy combines contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character.

Sporty driver focus

The active Saab XWD system is designed to optimize handling and stability in all driving conditions. It is offered on Aero versions of the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, in combination with an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8L V-6 turbo engine that delivers almost 15 percent more maximum torque – 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) – to exploit the greater traction available. It comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

This state-of-the-art system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off; and an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), allowing variable torque transfer between the rear wheels.

Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels. While offering new Saab 9-3 Aero owners sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, its sophisticated operation also adds a further sporty dimension to the driving experience in all road conditions. Fine balancing of the drive torque between the front and rear axles raises the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered, providing more scope for closer driver involvement.

Other driving enhancements include:

Sport Mode standard for automatic transmissions : This can be selected via an instrument panel button, and aligns gear selection more closely with the intentions of the driver. If the driver momentarily lifts off the throttle, the current gear will be held for more effective engine braking and a quicker acceleration when required. During braking, downshifts are also faster and more closely matched to the rate of vehicle deceleration.

Optional cornering bi-xenon headlights: The steering-linked bulbs can swivel up to 15 degrees when negotiating a bend or corner above 9 mph (15 km/h), providing improved vision. In highway driving above 69 mph (110 km/h), the low beam is also automatically raised slightly for improved illumination.

Uprated 2.8V6 Turbo: For the new 9-3 Aero XWD models, the current 2.8L, 24-valve V-6 Turbo engine is uprated to 280 hp (206 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) maximum torque. This has been achieved by increasing available boost pressure from approximately 7.5 psi to 9 psi (0.5 to 0.8 bar). It gives the Sport Sedan projected 0-to-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration in 5.7 seconds and 50 mph to 75 mph (80 to 120 km/h) (fifth gear) in 7.9 seconds.

The engine features lightweight, all-aluminum construction; variable inlet valve timing; a twin-scroll turbocharger and hydroformed exhaust manifolds with stainless steel liners and air injection for improved cold starting. In two-wheel-drive applications, this engine now offers a 5-hp (4 kW) increase in maximum power, to 255 hp (188 kW).

Additional standard offerings

Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): This warns the driver if pressure in any of the tires drops below the recommended level. Sensors in the valves initiate a radio signal, and a warning message is illuminated in the main instrument display, indicating which wheel(s) has lost pressure. TPM is standard on all new 9-3 models for the U.S. market, in addition to XM Satellite Radio, OnStar and a rain-sensing wiper system.

Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio : Available on all Sport Sedan and SportCombi variants, this offers exceptional reproduction quality through five channels from CD, MP3 or XM digital radio sources. Surround sound quality is automatically provided even if a CD is not encoded for it. With 11 (Sport Sedan) or 10 (SportCombi) speakers, performance is optimized for the acoustic requirements of each passenger cabin.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. In 2007, Saab is celebrating its 60 th anniversary as a car manufacturer. Saab offers vehicle warranty coverage for five-years or up to 100,000 miles. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engines

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels and Tires

Dimensions

Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.