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Celebrating Saab’s unique aircraft heritage, its Aero performance range is expanded for Model Year 2009 to include BioPower, as well as a turbo diesel and gasoline engine options. Saab leads the automotive sector in exploiting the environmental benefits of bioethanol as a renewable fuel for its BioPower flex-fuel engines, which also deliver more power when running on E85 (85% bioethanol,15% gasoline). Now this technology is available for the first time in Aero specification for both 9-3 and 9-5 product ranges. The new 9-3 Aero BioPower, in Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible formats, has a 2.0-liter turbo engine delivering 14% more maximum power (200 hp/ 147 kW.v 175 hp/ 129 kW) and 13% more torque (300 v 265 Nm) when running on E85. In the Sport Sedan, this gives zero to 100 kph acceleration in 7.9 sec and 80 to 120 kph in fifth gear in 10.0sec, compared to 8.5 and 11.1 sec, respectively, on gasoline. In the 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi line-up, the 2.3-turbo engine of the new Aero BioPower delivers maximum power of 210 hp/154 kW and 310 Nm of torque when running on E85, compared to 185 hp/136 kW and 280 Nm on gasoline. On the road, this gives the sedan zero to 100 kph acceleration in 7.9 sec and 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 11.0 sec, compared to 8.3 sec and 12.6 sec, respectively, on gasoline. Saab Aero models are distinguished by exterior sports bodystyling, unique alloy wheels and a sports chassis with stiffer springs and dampers for sharper handling. Inside, the sports seating is complemented by metallic-effect trim and the option of a unique leather/aluminum steering wheel. For model year 2009, the full Saab 9-3 Aero line-up now offers a choice of front or all-wheel-drive (Saab XWD) combined with 280 hp, 2.8V6 or 210 hp, 2.0-liter four- cylinder turbo power. In addition, the new Aero BioPower and current 180 hp, 1.9TTiD engines come with front wheel drive only. In the 9-5 range, the new BioPower option joins the current 260 hp, 2.3-liter gasoline version, which includes an overboost function delivering an impressive 370 Nm of torque. |
New York — Saab has made a business out of producing fun-to-drive vehicles combining its Scandinavian design principles of form and function with responsible performance. Today, Saab is translating those values to clothing, launching the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection in partnership with the Swedish clothing design firm Reflective Circle designer Josefin Lassbo. The fashions were revealed at an exclusive pre-New York Auto Show party where the Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept car made its North American debut. Putting the ‘Pure’ in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection Garments in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective are made from 100 percent ecological/organic cotton, certified by Skal International*. The mission of Skal is to offer certainty to the consumer that a product that indicates “organic” truly originates from an organic production process. The organization conducts independent surveys and inspections. Therefore, each step in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection’s production process must be taken with consideration for the environment. Fabric dyeing, printing and washing is done in an environmentally certified system. The Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection is committed to the environment – social as well as natural. Social responsibility is at the heart of the commitment. The factories producing the clothing are committed to ethical practices by vigilantly adhering to standards such as freely chosen employment; no tolerance of child labor; payment of a living wage; healthy and safe conditions; and reasonable working hours. “When Saab decided to launch a clothing collection, we wanted to do it in cooperation with someone who shares our mindset,” said Knut Simonsson, Saab Automobile AB Global Brand & Sales Operations executive director. “This partnership is not only about design or fashion, it’s also about having the same ambition: pushing an industry by innovating where other see conflict.” Little Things Mean A Lot An innovative twist on the Scandinavian design principle of form and function is the Coroso Nut. The buttons in the Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection are made from Coroso nuts. Coroso nuts come from Palm trees found in the rain forests. Using these nuts to make buttons is an organic, sustainable solution to fabricating synthetic materials to make buttons. It’s a small element to be sure, but it serves to hold things together. “The benefit with the Coroso nut is that its harvest leaves the rain forest untouched,” Simonsson added. “Even more, the use of the Coroso nut gives an economic use to the rain forest and so helps to protect the rain forest.” Performance and responsibility go hand-in-hand Customers demand quality, durability and performance from automobiles as well as clothing. Saab and Reflective Circle both work to bring innovative solutions to minimize environmental impacts, while maintaining attributes which customers demand. Saab has a 30-year history of turbocharging technology, which takes advantage of smaller engines to deliver higher performance and greater efficiency. Turbocharging, coupled with the use of E85 (85 percent bioethanol, 15 percent gasoline), termed Saab BioPower, fulfills the customer expectation of fun-to-drive, high-performance vehicles with the added benefit of enhanced performance and cleaner burning fuel. This is part of what Saab calls “Responsible Performance.” In 2007, Saab was the best-selling brand in the flex-fuel segment in Europe with the 9-3 and 9-5 BioPower vehicles. Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective The Pure BioPower Eco Clothing Collection by Saab/Reflective is women’s, men’s and unisex apparel and accessories. The clothing pieces in the first collection include T-shirts, button-down shirts, jersey shirt, ladies shirt dress and tennis shirts. Additionally, the line will grow with items such as caps, scarfs, belts, bags as well as pants and a business wear collection. All items in the first collection will be available late May for purchase online at www.saabexpressions.com. * Skal International is an inspection and certification organization, which certified organic products, processes and inputs. Skal International inspects and certifies sustainable forest / wood and textiles and operates worldwide. About Reflective Reflective was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2001 by Josefin Lassbo. Since then, the company has continuously strived to establish the concept of sustainable, ecological fashion clothes, produced ethically. Reflective wants to represent an alternative for the Reflected Consumer, who not only demands a well designed surface, but also a well designed karma. Reflective Circle is a design company with a heart. The company mainly works within the sphere of fashion and its own line of clothes, but also within education and the design of social visions. Everything the company does emanates from the same core – an ethical base which is built of soft values. Every step of the design process is equally important. Everything matters: form, function, economy, production, retail, choice of materials as well as social relations, local transformations, and global visions. About Josefin Lassbo Josefin Lassbo was born in 1973, in Gothenburg, Sweden, as the oldest of four sisters. She practically grew up in the sewing studio and behind the theater stage, as her mother was a studio tailor. From the age of 11, Josefin aspired to be a fashion designer, and at the age of 18 she received her first prestigious prize at the international design contest “Jeunes créateurs des modes” in Paris. After being educated within the field of arts and fashion for almost 10 years, she graduated in 2000 as a Master of Fashion Design from the Danish Design school in Copenhagen. While working in the commercial fashion industry of Sweden, she founded her company Reflective Circle International in 2001. Since then, she works as leader and head designer for Reflective Circle. Additionally, she provides consulting services for other companies, which includes her own concept of “Holistic design service,” and teaching and lecturing the same concept. According to the holistic design process, every part of the production is equally important. When it comes to fashion, it means the use of ecological fabrics and fair trade. Finally, Lassbo is the mother of two energetic, little boys. |
The Swedish premium car brand, Saab, has created a truly all-encompassing brand experience that will open its doors to the public on the 11th February 2008. Housed within the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Saab Move Your Mind room will allow the public to experience Saab – the brand, its spirit, tonality and core values through innovative design installations made wholly from ice. Designed and created by Simon Padian, chief designer for Saab and Tjåsa Gusfors – a leading designer at the ICEHOTEL, specializing in ice and snow sculpture, the installation has been inspired by Saab’s core brand pillars - progressive design, responsible performance and sporty driver focus. By drawing inspiration from these core brand values and from the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car, the installation showcases Saab’s heritage in design innovation and independent thinking. Simon Padian: ”The Move Your Mind room is designed to be a journey, a flow, a pulse which aims to disrupt and challenge the visitors perceptions of what is normal or expected. The installation is designed to create an audiovisual experience that defies the visitor’s senses. We hope that the public will find it thought-provoking and leave feeling more engaged with the Saab brand.” Visitors will be encouraged to walk through an ice suite featuring key Saab brand messages and showcasing Saab’s design heritage. Highlights include an ice sculpted Saab Aero X and impressive light and sound sequences. |
Saab’s Driver Attention Warning System is a development project designed to counter two of the most common causes of road accidents: driver drowsiness and inattention at the wheel. It alerts the driver by using a combination of text and voice messages, or vibrations in the seat cushion, as soon as the risk of drowsiness or inattention is detected. Unlike other similar systems, the Driver Attention Warning System does not rely on measuring an erratic change in the steered direction of the vehicle. It is designed to detect the onset of drowsiness or inattention, rather than the immediate consequences. It utilizes two miniature infra-red cameras, one installed at the base of the driver’s A-pillar and the other in the center of the main fascia, which are focused on the driver’s eyes. The image from the cameras is analyzed by software that deploys a series of alerts when the pattern of eye-lid movement indicates the onset of drowsiness, or when the driver is not looking at the road ahead. Infra-red imaging is used to ensure good performance in all day and night light conditions, and even if the driver is wearing dark glasses. Drowsiness Detection The system uses a sophisticated algorithm, against which the driver’s rate of eye blinking is measured. When the cameras detect a pattern of long duration eye-lid closures, indicating the potential onset of drowsiness, a series of three warnings is initiated. In the first instance, a chime sounds and a text warning message “Tired?” is displayed in the main instrument panel. If the driver’s eye-lid movement does not immediately revert to a normal ‘wide awake’ pattern, a speech message “You are tired” is then delivered through the car’s audio system. If there is still no response, a stronger warning tone and the message, “You are dangerously tired – stop as soon as it is safe to do so!” will come over the audio. This can only be cancelled when the driver presses a reset button in the fascia. The system is then immediately reactivated. Inattention Detection The cameras are also able to monitor the driver’s eye-ball and head movement. As soon as the driver's gaze moves away from what is defined as the 'primary attention zone' - the central part of the windshield in front of the driver - a timer starts counting. If the driver's eyes and head do not return to the 'straight ahead' position within about two seconds, the driver’s seat cushion will vibrate. This will stop once the position of driver’s eyes and head are consistent with the vehicle’s direction of travel. The processing of the infra-red image is sufficiently accurate to detect when the driver retains some peripheral vision of the road ahead - such as while looking in the rear-view mirror, the door mirror or turning a corner - and will consequently allow a slightly longer time to elapse before activating the seat vibration. Real-life Safety The Driver Attention Warning System is a logical extension of Saab’s real-life safety philosophy. It takes account of what the driver actually does behind the wheel, rather than what he or she should be doing. The system, installed in a Saab 9-3 SportCombi, is the work of the Human Vehicle Integration team at GME Engineering in Trollhättan, Sweden. It is part of a development program, Intelligent Vehicle Safety Systems (IVSS), supported by the Swedish government and involving the national Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI). "It is a fact that many drivers do not stop and get out of the car if they are feeling drowsy. So we are now trying to help drivers to help themselves,” says Arne Nåbo, head of the Human Vehicle Integration team, which specializes in driver ergonomics and managing the interface with in-car ‘infotainment’ systems for Saab cars. "This system also helps prevent a dangerous habit we call 'cognitive capturing’. For example, the driver can become too absorbed in searching for a favorite CD, programming pre-sets into the radio or trying pick up a screaming baby's dummy from the floor." Testing The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi development car will now participate in an eight-month field trial program supervised by the Road and Transport Research Institute. The car is fitted with a wireless GPRS 3G modem that will download data every minute to a web server at Linköping University, where the performance of the system will be analyzed. A group of volunteers will each drive the car for a month, the first week with the Driver Attention Warning System switched off for comparison purposes The trial is part of a development and validation process that could see the system become available in future Saab cars. In commercial production, only a single camera is likely to be required and this would be completely concealed behind the car’s main fascia. |
DETROIT – For the first time in history, Saab owners and enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond will gather in Michigan this weekend, celebrating the passion for their cars and the Saab brand. The Saab Club of North America expects more than three hundred owners and their Saabs to attend the event, opening Thursday, August 23 and running through Sunday, August 26. The 25th annual Saab Owners Convention is organized by the Great Lakes Saab Club, with president Jim Laman serving as convention chairman. Commemorating the 60th anniversary of Saab as a car manufacturer, the 2007 Owners’ Convention will celebrate the highlights of Saab’s proud past, present and future. The center of activities for the event is the Troy Hilton. The venue has excellent facilities and is ideally located, as it is close to most attractions in the area. Though registration for the event is now closed, day passes can still be obtained at the Saab Club registration desk in the hotel. “We are honored by the Saab Club of North America’s decision to choose Southeastern Michigan as the location of their Silver Jubilee convention,” said Steve Shannon, Saab Automobile USA general manager. “I am looking forward to meeting many owners and their cars in person, and participating in their unparalleled passion for Saab.” Beyond exhibiting its flourishing heritage collection and latest array of products, Saab Automobile USA has selected this venue for the North American public debut of the new Saab 9-3. In addition, the Saab Born From Jets Tour trailer exhibit will be present, including a full-size replica of the award-winning Saab Aero X concept car. One of the highlights of this Saab Owners’ Convention weekend will be a banquet dinner at the General Motors Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, which is home to hundreds of noteworthy GM products of all times – including several Saabs. Fritz Henderson, chief financial officer of General Motors Corporation, is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the event. Continuing updates on the 2007 North American Saab Owners’ Convention, including details on the exact event location and program activities are available at www.saabconvention.org Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2007 model year, Saab offers seven models that perform at an EPA-rated 30 mpg on the highway. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information. |
Saab will go ‘back to the future’ at next month’s (Sept) Frankfurt International Motor Show by evoking the iconic appeal of its classic ‘Black Turbo’ models. The Swedish premium car maker will celebrate 30 years of leadership in turbocharging by unveiling the Saab Turbo X, a limited edition performance car that inherits the visual appeal of the Saab 99/900 black turbos – while also introducing cutting-edge technology. This ultimate expression of the new 9-3 range will deliver standard-setting levels of performance for the brand. It was at Frankfurt in 1977 that Saab surprised the automotive world in revealing its first turbocharged model. It set a performance trend that others were to follow. Now the innovative features of the new ‘Black Turbo’ from Saab are also expected to attract widespread emulation. |
Saab’s BioPower range takes position on a whole new market. The 9-3 SportCombi is the world’s first BioPower car in the mobile phone game arena. The idea behind BioPower Challenge is to drive a Saab 9-3 BioPower SportCombi between two locations in the shortest time possible. The game has three different levels to play: Inland, driving from Gothenburg to Trollhättan; Coast with a drive from Trollhättan to the Swedish village of Fiskebäckskil (where new Saab 9-3 will be launched this summer) and Mountain, where you drive on an icy road from Narvik in Norway to Jukkasjärvi in Sweden. The fastest driver wins. As a player of the BioPower Challenge you can compare your results with other players around the world by submitting your result to a global “high score” list. The car in the game can be fuelled with either bioethanol or petrol. But choose wisely because just as in real life, choosing bioethanol means getting more power and performance out of your Saab BioPower car. The Saab BioPower Challenge will be launched in week 28, at the same time as the international tennis tournament in Båstad. For budding “mobile phone drivers”, the game will be available via SMS text. To download the game, text SAAB to 71747 in Sweden and +46 737 494 050 in the rest of Europe. The game will also be available at www.saab.com end July. Saab has a leading position in the rapidly growing European segment for flex-fuel vehicles, and is the only manufacturer to offer environmentally friendly models of all its cars in Europe. BioPower combines turbocharging with bioethanol (E85) to achieve increased power and performance, along with significantly lower fossil carbon dioxide emissions than when running on petrol. |
Saab continues to enjoy great success with its environmentally-friendly BioPower model range. It is now clearly the leading supplier of bioethanol (E85) ‘flex-fuel’ cars in the Swedish, as well as to the European market. During the first five months of the year, Saab delivered some 6,800 9-3 and 9-5 BioPower models to Swedish customers. And the sales pace was maintained last month (June), when the Saab 9-3 BioPower, launched in early spring, came top of the Swedish sales charts, giving Saab a 38% market share in the segment for environmentally-friendly cars. “It is very satisfying that our customers appreciate our BioPower offer,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “BioPower shows it is possible to choose an environmentally friendly and safe car, without sacrificing comfort, driveability or power.” Saab is firmly established as a technology leader in realizing the full potential of bioethanol (E85) as a fuel. This expertise leverages Saab’s unrivalled experience in turbocharging, making it possible to deliver enhanced performance as well as greatly reduced fossil CO emissions. Saab will continue its R&D efforts to bring new products and solutions to the market that focus on both high performance and energy saving, as seen, for example, with the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept premiered at the Stockholm Motor Show last year. “There is huge international interest in what is happening in Sweden regarding the technology and infrastructure for use of bioethanol,” adds Jan Åke Jonsson. “Countries such as Norway, Ireland and France are following Sweden’s example by investing in a bioethanol infrastructure. Everyday we receive requests for more information regarding our environmental efforts.” Jan Åke Jonsson and Saab’s technical expert, Kjell ac Bergström, are to participate in the Swedish political event “Almedalsveckan”, where they will meet, among others, Andreas Carlgren, the Swedish minister for environmental affairs. The EU Commission has also invited Jonsson to a top-level international conference on environmental issues, where he will represent the auto industry. |
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 280 hp (206 kW) 2.8 V6 turbo gasoline engine. The advanced all-wheel-drive system (Saab XWD - 'cross wheel drive') 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 Dynamic, cohesive looks with new front, rear and side aspects Frontal styling inspired by Aero X concept 'Clamshell' hood, clean body surfaces, smoked white rear light lenses The new 9-3 range is visually distinguished by all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar, with new bumper moldings and light assemblies front and rear, as well as new doors and handles for the SportSedan 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. For the Sport Sedan, for example, 70% of the external body panels and parts are all-new. The styling strategy brings together contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand's distinctive character. The deeper, more prominent evolution of the Saab grille adopts a theme first seen on the Aero X concept car. This is complemented by all-new headlamp lenses and light units that now incorporate a thin 'eyebrow' lighting zone designed as a brand specific 'signature' feature. These wraparound units culminate in an upswept rear edge, introducing a Saab design theme from the 9-5 range and classic 900 model. The grille's central wing motif, referencing Saab's aircraft heritage, is, of course, retained. The new look sees the adoption of another Saab signature feature: a 'clamshell' hood, closing across the top of the front wings. The hood pressing incorporates a sweeping, U-shaped styling line, as first seen on the Aero X, which echoes the curvature of the windshield. The swept-back frontal lines are complemented by a front bumper and splitter assembly with a deep, trapezoidal air intake, even more pronounced on Aero versions. This is flanked by deep black vents which are framed, like the grille, in a matte chrome finish. As with the Aero X concept, these represent a metaphor for the intakes of a jet engine. At the rear, all new 9-3 models now feature smoked white light clusters. The new bumper moldings are much deeper with curved, uninterrupted surfaces. The trunk lids of the Sport Sedan and Convertible are also altered to accommodate a new matte chrome life handle trim with an integrated badge, similar that on the SportCombi. The removal of all external rubbing strips from bumpers and doors (color-keyed on the Convertible) contributes to a cleaner and more cohesive overall appearance. New door panels now adopt a simple, uncluttered form with redesigned and color-keyed handles. The sill extensions are visually integrated front and rear with the scalloped corners of the new bumper moldings. Other external enhancements include the introduction of flat wiper blades, for reduced wind noise, and new alloy wheels. Two new colors are added to the range, including a Snow Silver metallic paint finish similar to that seen on the Aero X. Sporty Driver Focus Intelligent Saab XWD offers greater driver involvement Active system for class-leading performance, up to 100% rear torque transfer Cutting-edge technology: pre-emptive engagement and active rear LSD New rear sub-frame and suspension geometry The active, all-wheel-drive system (Saab XWD) 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), 2.8 V6 turbo engine which delivers almost 15% more maximum torque (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% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary. 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. The system is governed by its own electronic control unit, which functions in harness with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESP control modules. The hardware consists of a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM). This incorporates a Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and an optional electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex. At take-off from rest, the TTD is initially activated when the clutch plates are forced together under hydraulic pressure, thereby engaging the RDM. This pre-emptive function is a valuable improvement in current technology, which requires the detection of wheel slip before the TTD is activated. For the driver, the enhanced functionality gives maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from rest without the possibility of any initial hesitation. On the open road, drive torque is seamlessly and continuously varied between the axles by the control of a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the pressure on the wet clutch plates. When cornering, Saab XWD rewards the driver by providing enhanced, more finely balanced chassis dynamics. Data from the vehicle's ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle - is utilized, and careful programming of Saab XWD enables the application of rear drive to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding. In highway cruising conditions, when traction or optimum grip is not an issue, only 5% to 10% of engine torque is typically transmitted to the rear wheels. This helps provide the driver with a measure of greater stability, while helping to save fuel. The ultimate 'icing on the cake' with Saab XWD is the eLSD option. This is the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. The eLSD is installed alongside the RDM and operates via pressurized clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy or wet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40% of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. This yaw damping effect can keep the car better balanced and more tightly controlled, without requiring 'outside' intervention from electronic stability aides. Installation of Saab XWD includes the fitment of a new rear sub-frame to carry the RDM, revised rear suspension geometry and new wheel hubs for the drive shafts. The three piece prop-shaft runs through two bearings with constant velocity joints for smooth running with minimal 'wind-up'. Wheelbase and rear track dimensions are unaltered. Saab XWD will be available from the beginning of next year. 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 of 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 provide improved vision. The steering-linked bulbs can swivel up to 15 degrees when negotiating a bend or corner above 15 kph (9 mph). In highway driving above 110 kph (69 mph), 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 2.8-liter, 24-valve V6 Turbo engine is uprated to 280 hp (206 kW) and 400 Nm maximum torque. This has been achieved to by increasing available boost pressure from 0.5 to 0.8 bar. It gives the Sport Sedan projected zero to 100 kph (62 mph) acceleration in 6.3 seconds and 80 (50 mph) to 120 kph (75 mph) (fifth gear) in 7.9 seconds. The advanced specification includes: a 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). Other enhancements include: 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. Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio. Available as an option 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 60th 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. |
The Saab 9-7X brings unique Saab brand characteristics to the midsize SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles. Since its debut two years ago, more than 12,000 have been sold in the U.S. and Canada. For 2008, Saab adds the Aero model - the symbol of serious Saab performance - to the 9-7X lineup. The limited edition 9-7X Aero takes Saab's interpretation on the midsize SUV to an entirely new level accelerating the performance aspect of the sophisticated vehicle with a 6.0L V-8, 20-inch wheels and tires, unique paint and custom interior accouterments. "The 9-7X Aero is one great SUV to pilot," Shannon said. "We are excited to offer enthusiastic drivers an increased level of performance with the Aero, a symbol of Saab performance, in the midsize SUV segment." The new 9-7X Aero features a powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivering 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration under six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are actively passionate about the driving experience. The 9-7X Aero will be easy to spot as it wears a paint color all its own: Carbon Flash Metallic. The charcoal metallic paint nicely enhances the SUV's clean lines. Specific to the 9-7X Aero are 20-inch polished, aluminum wheels wrapped with P255/50R20 V-speed-rated performance tires that provide the optimum balance between ride and handling. Complementing the refined and driver-oriented cockpit-inspired interior are "Aero" embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats. Under the hood of the 9-7X Aero is the LS2 6.0L V-8 with a cold air induction package, rated at 390 horsepower (295 kW)* at 6,000 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm)* at 4,000 rpm. The LS2 6.0L is based on the small-block V-8 architecture and delivers excellent down-low torque for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine's cam-in-block design, which features large 4.00-inch-diameter (101,6 mm) bores and a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle. Unique to the 9-7X Aero's version of the engine is a composite intake manifold adapted to the LS2 engine to help produce balanced torque and horsepower. Maximum towing capacity on 9-7X Aero model is 6,600 pounds (2994 kg). Like all Saabs, the new Saab 9-7X Aero is driver-focused, with a lowered chassis tuned and tested to deliver responsive, balanced handling. Corner control and body roll control are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter. Additional strength is provided by a heavy-duty rear axle with limited-slip differential. With a four-wheel disc braking system enhanced with larger, 12.8-inch (325 mm) front disc rotors and iron twin-piston calipers, it's not difficult to put a stop to things in the more powerful 9-7X Aero. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high-pressure/high-heat braking conditions, providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. The brake pads use high-performance linings for strong fade resistance. ABS and automatic all-wheel-drive are standard on all 9-7X models as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that provides confident, sure-footed travel. The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system delivers impressive on-road grip and enhanced "launch" feel. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed. Like all 9-7X models, the Aero model represents a terrific value with a high-level of standard equipment. In fact, the 9-7X boasts the most standard features in its class while offering a very competitive starting price at $39,935. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will start at $45,690, which includes a $745 destination fee and will begin arriving at dealerships this fall. 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 celebrates 60 years since first being introduced to the automotive scene as the vision-turned-reality of 16 aircraft engineers. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information |
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