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The New Saab 9-3 Sports Saloon (1) 2

All new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan ( Saab 9-3SS )

• First Saab positioned in premium, compact sedan segment
• Best-ever chassis dynamics for close driver involvement
• Long wheelbase and wide track for good handling and spacious interior
• New powertrain includes lightweight, aluminum turbo engines
• New five-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual gearbox
• In-house Saab electronics for sophisticated powertrain behavior
• Fiber optic electronics for advanced, modular ‘infotainment’ systems
• Exceptionally strong bodyshell for good handling, refinement and safety
• Second generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR)
• Load-limiting seat-belts, dual stage front airbags and roof rail airbags
• ‘Profiler’ customization program and choice of three specification levels

The all-new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is the first step in the biggest product development program in Saab’s history. It spearheads the arrival of an entirely new family of cars, each focused on meeting the particular requirements of a different niche in the market. As Saab’s first contender in the premium, compact Sport Sedan segment, the focus for the new 9-3 is dedicated to delivering a unique, ‘fun to drive’ experience that promises to set new standards for the class.

The coupé-like silhouette, with steeply raked windshield and rear window and short front and rear overhangs, communicates a strong, sporty stance, which is reinforced by negative wheel cambers. The overall look is designed to convey a sense of movement even when the car is stationary. The shape of the windows and the wedge-like profile also combine with the integrated headlights and grille to give the car its distinctive Saab identity. Excellent aerodynamics including a high competitive 0.28 drag coefficient, result in low lift forces at the rear axle, improving high speed stability and braking. Careful airflow management also benefits the driver by helping to prevent road grime building up on the rear windows and lights.

The new model comes with a choice of three new, 2.0-liter, all-aluminum turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 150 (110 kW) to 210 bhp (155 kW), and a 125 bhp (92kW), 2.2-liter turbo diesel.

The front-wheel-drive transmissions include five and six-speed (option) manual gearboxes and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the option of steering wheel controls.

There are three ‘Forms’, or specification levels: Linear, Arc and Vector, plus an Aero high performance variant.

Compared to its predecessor, the new 9-3 offers more spacious accommodation, particularly for rear passengers, within the same overall length. Front and rear width is increased by 55 mm and the wheelbase is 71 mm longer. It is price-positioned to compete with the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Volvo S60. Sales commence from September and Saab dealers can already take customer orders.

The main features of the new 9-3 contribute to an enriched, sporty driving experience in four key areas: driver involvement; refined performance; driver adaptability and driver-centered design.

Driver Involvement

The new 9-3 is the product of the most exhaustive development program in chassis dynamics undertaken by Saab. The handling of the car, its sensitivity to driver inputs and a high degree of feedback all combine to deliver a level of driving involvement and pleasure that challenges the class benchmark. The main highlights include:

• ‘ReAxs’ passive rear wheel steer characteristic. The kinetics of the rear suspension are tuned for a unique rear wheel steer response for optimum handling and stability
• Four-link independent rear suspension. High lateral stiffness for stability and grip; longitudinal compliance for ride comfort
• Low mounted steering rack gives excellent feel and precision with progressive power assistance and fast responses.
• Front suspension is by McPherson struts with lower control arms mounted on a
  hydroformed (hollow), rubber-isolated sub-frame. High lateral bushing stiffness for good steering response and precision; high longitudinal compliance for ride comfort.
• Advanced chassis electronic systems. Saab-tuned ‘user friendly’ ESP (Electronic Stability Program). Mechanical brake assist, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and TCS (Traction Control System) all standard features.
• Optimized braking power. Front and rear brake discs in three and two sizes respectively, depending on specification.
• Minimized unsprung weight for better ride quality. Hub carriers and toe and lower rear suspension links in aluminum. Anti-roll bars in hollow section steel. ‘Shear’ bushing at top of rear shock absorber mountings for compliant ride quality and effective vibration suppression.

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