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

All new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan

Responsive Performance

Saab is a center of expertise within General Motors for the development of turbocharged gasoline engines and the new powertrain adds enhanced refinement and driveability to Saab’s traditional strengths of high torque for strong, mid-range pulling power. It also delivers a level of sporty performance in keeping with the chassis’s dynamics, further reinforcing the new car’s driver focus. The main highlights include:

• New all-aluminium 2.0-liter turbo engine. Saab developed and tuned for 150 bhp/110 kW (badged 1.8t), 175 bhp/129 kW (badged 2.0t) and 210 bhp/147 kW (badged 2.0T) with high torque for swift overtaking. All internal components unique to Saab. Balancer shafts and dual-mass flywheel for greater running refinement.
• Sophisticated powertrain performance. Highly sensitive and precise throttle control, adaptive torque delivery and smooth power on/power off characteristics from new Trionic 8 engine management, latest version of Saab’s own 32-bit in-house system.
• More transmission choice. Uprated five-speed and all-new six-speed Saab manual gearboxes. Five-speed, adaptive automatic transmission with Saab Sentronic manual gear selection and optional steering wheel controls.
• Unique ‘pendulum’ engine mounting. Engine noise and vibration is reduced by installation of rods at the base of the engine for optimal torque control.

Driver Adaptability

In addition to its driver-focused chassis dynamics and powertrain performance, the new 9-3 is also designed to adapt to a wide range of driver needs, establishing a close interaction with its owner. Main highlights include:

• ‘Profiler’ customization. A wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal preference including: anti-theft alarm, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and automatic climate control.
• Advanced electronics. Most extensive automotive systems use of fiber optics. With a signal capacity 50 times greater than conventional wire circuitry, fiber optics provide a high speed platform for advanced in-car ‘infotainment’. Dual zone air conditioning with automatic balance control. Senses changes in sunlight or shade outside the car and automatically adjusts airflow to keep interior temperature constant.
• Satellite Navigation. Designed by Saab with tailor-made software, including voice instruction, location and route storage and dynamic route guidance, avoiding traffic jams, for example.
• Integrated Bluetooth™ * application. Bluetooth wireless technology enables short-range communication between devices such as telephones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and computers. The new 9-3 supports hands-free voice control and calling via a Bluetooth headset, as well as wireless dial-up networking functionality using a Bluetooth PDA or laptop.

*Bluetooth is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Three specification levels. ‘Linear’ includes understated interior with fabric upholstery and anthracite trim. ‘Arc’ adds 16-inch alloy wheels and ruched leather interior with poplar wood trim. ‘Vector’ has 17-inch alloy wheels and a sports leather/fabric interior with matt chrome trim. The ‘Aero’ variant is the performance flagship of the range with lowered, sports tuned chassis and bodystyling, available only with the 210 bhp engine.

• Additional load-carrying potential. A standard 60/40 split fold rear seat with ski hatch allows occasional extra cargo to be effortlessly carried.
• Lower running costs. Longer service intervals and reduced workshop times minimize inconvenience for the owner and reduce scheduled servicing costs by 30 per cent, compared to previous model.
• On-board algorithm adapts oil change cycle to how car is used.
• Host of comfort features. Designed to make living with the new 9-3 as convenient as possible, these include: door mirrors that automatically reposition after being folded; a remote window and sunroof operation and ‘halo’ perimeter lighting at night.

Built Around the Driver

In common with all Saab cars, the new 9-3 is built from ‘the driver outwards’. That means the cabin ergonomics, the instrumentation, the controls and the seating position are all developed from the driver’s perspective. Its safety functions are, of course, shared by all who use the car. Main highlights include:

• Cockpit feel. The main instrument panel arcs around the driver. Logical layout and tactile feel to controls. Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach. Green instrument illumination and Night Panel function for restful night driving. High position display. Saab Information Display (SID) located on top of the fascia near the base of the windscreen, close the driver’s natural field of vision. Screen shows satellite navigation directions, as well as radio settings and warnings.
• Structural strength. With a torsional rigidity of 22,000 Nm/degree of deflection, the bodyshell is more than twice as stiff as its predecessor’s. This contributes to outstanding ride and refinement, handling and safety properties.
• Designed for Real-life Safety. 75 crash configurations carried out during development, utilizing Saab’s 6,000-strong database of real-life road accidents. Tests include truck-to-car side impacts, car-to-car frontal impacts with a closing speed of 120 kph and replica moose impacts.
• Second generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR). Pioneered by Saab, these help prevent neck injury for front seat occupants in rear-end impacts. Now improved for even quicker action. Integrated safety features. Seat belt pre-tensioning and load limiting for all outer seating positions, combined with dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and side roof rail airbags.

Announcing the arrival of the new model, Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile’s President and CEO, said: “ This car offers a level of driver involvement and responsive performance never seen before from Saab. The integration of a fine-handling chassis with the new, refined powertrain delivers a true ‘fun-to-drive’ package. “It is a formula designed to appeal to young, premium car buyers who place a priority on a rewarding driving experience but who also want to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive, less commonplace brand.”

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