Saab 9-3 Anniversary celebrates 25 years of turbo

Posted on 23. Jul, 2001 by Ryan in 2000-2009

1002136 Saab 9 3 Anniversary celebrates 25 years of turbo

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

2001-08-23

Saab 9-3 Anniversary celebrates 25 years of turbo

The 25th anniversary of the Saab turbo concept is celebrated in the new Saab 9-3 model year by the Saab 9-3 Anniversary – a special edition with enhanced Saab attributes and attractive detail features.

In the practical CoupÃ© or five-door body of the Saab 9-3, exceptional roominess and versatility are combined with a high standard of sporty performance. The chassis communicates clearly with the driver by immediate, distinct signals and behaves consistently in all situations. The engine range comprises four turbocharged petrol engines and a turbodiesel, and spans ratings between 125 and 205 bhp.

9-3 Anniversary with boosted Saab attributes
The Anniversary edition of the Saab 9-3 now being introduced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Saab turbo concept underscores the sporty temperament of the practical Saab 9-3.

The Anniversary special edition is a development of the Saab 9-3 SE and can be powered by any of the Saab 9-3 engines. The standard features of the Saab 9-3 SE include a colour-matched front spoiler, rear bumper skirt and sculptured sill covers. This aerodynamic package was originally designed for the Aero models and give the car high aerodynamic performance in the form of low lift forces on the axles and good high-speed stability.

The distinctive exterior modifications of the Saab 9-3 Anniversary compared to the SE are the new five-spoke, 16-inch wheels of a design inspired by the turbocharger turbine wheel. The aluminium alloy wheels contribute to low unsprung weight for quicker steering and braking response, and ensure more controlled behaviour in situations such as sudden swerving manoeuvres.

The interior of the new Saab 9-3 Anniversary is dominated by upholstery with a bright combination of leather and fabric in a grey and beige colour scheme. The association with the 25th anniversary of the turbo concept is expressed by the word “turbo” embossed in the leather upholstery. The upholstery design of the 9-3 Anniversary recurs on the leather trimmed door sides. The 9-3 Anniversary is optionally available with full leather upholstery in the same colour scheme and with the same type of anniversary embossing. The leather used in the Saab 9-3 Anniversary is of a new type that makes a modern, sophisticated impression.

The sporty appearance of the upholstery in the 9-3 Anniversary is matched by the carbon fibre dashboard that underscores further the sporty nature of the turbo model.

Saab 9-3 Aero with anniversary upholstery
The carbon fibre dashboard of the new Saab 9-3 Anniversary edition is also available for the Saab 9-3 Aero with the 205 bhp 2.0 Turbo Ecopower engine. The standard leather upholstery of the 9-3 Aero is also embossed with the word “turbo”.

The Saab 9-3 Aero was introduced only a year ago, after substantial upgrading that included an assertive front spoiler, side skirts and a sturdy rear bumper casing. The 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the 9-3 Aero, and so is the Traction Control System (TCS). The front seats of the 9-3 Aero are provided with extra padding at the front of the seat cushion for extra thigh support. The backrest sides are also of special design to ensure even better lateral support.

New bodywork colours, better economy and improved child safety
As from autumn of 2001, all Saab 9-3 models are available with two new bodywork colours – Polar White solid paintwork (not on the Aero) and Hazelnut metallic. Another change on the new model year is that the Saab 9-3 with the 2.0t Ecopower light pressure turbo engine delivering 150 bhp now has a manual gearbox with modified reduction ratios for better fuel economy.

The Saab 9-3 Convertible is now also fitted as standard with the same type of Isofix child seat mountings as those introduced in the remainder of the Saab 9-3 range a year ago. The Convertible model also has factory-fitted provision for a wind deflector that can thus be retrofitted quickly and inexpensively.

Saab 9-3 with unique range of engines
The Saab 9-3 is unique by being produced only with turbocharged engines. Turbocharging enables the engines to deliver full torque at the speeds the engines are normally run. Maximum torque is available within the engine speed range of 2000 – 3000 rpm, which allows for fast and safe overtaking.

The basic power unit of the Saab 9-3 is a 2.0-litre light pressure turbo engine delivering 150 bhp, which is followed by the 185 bhp 2.0 Turbo with the torque of the classic turbo engine, the 205 bhp 2.0 Turbo (standard power unit of the Saab 9-3 Aero) with a sportier performance, and the Saab 2.2 TiD turbodiesel delivering 125 bhp and offering a well balanced combination of performance, motoring comfort and low fuel consumption.