Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Saab Automobile is launching a TX edition Saab 9-3 Convertible, inspired by the Saab Turbo-X.

A new look for a Saab icon

Saab is giving customers the chance to drive away in an even more luxurious drop-top as it introduces its popular TX Edition upgrade onto the Convertible range.
Inspired by the Saab Turbo X, the new TX edition vehicles are generously equipped and come complete with a number of premium design features as standard including titanium effect exterior styling, special turbine design alloy wheels and sport leather steering wheel, while under the bonnet the Convertible TX Edition boasts a high performance turbocharged engine.

The launch of the new Convertible TX Edition coincides with Saab’s announcement that all Convertible production will be moved to Trollhatten in 2010, bringing Saab’s iconic vehicle back home to Sweden.

The 9-3 Convertible is featured here in red – what colour do you think best suits Saab’s drop-top?

Linear TX package
° Glacier Silver metallic exterior colour
{5 optional metallic and 2 optional solid colours]
° Front fog lights
V spoke `I7″ alloy wheels {ALU F9]
‘ Carbon fiber effect interior trim
° Sport. leather steering wheel
’ Sport chassis (option)
‘ I4-spoke l6″ [ALU?1. optional}

Vector TX package
° Glacier Silver metallic exterior colour
{5 optional metallic and 2 optional solid colours]
‘ Anthracite grey front bumper insert
° Titanium effect 3··hole grille
° Titanium effect boot lid handle
° Front foglights with Titanium-effect trim
° V-spoke 17″ alloy wheels (ALU F9]
° Carbon fiber effect interior trim
‘ Sport leather steering wheel with extra thick rim
° Black textile floor mam with contrasting grey piping

Aero TX package
° Glacier Silver metallic exterior colour
(5 optional memllic and 2 optional solid colours]
° Anthracite grey front. bumper insert
° Anthracite grey rear bumper insert
incl. visible round end pipes
° Titanium effect 3··hole grille
° Titanium effect boot lid handle
° Front foglights with Titanium-effect trim
° ¤’··spoke I?” alloy wheels (ALU Ii’9]
° 3··spo| inc! tyre pressure monitoring system {optional]
° Carbon fiber effect interior trim
° Sport leather steering wheel with extra thick rim.
' Black textile floor mats with contrasting grey piping
' Black leather sport seats [optional) {Not
convertible]
° Sports chassis {optional)

A Saab enthusiast has recently put together a really well done video showcasing the abilities of the Saab 9-3 Viggen.

This time instead of New Hampshire, this owner shot footage in the beautiful hill country of Vermont.

I wonder if he ever got the chance to experience the Viggen Flight Academy, because he really knows how this car handles!

I just heard from Austin, the person in the film with some background as to why the produced it, etc.

“Thanks for the compliments. The Hotcars.com story is rather long, but basically we were shooting several different videos for the site. In essence, we were trying to create a “show” for the site, but our timing was pretty bad given the economy and the show never took off.

The car was not mine, it belonged to the narrator, Elias. I will probably put you in touch with him, as he is the Saab guy (he almost talked me into a Viggen, but the AWD of the STI was too alluring…). ”

- Austin

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-3 convertible was added in 1999 as an addition to the 9-3 model lineup.

This model for Saab came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: 2-door Convertible, 5 spoke wheels, front cornering lights, improved convertible top with single centrally located fastening handle, larger rear window, integrated rain channels over doors, improved sealing and sound insulation.

2000 MY Viggen Model Added

Interior: An updated version of the NG900 interior combined with appointments from that of the 9-5 including a new cupholder, center mounted ignition, driver’s seat fold-down armrest, new cockpit inspired dash and enhanced night panel.

2001 MY Onstar added

Viggen Interiors had two tone leather seats with Viggen embossed on seat backs

Chassis: Front – MacPherson spring struts with twin tube gas shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. Rear – H-formed, twisted beam rear axle with inner and outer anti-roll bars. Coil springs and twin tube gas shock absorbers. Power assisted rack and pinion steering, ABS Brakes, with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Stronger structural safety bars including B-pillar.

Engine: Four cylinders, 16-valve engine, ecopower engine. Three way catalytic converter and Lambda sensor. Saab Trionic, Turbocharger.

Transmission: Transverse drive unit. Front wheel drive. Full synchromesh, five speed manual gearbox. Optional four speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with three programmes and direct mechanical lock-up in third and fourth gears

Dimensions:

Wheelbase
Front Track
Rear Track
Ground Clearance
Turning Circle 10.9
Length
Width
Height

Max Speed
Acceleration 0-60 mph 8 seconds

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1999 MY – ?
2000 MY – ?
2001 MY – ?
2002 MY – ?
2003 MY – ?

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-3 model which began as 1999 model year, was a refresh and continuation of the NG900.

Externally, the 9-3 did not look much different than the NG900, however there were some updates including a grille and brakelight and rear deck. In terms of the inside, the 9-5′s Saab Active Head Restraint system was carried over.

Over 1,100 changes to the vehicle took place such as chassis, and otherwise changing the driving and handling characteristics.

A rare performance model titled the Viggen variant debuted and was an instant success.

The 9-3 ended in 2002, effectively ending becoming the last hatchback model for Saab to produce since the introduction to the Combi Coupe all the way back in 1974.

This model for Saab came equipped with the following specifications:

Exterior: Three door Coupé or Five door hatchback. front and rear spoilers. 1,830kgs

Interior: An updated version of the NG900 interior combined with appointments from that of the 9-5 including a new cupholder, center mounted ignition.

2001 MY Onstar added

Viggen Interiors had two tone leather seats with Viggen embossed on seat backs

Chassis: Front – MacPherson spring struts with twin tube gas shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. Rear – H-formed, twisted beam rear axle with inner and outer anti-roll bars. Coil springs and twin tube gas shock absorbers. Power assisted rack and pinion steering, ABS Brakes, with Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Engine:Four cylinders, 16-valve engine. Three way catalytic converter and Lambda sensor. Saab Trionic, Turbocharger.

Transmission: Transverse drive unit. Front wheel drive. Full synchromesh, five speed manual gearbox. Optional four speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with three programmes and direct mechanical lock-up in third and fourth gears

Dimensions:

Wheelbase
Front Track
Rear Track
Ground Clearance
Turning Circle 10.9
Length
Width
Height

Max Speed
Acceleration 0-60 mph 8 seconds

Global Production:

Model Year – Units

1999 MY – ?
2000 MY – ?
2001 MY – ?
2002 MY – ?

Photo Credit: Saab History, Swedish Car Day 2001

In 2001, I first found out about this car through a friend who saw the vehicle located in a parking lot, then both of us later saw the first Boston globe writeup on it titled “Chaos Car”.

After reading the piece in the Globe about Rebecca Perlo, of Boston, Massachusetts and her car, I decided that on behalf of my club, the New England Saab Association, to invite her the 2nd annual Swedish Car Day in Brookline, Massachusetts later that same year.

I vividly recall the looks by everyone in attendance that day, as she drove out onto the grass with the rest of us. I was honored that she made an appearance showing her “dare to be different” 2000 Saab 9-3 hatchback with an artistic flare.

Here is the video done on chronicle showcasing this “Chaos car”, as well as an exerpt from the recent coverage yet again, by the Boston Globe titled “Artistic license”.

“Artistic License”

Rebecca Perlo’s toy collection is simply overwhelming: Nemo, Simba, Fantastic Man, and “Evil” Homer Simpson action figures; Barney, Bugs Bunny, and Princess Leia Pez dispensers; Playskool people, Lego people, Rock’Em Sock’Em Robots, and Mr. Potato Head.

Throw in some yo-yos, a miniature slot machine and a rubber ducky or two, and lots of other stuff, and the number of toys in Perlo’s menagerie hits 1,000, maybe even 1,500. Where does she keep them all? Glued to the hood, roof, doors and fenders of her 1999 Saab.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

In 1950, SAAB launched the first production model designated as the 92, this 92 initially came in any color you wanted as long as it was “watermelon green”.

Fast forward to 2008, Saab continued this idea of a single color in the halo vehicle for cross-wheel drive, the Saab 9-3 Turbo-X which debuted in Boston, Massachusetts stating that it could come in any color you want, as long as it was “Jet Black”.

Today, Saab Automobile USA is apparently continuing this idea for all of their 2009 model year Saab 9-3s, as indicated on their recently updated website, where you can see the 9-3 in all variants continuing this idea that “you can have it in any color you want, as long as it is laser red”.

What confuses me about this is that while speaking with some Saab dealerships recently, they indicated that the 2009 9-3s come in other colors, so my question here is which ones, given that there are no alternate color options shown on the Saab Automobile USA website.

Update: Saab Automobile USA’s website has been updated, but while the visual still shows a red 9-3, the other color options are now written only, and metallic paint is a whopping $550 extra!

Pepper Green Metallic = $550
Snow Silver Metallic = $550
Nocturne Blue Metallic = $550
Black = $0
Titan Gray Metallic = $550
Laser Red = $0
Fusion Blue Metallic = $550
Jet Black Metallic = $550
Polar White = $0
Ice Blue Metallic = $550
Carbon Gray Metallic = $550
Glass Gray Metallic = $550

The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan began in 2003, with a convertible out in 2004. This model effectively has been continued until today, while it had a face lift for the 2008 model year.

I can tell you that a Saab insider told Saab History that the “2008 MY 9-3, was actually what was meant to have been produced in the beginning, but due to cost cuts, it came out 5 years later.”

With reviews like this stating that the 9-3 is aging, where does that put the 9-5 given that it has been out since 1998?

I leave you with an excerpt from this review:

In 2008, Saab restyled its popular entry-level 9-3 sedan, convertible, and wagon (known as the SportCombi in Saab-speak) and gave it all-wheel drive for the first time, but even these rather significant changes don’t cover up the fact that the 2009 9-3 is not only identical to the 2008, it’s basically the same car it was in 2003 – when it was last redesigned.

Source: Boston Globe

Photo Credit: Zach Wallace

A Saab enthusiast has just provided Saab History with a wonderful photo of his Saab 9-3 Viggen to showcase here on Saab History.

I really like this photo for many reasons, especially with how the Viggen has been kept original including those wheels!

If you have a photo that inspires you of your Saab, please submit it to Saab History here for others to view around the world!

Photo Credit: GM Heritage Collection

The Saab USA Heritage Collection has recently acquired a pristine 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen in Lightening Blue from a private sale in Florida with less than 500 miles on the odometer.

The first showing of this acquisition took place at the recent 2008 Saab Owners Convention in Devens, Massachusetts from August 21st through the 24th, 2008.

It is great to see the Saab USA Heritage Collection growing and growing! If you are interested in checking out the rest of the Saab USA Heritage Collection, please click on this link to scroll through them all!

svgallery=1999_9_3_VIGGEN

Photo & Video Credits: Saab Automobile

The Saab 9-3 “Viggen” was derived from the SAAB JA-37 Viggen jet fighter. Viggen means The Thunderbolt in Swedish, derived from the Norse god Thor’s warhammer Mjollner.

As we know, the 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen began as the Saab 900 Concept Coupe in 1995.

It took a whole four years later for the engineering of that concept coupe to be unveiled to the public at the the New York Auto Show in March of 1999.

Peter Leonard, leader of Saab’s SVO team said that “we wanted to give the 9-3 Viggen a strong individuality, a personality of its own that was evident in everything from the external styling to the instrumentation. In addition, the car had to deliver the comfort and feel of driving a high-performance car. It was a design challenge that we relished.”

The Saab 9-3 Viggen’s drag co-efficient was 0.31, and the feel both inside and out of an aircraft cockpit was evident.

The first model year MY1999 for the Saab Viggen and its body continued to be manufactured at Saab’s factory in Trollhattan, Sweden, then shipped in a climate controlled, sealed container to Uusikaupunki, Finland for painting and final assembly at the Valmet Automotive plant.

The painting of the first two years of the Saab 9-3 Viggen, were appropriately colored in “lightening blue”, paying homage to the significance of the “thunderbolt” name.

That same year, the Saab Viggen Flight Academy was created in Road Atlanta, near Saab Automobile USA’s former headquarters in Norcross, Georgia.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupe went on sale with only 400 distributed to Saab dealerships in May of 1999.

The next year, Model Year 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Convertible and 5-door versions arrived in showrooms during the fall of the same year. Only a limited number of 2,500 Saab 9-3 Viggen models were initially produced annually for a global market.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen model continued until model year 2002, when it ended due to the production of the 9-3 hatchback body style ending.

The Saab 900 Concept Coupe was the prototype for the Saab 9-3 Viggen as we know it back in 1995, a full four years prior to the public seeing it at auto shows and also available in dealerships around the world.

The Viggen has to be without question the best example of a spiritual successor to one of SAAB’s aircraft, the SAAB JA-37 Viggen, given that it was in name and theory 100% “born from jets”.

Here is the original press release in full outlining the specifications beginning with a video:

For Immediate Release Contact: Elke Martin Kevin Smith

1999 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN — SUMMARY

SAAB LAUNCHES ALL-NEW, LIMITED EDITION 9-3 VIGGEN FOR ENTHUSIASTS WITH A PASSION FOR TURBO POWER

Aircraft-inspired Viggen targets Saab enthusiasts with a strong taste for torque Norcross, GA – Saab made its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show in the spring of 1956. It was there that Saab exhibited its first high performance sports car ”the Sonett Super Sport prototype, a race-bred Saab still revered by Saab enthusiasts today. Since then, Saab has continued to develop limited edition performance legends, cars like the aerodynamic 900 Turbo SPG and 9000 Aero, which combined full-boost turbo engines, sport suspension and modlfcations with an aggressive stance.

Almost exactly 43 years later, Saab unveils an even more exclusive performance-bred Saab at the 1999 New York International Auto Show ”the all-new Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupe. The Viggen name and badge honors the most agile and versatile Saab fighter jet ever developed, the Saab 37 Viggen, renowned for its innovative technology and design. Designed specifically as an advanced multi-purpose aircraft, the Viggen jet was capable of performing diverse duties, such as interceptor, strike, reconnaissance and training duties equally well. Equally versatile, the earth-bound Saab 9-3 Viggen is designed to deliver the unmistakable thrust of Saab turbo performance while retaining traditional Saab character traits, including world-first safety features. Featuring the highest level of performance in a Saab yet, the Saab 9-3 Viggen carries on the tradition of its “hot rod” predecessor’s cars like the 900 Turbo SPG that innovatively blended muscular acceleration with modified suspension and aerodynamic styling refinements. This unmistakable performance character makes the 9-3 Viggen one of the world’s most entertaining front wheel drive automobiles. With 225 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, and impressive torque of 252 Ib.-ft. available at just 2,500 rpm through 4,000 rpm, the driver of a 9-3 Viggen will quickly identify with the level of thrust available to Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter pilots.

Saab’s highly modified and responsive 2.3L four-cylinder engine, controlled by Saab’s own Trionic T7 engine management system, resonates with Saab high output turbo character and provides exceptional overtaking performance. The art and science of turbocharged performance has been raised another notch by Saab. The 9-3 Viggen’s engine is 12% more efficient at producing horsepower per liter of engine displacement than the new 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera. More importantly, the Viggen is a full 44% more eficient at producing lb.-ft. of torque per liter of engine
displacement.

As with the Viggen jet tighter, the new 9-3 Viggen Coupe has the structural technology to support and enable its performance capabilities. To harness the Viggen’s power and direct it properly, a new sports suspension comprised of springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and steering rack mounts has been developed. Transferring the Viggen’s power to the pavement are 17″x7.5″ light alloy wheels with P215/45R17″ low profile Z-speed rated high performance tires. In developing the Viggen jet tighter, one of its key attributes had to be the ability to land and stop in short distances to make use of Sweden’s highway bases if necessary. Stopping ability was equally critical to the development of the 9-3 Viggen. Front ventilated rotors are over three-quarters of an inch larger in diameter and new, larger front calipers with larger pads are employed to haul down the Viggen from any speed. All four rotors have machined grooves for better cooling to ensure repeated fade-free stops in demanding driving conditions.
With the.higher performance capabilities of the 9-3 Viggen Coupe, aerodynamics plays a crucial role as well. Aggressive exterior styling enhancements exclusive to the Viggen reduce aerodynamic drag by 8% (to a 0.31 coeficient of drag), and reduce lift forces over the rear wheels by 60% for superb road holding and high speed stability. Keeping the owner of a Saab 9-3 Viggen well informed and in complete control are new sports seats which provide greater lateral support and driver comfort.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen was developed jointly by Saab Automobile AB’s Special Vehicles Operations team and the Oxfordshire, England-based TNR Group. The TNR Group is owned by Tom Walkinshaw, whose extensive racing background has evolved the company into one of Europe’s
foremost design and engineering houses, specializing in high-performance tuning. The 9-3 Viggen Coupe’s body will continue to be manufactured at Saab’s factory in Trollhattan, Sweden, then shipped in a climate controlled, sealed container to Uusikaupunki, Finland for painting and final assembly at the Valmet Automotive plant. Only a limited number of 2,500 Saab Viggen models will be produced annually for worldwide enjoyment.The Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupe goes on sale in very limited numbers at selected U.S. dealers in May 1999. Model year 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Convertible and 5-door versions arrive in showrooms during the fall of 1999.
# # #
9903:19

1999 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN – DRIVETRAIN

SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN’S POTENT TURBO AND TORQUE COMBINATION MAKES EVERYDAY DRIVING A SPORTING EXPERIENCE

With 252 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, the 9-3 Viggen has all the right moves Norcross, GA ” Saab’s new high output turbocharged 2.3L 9-3 Viggen Coupe is even more fun than a flight simulator, thanks to its impressive turbo and torque combination. Starting with the engine block from the 9-5 series, replacing key internal components and integrating a larger turbocharger, Saab’s engine development team has endowed the Viggen with the ultimate expression of Saab turbo power.

As with all Saabs, company engineers prioritized the engine’s torque output rather than horsepower. Saab’s engine philosophy focuses on the force that gets mass moving, a solution that delivers excellent acceleration and passing performance from an efficient, small displacement powerplant. With 225hp at 5,500 rpm, and impressive torque of 252 Ib.-ft. available from 2,500 rpm all the way through 4,000 rpm, maximum torque is on tap for 30% of the useable power band. This leading mid-range performance makes the new 9-3 Viggen one of the world’s most entertaining front
wheel drive automobiles. More importantly, it provides the pilot of a Viggen power on demand for safe, fast and decisive overtaking to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

To put the Viggen’s power into perspective, consider the following: The 9-3 Viggen’s engine is 12% more efficient at producing horsepower per liter of engine displacement than a 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera. More importantly, the Viggen is a full 44% more efficient at producing Ib.-ft. of torque per liter of engine displacement. To enable the front tires to cope with the amount of torque available, maximum torque is electronically limited in tirst gear to 184 Ib.-ft. and in second gear to 243 lb.-ft.

The incredible power output of the Viggen’s engine is primarily attributable to the larger turbocharger, which produces maximum boost pressure of 1.4 bar, or a full 20 psi, and assisted by less restrictive air intake pipes and a new exhaust system. Saab’s engineers have ensured engine integrity under high boost levels. All Saab turbochargers, the Viggen’s included, have been oil and water-cooled since 1988. Reinforced alloy pistons with strengthened gudgeon pins are utilized. To alleviate any heat concerns for the pistons in such a highly boosted engine, oil cooling jets at the
base of the block, near the crankshaft, spray oil at the underside of each piston for cooling. To ensure that the valves live with the heat, intake valves are sodium hlled and exhaust valves are made out of a special high-tech alloy called Nimonic. Nimonic is an alloy with very high nickel content making it extremely resistant to heat. This material is commonly found in aircraft components that are subjected to high pressure and temperature, such as the exhaust nozzles in jet engines. The Viggen’s highly modified and responsive engine is the first 9-3 to be controlled by Saab’s own Trionic T7 engine management system from the 9-5 series. The brain of Trionic T7 is a 32-bit microprocessor, capable of making two million calculations per second. Trionic is so powerful, it simultaneously controls fuel injection, ignition timing and turbo boost pressure on all 9-3s, as well as the fly ”by-wire electronic throttle on the Viggen and all 9-5s. With the inclusion of electronic throttle control from T7, as the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, it turns the pedal position sensor located in the throttle body. The computer reads this as a request for torque and then directs the throttle motor to turn the throttle plate until its position sensor value corresponds with the requested value. Turbo boost pressure is also increased, if necessary, as greater amounts of torque are requested. The primary advantage of electronic throttle control is that
it overcomes the added inertia that’s present when using a larger turbocharger. It does so by demanding more torque from the engine than the driver has actually requested. Kenth Johansson, one of Saab’s product development engineers, explains: “When accelerating, a driver is actually asking for more air speed, and consequently more torque. However, the larger turbo is still governed by the laws of physics, so there is a delay. We have minimized that delay by controlling the software more precisely and by keeping losses in the turbo wastegate as low as possible. We program the Trionic T7 computer to manipulate the throttle position – opening it further than the driver has requested — so the engine can reach the driver’s requested torque level more quickly. lt’s an electronic slight of hand, but the end result is what matters: torque on demand
for the driver.” — Another advantage of Saab’s new Trionic T7 engine management system is the consistency of turbo efficiency, whether at low or high altitudes. The Viggen’s high output turbo delivers the same maximum 252 lb.-ft. of torque from sea level all the way up to 9,750 feet. A charge air pressure sensor sends information to the Trionic computer indicating the pressure level in front of the throttle.Denser air requires a smaller throttle angle, so this is adjusted automatically to the ambient conditions, achieving maximum torque as quickly as possible.

The tremendous power and torque available from the Viggen engine is transferred to the pavement via an upgraded clutch assembly, larger diameter — stronger driveshafts and strengthened CV joints. The earth-bound Saab 9-3 Viggen, like its jet fighter namesake, is designed to deliver the unmistakable thrust of Saab turbo performance while retaining traditional Saab character traits.
# # #
9903:17

1999 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN – CHASSIS

WITH UPGRADED SUSPENSION, TIRES AND BRAKES, THE 9-3 VIGGEN SPORTS THE AGILITY OF ITS JET FIGHTER NAMESAKE

Chassis enhancements give 9-3 Viggen both sports performance and touring composure Norcross, GA – Underneath the exclusive Lightening Blue aerodynamic shape, the new Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupe is endowed with both the soul and the systems to maximize its performance capabilities. To harness all of the Viggen’s substantial power and direct it properly, an exclusive new Saab sports suspension comprised of springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and steering rack mounts has been developed.

Working with engineers from Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), Saab’s Special VehicleOperations (SVO) group optimized the suspension elements to provide crisp handling and maximum grip while maintaining ride compliance for comfortable long drives. Ride comfort was achieved by shortening the springs at all four corners by only 10mm, maintaining a good amount of suspension travel with the 17″ wheels and tires. Visually, the Viggen’s stance is substantially lower, courtesy of the exclusive Viggen aerodynamic package, while ride height is maintained with 10mm taller wheels
and tires. The larger diameter wheel and tire package fills the wheel arches more fully, enhancing the lower, more aggressive stance of the Viggen.
To coordinate the balance of the suspension with the improved aerodynamic balance of the body, the rear springs were stiffened over 25% while the front springs were stiffened only 5%. These spring rates, along with the recalibrated valving of the dampers, reduce the initial body roll on turn in, while still allowing a high level of ride comfort at speed. Optimizing the anti-roll bars with the rest of the suspension, the rear bar is left unchanged at 26mm diameter while the front bar diameter was reduced 2mm, to 24mm, to improve traction while accelerating out of corners. Transferring the 9-3 Viggen’s prodigious power to the pavement are 17″x7.5″ light alloy wheels with 215/45 x 17″ low profile Z-speed rated high performance tires. The Dunlop SP Sport 2000 tires were developed in conjunction with Dunlop to match the suspension tuning of the 9-3 Viggen. “We’re very pleased with the resuIts,” says Sven Wernstahl, Saab chassis engineer for the 9-3 Viggen. “The sidewalls are soft enough to provide the ride comfort we were looking for, and the tire compound generates the traction necessary to match the Viggen’s sharpened handling characteristics.” ln developing the Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter, one of its key attributes had to be the ability to land and stop in short distances to make use of Sweden’s highway bases if necessary. Stopping ability was equally critical to the development of the 9-3 Viggen. The larger 17″ wheels enabled Saab to utilize larger brakes and provide deceleration capabilities to match the Viggen’s performance potential. The new front ventilated brake rotors are over three-quarters of an inch larger in diameter (12.13″ versus 11.34″ on the standard 9-3s), and matched with larger calipers housing new brake pads of increased surface area. Coordinating the balance of front/rear braking potential with the suspension tuning and aerodynamic package, rear rotors and calipers are the same size as the standard 9-3 models. All four rotors incorporate the use of grooves machined into the rotor surfaces to improve initial “bite” and provide better cooling for repeated fade-free stops in demanding driving
situations.

The Viggen also incorporates the use of a larger brake master cylinder with a twin diaphragm brake booster to provide confidence inspiring brake pedal feel. As with all Saabs, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and a four channel Anti-lock Braking system are incorporated as well. Stiffer
steering rack mount bushings were developed and incorporated to give the pilot of the 9-3 Viggen more precise and direct steering feel.
# # #
9903:18

1999 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN – EXTERIOR DESIGN

EXCEPTIONAL AERODYNAMICS, ANOTHER LINK BETWEENSAAB 9-3 VIGGEN AND ITS JET FIGHTER NAMESAKE

Form follows function in development of aerodynamic enhancements for new Viggen Norcross, GA ” Nowhere is the connection between the Saab 9-3 Viggen and its namesake, the Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter stronger than in their exceptional aerodynamics. At Saab, form hasalways followed function, and that philosophy is again apparent in the aerodynamic elements of the 9-3 Viggen. Saab’s chief designer, Einar Hareide doesn’t compromise this design tradition. He believes that good aerodynamics should be an inherent part of all Saabs, and that “any additions to
the aerodynamics should have a purpose, rather than simply being cosmetic.” The 9-3 Viggen’s aggressive front spoiler, rocker panel extensions, rear bumper cover and rear wing aren’t just stylish â” they serve a purpose. Fully integrated into the already sleek shape of the Saab 9-3, these elements give the Viggen dramatically improved aerodynamic properties. The Viggen’s coefficient of drag (Cd) has been decreased a full 8% to 0.31 Cd, and Saab’s chief aerodynamic engineer, Hakan Danielsson, has also reduced lift forces at the rear wheels by 60%. Instrumental in decreasing the Viggen’s drag to 0.31 Cd is the deep front spoiler and pronounced rocker panel extensions. The front spoiler pushes more of the airflow at the front of the Viggen over the surface of the body rather than allowing it underneath. The integrated rocker panels contain and channel what airflow there is under the body rather than allow it to dissipate from the sides. When the limited and directed underbody airflow exits at the rear it properly integrates into the airflow off the rear wing. Working together to reduce drag these elements not only improve the Viggen’s stability at speed, but also reduce both wind noise and fuel consumption.

However, the advantages of utilizing such an aggressive front spoiler do present another challenge. Increased airflow over the car adds to the lift forces at the rear of the car, which can have a destabilizing effect under heavy braking from high speeds. To counter this possibility, the rear wing
was designed to dramatically reduce lift forces at the rear and regain the front/rear balance of the car.

To optimize the overall aerodynamic package, and particularly the rear wing, Saab designers spent many hours in wind tunnels with 1:5 and 1:3 scale models before testing with full-scale Viggens. Six full-scale tests were carried out at the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) facility in Nuneaton, England, before final verification was completed at the Research Institute for Automotive Technology (FKFS) facility in Stuttgart, Germany. “We used FKFS as our reference tunne|,” says Danielsson, “because it is state-of-the-art and highly accurate. FKFS also gave us the ability to perform tests up to 155 mph whereas MIRA is limited to 80 mph. Obviously, with a high performance car like the 9-3 Viggen, everything must be tested at high speed â” but the FKFS tests simply conhrmed the MIRA tests were very good.” The end result was a 60% reduction in lift forces from the standard 9-3′s coefficient of lift (CI) of 0.15 to an amazingly low 0.06 Cl for the Viggen. The Saab 37 Viggen’s delta wing design provides the lift and agility necessary to enable this multi-purpose jet tighter to perform its airborne duties. In contrast, the inverted rear wing designed for the 9-3 Viggen, with greater surface area on top than on the underside, keeps the earthbound Viggen firmly planted on the ground by creating an area of low pressure beneath the wing. This brings back the desired front/rear balance, providing greater high speed stability and a more linear response to hard braking, preventing the 9-3 Viggen from “nose diving” during high speed deceleration. Balance is the key, not only for Saab 37 Viggen jet Fighter pilots, but also for pilots of the new, low flying Saab 9-3 Viggen automobile.
# # #
9903:15

1999 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN’S INTERIOR DESIGN

AIRCRAFT-INSPIRED SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN COCKPIT PROVIDES SUPERIOR DRIVER CONTROL

9-3 Viggen drivers in control with superb ergonomics and supportive sport seats Norcross, GA – Like the cockpit of a Saab 37 Viggen jet tighter, the interior of the Saab 9-3

Viggen is designed to provide superior driver ergonomics. The driver’s seat is positioned in the Viggen’s cockpit to enable full control of all functions. The Viggen exclusive light-gray dashboard fascia is slightly curved around the driver with all controls and buttons logically grouped in order of importance. All components and switches are black so they stand out from the light gray panel and are easier to tind at a glance. Interior door handles are chrome so they can easily be located in the dark. The 9-3 Viggen is also equipped with Saab’s Night Panel system, another direct influence of aircraft ergonomics. Night Panel enables the driver to turn off potentially distracting lights and instruments with a single switch, improving visibility. Information is then displayed on a need-to-know basis.

Starting with the Viggen’s exclusive stainless steel doorsill plates with Viggen logo, every element of the car’s interior is representative of its high performance character. The sport seats, unique to the Viggen, feature a raised and extended center bottom cushion for excellent thigh support and pronounced seat side bolsters for lateral support during spirited driving. “l’m particularly impressed with the seats,” says Jan Vidarsson, Saab’s engineer responsible for the Viggen’s interior. “I really feel our engineering partner ” Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) ” was able to utilize their extensive racing experience in the creation of these very supportive seats. What’s even more beneficial to the Viggen buyer,” adds Vidarsson, “is that the seats retain the use of the existing 9-3 seat frames. By doing so we have been able to incorporate the existing Saab safety features into the seats ” such as the head and chest protecting dual-stage side airbags and the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system.”

Viggen-exclusive leather treatments complete the sporty environment of the cockpit. All 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggens have Rocky Black leather seat upholstery with textured Deep Blue leather inserts to match the unique Lightening Blue exterior paint. The upper portion of the seatbacks, front and rear, feature embossed Viggen delta-wing emblems representative of the delta-wing shape found on the Saab37 Viggen jet Hghter plane. The textured Deep Blue leather trim carries over to the door panel inserts as well, and a Viggen specific leather covered sport steering wheel, leather shift knob and shift lever gaiter complete the interior package.
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Photo Credits: Saab Automobile AB

The original idea of the Saab 9-3 Viggen was conceived in October 1994 by Saab Automobile AB’s Special Vehicles Operations (SVO) team led by a Peter Leonard and the Oxfordshire, England-based TWR Group.

At the time, the TWR Group was owned by an individual by the name of Tom Walkinshaw. Walkinshaw, who had a long racing background which has evolved the company into one of Europe’s foremost design and engineering houses, specializing in high-performance tuning.

It was apparently understood that the performance and tuning of the project came from the TWR group and the design and styling from Saab Automobile’s SVO team.

Once the project scope was ready, both the SVO and TWR teams started to engineer a high performance variation of a Saab 900 model in late 1995, which had its global debut at the 1996 Geneva Auto Show, then its North American debut alongside a blue convertible concept variation at the New York Auto Show.

These two models were shown in the February 1996 issue of Saab Magazine, and as a result of the world debuts of both concept vehicles, the feedback was extremely positive with both SVO concept cars.

The Saab 900 Concept Coupe featured a high-output turbocharged engine, heavily modified performance chassis, new aerodynamic ground effects, front and rear spoilers, a large wing, 17-inch light alloy three spoke wheels. The drivetrain had a maximum of 250 horsepower with 257 ft.-lbs of torque.

The exclusive paint job was as stunning on the exterior as it was on the interior, with special designed leather upholstery, matching door trim, leather covered steering wheel and gear shifter.

The go ahead began on a limited basis for production in the third quarter of 1997, as 1998 model year Saab 9-3s at the Valmet plant in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

Nearly two years continued designing and engineering, and testing 900 Concept Coupe prototypes by the newly created SVO team from 1997 until 1999.

By 1999, the the 900 Concept Coupe was designated at as Saab 9-3 “Viggen”. Viggen means The Thunderbolt in Swedish, derived from the Norse god Thor’s warhammer Mjölner. The first model year MY1999 for the Saab Viggen and its body continued to be manufactured at Saab’s factory in Trollhattan, Sweden, then shipped in a climate controlled, sealed container to Uusikaupunki, Finland for painting and final assembly at the Valmet Automotive plant. The painting of the first two years of the Saab 9-3 Viggen, were appropriately colored in “lightening blue”, paying homage to the significance of the “thunderbolt” name.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupe went on sale in very limited number of Saab dealerships in May of 1999. Model year 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen Convertible and 5-door versions arrived in showrooms during the fall of the same year. Only a limited number of 2,500 Saab 9-3 Viggen models were initially produced annually for a global market.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen model continued until model year 2002, when it ended due to the production of the 9-3 hatchback body style ending.

The Saab 900 Concept Coupe was the prototype for the Saab 9-3 Viggen as we know it back in 1995, a full four years prior to the public seeing it at auto shows and also available in dealerships around the world.

The Viggen has to be without question the best example of a spiritual successor to one of SAAB’s aircraft, the SAAB JA-37 Viggen, given that it was in name and theory 100% “born from jets”.

Source: Saab Automobile AB Press Kit, Valmet Automotive and Abbott Racing

Photo Credit: Saab History

The New York Times has finally reviewed the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X, Saab Automobile’s limited production (2,000 globally) high performance halo vehicle for XWD ‘Cross-Wheel Drive’ titled “Off the Bench and Back in the Game”

Here is an excerpt from their review:

The Turbo X is the first true Saab (that is, not a Chevy or a Subaru wearing Swedish badges) with all-wheel drive, which Saab calls XWD— pronounced “cross-wheel drive”—

To read the entire review, click on this link.

As a follow-up to the previous writeup on the past and present Saab designers and their achievements, it was necessary to include a chronological up-to-date listing of Saab projects both production and concepts.

This listing includes each Saab project, year introduced along with each designer and/or engineer that contributed to the given project.

This list is a work-in-progress, so any additions and/or modifications that you see necessary below, please add your comments to ensure correctness and accuracy.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

Design Contributions by Model

SAAB Scandia 90 (1946-1958)

Bror Bjurströmer

SAAB 91 (1947-1966)

A.J. Andersson

SAAB 92001 (Prototype) (1946/1947)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

SAAB 92 (1948-1956)

Sixten Sason

Gunnar Ljungström

SAAB 93 (1956-1959)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 94 (1956)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 95 (1959-1978)

Sixten Sason

SAAB 96 (1960-1980)

Sixten Sason

SAAB-SCANIA 97 (SonettII/V4 1966-1969) (SonettIII 1970-1974)

Björn Karlström

Sergio Coggiola

Gunnar A. Sjögren

SAAB-SCANIA 98 (Prototype, Cancelled) (1974)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA 99 (1969-1984)

Sixten Sason

Björn Envall

Saab 90 (1984-1987)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA 900 (1979-1993/94)

Björn Envall

SAAB-SCANIA EV-1 (1985)

Björn Envall

Saab 900 (NG) (1994-1998)

Björn Envall

Einar Hareide

SAAB-SCANIA 9000 (1985-1998)

Björn Envall

Giorgetto Giugiaro

Saab 9-1 (Speculative Design)

Saab 9-3 (1999-2002)

Einar Hareide

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan (2003- )

Einar Hareide

Saab 9-3 Hybrid BioPower Convertible (2006 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-5 (1999- )

Einar Hareide (1999-2001)

Tony Catignani (1999-2001)

Magnus Jonsson (1999-2001)

Simon Padian (2002- )

Tomas Ostlund (2006 – )

Saab 9-5 BioPower E85 (2005 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-5 BioPower E100 (2007 – )

Kjell ac Bergström

Saab 9-X (2001)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Ola Granlund

Simon Padian

Saab 9-X BioHybrid (2008)

Anthony Lo

Andrew Dyson

Bryan Nesbitt

Saab 9-2X (2005-2006)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Ola Granlund

Per Jansson

Bengt Persson

Kjell-Ake Eriksson

Saab 9-3X (2002)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Simon Padian

Saab 9-3 SportHatch (2003)

Michael Mauer

Anthony Lo

Simon Padian

Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept (2008)

Anthony Lo

Andrew Dyson

Bryan Nesbitt

Kaj Zackrisson (Skier)

Saab 9-6X (Cancelled)

Saab 9-7X (2005-2009)

Per Janssan

Aero-X(2006)

Anthony Lo

Alex Daniel

Erik Rokke

Simon Padian

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile Germany

As a follow-up to the Saab Friction Testers that were deployed at the Munich airport recently, it looks like Saab Automobile Germany is now really covering their “Born From Jets” roots hard with distinct advertising in the airport terminals of the Hamburg, Frankfurt and München international airports.

For those native German speakers, please click here for the full press release:

Von der Startbahn ins Terminal

Seit Jahren sorgt Saab mit Friction-Cars auf den Rollfeldern internationaler Flughäfen für die Sicherheit. Nun ist der Automobilhersteller auch in den Terminals präsent – mit großflächigen Motiven und Markenbotschaften an den Knotenpunkten der Abfertigungshallen.

Wer heute per Flugzeug eine Reise antritt, den überrascht es nicht, dass auch Saab auf die eine oder andere Weise stets „mit von der Partie“ ist. So garantieren auf vielen nationalen wie internationalen Flughäfen so genannte Friction-Tester der schwedischen Premiummarke die Sicherheit auf den Rollbahnen.

Während die Einsatzfahrzeuge für die Fluggäste weitgehend unbemerkt ihren täglichen Dienst verrichten, steigert Saab nun auch die optische Präsenz auf den Flughäfen. In den Terminals von Hamburg, Frankfurt und München begleiten im März über einen Zeitraum von vier Wochen großflächige Saab Motive und Botschaften die Passagiere auf dem Weg zum Gate oder in den Lounge-Bereich.

„Genau hier treffen wir unsere Zielgruppe“, weiß Bruno Klein, Direktor Marketing Saab Deutschland. „Insofern stellt der Flughafen die optimale Plattform dar, die Aufmerksamkeit für unsere Produkte zu steigern und dabei zugleich die Kerneigenschaften von Saab – die ‚DNA’ der Marke – hervorzuheben.“ Dabei setzen die Verantwortlichen besonders auf die Verbindung von individuellem, skandinavischem Design unter dem Motto „Wenn Sie sich abheben wollen, entscheiden Sie sich für eine klare Linie.“, Funktionalität und fortschrittlicher Technik – ideal in dem hochtechnisierten Airport-Umfeld. Für die kreative Umsetzung der Aktion ist die ConTeam:Gruppe mit Sitz in Mainz verantwortlich.

Damit kehren die Schweden einmal mehr zu ihren Wurzeln zurück und unterstreichen die besondere Beziehung zur Aeronautik. So schlägt sich das Luftfahrterbe der Marke bis heute nicht nur sicht- und spürbar in den Saab Modellen, sondern nun auch verstärkt am ursprünglichen Herkunftsort des Unternehmens nieder.

Saab Automobile France showcases their new Lynx Yellow Saab 9-3 BioPower Convertible at the French Agriculture show. Please read about this below for those able to read French.

Le superéthanol, une solution disponible immédiatement

Saab, leader européen des constructeurs de véhicules au superéthanol, sera présent au Salon de l’Agriculture 2008. Plus que jamais, pour le constructeur suédois, la performance responsable passe par le superéthanol. Saab propose aujourd’hui toute sa gamme avec des motorisations BioPower fonctionnant à l’E85 (85% d’éthanol, 15% essence), en attendant d’autres futurs modèles. Un carburant en accord avec la nature, et avec le monde agricole pour lequel il offre de nouveaux débouchés.

Saab est parfaitement à sa place au Salon International de l’Agriculture (qui se tient du samedi 23 février au dimanche 2 mars 2008). Il y exposera dans le hall 2-2 la nouvelle Saab 9-3 Cabriolet série spéciale, lancée en décembre 2007, équipée d’une motorisation BioPower et parée d’une superbe robe Jaune Lynx, clin d’œil au passé des prestigieuses Saab Cabriolet Monte Carlo.

Cette année, le Salon de l’Agriculture met un accent particulier sur la production et l’emploi de matières renouvelables, une vocation nouvelle pour le monde agricole. C’est un avenir vert auquel croit le groupe GM, et la marque Saab qui lui appartient : GM a ainsi annoncé lors du dernier Salon de Détroit avoir noué un partenariat avec Coskata, une jeune société qui a trouvé un procédé pour produire un éthanol de deuxième génération à partir de toute sorte de déchets agricoles à un coût de moins de vingt centimes d’euro le litre. Le superéthanol a l’avenir devant lui, et un avenir vert.
Saab pense que ce carburant permet de concilier dès à présent mobilité automobile, le plaisir de conduire et le respect de l’environnement.

Si Saab mise autant sur le superéthanol, c’est qu’il correspond parfaitement aux valeurs défendues par le constructeur suédois. Le respect de la nature, par exemple, explique pourquoi Saab contribue à préserver l’environnement avec des innovations telles que la Saab BioPower. Cette motorisation, déclinée aujourd’hui sur l’ensemble de la gamme, associe deux technologies que Saab maitrise parfaitement : la suralimentation et l’indispensable gestion électronique capable de piloter l’allumage. Saab monte des turbo depuis 30 ans, un anniversaire qu’il a célébré en même temps que celui de ses 60 ans de constructeur automobile.

Les nouveautés toutes BioPower

Les valeurs défendues par Saab n’ont jamais été autant en phase avec les attentes des consommateurs qu’aujourd’hui. Pour faire face à cette demande, Saab a décidé d’entreprendre une vaste offensive produit qui débouche dès aujourd’hui sur des nouveautés : la nouvelle Saab 9-3 avec transmission intelligente XWD et nouvelles motorisations BioPower et TTiD lancées à l’été 2007, Saab Turbo X présentée au Salon de Francfort en septembre 2007 et tout dernièrement, Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept préfigurant un futur SUV au Salon de Détroit. Toutes les nouveautés à venir de la marque seront de véritables Saab à part entière, puisque le Centre Saab de Suède garantit l’identité Saab dans tous les aspects du produit et de la conduite. Et elles proposeront toutes des motorisations BioPower, associant turbo et superéthanol.

Grâce à la suralimentation, le BioPower peut libérer tout le potentiel du carburant éthanol (dont l’indice d’octane est de 105 RON, plus élevé que celui de l’essence) pour délivrer plus de chevaux, tout en réduisant notablement les émissions de CO2 fossile quand il fonctionne au superéthanol E85 (85% superéthanol/15% essence). C’est cette technologie qui a permis à Saab de se hisser en Europe au premier rang du marché émergeant des véhicules à carburants multiples ou flex-fuel.

La technologie Saab BioPower est novatrice et unique, car c’est aujourd’hui la seule motorisation qui tire plus de puissance avec le superéthanol qu’avec l’essence, et ceci grâce à une suralimentation judicieusement gérée : les Saab diffusées aujourd’hui affichent ainsi un gain de 25 à 30 ch de plus en fonctionnant à l’E85 par rapport à l’essence. Le dernier prototype de crossover exposé à lors du Salon Automobile de Détroit, le Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, gagne même 55 ch avec l’E85. Son moteur 2 litres délivre 300 ch en fonctionnant à l’E85.

Une solution immédiate et performante

Pour Saab, le superéthanol offre une solution immédiate à un problème urgent : le réchauffement de la planète. Le superéthanol permet de réduire jusqu’à 70% les émissions de CO2, et surtout, c’est une solution qui est disponible dès à présent.

Le superéthanol est un carburant renouvelable issu de la biomasse. En roulant au biocarburant on utilise du CO2 recyclé, puisqu’il s’agit de CO2 absorbé par la pousse des récoltes et de la biomasse. Indiscutablement, ce carburant est donc salutaire pour l’environnement, comparé à la combustion de carburant fossile. Ce dernier rajoute du CO2 dans l’atmosphère, un CO2 qui autrement serait resté dans les profondeurs de la terre sous forme de pétrole.

Selon les études, la majorité du superéthanol produit aujourd’hui a un net effet positif sur le CO2 (du puits à la roue). Ainsi l’étude indépendante du puits à la roue CONCAWE/EUCAR/CCR (étudiant un vaste éventail de carburants et de méthodes de production) montre que le superéthanol produit à partir de betterave et de blé a nettement moins d’impact sur le réchauffement climatique que les carburants traditionnels (essence ou gazole). Chaque citoyen comme chaque gouvernement peut apporter une contribution importante avec une technologie d’aujourd’hui.

Le révolutionnaire procédé Coskata

Mais arrive déjà le superéthanol de deuxième génération. L’accord de GM avec Coskata va permettre d’aller beaucoup plus loin encore dans le domaine de l’efficacité : selon le laboratoire d’analyses Argonne, qui a étudié le procédé Coskata, pour chaque unité d’énergie utilisée, il peut arriver à produire jusqu’à 7,7 fois cette quantité d’énergie. De plus, il réduit les émissions de CO2 de 84% par rapport à l’essence. Le procédé Coskata utilise moins d’un litre d’eau pour faire un litre d’éthanol, alors qu’il en faut trois ou plus avec d’autres procédés. Une usine pilote utilisant ce procédé va commencer une production industrielle au premier trimestre 2008. Le carburant sera d’abord testé par GM pour valider cette production à partir de n’importe quelle biomasse.

GM est le premier producteur automobile de véhicules et d’utilitaires roulant àl’E85 : il produit chaque année plus d’un million de véhicules flex-fuel, et 3,5 millions sont déjà sur les routes. « Nous sommes très enthousiastes sur la portée de ce système révolutionnaire pour la viabilité des biocarburants. Et de manière encore plus importante, pour la réduction de la dépendance au pétrole qu’il apporte, » a souligné Rick Wagoner, PDG de GM, lors de l’annonce du partenariat avec Coskata.

Des questions qui dérangent… et les réponses de Saab

La production du superéthanol n’exige-telle pas plus d’énergie qu’elle n’en produit ?
D’abord, il faut savoir que l’essence a un bilan énergétique négatif net de 0,87, ce qui signifie qu’elle utilise 13% de plus d’’énergie qu’elle n’en délivre. Au contraire pour l’éthanol, une étude récente réalisée par l’université suédoise de Lund confirme que pour l’Europe (comme aux USA et au Brésil) le bilan énergétique est pratiquement toujours positif pour le superéthanol quel que soit le type primaire de source et d’énergie utilisés pour la production. En fait, 43 études internationales sur 50 vont dans le même sens. En France, les nouveaux sites de production permettent de dégager 3 unités d’énergie, pour 1 utilisée.

Le superéthanol vient du Brésil, et son importation utilise beaucoup de CO2. Peut-il être produit économiquement en Europe ?
La majorité des pays européens (dont la France) peuvent suppléer et développer leur énergie en utilisant la biomasse domestique. Ce qu’il faut, c’est une politique énergétique prenant en compte la diversification des énergies et encourageant le développement et la distribution des biocarburants. Avec les ressources de biomasse réellement disponibles en Europe, les biocarburants liquides modernes pourraient remplacer plus de 10% des carburants fossiles et économiser 60-110 millions de tonnes de gaz à effet de serre.

Est-ce que la production de superéthanol ne va pas augmenter le prix des denrées alimentaires ?
Il ne s’agit pas de préférer le carburant à la nourriture, mais d’utiliser au mieux les ressources. Des facteurs comme la météo, la demande et les politiques agricoles et leurs subventions ont une influence bien plus grande. Exemple : on a accusé la production d’éthanol des USA de faire monter le prix du lait. Les enquêtes menées par plusieurs organismes indépendants aux Etats-Unis, tels que par exemple l’USDA ont au contraire démontré que la hausse du prix du lait était la conséquence de la politique laitière en Europe, d’une longue période de sécheresse en Australie, de l’augmentation de la demande de lait en poudre en Asie et de l’évolution rapide de la consommation de fromage aux Etats-Unis. La hausse des prix de maïs au Mexique était le résultat de la spéculation et des tarifs élevés sur le maïs dans la production d’éthanol du Mexique plutôt que des USA.

Les prix de l’énergie ont un impact beaucoup plus important sur le prix des denrées alimentaires que sur le prix des récoltes utilisées pour l’éthanol. Une demande prévisible et adaptée d’éthanol peut avoir un impact stabilisant sur les prix, en adoucissant les pics d’augmentation de l’essence produite à partir de pétrole.

Image Credit: Saab History

As a follow-up to the posting I made back in November of 2006 on the logo history, it is about time that I compliment this information with the following on the correct capitalization and nomenclature of the models of the Saab Automobile brand. I hope this sheds some more light in our dialog about Saabs, SAABs and all of the great products that have been developed over the years.

I have provided a fairly well written piece already done on Wikipedia that I would like to articulate if I may regarding the correct capitalization and model nomenclature as a guide.

It is my hope that as a result of this posting, others will be able to better articulate their writing and speaking when referring to all of Saab’s products from 1947 until present. I also think that this posting will help to end search criteria that is typically entered in Google as follows: (SAAB 93 XWD, SAAB 92 ABS, Saab 94 Ski Rack, 2001 SAAB 95, 1999 93, etc.) If this search criteria was taken literally, as it should as google can only do just that, we would have had Cross Wheel Drive available in the late 1950′s, ABS in the late forties, and two long production runs for the SAAB Ninety Five and Ninety Three. Let’s hope that this clarifies this naming and model nomenclature once and for all.

1947-1969 (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 1947 and 1969, it is proper to use SAAB in all capital letters to refer to these vehicles.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and pronounced as 92 (Pronounced: Ninety Two), 92 (Pronounced: Ninety Three), 94 (Pronounced: Ninety Four), 95 (Pronounced: Ninety Five), 96 (Pronounced: Ninety Six), 97 (Pronounced: Ninety Seven)

1970-2000 (Saab-Scania)

* Note: Although the merger took place in 1990, the original products continued. (excluding NG900, 9-3 & 9-5)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 1970 and 1990, it is proper & acceptable to refer to them as Saabs in lower case letters or Saab-Scania vehicles, also in lower case letters.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and produced as 97 (Pronounced: Ninety Seven), 98 (Pronounced: Ninety Eight), 99 (Pronounced: Ninety Nine), 90 (Pronounced: Ninety), 900 (Pronounced: Nine Hundred), 9000 (Pronounced: Nine Thousand), 9-5 (Pronounced: Nine Five), NG900 (Pronounced: New Generation 900), 9-3 (Pronounced: Nine Three).

2001 – Present (Saab Automobile / General Motors)

The Company: When referring to the company in both written and oral communication where the products were produced between 2001 and the Present, it is proper & acceptable to refer to them as Saab in lower case letters and/or Saab Automobile / GM vehicles.

The Models: When referring to vehicles model nomenclature in both written and oral communication that were produced during this time, they are written and produced as 9-X (Pronounced: Nine X), 9-2x (Pronounced: Nine Two X), 9-3x (Pronounced: Nine Three X), 9-3 (Pronounced: Nine Three), 9-4x (Pronounced: Nine Four X), 9-5 (Pronounced: Nine Five), 9-7x (Pronounced: Nine Seven X)

I leave you with a brief summary from Saab Automobile’s entry from Wikipedia.

Saab / SAAB Correct Capitalization and Model Nomenclature:

While Saab is in fact an acronym, and, as with many other manufacturers, the word “SAAB” appears in all-capitals within the corporate emblem and in on-vehicle badging, the current correct capitalization of Saab when in print is “Saab,” and not “SAAB.”[citation needed] Other manufacturers such as Volvo, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, and Chevrolet employ the use of all-capitalized vehicle badging, but they are still considered proper names and capitalized as such when written. Likewise, Saab is treated as a proper name and not an acronym, despite its origins..”[citation needed]

Furthermore, all current Saab vehicles are badged with a large 9 and a smaller 3, 5, or 7x following the 9, such as “9³”. However, the digits are considered separate, and are spoken as, for example, “nine three,” and written as “9-3.” Nearly every Saab model ever produced has begun with the number 9 (Saab 600 being an exception), and Saab’s two models became 9-3 and 9-5 in the late 1990s, which was likely a marketing attempt at positioning the vehicles as direct competitors to the BMW 3-series and 5-series, respectively.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_Automobile

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile

Forbes Auto has recently written an outstanding review on the 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible titled “Fair and Foul-Weather Friend” that illustrates the capabilities that we have come to expect from Saab Automobile.

This is a great read, so please check it out here.

“The convertible comes with a particularly well-finished fabric top that provides ample protection from the elements, as you might expect from a country that endures severe winters.”
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This statement is true and reminds me of a great television ad done by the former advertising agency, Angotti, Thomas & Hedge Advertising agency that depicted a 1994 Saab Commemorative edition 900 convertible illustrating that the convertible has always been designed as a well-equipped “all season car”.

This film, completed in 2002, focuses on turbocharging in a natural backdrop similiar to the previous film on safety.

The first of the two promotional videos done in 2002 features the Saab 9-3 titled “Safety”. This film highlights areas such as “Controlled deformation, controlled Braking to other important areas in safety design”.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile USA

This summer, Saab Automobile USA has been running their “Saab Summer Challenge” test-drive promotional sales campaign. As part of this campaign as I have shown recently, there have been a number of Saab Summer Challenge television advertisements that focus on comparisons to other automobile brands.

Here is another Saab Summer challenge advertisement that features the 2007 Saab 9-3 Convertible that has recently received Top Crash Test Honors by the IIHS in June.

For a video of this crash test by the IIHS, please take a look here at the crash test footage donated by the IIHS directly to Saab History.

Enjoy the advertisement below. For the remaining films, please take a look at them directly in the Saab Video archive that has recently hit 318 total videos for you to enjoy.

Photo Credit: Per Eklund Racing

Per Eklund, a legendary Saab rally driver and native to Sweden, continues to expand on his long history of rally driving behind the wheel of the SAAB 96 V4 in the early days to a Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan today.

I have included a well written bibliography of Per Eklunds rally history referenced from his website as well as a historical rally history timeline that will act as an evolving work in progress as Per Eklund’s history continues to be written.

Per Eklund
How it all started.

Per Eklund began competing in local rally tournaments three weeks after his 18th birthday for it was only then when he could get a drivers license. Before his eighteenth birthday he rode as a co-driver/navigator for his father Torsten and his brother Lars. Those first years Per competed in cars that he found and could afford. His very first competition car was a Volvo PV 544, it was his fathers driving school car.

The first car which he owned himself was a used 1955 Volkswagen. His second car was a Saab 93 with a two stroke motor. In 1967 he bought a new Saab V4, with which he competed in the district Championship in rally. Up until 1968 Per belonged to a small but promising group of young drivers who got to purchase race cars direct from the Saab factory in Trollhättan. He won his first big race in a Saab 96 V4, during the 1969 season (Norska Vinterrallyt).

The year following he received additional support from Saab and was included in the Saab Factory team until 1979. Among Per’s victories during these years some of the greater placements were first place in the World Championships race in the Swedish Rally (Svenska Rallyt) in 1976, another two wins in Norway (Vinterrallyt 1971 and Firestone 1972) as well as victories in the Dutch Texaco Rally 1972. During his days with Saab Per Eklund also made some good placements in the World Championships races in Finland (Tusen Sjöars Rally), Austrian Alp rally and Great Britain RAC-rally.

At the same time that he drove Rally Per also began to drive Rallycross on both national and international levels. His Rallycross career thus began even as the sport was introduced in 1971. Per had already tried Rallycross in 1969 in a Dutch competition where he drove a specially tuned Saab (this car had belonged to Pat Moss-Erik Carlsson). Per also won the very first Swedish Rallycross tournament 1971 in Hedemora.

He and his teammate Stig Blomqvist were during the following year a main attraction in the Dutch TV-broadcasted Championships as well as in the European Championships in Rallycross. When Saab stopped their participation in the World Championships in rally, Per Eklund was immediately offered a place on many of Europe’s rally teams. His first assignment was to develop and compete in a Fiat Ritmo for the Italian carproducer. Per had similar assignments with Volkswagen, which launched Golf GTI at that time. British Triumph as well as Japanese Datsun/Nissan and Toyota also became one of Per’s employers during the 1970′s and 1980′s.

Source: Per Eklund Racing

I also dropped a nice invite to Saabhistory.com so that they could take a look at their well built 9-3 Viggen Convertible on our website here.

Enjoy the photo, and I suspect more will come as the Washington, D.C. area is really becoming a hot bed for Saab owners and enthusiasts.

Photo Credit: Saab History.com

Photo Credit: Saab History

12/2000

For Immediate Release:

World’s Top Drivers to Compete in Saab Cars in 2000 Michelin Race of Champions

Some of the world’s top rally and road racing drivers and motorcycle racers will be competing head-to-head in modified Saab 9-3 race cars in the

Michelin Race of Champions, held December 8-10 in Spain’s Canary Islands.

Norcross, Ga. – Saab is competing in one of the world’s most spectacular races with two, 600-horsepower Garrett turbocharged all-wheel-drive Saab 9-3 rallycross cars. The cars, provided by Swedish rallycross racer Per Eklund, will be used for head-to-head competition in the Michelin Race of Champions on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain December 8-10, 2000. Racing in the competition are some of the world’s top drivers like four-time World Rally Champion Tommi Makinen, F1 racer JJ Lehto, and former Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan. Last year’s racing was so intense that it was broadcast worldwide on 231 channels in 171 countries.

The Nations Cup event consists of eight national teams comprised of one rally driver, one race driver, and one motorcycle racer. The Finnish line-up of Makinen, Lehto, and Kari Tiainen won the 1999 event, and all three will return this year to defend their title. Newcomers include a U.S. team led by former Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan, who will be joined by 2000 Superbike Champion Colin Edwards and Baja specialist “Lightning” Larry Ragland. Each team’s rally driver will go head-to-head with the opposing rally driver, race driver against race driver, and biker against biker.

Eklund, who claimed the 2000 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Open Class title earlier this year in a modified Saab 9-3 Viggen, has also been invited to compete in the event’s Legends Class against former rally champions including Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola and Timo Salonen. Eklund finished second in this year’s European Rallycross Championship and won the Swedish Rallycross Championship.

The modified Saab 9-3 rallycross cars are turbocharged by Garrett, a leading global manufacturer of turbochargers for passenger cars, light trucks, and commercial vehicles, with worldwide headquarters in Torrance, California, and European Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Known for its active involvement in auto racing worldwide, Garrett is proud to co-sponsor Saab and Per Eklund in this high-powered racing event.

The Saab cars will be driven throughout the weekend, including in the event finals. For more information about the race, see www.raceofchampions.com. For information on Per Eklund, see www.eklund.eds.com.

Technical specification of Eklund’s all-wheel drive Saab 9-3 rallycross cars:

Engine Longitudinally mounted, four-cylinder, 16-valve with twin overhead
camshafts, Garrett turbocharger with 45 mm restrictor (to meet the
competition rules), and intercooler. Displacement: 2.0 liters.
Bore/stroke: 92/77 mm. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Original Saab
engine block and cylinder head. Engine tuned by Trollspeed of
Trollhattan.
Rating 550 – 600 hp at 6,500 rpm
Peak torque 592 Ib.-ft. at 4,000 rpm
Transmission Four-wheel drive with programmable active differentials and six-
speed Prodrive gearbox
Weight 2574 Ibs.
O – 60 mph Under 2.5 seconds
Top speed 124 – 155 mph, depending on the drivetrain ratio