Saab Cars North America Announces Pricing on 2010 Model Year 9-3 Vehicles

* Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices reduced on all 2010 model year 9-3 variants
* 2010 model year vehicles to begin arriving in showrooms in April

DETROIT – Saab Cars North America today announced that manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing will be reduced for all 2010 model year 9-3 vehicles. These are the first 2010 model year Saab vehicles produced for the U.S. market and closely follow the recent acquisition of Saab Automobile AB by Spyker Cars NV

An exciting line-up of model year 2010 vehicles will arrive during the next few weeks to dealer showrooms across the United States. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for every 2010 model year 9-3 variant has been reduced anywhere from 4 to 12 percent compared to model year 2009.

“This pricing action allows Saab to be in-line with the market and maintains accessibility of Saab’s rich Swedish heritage, innovation and responsible performance for our many loyal owners, enthusiasts and potential new customers,” said Mike Colleran, President and COO, Saab Cars North America.

Topping the list for 2010 is an all-new 9-3X premium cross-over model. Powered by Saab’s 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and available with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the 9-3X offers sporty performance without the typical penalty of high fuel consumption. Add in the standard cross-wheel drive (XWD) with electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and raised chassis, the 9-3X delivers an all-road driving experience you can take with you no matter where your road leads. The 9-3X starts at $37,800 MSRP.

The 9-3 Sport Sedan is available in two trim levels, 2.0T and Aero, and both can be specified with either front wheel drive or with Saab’s Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) system. Sport Sedan starting prices range from $29,725 MSRP for the 2.0T to $38,940 MSRP for the Aero model. Both cars offer a host of standard equipment with the Aero adding sport-focused features such as 17” alloy wheels, more aggressive front fascia, interior trim with two-tone leather seats, thicker sport steering wheel, a sport tuned chassis, and dual bright exhaust tailpipes. OnStar with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is available on 2.0T models and comes standard on the Aero. A Bose six-CD audio system and XM Satellite Radio are also standard Aero content. Memory driver seat and rear park assist are available on Aero models in the optional Premium Package.

The 9-3 SportCombi offers a sedan-like driving experience with the added cargo carrying flexibility so many drivers desire. Standard equipment and available options on the front-wheel drive SportCombi are the same as the 9-3 Sport Sedan. SportCombi starting prices range from $31,155 MSRP for the 2.0T to $37,845 MSRP for the Aero model.

The stylish 9-3 Convertible model prices range from $40,815 MSRP for the 2.0T to $45,905 MSRP for the Aero. The convertible offers a special edition package with leather steering wheel, Xenon headlamps and XM Satellite Radio for $695.

Exciting new colors, including glacier silver metallic and arctic white, are available for all body styles.

“Saab Cars North America is committed to bringing customers options they need to enhance their active lifestyles by providing appealing design, sporty driving attributes, reliability and safety—all at an affordable price,” said Colleran.

For more information and a listing of Saab dealerships, please visit the website: www.saabusa.com.

About Saab: Saab entered the auto business in 1949 with the first model 92. Its aerodynamic shape and advanced technology drew from the company’s roots as an aircraft maker, and helped create what was to become a loyal and passionate customer base. GM acquired a 50 percent stake in Saab in 1990, and acquired the balance of Saab in 2000. As part of its strategy to focus on its four strongest brands in the U.S., GM began seeking a buyer for Saab in January 2009, a concerted effort that led to Spyker Cars NV purchasing Saab Automobile AB from General Motors on February 23, 2010.

CONTACT:
Michelle Tinson
Saab Cars North America
Phone: 248-705-0604

As we get closer to the time when Saab Automobile will be finishing their filming of the Saab 9-3x Cross-Combi in Kiruna, Sweden, I think it’s a good time to showcase the 9-3x Concept Car that debuted back in 2002.

This concept car, shown seven years ago was the prelude to the 9-3x Cross-Combi as former President of Saab Cars USA, Joel Manby indicated. We were supposed to see the 9-3x Cross-Combi in 2003, but it was shelved, then launched as a regular SportCombi a few years later, and now we’re going to see the real thing, a whole six years later. I understand through some anonymous Saab History insiders that the AWD system was too expensive to launch at the time, so the entire project was put on hold by GM, what a shame. It’s obvious though especially in the video because they didn’t even have the branding of the all-wheel drive system down at that point, because they called it “AWD” instead of “XWD“. At least the Saab 9-3x Cross-Combi is finally going to be here, and hopefully rightsized and not a V6 as this video indicates.

If you are still unsure what the difference between the concept car and the production car are, I posted a piece on the difference between the two with images.

Anyways, enjoy this film and start visualizing what the next film will look like of the Saab 9-3x Cross-Combi plowing through snow up in Kiruna, Sweden, I can’t wait!

There has been a steady increase in visitors checking out the Saab 9-3x section of this site which brought me to why I think some clarification is needed.

That section reflects the Saab 9-3x Concept Car debuted in 2002, which was a non-production one-off designed to showcase AWD capabilities complete with a C-pillar design that signalled the 9-3 SportCombi that debuted as a production car back in 2005 as a 2006 MY.

Fast forward seven years later, the Saab 9-3x Cross-Combi is an actual production car that will be debuting in March of 2009, that is raised, has the latest XWD system, and has beefier exterior mouldings.

You will see this is why I have separated both vehicles into their respective sections, the first within the Concept Car section, the second in the Production section, listed as Saab 9-3x and 9-3xc, respectively.

To recap, Saab 9-3x is a concept car from 2002, the Saab 9-3xc or Cross-Combi as I call it, separates the nomenclature as a production car. I hope this helps!

As the rumor mill spreads about the Saab 9-3XC Cross-Combi debuting this October, I think it will be a good time to cover the evolution of this vehicle from the very beginning.

This vehicle originally evolved from the Saab 9-3X Concept car, which debuted in 2002 as shown in the video above.

I thought it would be good for those that are not familiar with this concept car, to, after watching the promotional video above, also check out the section I have devoted entirely to this concept car.

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 AB

Michael Mauer was born on July 28th, 1962 in the German town of Rotenburg/Fulda, but grew up in Höchenschwand, in the Black Forest. He studied automobile design from 1982 to 1986 at the Polytechnic in Pforzheim, and from there secured his first job in the Design area of Mercedes-Benz AG in Sindelfingen. In 1989 he was appointed Design Project Leader, and two years later oversaw design work for the first SLK model generation. In July 1995, the company appointed him Head of Department and entrusted him with design responsibility for the A-Class, SLK and SL models.

In 1998 Michael Mauer moved to the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Tokyo, Japan, as General Manager, and was intensively involved in advanced development work on various model lines. A year later, he was put in charge of Design at MCC Smart GmbH. This was where he met up with Anthony Lo, who together for a number of years in the Saab design center.

In June 2000 Michael Mauer took a position with Saab Automobile as Executive Director Design and worked at the Saab Design Center in Pixbo / Mölnlycke, Sweden. Since March of 2003,
Saab Automobile’s Board of Management appointed Michael Mauer as Chief Designer of Saab and Advanced Concept Center General Motors Europe.

In July of 2004, Michael Mauer left Saab Automobile and took a position with Porsche.

Since working with Saab, he was responsible for the design of the Saab 9-X, 9-3X, 9-3 Sport Hatch, concept cars and the wheels for the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, the production version of the Saab 9-3 SportCombi and MY2004-2007 Saab 9-3 Convertible design, and the 9-2X.

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

Film Credit: Saab History

The first interview I had at the 2008 NAIAS, was with Saab Designer, Anthony Lo. Anthony Lo, whom I recently chatted with online thanks to GM Next, has worked with with Saab Automobile since 2000. He has been responsible for many Saab concept cars including the Saab 9-X, Saab 9-3X, Saab 9-3 Sport Hatch, Aero-X and today the Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept.

It was nice to hear how the distinctive design elements were designed such as the raked grille 3-port fully opened grille, signature lighting in the glass-block inspired headlights & tail lights, the aircraft inspired sleek design, especially with the wrap-around windshield, c-pillars and more.

A thank you to Saab Automobile, General Motors, Saab Colorado, Inc. and of course Anthony Lo for his time and explanations on this new design language for Saab.

In 2000, the Saab Advanced Design Team relocated from within the Saab factory complex in Trollhättan to a facility just outside the city of Göteborg. in Mölnlycke, Sweden.

Today the Saab Design Center facility not only includes the Saab Advanced Design Team, but also the Global Sales & Marketing teams and employs approximately 120 people.

The members of Saab Advanced Design Team that have worked in this facility include Michael Mauer, Anthony Lo, Ola Granlund, Simon Padian and Alex Daniel and others on projects such as the Saab 9-X, Saab 9-3X, Saab 9-3 SportHatch and the Aero-X.

In 2005, the Saab Automobile “Brand Center” was also established as a way to preserve the heritage and scandinavian design cues in all future Saab Automobile models. It has been carefully explained to Saab History that this center is not a physical building or facility but an integrated and iterative design process between the Saab Design Center in Mölnlycke and Technical Development Center & Factory in Trollhättan.

There are many categories that brands that have owned such as “Safety” which has been long used by Volvo, or “driving” for BMW, but the “Design” category has not been taken by an automobile brand.

With the design category available and the momentous design & development work by Saab’s designers since the turn of the millenium resulting in design concepts such as the 9-X, 9-3X, 9-3 SportHatch, Aero-X, 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Convertible and now the 9-5 E100 BioPower concept, it seems clear that Saab Automobile’s heritage of having a progressive attention to design, positively embodies this category.

We also have three new contributions thanks to former Public Relations rep of Saab Cars USA, Dan Prescott. These contributions consist of promotional films of the Saab 9-X, 9-3X and the Michilin Race of Champions. These films are 4:30, 5:30 and maybe about 20 minutes in length respectively. I believe the 9-X and 9-3X films are longer than the films we have in the archive already which are 2:28 and 2:30, so perhaps there is more footage or something altogether different! Total conversion cost $132 for 3 films to be converted. Total time to convert 1-2 days.

Total contributions $115.50, so we have just about enough for either set of films.

From the information we have here about the 4 films total, and a choice beween one group of 3 or one single film which may not be as “exciting” as these newer films may be, I have decided to place place a poll here so that you can cast your vote.

Below are images of the films that in analog format prior to conversion for your reference.

The original of SAAB using the numerical nomenclature 9, is that this number was an indication that the project was a non-military, but a civilian project.

The SAAB Scandia 90 (pictured above) was the first civilian project, followed by the SAAB Safir 91, then finally the automobile being SAAB 92001 in 1946, and the beginning of production models with the SAAB 92. Here is a list of all of the the projects from the beginning until the present.

For more information about these models, please visit our “Saab designs by model number” reference list.

90 SCANDIA
91 Safir (Aircraft)
92001
92
93
94 Sonett I
95
96
97 Sonett II & III
98 Prototype
99
90
900
9000
9-5
9-3
9-X
9-2X
9-3X
9-4X
9-6X (cancelled)
9-7X

2002-01-07

The Saab 9-3X – Defining the Saab brand

Norcross, GA – The Saab 9-3X is the latest statement of Saab’s commitment to the development of innovative and distinctive new products.

The Saab brand will enter an exciting new segment of the automotive market – the cross-over – with its latest concept, the Saab 9-3X. The 9-3X builds on the sport multi-dynamic theme launched by the Saab 9X concept that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. It is a natural extension of the signature Saab sporty yet versatile range of products: turbocharged luxury 9-5 sedans, the award-winning “four-season” 9-3 Convertible, and the exciting 9-5 Aero SportWagon.

Saab customers lead demanding lifestyles that include a blending of careers, families, and free-time pursuits. They are confident individuals who seek to seamlessly balance these dimensions in their daily lives. Saab’s goal is to provide products that support these dynamic lifestyles – satisfying emotional wants and rational needs by delivering sporty, versatile cars. The Saab 9-3X is based on these values. It is an innovative and dynamic cross-over coupe that gives the driver the ability to pursue any path, either on or off-road.

“I would say this unique concept opens up a new mid-size, cross-over segment of the market,” said Saab Brand Director, Knut Simonsson. “An all-wheel-drive cross-over product from Saab must, naturally, be a little different. Here we have a sporty coupe concept that is multi-dynamic: it can be adapted for different uses. The 9-3X offers enhanced on-road stability for everyday driving, while also providing extra traction when needed for the occasional off-road experience, and, above all, it’s great fun to drive either way!”

The Saab “X” cars are the first visual evidence of how Saab’s Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer, and its head of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo, see the brand developing. Both concepts are bold and distinctive, breaking new ground by challenging conventional design wisdom.

The Saab 9-3X, like the 9X, is a bold flag-bearer for the Saab brand. It sets the tone for future products and is a further step towards helping Saab achieve its commercial goals.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

Saab 9-3X – On the move

The Saab 9-3X is designed to deliver levels of performance and a ‘fun-to-drive’ experience that fulfil the promise of its sporty looks. The advanced powertrain features an all-new, lightweight 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine, designed to incorporate Saab Combustion Control, a semi-automatic transmission and a state-of-the-art, ‘intelligent’ four-wheel-drive system.

New-Generation Engine
The ‘Ecopower 2′ all-aluminum-alloy, 2.8-liter V6 engine is benchmarked to set new standards in efficiency, refinement, packaging and emissions control. Saab Automobile is GM’s global center of excellence for charged engines, and Saab engineers have been directly involved throughout the engine’s design and development program.

The slim, 60-degree configuration features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct ignition and variable valve timing. Maximum power is 280 bhp at 5,500 rpm but, in Saab tradition, torque is of more importance and is with this engine extremely generous, with almost 400 Nm available throughout the operating range from as low as 1,700 rpm.

The engine is very light and, in view of its compact dimensions, is ideally suited to a transverse installation. The single turbocharger is mounted on the transmission alongside the engine, feeding through the central intake manifolds. Engine highlights include:

Saab Combustion Control (SCC)
This revolutionary technology from Saab improves fuel consumption by up to 10 percent and reduces emissions by as much as 75 percent, all without impairing engine performance. Direct injection, variable valve timing and a variable spark gap are the key features, alongside a spark plug injector which provides air-assisted fuel injection and turbulence for better combustion, as well as a high-energy spark.

The SCC engine concept allows exhaust gases to comprise up to 70 percent of the combustion mixture, a far higher proportion than conventional exhaust-gas-recirculation systems. Carbon monoxide and hyrdocarbon emissions are reduced by almost 50 percent and nitrogen oxides by 75 percent. The Saab Ecopower 2 V6 is the first production engine designed to incorporate this technology.

Twin-scroll turbocharger
The turbine wheel is made from a titanium/aluminum alloy for lightness, durability and low inertia. ‘Twin scroll’ management of the exhaust-gas flow to the compressor speeds up airflow at low engine speeds to give an improved throttle response and engine pick up.

Oil quality sensor
This feature allows for extended change intervals, depending on how the engine is driven. If it is used relatively lightly, the driver can expect to cover up to double the usual 18,000 miles between oil changes.

Double-skinned exhaust manifolds
Both are made from hydroformed stainless steel for improved heat management and quicker ‘light off’ for the catalytic converters during engine warm-up.

New Saab Transmission
The Saab 9-3X is equipped with Saab’s newly developed semi-automatic transmission. This allows the driver to enjoy both the benefits of an adaptive, five-speed automatic transmission and the close control of manual gear shifting.

The automatic transmission adapts its gear-shifting pattern to match the style of driving or prevailing road conditions. It can sense changes in road gradient to avoid ‘hunting’ between gears and will engage neutral during an emergency stop.

At any time, the driver can override the automatic ‘drive’ program and enjoy fingertip control by manually changing gear via buttons on the 9-3X’s steering wheel.

Advanced Chassis and Four-Wheel-Drive System
To achieve its ‘fun to drive’ goal, the Saab 9-3X utilizes sophisticated chassis, suspension and drivetrain technology. The car’s performance, handling and ride quality in everyday use should not be compromised by its off-road capabilities.

Chassis and suspension
The four-link rear suspension has been adapted for four-wheel drive and incorporates a passive steer feature when cornering, allowing the rear wheels to more closely follow the path of the front wheels. This improves steering feel and helps to limit both oversteer and understeer characteristics. A bottom toe link also improves stability under heavy braking at high speed.

An Electronic Stability Program (ESP) further improves maneuverability, the Saab system being particularly ‘driver friendly’ by avoiding harsh interventions. In addition to wheel-speed sensors in the ABS system, the ESP also includes sensors to measure steering angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration. Each wheel can be braked independently, allowing excessive oversteer or understeer to be controlled so smoothly that the driver may often be unaware of any intervention.

As a further refinement of the Saab 9-3X’s agility, Saab engineers are also developing an adaptive damper program for optimized body control according to off-road or on-road conditions.

‘Intelligent’ Four-Wheel Drive
The integrated Saab system is ‘intelligent’, using inputs from the ESP and ABS wheel sensors as well as the electronic throttle control to distribute power in the most efficient way. The system is being developed to ensure predictable and consistent handling in all road conditions, in addition to maximizing off-road traction.

Drive is taken from the front transmission via a propshaft to an electronically controlled, hydraulically operated, multi-plate clutch, which is located immediately ahead of a differential housing and driveshafts within the rear suspension unit. Messages from the various sensors are constantly interpreted in order to distribute power most effectively. In this way, the front/rear torque split is infinitely variable.

Saab engineers are currently fine-tuning the system to establish a ‘baseline’ torque split and to ensure that the clutch mechanism executes power shifts between the axles smoothly and progressively, without any sudden surprises for the driver.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

2002-01-07

Saab 9-3X – First cross-over coupe

Saab concept blends off-road performance with strong on-road appeal

Norcross, GA – Saab breaks new ground by going “off-road” for the first time with the muscular Saab 9-3X. As you would expect from a design team led by Saab’s Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer, it does so in a very sporty, distinctive style.

Saab customers are confident individuals who demand a vehicle that supports diverse and active lifestyles. The sporty multi-dynamic Saab 9-3X concept was built with a focus on the needs of this demanding customer group.

Just as Mauer’s previous concept, the multi-dimensional Saab 9X, combines characteristic features of a performance car, roadster, wagon and pick-up within a single vehicle, the 9-3X now brings together coupe and cross-over formats. It is further evidence of Mauer’s belief in the arrival of a new automotive order; one where vehicles are no longer satisfy only one need. These multi-dynamic vehicles fulfill many roles. This unprecedented versatility is a cornerstone of the new design foundations established by Mauer’s bold concepts.

“The Saab 9-3X is where coupe meets off-roader. It is a sporty interpretation of the cross-over theme,” Mauer explained. “This means we have created a vehicle offering some off-road functionality that also looks good, in a sporty way, and is a real fun-to-drive experience on any surface.

“For Saab to be true to its heritage, we wanted to go off-road in a slightly different way. If you want a large, heavy sort of mud-plugger, there are plenty of products already out there. But if you want something truly distinctive with a strong sporty ethos, we think the 9-3X coupe format provides quite a unique solution.

The 9-3X design and its components are close to production standard and I am confident we could accommodate such a car within our current product program.”

Sporty Looks
The Saab 9-3X project team was led by the head of Advanced Design, Anthony Lo. His task was to ensure that the unique application of a coupe format did not conflict with the “real world” requirements for such a vehicle. “The car had to look desirable as a sporty coupe for the road,” Lo said. “But this is not a cosmetic exercise – the looks had to be backed up with true functionality. That is the Saab way.”

The Saab-signature wraparound windshield, the high, wedge-shaped waistline and strong, curving C-pillar instantly identify the 9-3X’s lineage. The disguised A-pillars, the clean, smooth lines and bold frontal styling are also characteristic of the 9X concept.

“We wanted to create a look that clearly links the two concepts,” Lo added. “The lines of the 9-3X are extremely clean and uncluttered and, despite the relatively high ride height required for this type of vehicle, we wanted to disguise the higher stance. Having a relatively long 270-cm (106.3-inch) wheelbase helped.”

Traditional features that typically denote a vehicle’s all-terrain capabilities would have no place in the design language of the Saab 9-3X. Three prerequisites were therefore necessary for the Saab 9-3X to achieve its exterior styling goals. There would be no roof bars or bumper appendages of any sort, no extra cladding down its flanks and no unsightly wheel-arch clearances.

The high stance of an off-roader is also effectively disguised by sporty, 20-inch alloy wheels shod with relatively low-profile tires. The increased wheel movement required for off-road driving is accommodated by the carefully shaped, flared wheel-arches. These are body-colored and defined only by a satin paint finish.

The front of the car is dominated by a bold interpretation of the traditional Saab grille. As with the 9X concept, the headlamps are located within the two outer openings. Powerful gas-discharge lamps are the preferred lighting system. A robust skid plate, protecting the engine oil pan, is neatly integrated within the color-keyed front bumper assembly.
At the rear, the coupe silhouette is accentuated by a steeply raked rear window and C- pillar profile. The rear taillights are mounted high for good visibility and appear to merge seamlessly into the smoked-glass rear window. The low-profile roof spoiler effectively stretches the lines of the car even further.

High-Tech Interior
“This car is intended for people with active outdoor interests, so the interior is designed to reflect this by being versatile, roomy and light, giving the cabin an airy feel,” Lo explained.

There is ample seating for four adults. The feeling of spaciousness is amplified by the twin glass panels that extend the entire length of the roof. The open feel is enhanced by pale green leather upholstery for the sports seating and interior trim, contrasted with dark seat inserts and upper surfaces of the dashboard fascia and doors.
Ventilation and soft interior lighting are provided through narrow openings in the dashboard and door trims, a theme first seen on the 9X concept. This contributes to the clean interior layout, eliminating the need for separate air-vent mountings and light fittings.

Stepping inside the 9-3X via its keyless entry, the driver immediately notices there are few visible knobs or buttons, because one of the design team’s priorities was to eliminate “visual clutter” from the interior, consistent with the clean lines of the exterior styling.

The dashboard breaks from Saab tradition by eliminating a wraparound, integrated center console. The twin-dial instrument display is set in a gently curving, relatively narrow fascia panel flanked only a by a rotary lights switch and the main display screen. The speedometer and tachomter dials, illuminated in light blue, are digital but use an analog-style presentation. A small oval display for warning information also sits atop the dashboard, close to the natural line of sight.

The elegant aluminum and leather-trimmed steering wheel features buttons on its twin spokes that control the entertainment system, phone, and gear changing mechanism for the semi-automatic transmission.

A long console over the transmission tunnel accommodates a starter button set in the side of a small pop-up tower as well as the selector lever for the transmission. The four electric window controls are located immediately aft of the starter button between what appear to be two grab handles. The one nearest the driver is, in fact, an electrically powered handbrake with a disguised button. A second display screen, for rear-seat passengers, is located at the back of the console.

The advanced “infotainment” functions of the 9-3X are based on an extremely powerful electronics network using fiber-optic technology with a capacity of 25 Mbits per second. In terms of multiplicity, this system already leads the automotive industry and will serve as a platform for use in the next generation of Saab cars.

A large, three-position knob – an “automotive mouse” – is positioned alongside the gear selector and provides access, via the main display screen, to the entire “infotainment” system.

The menu for the first position covers settings for all in-car comfort features, such as the automatic climate control, front seat positioning, and interior illumination. The second position activates “media” functions, including satellite navigation, radio, CD, TV, and DVD systems. The third position governs “office” functions, such as e-mail and other Internet facilities.

A large storage box at the rear of the console includes an outlet for connecting a hand-held PC, allowing the driver to access information, such as calendar, schedules, and addresses, via the main screen.

A small, drawer-like panel can be pulled out from the lower dash fascia to allow extensive custom programming of many systems such as default settings for the automatic climate control, anti-theft alarm, rain sensing wipers, clock/radio, and other information displays.

Innovative Versatility
The Saab 9-3X fulfills its mission as a platform for pursuing a variety of outdoor interests and sports by offering extremely flexible load-carrying abilities and plenty of useful storage. “This car should become part of its owner’s lifestyle, so we have tried to provide really useful features, not just gimmicks,” Lo commented.

An innovative refinement is the ability to store and charge up a mini camcorder and batteries in a customized pack mounted in the driver’s door pocket. The Saab 9-3X even includes an instant playback facility through both front and rear screens.

The Saab 9-3X also features further developments of the sliding floor and cargo-securing tracks, which first appeared on the Saab 9-5 SportWagon . Both front and rear seatbacks fold down into the seat cushions, giving flat, level surfaces for easy load carrying. In addition to four cargo-securing tracks running longitudinally down the rear floor, all four seatbacks are each equipped with a pair of tracks. This increases the options for securing loads safely when the seats are down, even allowing a custom-designed rucksack, for example, to be easily mounted for additional stowage when the seats are up.

The floor-mounted door of the split tailgate features a neat, mechanical linkage that automatically extends the rear floor when it is lowered. This facilitates loading bulky items and allows for an easy return of the floor before the tailgate is closed.

As an alternative to roof bars, the Saab 9-3X further extends the use of cargo-securing tracks. A pair of tracks is mounted in the central roof spine between the two glass sections so that custom-designed roof boxes, ski holders or bicycle carriers can be securely located when needed.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

2002-01-07

Saab 9-3X concept creates cross-over coupe niche

The Saab 9-3X concept unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Motor Show breaks new ground by taking Saab off-road for the first time.

A unique fusion of sporty, coupe bodystyling and off-road functionality, the bold 9-3X follows the philosophy of last year’s 9X concept in offering multidynamic features, the essence of Saab’s brand appeal.

It is most accurately described as a cross-over coupe, demonstrating that a four-wheel-drive vehicle with off-road capabilities can also retain a strong, sporty on-road appeal. It is the first time Saab has shown a car with off-road abilities and promises to inspire a new, “sub-SUV” niche in the market.

Within its coupe format, the 9-3X offers spacious accommodation for four adults and a versatile load-carrying ability. An all-new, 280bhp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine, linked to an “intelligent” four-wheel-drive system, is designed to deliver sporty performance whatever the road surface.

The 9-3X has been developed from General Motors’ “Epsilon” mid-size vehicle architecture, and aspects of its design language, as well as a number of its technical features, are likely to be seen in forthcoming new Saab products. Major Saab 9-3X highlights include:

* Advanced “infotainment” system with twin display screens
* Adaptable cargo-management system with automatic sliding floor
* All-new 2.8-litre V6 turbo with first application of Saab Combustion Control (SCC)
* Saab semi-automatic transmission

“This concept is a sporty interpretation of the cross-over theme,” says Saab Executive Director of Design, Michael Mauer. It is a blend of coupe and off-roader, bringing together a sporty image and real functionality. It will be fun to drive, whatever the occasion.

“The 9-3X is the next step in the establishment of Saab’s new design language, which started last year with the 9X concept. I am confident this car will be an important inspiration behind future Saab products.”

Saab Automobile’s President and CEO, Peter Augustsson, says: “We are seriously considering the right sort of product with which to enter the off-road segment. It must be innovative and sporty and must have multidynamic properties, much like the 9-3X concept. You can also expect to see a number of features from this car in our coming products.”

The announcement of the 9-3X is the latest step in Saab’s aggressive new product plan, which began with the unveiling of the Saab 9X at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. At least one new product or concept is to be announced every year for the next five years, and annual production volumes are expected to almost double to about 250,000 units in the next five or six years.

Photo Credits: Saab Automobile

2002-01-07

Facts 9-3X: Technical specifications and performance

Body:
Two-door cross-over coupe with floor-mounted rear tailgate, steel body

Engine:
Lightweight “Ecopower 2” 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine with 60-degree configuration, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct ignition and variable valve timing. Saab Trionic engine management. Front, transversely mounted
Maximum power is 280 bhp/206kW at 5,500 rpm.
Max torque is 400 Nm (available from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm).

Transmission/driveline:
Adaptive, five-speed. semi-automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted manual gear shifts.
ESP-controlled Haldex AWD system.

Suspension:
Front: Struts, lower A-arm, separate gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear: Independent, four-link, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Steering:
Rack-and-pinion, power-assisted. 2.5 turns (lock to lock).

Brakes:
Front: 350mm, ventilated/drilled steel discs, 4-piston Brembo calipers
Rear: 330mm, ventilated/drilled steel discs, 4-piston Brembo calipers

Wheels:
20x 8.5 inch, five-spoke alloy

Tires:
Front and Rear: 245/40 R20 Michelin Sport Pilot

Curb weight (projected):
1550 kilos

External dimensions:
Length: 4380mm
Height: 1498mm
Width: 1826mm
Wheelbase: 2700mm
Track width (f): 1580mm, (r) 1566mm

Load space:
Volume: 320 liters (rear seat up),
950 liters (rear seat folded)
Length: 690mm (rear seat up)
1550mm (+ rear seat folded)
2335mm (+ front and rear seat folded)
1395mm (+ tailgate down / rear seat up)
2255mm (+ tailgate down / rear seat down)
3040mm (+ tailgate down / rear and front seat folded)

Performance (projected):
Top speed: 250 km/h (limited) 0 – 100 km/h: 6.2 sec. (figures are projected).