Saab History

The 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X, X-Plained

Posted on 05. Feb, 2008 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab Automobile AB

A great writeup just arrived about the 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X from Carjunky. This Saab Turbo-X was recently analyzed by Saab Automobilie USA in comparison to the Viggen, and showcased at the GM Style event that was launched a day before the opening of the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

Update: This just in from Saab Automobile USA: “Around 300 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X models sold in North America, 3 months before the first customer deliveries”.

This appears to indicate that half of 600 models indicated to be available now in North America, have deposits placed on them and it also indicates that the delivery date will be May and not April as mentioned elsewhere.

Please read their review below in their own words:

2008 Saab Turbo X – CarJunky.Com

Feb 4, 2008

Saab is a company which has undergone a period of soul searching over the past several years, as it tried to reconcile its history as a performance-oriented Swedish brand with the recent effects of badge-engineered General Motors management.

While the automaker may have lost their way in terms of market and image, they are doing their best to try and shake their current woes and make a successful return to their jet-fighter inspired roots.

Looking to revitalize their 9-3 sedan lineup, Saab has recently introduced the Saab Turbo X. This vehicle is intended as the halo car for the 9-3 model, as only 600 will be imported for sale in the US.

Positioned as an upgrade for Saab Viggen owners, the Turbo X offers a raft of driving pleasures. 280 horsepower leap from the turbocharged 2.8 liter V6 engine and are harnessed by a four wheel drive system that Saab is calling ‘cross drive’ or XWD.

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Winter Tips by Kaj Zakrisson

Posted on 05. Feb, 2008 by Ryan.

Kaj Zakrisson, a professional skier sponsored by the Saab-Salomon partnership, who I interviewed recently at the 2008 North American International Auto Show has been included in a press release some years back that as far as I am concerned, is as applicable today as it was back then.

Please enjoy what he has to say on the topic of ski equipment to the right driving equipment:

2004-11-16

Winter fun – on and off-piste

Picture someone racing down a snow-clad mountain in a swirl of powder, effortlessly carving his initials as he sweeps from side to side through the untouched snow off the prepared slopes. Suddenly a bare rocky crag looms up in front of him. He jumps clean over it and continues his journey down at breathtaking speed through the deep snow. That, basically, is freeskiing. Just as windsurfers ride the crest of the waves, so freeskiers ride the crest of the mountains as they carve their way through the powdery virgin snow.

One of the world’s top freeriders is the 31-year old Swede, Kaj Zackrisson. He skis, for example, in the Big Mountain races, which, with their trails bristling with craggy rocks and almost impossible mountain slopes, are regarded as the crème de la crème in freeskiing. Powder rather than prepared pistes, mega-fun rather than mass tourism, action rather than après-ski. With his eye-catching dreadlocks, Zackrisson is rather unconventional – just like his car, a Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon.

He drives about 50,000 kilometers in it every winter, and a roof box helps with stowing his skis and camera gear. Whenever he hears a report on the radio that a lot of fresh snow has fallen somewhere, you can bet that Zackrisson is already behind the wheel on his way there.

“Last March, I had a truly amazing week shooting photos,” says the Swede with a smile on his face. “We looked on the net to find the best snow, then loaded my 9-5 Aero Wagon and took off. We drove through some intense blizzards, but ended up at five different ski resorts in five days.”

Anyone who travels around in winter as much as Zackrisson does knows a lot about safe driving on ice and snow. There are, after all, a number of parallels between driving on a snow-covered road and skiing off-piste: “Choosing your line, control and technique – these are the three main aspects with freeskiing… and with driving.” On the next few pages, Zackrisson has put together some tips on the right equipment and driving technique in the winter months.

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Quentin Wilson Interview – Saab Automobile U.K.

Posted on 04. Feb, 2008 by Ryan.

Saab Automobile U.K.

This is the third installment of the interviews from Saab Automobile U.K. on the subject of BioPower.

This piece involves Quentin Wilson, most notable for his feature in the U.K.’s programm “Top Gear“.

2008-01-22

QUENTIN WILLSON TACKLES GREEN MYTHS

Eco-living has been the hot topic of 2007 and the trend is set to continue into 2008. But how much do we really understand about green motoring?

Quentin Willson, motoring correspondent, presenter and outspoken social commentator examines green motoring and the current myths that surround the topic. Quentin explains why he believes:

* The biggest threat to green motoring is confusion and misinformation
* The UK Government must take most of the responsibility for car buying habits
* Biofuels are a stepping stone to a longer-term goal

The full interview with Quentin Willson can be read on www.saabbiopower.co.uk. This is the third of “The BioPower Interviews’, the first two being with Sir Richard Branson and Kevin McCloud who are both high-profile Saab BioPower drivers.

Note to Editors:

About Saab BioPower technology
Premium car-maker Saab launched its BioPower flex-fuel technology in its domestic market of Sweden in 2005. Since that time, the Saab BioPower has flown to the top of the country’s environmentally-friendly sales charts, with some 17,000 BioPowers sold in Sweden last year.

With the launch of the Saab 9-3 BioPower range of cars in 2007, Saab became the first volume car company in the UK to offer an alternative fuel engine choice in every model in its line up. Saab currently has four different BioPower engines currently for sale in the UK market, all of which enjoy substantially-reduced fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, whilst delivering significant increases in power when running on bioethanol E85 compared to when running on petrol.

Bioethanol is produced commercially from agricultural crops, such as wheat, sugar cane, sugar beet, and other forms of biomass. Also under development are second-generation processes which offer greater energy efficiency by using ligno-cellulose extracted from forestry and agricultural products, such as wood, straw and grass. The bioethanol is blended in high volumes with small amounts of petrol to create the eco-friendly yet potent fuel, bioethanol E85. Unlike petrol, bioethanol consumption does not significantly raise atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main ‘greenhouse’ gas. This is because emissions released during driving are balanced by the amount of CO2 that is removed from the atmosphere when crops for conversion are grown. In contrast, fossil-based fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, release new amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere which have been locked away underground in oil deposits.

The complete interview can also be read here directly:

In the latest of the Saab BioPower interviews, TV personality and green motoring pundit Quentin Willson explains why he thinks that the Government not only does far too little to encourage environmentally-responsible motoring in the UK, but is actually becoming the driver’s worst enemy. He also talks about the potential of, and threats to bioethanol as an emerging road transport fuel.

Saab: Who do you think must take most responsibility for the general public’s car buying habits – the consumers themselves or someone else?

QW: The Government, without a doubt. Currently, drivers of certain ‘green’ cars get a mere £100 off their road tax. This is insulting! And nothing will change unless the Government starts leading by example. For example, where are the rebates of several thousand pounds to buyers of low-emission cars, which would really create a critical mass of green car drivers?

Opinion formers also have a role to play, they could allay a lot of confusion, which would instantly make it easier for the car-buying public. Being a motoring journalist, I am lucky because I get to talk to car manufacturers, oil companies, hydrogen boffins and many experts in different fields. There’s a real hunger out there from the general public about what’s wrong and what’s right. I do think there needs to be more debate about these issues, but at the same time my heart goes out to the consumer who wants to make the right choices, but finds it difficult because there is so much confusion about the pros and cons of the different technologies and fuels that are available.

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Garry Small Saab of Portland, Oregon – SAAB 92

Posted on 30. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab History

During my recent visit to Garry Small Saab of Portland, Oregon, site sponsor of Saab History, I got to see their super rare 1954 SAAB 92 which was originally located in California.

The SAAB 92, was the first production vehicle for Svenska Aeroplan AktieBolaget or SAAB and was initially only available in the color “Watermelon Green“. This changed a few years later of course due to demand.

This rust-free vehicle is very unique to North America, given that the SAAB 93 was actually the first production vehicle to be delivered in the United States back in 1956 which were first delivered on the port of Hingham, Massachusetts.

Sixten Sason, was the first SAAB designer responsible for this vehicle as were a handful of other engineers including Gunnar Ljungström, as well as the Grand Father Sigmund Johansson of Peter Johansson who is the current lead engineer on the new XWD system system as well as 14 others including two of whom, did not even have driver’s licenses.

Here is a summary written by Saab Automobile USA about their own 1952 92 which is part of the Saab USA Heritage Collection.

Here is the summary:

Often described as an airplane without wings, the 92 (earlier model designations belonged to Saab aircraft) was created in the aftermath of WWII as a rugged, low-cost and practical car to safely conquer the rough Scandinavian roads of the time.

Lead by Gunnar Ljungström, the original 92 was developed by a team of 16 Saab aircraft engineers – only two of whom, according to the legend, had a driver’s license. Responsible for the exterior design was Sixten Sason, a freelance industrial designer who also gathered fame with his contributions to Hasselblad cameras.

Reflecting its aircraft heritage, the Saab 92 used a monocoque one-piece body/frame structure, yielding light weight as well as great strength. Its front-wheel drive not only delivered good traction on snow, but also a flat floor and an amazingly roomy interior – given the compact exterior dimensions.

For the first couple of years, Saab offered the 92 only in green paint, said to be left over from army supplies. The four-passenger car was powered by a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine with an output of 25 horsepower. It had a three-speed manual transmission with the shifter mounted on the steering column, saving interior space.

Produced from 1949 to 1956, the 92 exemplifies Saab’s zest for innovation and design that have become known around the world as the key characteristics of the Swedish brand.

Because Saab did not officially start its automotive business in the United States until 1956, it is fortunate to have this 1952 model 92 (serial number 1837) as the “arch father” of its Sterling Heights, Mich.-based Heritage Collection.

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The Saab 900 Turbo Cabriolet Prototype – 1983

Posted on 24. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Photo Credit: Saab-Scania AB

I have located the original photograph in my archives from the Frankfurt Motor Show that Saab used in their press release to showcase the original Saab 900 Turbo Cabriolet prototype in 1983. This vehicle was also featured in the Saab Olympics which took place in Los Angeles in 1984.

Here is the caption from the photograph as I am still looking to obtain this original press release:

SAAB 900 TURBO CABRIOLET — The Saab Turbo Cabriolet is a design study based on the Saab 900. The prototype presented at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show in West Germany is powered by the Swedish automaker’s 175-horsepower third generation turbocharged engine with four valves per cylinder and intercooler. Top speed is in excess of 125 miles per hour. No decision has been made about production.

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The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept Poll

Posted on 19. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Photo Credits: Saab History

The Saab 9-4x BioPower Concept brings with it, an impressive array of design elements, technologies and other unique features to the Saab brand portfolio.

While all of these features are important, I would like to see what you think is your most favorite amongst them.

To assist in this poll, please scroll through the photos I took above, then visit the original press kit to see and read over these features and finally browse the relevent links provided. This information should give you some good ideas to form your opinion in the poll below.

I look forward to your votes below!

The 2.0L Saab BioPower Engine as described by Kjell ac Bergström

The Cross-Wheel Drive (XWD) System as described by Andreas Andersson tested in the XWD 9-3 Prototype and the lead XWD engineer, Peter Johansson in August.
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Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept – Technical Specifications

Posted on 17. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept – Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

BioPower Engine:

Saab BioPower

1998cc. Four cylinders Bore/stroke: 86.0/86.0 mm. Aluminum cylinder head and block. DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder. Twin counter-rotating balancer shafts. Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminum pistons, oil spray cooled. Direct injection. VVT, inlet and exhaust Sodium-filled exhaust valves. Saab engine management system. Twin-scroll turbocharger, intercooled.

BioPower Engine data

Max. Boost Pressure at maximum torque: 1.2 bar
Compression Ratio: 10.5: 1
Max power (E85): 300 hp (221kW) @ 5400 rpm.
Max. torque (E85): 400Nm @ 2600-5100 rpm
Max power (gasoline): 245 hp (180 kW) @ 5300 rpm.
Max. torque (gasoline): 353 Nm @ 2500- 5250 rpm

Transmission:
Saab XWD (‘cross wheel drive’), all-wheel-drive system. Electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
6-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel controls.

Suspension:
Front: McPherson struts. Aluminum control arm and knuckle. Anti-roll bar.
Rear: Multi-link. Aluminum H-arm and knuckle. Anti-roll bar.

Steering:
Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance.

Wheels, Tires:
21inch, 245/55 R21

Brakes:
Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster.
Discs front/rear: 378 mm / 378 mm (all ventilated)

Performance Data
(preliminary figures)

0 – 100 kph: 8.0 sec
0 – 60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top Speed: 235 kph (146 mph)
Fuel consumption (combined): 10.5 l/100km (22.4 mpg) on gasoline
CO2 251 g/km on gasoline

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Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept – Powertrain

Posted on 17. Jan, 2008 by Ryan.

The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept – Powertrain Press Release

Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept – Powertrain

Rightsizing and Bioethanol for Responsible Performance

The Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept demonstrates the potential of ‘rightsizing’ by showcasing a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel to give 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.) of torque – an exceptional level of power efficiency.

Leveraging an unrivalled 30 years experience in turbo technology, Saab leads the automotive industry in exploiting the performance and environmental benefits of bioethanol fuel. Its current BioPower models are the top-selling flex-fuel vehicles in Europe, especially appreciated for offering both more power and producing less CO2 emissions when operating on E85 fuel compared to when fueled by only gasoline. In the future, E85 using bioethanol produced from cellulose has the potential to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions on a source-to-wheel basis compared to only using gasoline.

Now, with the announcement of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept, Saab takes the next step in the development of responsible performance by partnering, for the first time, its BioPower technology with all-wheel-drive (Saab XWD).

The lightweight, aluminum, four cylinder engine is optimized for E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) to give an exceptionally high specific power output of 150 hp per liter cylinder volume, together with an equally impressive 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.) of torque (245 hp and 353 Nm (260 ft.lbs.) – on gasoline).

E85 has a higher octane rating than gasoline, making it more resistant to harmful pre-detonation, or ‘knocking’, when the fuel/air mixture is compressed in the cylinder. To fully exploit this advantage, the engine has a raised compression ratio, 10.5:1, instead of 9.2:1 for a gasoline-only application. It retains its flex-fuel capability because the Saab engine management system adjusts the ignition timing and turbo boost pressure to ensure there is no pre-detonation with gasoline.

Engine efficiency is also improved by the use of direct injection (DI) and continuously variable valve timing (VVT) on both the inlet and exhaust sides. DI delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber, providing a more efficient combustion of the fuel/air mixture to give more power and enhanced engine efficiency.

VVT enhances turbo response at low engine speeds, as well as contributing to an even wider spread of torque. On E85 fuel, that impressive 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.) of torque is generated all the way from 2,600 to 5,100 rpm, with 85 % available from just 2,000 rpm. Whilst these headline figures may be matched by a much larger, naturally-aspirated engine, that characteristic ‘tidal wave’ of low-end torque is unique to the turbocharged power delivery.

The cutting edge all-wheel-drive system, Saab XWD, soon to be launched in the 9-3, is designed to optimize vehicle responsiveness and stability. It features active management that not only splits torque delivery between the axles, but also between the rear wheels via an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD). This can transfer up to 40% of torque between the rear drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. Such active drive torque management improves both cornering and stability by making the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

Driving enjoyment can be further enhanced by the selection of ‘Sport’ or ‘Comfort’ modes as an alternative to the vehicle’s standard chassis settings. ‘Sport’ mode stiffens the action of the dampers for greater body and wheel control; sets the gearshift points of the automatic transmission at higher engine speeds for sportier driving; sends more torque to the rear axle for greater agility; increases the sensitivity of the electronic throttle and, at higher speeds, reduces the power assistance to the steering, thereby increasing steering feel for the driver.

Responsible performance also means including advanced safety features. In addition to a full arsenal of electronic stability and braking systems, the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept features roll-over sensing for deployment of the curtain airbags. The front seats are also fitted with new, Generation III Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), including a revised head restraint movement to help reduce the risk of severe neck injury.

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