Shortly after becoming the official supplier for ECU upgrades, aero kits, brakes, exhaust systems, and a few other modifications for Saab models on the US market, Hirsch Performance is getting to work with the beginning of what we’re sure will be a long list of tuning projects for the Swedish automaker. The first project unveiled was the 9-3 models shown at the Chicago Auto Show, and the next is this tuning package provided for the 9-5.
The name for the package comes straight out of the power behind it. Hirsch Performance has taken the 2.0T Turbo4 engine found in the Saab and equipped it with direct injection, a modern twin scroll turbocharger, and improved charge cooling. The result is a total output of 260 HP and a peak torque of 295 lbs-ft. Thanks to the twin scroll technology, the throttle response is also significantly faster. The 40 HP increase is accompanied by a new top speed of 155 mph.
The price for this upgrade is $1350 and can be applied to any of the models with front wheel drive and XWD, manual and automatic transmissions.
Saab has unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show a station wagon version of the new 9-5 sedan. The new model will share the same AeroX-inspired exterior look and will feature an extended, falling roof-line which culminates in a steeply raked rear screen flanked by signature Saab wraparound window glazing.
The new SportWagon version will be offered with the same all-turbo petrol and diesel engines the 9-5 sedan version and, XWD all-wheel-drive system and advanced features such as: Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis control and adaptive cruise control starting late 2012.
"The launch of the 9-5 SportWagon is a much-awaited next step in the roll-out of our new product offensive," says Saab Automobile CEO Jan Åke Jonsson. "It will take Saab back into the large estate segment where we have established a strong presence in many key markets with our previous offering."
Sale on the US market will begin later this fall.
Hit the jump to read more about the Saab 9-5 SportWagon.
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Although Saab will most likely not create a coupe version of the new 9-5 saloon anytime soon, the idea has been in the heads of Saab fans for quite awhile. The 9-5 pictured above is the Photoshop-rendered 9-5 coupe done by an anonymous reader of the "Saabsunited" webpage.
What we have to say about the rendering is it is quite good, from a technical stand point. The fact that it was rendered by a presumably amateur artist makes it all the better, but it doesn’t quite make the cut. It looks as if the artist simply cut out a foot or two of the sedan and did nothing more. Its alloys are about five sizes too small and the door’s trim is half rubber, half chrome. Plus the roof-line is practically identical to the awkward looking roof-line of the Nissan R35.
For those who like the design, a 9-5 coupe is not among Saab’s priorities.
The new Saab 9-5 is already on sale and it stands a great chance at becoming a very successful model; after all not everyone can afford to buy a car from Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. It stands an even better chance considering that the Volvo S80 has lost its touch and Cadillac is a brand made more for the American market.
The Saab 9-5 sedan version will soon be joined by a station-wagon version which was something to be expected, but what if Saab also offered the 9-5 in a CC (Combi-Coupe) version? A return of the legendary 5-door Saab 99 from 1978? This will be Saab’s answer to models like the Audi A5/A7 Sportback, the BMW 5-Series GT, and, while we are ticking models off, the Citroën C6. Although an interesting idea, it will not be one that will be made into a production version before 2013-2014.
The Saab 99 Combi Coupe arrived on the US market in 1974. It was powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder longitudinally mounted engine that delivered a total of 100 HP and was mated to a four-speed gearbox. The car remained in production until 1978. We can’t wait to see the new version when it hits the floor.
Hirsch Performance is well known in the automotive industry for their tuning packages for Saab models. And since Saab already has a new model that was just launched - the new 9-5 sedan - Hirsch has already started to work on improving it.
The tuner only revealed details on how the engine’s performances improved, but we expect to see the usual exterior package: carbon fiber aerodynamic components, a bootlid/roof spoiler, honeycomb grill, stainless steel dual exhaust system, and 19" wheels. For the interior the tuner will add new high quality leather and a few sports accessories.
As for the engine, Hirsch is offering an update package for all three engines. The 4-cylinder gasoline has been increased from 220 HP to a total of 260 HP, the 2.0 TiD engine moves from 160hp to 190hp, and the 2.8T V6 moves up from 300hp to 335hp.
