Just the sort of thing we like to see here at Top Speed. A turbocharged engine, packaged with a host of sports inspired features and creature comforts at a price that won’t break the bank; and if it pollutes a little less, even better.
That is exactly the case with Saab’s new 9-3 Turbo Edition. Priced starting at under £20,000 the special edition features 17-inch alloy wheels, leather interior, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 9-speaker 150w audio system with MP3 compatibility and cruise control all standard. With power coming from either a 1.9 TiD making 150 HP or the higher performing 1.9 TTiD turbo diesel powerplant producing 180 HP and loads more torque.
Unfortunately the car is destined for the U.K. and probably won’t be making it the U.S. anytime soon.
Press release after the jump.
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Saab revealed today first details on the 2010 9-3X. World debut will be made in March at the Geneva Auto Show, while the American debut will be made at the New York auto show in April. The 9-3X is expected to arrive in Saab showrooms throughout the United States this fall.
The 9-3X will come to the U.S. with Saab’s hallmark 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, offering 210 hp. The engine is mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The model comes with new front and rear bumpers, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matt aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper.
With the addition of newly designed, multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, the 9-3X’s exterior character reflects its ability to handle mixed road conditions, whether rough or smooth, loose or paved. Inside, the 9-3X interior is based on top-of-the-line specification, adding a dark metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearshift surround.
Press release after the jump.
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Okay Saab, we get it: You’re proud of your aircraft heritage. Now its time to make cars you can be proud of, not just cars celebrating airplanes. Until then, Saab’s big unveil for the Detroit Auto Show will be the 9-5 Griffin Edition, named after Saab’s new Gripen fighter aircraft.
So if it was built to celebrate a fast and maneuverable aircraft, then the car must have engine and suspension upgrades, right? WRONG. The 9-5 Griffen comes with the standard 260 hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine from the regular car. It’s a fine engine, but its no jet fighter.
Instead the 9-5 Griffen goes for luxury add-ons such as a matte chrome for the front grille, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear spoilers for the sedan and wagon. The interior gets high-gloss interior trim (isn’t that something GM has been trying to stop doing?) as well as some special stitching.
If this gets you excited, then grab $42,775 for the sedan ($44,045 for the wagon), and head on down to your Saab dealer this January. The line forms wherever you’re standing.
Press release after the jump.
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25 years ago (back in 1983) Saab was presenting its first ever Convertible model at the Frankfurt Auto Show. In order to celebrate its anniversary GM is presenting the Special Edition 9-3. It will go on sale in January 2009 and will be priced at $46,725.
It will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne. It will feature Saab’s signature 2.0-liter, 210 hp four cylinder engine and can be matched to six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
Press release after the jump.
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This special edition for the Aussies only was launched to celebrate the arrival of spring. Remember, while many of us are bundling up for winter, Australia is starting to heat up. Nothing better than to keep warm thoughts than a hot Aussie model in a convertible (we’d probably not even be posting this story otherwise.)
For the first time in Australia, the Aero convertible will feature the 1.9-liter, 177 hp TTiD diesel engine in addition to the 2.8-liter, 376 hp V6 Turbo and both engine variants can be matched to six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The Special Edition features 18” wheels in silver, new front bumper treatments and sports steering wheel.
Press release after the jump.
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Saab will unveil at the Paris Auto Show the 9-X "Air" BioHybrid, a concept that redefines the look of a four-seat convertible by exploiting the distinction between a folding roof and a folding soft-top.
The 9-X Air was conceived in parallel with its 9-X BioHybrid sibling and, as a result, it is a design free from compromise or adaptation. The shape of the windshield and frontal styling, for example, was designed to work in both applications. The two cars share a focus on efficiency, with a powertrain that uses engine rightsizing, turbocharging, biofuel and hybrid technology to deliver sporty performance together with a significantly reduced environmental impact.
Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline), the engine delivers a sporty 200 hp, giving 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds and projected CO2 tailpipe emissions of just 107 g/km over the combined cycle. Compared to gasoline, the overall environmental impact on a source-to-wheel basis of using E85 is even more beneficial.
Press release after the jump.
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Saab revealed the 2009 9-7X range, which includes the performance-oriented 9-7X Aero, the 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3i. All feature unique Saab brand characteristics that include sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles.
The 2009 9-7X Aero is powered by the powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivers 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration of less than six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are passionate about the driving experience.
For 2009 Saab brings back the popular Altitude Edition package. It is offered for 4.2i and 5.3i models and includes DVD touch screen navigation radio, highly polished 18-inch alloy wheels and specific badging.
The two other engines in the Saab 9-7X range include the 4.2L inline six-cylinder and the 5.3L V-8. The 4.2L delivers 285 hp and 276 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.3L V-8 engine delivers 300 hp and 321 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 9-7X Aero’s 6.0L V-8 is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled four-speed transmission. The 4.2i and 5.3i all-aluminum engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 4L60 four-speed transmission.
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Swedish car manufacturer Saab has announced the launch of a new Special Edition of its 9-5 model, set to be the best value premium car on the market.
The new model, called the 9-5 Turbo Edition, features a number of added extras as standard combined with an even more attractive list price, making it an outstanding proposition to prospective customers. It makes use of Saab’s fuel efficient turbocharged engine range, giving drivers the benefits of a larger engine without the usual drawbacks of extra weight, bulk and higher fuel consumption. There are two specifications available – the 9-5 Turbo Edition and the top-of-the range 9-5 Aero Turbo Edition.
The 9-5 Turbo Edition is offered with a choice of three engines – the entry-level 2.0t, the high power 2.3t and the economical 1.9 TiD diesel. New standard features include 17 inch, five spoke alloy wheels, leather sport seats heated both front and rear, electric driver’s seat, and headlight washers. Available in both Saloon and Estate bodystyles, and with manual or automatic transmission, prices for the 9-5 Turbo Edition start at just £19,995.
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Saab unveiled today a new 9-3 special edition, based on the 2.0T version. In addition to its Lynx Yellow paint and a long list of standard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, this special edition features Aero look items such as 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and a subtle, yet effective rear spoiler while the premium audio system will be music to all ears.
On the road, the Convertible delivers all the fun-to-drive qualities of the widely-acclaimed 9-3 Sport Sedan chassis. The all-turbo powertrain line-up is led by a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 255 hp in the Aero model, while the 210 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder shines with great fuel economy.
The 2008 Saab Convertible Yellow Edition has a MSRP of $42,830, including destination charges.
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Saab unveiled today the 9-X BioHybrid Concept, a preview version of the 2010 9-1, a model that will come to compete with models like BMW 1-Series. The 9-X BioHybrid evolves visual design themes from the award-winning Aero X coupe (shown Geneva 2006) and multi-dimensional 9X (shown Frankfurt 2001) concepts.
The 9-X BioHybrid Concept is powered by a 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine, optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel that delivers 200 hp. The 9-X BioHybrid explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.
At the front, the deep grille, that concave styling line in the hood pressing and the ‘wraparound’ windshield are inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept shown at Geneva two years ago. The 9-X BioHybrid cuts a unique silhouette in compact car design. The longer roof line and ‘sawn off’ rear styling contributes to a better aerodynamic performance and provides more interior room than a conventional compact hatchback with a sloping screen and rear trunk lid deck.
Press release after the jump.
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