With all of the commotion surrounding the Saab 9-5, it’s no wonder that people have left the 9-3 to sit out in the dust, but new details have surfaced about Saab’s entry-level model. Apparently, a very credible source, who has seen the sedan in the past six weeks, can attest to several changes that are taking place with the 2011 (and not 2012 as originally projected) 9-3. The 9-3 is scheduled to make its appearance at the end of August with sales beginning sometime in October.

The new generation 9-3 will use the same techniques as the new 9-5 and the design will be inspired by the Saab Aero-X concept which is a pretty interesting and innovative concept in its own regard. The exterior of the 2011 Saab 9-3 will see the most changes during this minor refresh. The sedan will get a new front fascia with customers being able to choose from “Vector Griffin” and “Griffin Aero”. The bumpers will also be slightly different than the current line and a hockeystick chromestripe will appear around the windows. The headlamps will get the same design as in the 9-5 and the 19” turbine wheels will also be borrowed from the 9-5. The final change will come in the exterior paint finishes. Snow Silver will have to see the door as Javabrown and Diamond Silver get added to the lineup.

In terms of engines, Saab will be adding the Turbo4 and TID4 to the current lineup. There will also be a 2.0 DI engine producing either 163 or 220hp and three diesel variants ranging from 130, 160, and 180hp.

Competition for the 9-3 is said to be the Mercedes SLK->ke1683, the Audi A3 Cabrio->ke1086, the BMW 5 series Gran Turismo, the Subaru Impreza WRX, and the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon.

That’s all for today, folks, but we’ll get back with more details as soon as we get them.

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