1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
´The official Saab Sweden site: http://www.saabsverige.com, under "Pressmeddelanden" to the lower right.
In the General Bulletin Board, there is a translation from JD of some of the updates (I cut'n'paste it for you here):
"More contemporary, more appealing - and more sporting to drive, too. That's the new Saab 9-5 range. Both sedan and wagon versions have received a significant series of enhancements and improvements - as well as a range of new turbo diesel engines - that substantially strengthens Saab's position in the premium-car segment.
The most crucial changes centre on the introduction of a range of sporty turbo diesel engines. The first of these - the 176bhp common-rail 3.0-litre V6 TiD, first shown at the Paris Show last year - is totally new, while the second is the updated 125bhp version of Saab's current direct-injection 2.2-litre four-cylinder TiD unit. This means that, for the first time, Saab will be able to compete in the burgeoning European premium-car diesel market and satisfy both new and existing customers who want a diesel powerplant, but with Saab's turbocharged sports driving characteristics.
The new range of diesel engines is joined by an uprated version of Saab's high-performance Aero engine. The HOT (High-Performance Output) 2.3-litre turbo engine is now boosted to 250bhp. This brings the total of new engine options available for the new Saab 9-5 range to six, all of which are turbocharged.
Meanwhile, automatic Aero models now benefit from a 20Nm torque upgrade, thanks to a brand-new five-speed automatic gearbox capable of handling the HOT engine's full 350Nm torque output. The new gearbox, which constantly monitors its own performance and adapts to prevailing driving conditions, replaces the previous four-speed automatic.
The carefully crafted visual appearance of the new Saab 9-5 range has been subtly reworked to give it a more sporting and more contemporary look, including for the first time clear headlamp lenses that also incorporate a new standard-setting optional bi-xenon lighting system.
Inside there's a new, more flexible model designation scheme - called 'forms' - that replaces the previous model hierarchy. These 'forms', which are drawn from the world of architecture, allow customers to personalise their choice from interior finish to engine preference more effectively. The new interior forms span the simplicity of Swedish design represented by Linear through to the more conventional Arc and on to the hi-tech feel of the sporting Vector. Aero is reserved for the ultimate performance derivative, which will only be available with the 250bhp 2.3-litre Turbo engine.
The chassis, too, has been substantially reworked to provide a sportier and more responsive drive, with crisper turn in and greater steering precision. There's also the addition of optional ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) for the first time in a Saab, which has been engineered to accentuate driving control close to the limits of adhesion. Packaged with an improved anti-lock ABS braking and traction control system (TCS), this is a system that Saab engineers believe to be truly class-leading.
Finally the 9-5's safety features, built on Saab's robust real-life safety philosophy of 'balanced forces', have been further upgraded. The new Saab 9-5 range features new adaptive airbags with a passenger-sensing system, retuned seatbelt performance and new interior headlinings that meet the latest US requirements, as well as better knee protection for both driver and passenger, and Isofix child-seat-mounting points.
"We have made a number of meaningful changes in virtually every aspect of vehicle development and design," comments Peter Augustsson, president and chief executive officer of Saab Automobile AB, "which makes the new Saab 9-5 very different from the car we launched in 1997. It is now sportier to drive, it has a more modern appearance, and there's a range of engines that significantly broadens the vehicle's appeal. It means we shall be able to engage more effectively and more competitively in European markets. However, the new 9-5 remains the choice for individualists who value Swedish design, engineering integrity and Saab's real-life safety record. And, of course, Saab's unique turbocharged driving experience."
The new Saab 9-5 range - key points:
Choice of two turbo diesel engines, including all-new common-rail 3.0 TiD V6 with 176bhp and 350Nm torque
New Saab 9-5 range offers six engine choices, encompassing 125bhp to 250bhp and four-cylinder turbo diesel to six-cylinder asymmetrically turbocharged petrol
Performance Aero model receives power boost to 250bhp
Subtle changes to exterior enhance sporting character of the new 9-5 range
New architectural forms strategy replaces current model designations with Linear, Arc and Vector. Aero remains the performance model
Chassis revisions improve steering response for more communicative handling and neutralized pitch on turn in
New optional Electronic Stability Program enhances handling and driver control
New optional bi-xenon lights system provides class-leading illumination
New five-speed adaptive automatic gearbox
'Balanced forces' safety system directs collision loads to areas where they are less likely to cause passenger injury
New adaptive front airbags feature passenger-sensing system for intelligent deployment and retuned seatbelts for enhanced performance
New Saab 9-5 range goes on sale from July"
, Thu, 5 Jul 2001 18:17:42
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
