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All New 9-3 Sports Sedan
World Premiere: All-new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
- First Saab positioned in premium, cmpact sport sedan segment
- World class chassis dynamics enhance driver involvement
- Long wheelbase and wide track for good handling and spacious interior
- New powertrain includes lightweight, aluminum turbo engine
- New five-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual gearbox
- In-house Saab electronics for sophisticated powertrain behavior
- Fiber optic electronics for advanced, modular 'infotainment' systems
- Exceptionally strong body for good handling, refinement and safety
- Second generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR)
- Load-limiting seat-belts, dual stage front airbags and side curtain airbags
- 'Profiler' customization program and choice of four specification levels
Norcross, GA - The all-new 2003 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan is the first step
in the biggest product development program in Saab's history. It spearheads
the arrival of an entirely new family of cars, each focused on meeting the
particular requirements of a different niche in the market.
As Saab's first contender in the premium, compact sport sedan segment, the
focus for the new 9-3 is dedicated to delivering a unique, fun-to-drive
experience that promises to set new standards for the class.
The coupe-like silhouette, with steeply raked windshield and rear window and
short front and rear overhangs, communicates a strong, sporty stance, which
is reinforced by negative wheel cambers. The overall look is designed to
convey a sense of movement even when the car is stationary. The shape of the
windows and the wedge-like profile also combine with the sleek integrated
headlights and grille to give the car its distinctive Saab identity.
Excellent aerodynamics including a highly competitive 0.28 drag coefficient,
resulting in low lift forces at the rear axle, improving high speed stability
and braking. Careful airflow management also benefits the driver by helping
to prevent road grime building up on the side windows and taillights.
The new model comes with a choice of two new, 2.0-liter, all-aluminum
turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 175 to 210 hp. The
front-wheel-drive transmissions include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes
and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the
option of steering wheel controls. There will be three "Forms," or
specification levels: Linear, Arc, and Vector.
Compared to its predecessor, the new 9-3 offers more spacious accommodations,
particularly for rear passengers, within the same overall length. Front and
rear width is increased by 2.16 in. (55 mm) and the wheelbase is 2.8 in. (71
mm) longer.
It is price-positioned to compete with the BMW 3-series, Audi A4, and Volvo
S60. Sales start in October 2002.
The main features of the new 9-3 contribute to an enriched, sporty driving
experience in four key areas: driver involvement, refined performance, driver
adaptability and driver-centered design.
Driver Involvement
The new 9-3 is the product of the most exhaustive development program in
chassis dynamics undertaken by Saab. The handling of the car, its sensitivity
to driver inputs and a high degree of feedback all combine to deliver a level
of driving involvement and pleasure that challenges the class benchmark. The
main highlights include:
'ReAxs' Passive rear-wheel-steer characteristic. The kinetics of the rear
suspension are tuned for a unique rear-wheel-steer response designed to
improve handling and stability.
Four-link independent rear suspension. High lateral stiffness adds
stability and grip; longitudinal compliance enhances ride comfort.
Low mounted steerinq rack gives excellent feel and precision with
progressive power assistance and fast response.
Front suspension is MacPherson struts with lower A-arms mounted on a
hydroformed, rubber-isolated sub-frame. High lateral bushing stiffness
improves steering response and precision; high longitudinal compliance
contributes to ride comfort.
Advanced chassis electronic systems. Chassis features Saab-tuned
"user-friendly" ESP (Electronic Stability Program), EBD (Electronic Brake
force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and TCS (Traction Control
System).
Optimized brakina power. Front and rear brake discs are larger than
previous model; varying in size, depending on specification level.
Minimized unsprung weight for better ride quality. Hub carriers and toe and
lower rear suspension links are aluminum, while anti-roll bars are hollow
section steel. "Shear" bushing at top of rear shock absorber mountings adds
to the compliant ride quality and effective vibration suppression.
Refined Performance
Saab is a center of expertise within General Motors for the development of
turbocharged gasoline engines. The 2003 Saab 9-3's new powertrain adds
enhanced refinement and driveability to Saab's traditional strengths of high
torque for strong, mid-range pulling power. It also delivers a level of
sporty performance in keeping with the chassis dynamics, further reinforcing
the new car's driver focus. The main highlights include:
New all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbo enaine. Saab developed and tuned two
versions of the new engine for 175 hp (badged 2.0t) and 210 hp (badged 2.0T)
with high torque for confident passing. All internal components are unique to
Saab. Balance shafts and dual- mass flywheel offer greater running
refinement.
Sophisticated Powertrain performance. Highly sensitive and precise throttle
control, adaptive torque delivery and smooth power ontpower off
characteristics are benefits of the new Trionic-8 engine management, the
latest version of Saab's own 32-bit in-house system.
More transmission choices. Updated five-speed (175 hp) and all-new
six-speed (210 hp) Saab manual gearboxes are available. A new five-speed,
adaptive automatic transmission with Saab Sentronic manual gear selection and
optional steering wheel controls is available.
Unique "Pendulum" enaine mountina. Engine noise and vibration is reduced by
installation of rods at the base of the engine for optimal torque control.
Driver Adaptability
In addition to its driver-focused chassis dynamics and powertrain
performance, the new 9-3
is also designed to adapt to a wide range of driver needs, establishing a
close interaction with its owner. Main highlights include:
"Profiler" customization. A wide range of functions can be pre-set
according to personal preference, including anti-theft alarm, parking
assistance, rain sensitive wipers and automatic climate control.
Advanced electronics. The new Saab 9-3 features the most complete
automotive system's use of fiber optics. With a signal capacity 50 times
greater than conventional wire circuitry, fiber optics provide a high-speed
plafform for advanced in-car "infotainment."
Dual zone air conditioninq with automatic balance control. The system
senses changes in sunlight or shade outside the car and automatically adjusts
airflow to keep interior temperature constant.
Three specification levels. "Linear" features an understated interior with
attractive leather upholstery and anthracite trim. "Arc" adds more luxury,
with 16-inch alloy wheels and leather interior with poplar wood trim.
"Vector" adds a sporty flair, with 17-inch alloy wheels and a sports leather
interior with matte chrome trim.
Inaugural Linear Launch Package. An optional package will be offered for
the Linear form that includes 16" 10-spoke alloy wheels, in-dash 6-CD player,
upgraded stereo system, power sunroof and driver's seat, and lower body color
match trim.
Additional load-carrvina potential. A standard 60/40 split folding rear
seat with ski hatch provides additional utility to carry extra cargo.
Lower runnina costs. Longer service intervals and reduced maintenance times
minimize inconvenience for the owner. Vehicles are covered under the Saab No
Charge Scheduled Maintenance Program for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever
comes first, for factory- recommended scheduled maintenance performed at an
authorized Saab dealer in the United States. On-board algorithm adapts oil
change cycle to how car is used.
Host of comfort features. Designed to make living with the new 9-3 as
convenient as possible, these include: a remote window and sunroof operation,
"halo" perimeter lighting at night, automatic dimming interior mirror, and
integrated garage door remote.
Built Around the Driver
Consistent with all Saab vehicles, the new 9-3 is built from "the driver
outwards." That means the cabin ergonomics, the instrumentation, the
controls, and the seating position are all developed from the driver's
perspective. Its advanced safety features benefit all who use the car.
Highlights include:
Cockpit feel. The instrument panel arcs around the driver, with a logical
layout and tactile feel to controls. Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and
reach. Green instrument illumination and Night Panel function contribute to
safe night driving.
Hiqh position display. Saab Information Display (SID) is located on top of
the fascia near the base of the windscreen, close the driver's natural field
of vision. Screen shows radio settings and driver information.
Structural strength. With added torsional rigidity, the body is more than
twice as stiff as its predecessor's. This contributes to outstanding ride and
refinement, handling and safety properties.
Desiqned for Real-life Safety. Many dozens of different crash
configurations were carried out during development, utilizing Saab's database
of more than 6,000 real-life road accidents. Tests include truck-to-car side
impacts, car-to-car frontal impacts with a closing speed of 74 mph and
replica moose impacts.
Second qeneration Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR). Pioneered by Saab,
SAHR helps prevent neck injury for front seat occupants in rear-end impacts.
Integrated into the seat backs, this safety system is improved for even
quicker action.
Inteqrated safetv features. Restraint systems include seat belt
pre-tensioning and load limiting for front seating positions, combined with
dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and new side curtain
airbags.
Announcing the arrival of the new model, Saab Automobile President and CEO
Peter Augustsson commented, "This car offers a level of driver involvement
and responsive performance never seen before from Saab. The integration of a
fine-handling chassis with the
new, refined powertrain delivers a true 'fun-to-drive' package. "It is a
formula designed to appeal to young, premium-car buyers who place a priority
on a rewarding driving experience, but who also want to express their
individuality through choosing a distinctive, less commonplace brand."
Return to 2003 Model News
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