1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Under car picture:
"The interior is typical Saab: functional, good looking, and effective. The car has one small information display at the top of the instrument panel and another larger screen for, among other things, navigation."
Headline:
"New Saab - this is how it looks"
Body:
"Here are the first pictures of the new Saab 9-3. It's considerably larger than the current model, similar to the 9-5 in shape but with a completely new chassis - perhaps the best ever in a Saab. In addition, all the engines are new.
Of all the world's auto manufacturers, Saab and Volvo have the best luck hiding their new models. Thanks to rigorous security measures when the cars were test driven, there have only been two spy photos of the new mid-size.
Saab had planned to release pictures of the new 9-3 on May 17, but Aftonbladet can reveal everything about the car today.
Chassis tuned for handling
It will be larger than the current 9-3, so much so that they had considered changing the name to 9-4.
The new model heavily shares technology with the new Opel Vectra. Most important is the platform, which was deveoped by Saab, Opel, and GM in a partnership that began in 1997.
The platform, called Epsilon, is very flexible and has been modified to suit all three manufacturers. Opel has created a chassis maximizing comfort which is happiest on nice straight roads, while Saab tuned the chassis for active handling in the turns and winter roads.
During the last 6 months, Saab has shown two exciting concept cars with aggressive shapes, but the new 9-3 is more traditional. It was designed under the former head of design Johan Einar Hareide, who was also responsible for the Saab 9-5.
SUV on the way - but no hatchback
The new 9-3 shares many lines with the somewhat larger 9-5. The side line is typical for Saab, the grill is almost identical to the one that the 9-5 got a year ago, but the hood is conventional. The muscular hood that the 9-5 inherited from the old 900 is gone.
The new 9-3 is a 4-door sedan, a segment which has grown in the past few years with cars like the BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-class, Audi A4, and of course the Volvo S60. Saab belives that this is serious competition for all four.
In a year we'll see both a wagon and a convertible. No 5-door hatchbacks are planned, however a SUV-like wagon with lines like the 9-3X concept car is due in a little more than two years. On Ascention Day weekend [May 24] the last of the current 9-3's will be built in Trollhättan. On July 8 production will begin on the new model and they will arrive at dealers in August."
Above Sidebar:
"Saab's marketing collateral will stress driving fun. The new 9-3 probably has the best chassis ever used in a Saab."
Sidebar:
"Saab 9-3
Motors: Saab's own cast iron block is replaced by a completely new aluminum one. It's basically the same motor as in the new Opel Vectra, but Saab has modified the motors with turbo and different injection. The smallest motor, 1.8t, has 150 HP and 224 Nm [165 ft lbs]. The 2.0t has 175 HP and 265 Nm[195 ft lbs] and there will be a 2.0t with 210 HP and 300 Nm [221 ft lbs]. The 2.2TID diesel at 125 HP and 280 Nm is the same as in today's cars.
Transmission: The gearboxes will be 5 or 6 speed manuals and a 5 speed automatic with the gearshifting in the steering wheel. Later there will be a manual box with half-automatic gear selection like in Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. Haldex four wheel drive will arrive in a year.
Suspension: A new rear axle geometery called ReAxs (at least in the French language brochure) will make the new 9-3 stable under hard cornering. ESP traction control will be standard in all versions.
Options: The Linear, Arc, and Vector trim levels will remain. The Aero model with a 210 hp engine will get a unique interior and chassis lowered a few centemeters. An advanced computer sustem with Bluetooth makes it possible to connect your own portable computer to the car's network."
posted by 64.171.190...
, Mon, 29 Apr 2002 21:33:52
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