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New Saab 9-3X: From Trollhattan to Manhattan Posted by Scott Paterson [Email]  (#13)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Scott Paterson) on Mon, 6 Apr 2009 10:21:49
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DETROIT – Following its world premiere at the Geneva motor show earlier this month, Saab will introduce the 9-3X to the American press and public at the 2009 New York International Auto Show as of April 8. The 9-3X is scheduled to become available in the 2010 Model Year as a new addition to the Saab 9-3 range, aiming at active individualists who don’t want a large Crossover or SUV.
Developed and manufactured at Saab’s headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, the 9-3X is a rugged all-rounder designed to take outdoor enthusiasts to the start of their adventure. With distinctive looks, a versatile SportCombi body, higher stance and advanced all-wheel drive technology, the 9-3X offers fuel efficiency and functional storage without limiting the kinds of roads that need to be driven.
In the 9-3X, the acclaimed Saab Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system – which made its debut in the Turbo X limited edition model last year – will be combined with the fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. Overall, the 9-3X embodies Saab’s “EcoPower” technology philosophy, which aims at combining a dynamic driving experience with an efficient use of resources to achieve responsible performance.
Distinctive Appeal
Saab designers raised the chassis of the two-wheel drive 9-3 SportCombi 35 mm (1.4 inches) higher and added automatic body-leveling, so the 9-3X can handle a rugged driving terrain regardless of the load on the rear axle. It is specifically designed for those who frequently hit gravel or unpaved roads, without compromising the driving experience on asphalt.
The Saab 9-3X is a car in tune with the less-is-more needs of today’s customers. “The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn’t want or need an SUV- type vehicle,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what’s required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot.”
New front and rear bumpers feature a dark gray, 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. These are matched by matte, aluminum-colored lower door decor strips. Roof rails and visible, twin round exhaust tailpipes are standard. Front fog lights ringed with a chrome finish add yet another bold accent.
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 Titan metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearshift surround. Leather appointed sport seats and a sport leather steering wheel are standard, we well as “9-3X” labeled inner door sills.
Total Traction
At the heart of the 9-3X is Saab’s cutting-edge XWD system. It is an intelligent, active system that continuously distributes engine drive torque between the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and grip in all conditions.
The hardware includes an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD), which varies power delivery between the axles. A valve increases or reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to progressively engage or disengage the rear axle. The degree of ‘slip’ dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. A standard rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same principle, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more grip.
As part of the Swedish-manufacturer’s rightsizing strategy, the 9-3X will come to the U.S. with Saab’s hallmark 2.0-liter gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain, offering 207hp (SAE). Complementing the sporty exterior styling, the engine is mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Form meets function in luggage area
The 9-3X is also designed to make loading sports and leisure equipment easy, matching form with function. The rear cargo area, with a low floor, is surprisingly spacious and well-proportioned. The compact design of the rear suspension allows a deep box-like space, free from intrusions, offering a useful rear seat up/down volume of 25.4/59.5 cubic feet .
The 60/40 split rear seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. The fold-down front passenger seat-back also makes it possible to carry items that are as long as 8 feet.
The fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly-weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods completely hidden in the roof to allow a clear, uncluttered opening. The flush-fitted, black molded floor plate has been designed to stay scratch-free even in heavy use.
The TwinFloor stowage facility, too, helps keep luggage and equipment safe and tidy. The middle section of the floor hinges upwards transversely when the handle is pulled so that the front edge fits into two retaining slots. There is also a 12-volt power socket in the main load area (for a hot or cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the floor, one fitted with a molded holder for large bottles.
Saab: a longstanding heritage in North America
It was at the 1956 New York Auto Show where Saab made its American debut as a car manufacturer, with a small display of three vehicles including the eye-catching Sonett “Super Sport”. Only six years after selling its very first car and becoming established in Scandinavia, Saab was ready to enter North America as an entirely new market for the Swedish auto maker. Since then, over 1.1 million Saabs have been sold to customers throughout the United States.
The 2010 Saab 9-3X is expected to become available at American dealerships during the fourth quarter of this year. Prices are to be announced at the start of the new model year.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2009 model year, Saab offers 7 different models that deliver 27 mpg or better according to EPA Highway fuel economy standards. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance plus standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio. Visit http://www.saabusa.com for more information.
_______________________________________ Saabnet.com Webmaster Saabs Owned: 1973 Saab Sonett III (Current) 1983 Saab 900 Turbo 1985 Saab 900 Sedan 1990 Saab 900 1992 Saab 900S 1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero (RIP 95K/Accident-guy ran stop sign) 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero (Current) 2007 Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2010 Saab 9-3X Wagon Winner 1996 Saab Owners Convention Rally Novice Class Winner 1999 Saab Owners Convention Rally (All Classes) Also Founder of two non-profits: Poverty2Prosperity.org RunClubMenloPark.org
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