Changes include features offering improved safety, like an advanced anti-lock brake system for the Saab 9000, to a water-cooled turbocharger for the Saab 900 Turbo, improving durability. Other changes include new interior design and colors, and a new stereo system for some Saab 900's and the 9000 Turbo and 9000S cars. while Saab is not the first of the European imports to offer anti-lock brakes, we can state that we are offering one of the most sophisticated ABS systems available today," says Saab-Scania of America President Robert J. Sinclair.
"Known as ABS+3, with the three noting a third generation," Sinclair paints out, the system was developed by Germany's Alfred Teves GmbH and Saab, and is standard on all 1988 Saab 9000 Turbo and 9000S automobiles.
One of the most important features of the Saab ABS systemjSinclair notes, "is that it is fully integrated into the 9000's brake system. It's not an add-on."
The system has two independent electronic control units doubling its dependability, and it has three hydraulic brake circuits.
"Integrated into the 9000's well-balanced chassis, Saab's ABS provides unparalleled braking and excellent directional stability under the most severe conditions.
Our own tests have demonstrated that the stopping distance with the new ABS, on dry pavement, with cold brakes, and the car moving at 62 mph is an average of 139 feet," states Sinclair, offering an example of the system's capabilities.
Other changes for both Saab 9000's include rear side window demisters, operated by a console-mounted switch. The 9000 Turbo's E) II display is now standard in the 9000S, offering more detailed information on fuel economy, fuel consumption, outside temperature other details for 9000S owners.
For 1988, the ever-popular Saab 900 line features four engine configurations including the basic four-cylinder, eight-valve, 110 bhp model in the Saab 900; a naturally-aspirated version of Saab's 16valve, double-overhead camshaft, four-cylinder engine with 125 bhp in the 900S; the turbocharged version of this engine, delivering 160 bhp in the 900 Turbo and 900 Turbo Convertible; and the 165-bhp, premiumfuel version of the Saab 900, the Turbo SPG, or Special Performance Group model.
"Sales for the 900 line continue to be strong,' observes Sinclair, 'since, to many people, the 900 is the 'only' Saab, and as such, loyalty to this car is high.'
Not content to rest upon its laurels, Saab continues to make a good car even better, this year by adopting a version of the 9000's four wheel disc brake system, which includes floating calipers, ventilated front discs, dual-diagonal circuits, and a mechanical parking brake system acting on the rear wheels, rather than front wheels as in previous years.
Exterior and interior color and upholstery pattern changes complete the venue for 1988 Saabs.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
