#5443 10/27/95 Message from R. Scott V. Paterson (rsvp@warp.org) Subject: Press: 96 Saab 900 5-Door Turbo ================== SAAB UNLEASHES 1996 SAAB 900 5-DOOR TURBO FOR ALL-NEW LEVEL OF FAMILY CAR PERFORMANCE Ecopower Technology Boosts Saab 900 5-Door's Appeal NORCROSS, Ga. -- Few mid-size cars today can match the sheer versatility of the popular Saab 900 5-door. Lauded for its innovation in design and technology when it debuted in 1994, this distinctive Swede immediately established itself as a worthy successor to the first-generation Saab 900. With its evolutionary blend of Saab engineering and styling cues, plus the full complement of Saab safety, comfort and technological advances, the 900 5-door quickly commandeered ownership of a unique niche in a crowded marketplace. For 1996, Saab adds even more spice to the 900 5- door's appeal by debuting an additional engine option -- the potent 185 hp 2.0L Turbo. Active Lifestvles Demand Versatile Automobiles Saab Delivers With Three Distinctive 900 5-Door Enine Choices Saab has always been recognized for its ability to engineer a broad range of variants, each distinguished by a unique personality, from a small number of base platforms. The Saab 900 is perhaps the best example of this expertise. While every Saab 900 applies the same advanced level of intelligent solutions to today's driving demands, three different powerplant options infuse distinctive character into their respective variants. The 1996 Saab 900 S 5-door leads the lineup with its solid combination of family values. Equipped with features that most competitors either offer as extra-cost options (or simply not at all) the 900 S is a remarkable value. Saab's naturally aspirated 2.3L 1 50-hp four-cylinder powerplant, with counter-rotating balance shafts for smoothness, dual overhead cams and 16 valves, ensures smooth, strong performance, whether the task is transporting an antique armoire or a pack of children. The 900 S includes such standard features as CFC-free air conditioning, heated front seats, luxury velour upholstery, telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, remote locking and alarm system, cruise control, 80-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers, front and rear fog lights, 1 5-inch alloy wheels and Michelin all-season performance tires. For buyers who prefer six instead of four cylinders under the hood of their Saab 900 5-door, Saab offers the 900 5-door V6. The naturally-aspirated 2.5L V6 engine, matched exclusively with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission for 1996, is optional on the 900 SE. The 170-hp V6 features four overhead cams, 24 valves and a narrow cylinder angle of 54 degrees between banks. An electronic Traction Control System (TCS) is standard with the V6 engine. Six-cylinder Saab 900 SE 5-doors emphasize driving comfort and refinement. Like all Saab engines, the V6 provides a high level of low-end torque for maximum flexibility and responsive passing ability. The exciting 900 SE Turbo package, introduced last year in the Saab 900 SE Coupe and Convertible, transforms the popular family hatchback into an aggressive performance sedan -- on demand. The 185-hp 2.0L Saab four-cylinder Turbo engine delivers a potent match of torque and horsepower, while a standard rear spoiler, sport chassis and 16-inch high-performance Michelin tires mounted on "Viking Aero" three- spoke alloy wheels spell out performance visually. The 1996 Saab 900 SE Turbo arrives with a manual five-speed transmission, and an electronicall,v controlled four- speed automatic will be available later in the model year. The automatic gearbox will feature three driver-controlled shift modes: sport, normal and winter. The 2.0L Turbo engine utilizes Saab's Ecopower technology to achieve both high performance and high fuel economy -- hallmarks of all Saab turbocharged engines. Ecopower engines feature four valves per cylinder with center-located spark plug and direct ignition, intercooled turbocharger, Saab Trionic electronic engine management, preheated oxygen sensor and a catalytic converter moved closer to the engine for quick warm-up. The 32-bit processor of the award-winning Saab Trionic system helps keep the exhaust emissions clean enough to fall below California's TLEV (Transitional Low Emission Vehicle) limits. The low-inertia, full-boost turbocharger ensures an aggressive torque curve and strong acceleration, with boost pressure monitored by Saab's Automatic Performance Control (APC). Saab turbochargers, with water-cooled bearings and maintenance-free operation, are an integrated part of the engine, and can be expected to last the life of the vehicle. Standard features on the Saab 900 SE, either turbocharged or V6-powered, include power front seats with three-position driver's memory, leather upholstery, power sliding glass sunroof, Automatic Climate Control (ACC), a 1 60-watt stereo system with eight speakers and a multi-function trip computer that, at the push of a button, calculates distance-to-empty, average fuel use, average speed and additional information. 1996 Enhancements Add Value The taillight treatment on all 1996 Saab 900s gets a fresh look with the addition of a reflective decor panel between the rear light clusters. Saab 900 models with leather interiors and manual transmissions also integrate a black leather shift knob and hand-sewn shift boot. A new adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat further enhances driver comfort. A stunning new Sky Blue metallic paint color debuts in 1996. Sky Blue is a medium blue with silver undertones and a hint of purple, and it is the brightest entry on the 900 5-door color palette. Desiqned to Serve and Protect The roomy Saab 900 5-door is designated a "Mid-size" car by the EPA, which gives it an advantage in interior room over its compact-sized competitors. And while spaciousness is crucial to Saab enthusiasts, so is safety. That's why every Saab 900 5- door includes a lengthy list of standard safety features, such as dual air bags, daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes (ABS), lap and shoulder safety belts and head restraints in all five seating positions (optional rear seat center head restraint), industry-leading 5-mph self-restoring bumpers, 1997 side impact protection, the innovative rear "Saab Safeseat" and Saab's renowned safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones. Saab's commitment to safety doesn't just include exceeding legislated standards. Since 1972, Saab safety engineers have investigated thousands of accidents involving Saabs in Sweden. Crucial information about how Saabs respond in real-world accident situations is continuously integrated into the design and engineering of all Saab cars. Another key Saab commitment is to optimize utility. While some buyers simply want to haul, well, you know what, most Saab enthusiasts consider cargo capacity one of the 900 5-door's most appreciated assets. The 40/60/100 split-folding rear seat has a pass-through opening behind the center armrest which handily accommodates even the longest skis. With a push of a release button, the rear seat crossbeam folds down with the seatbacks to fully open the rear area for a maximum carrying capacity of 49.8 cubic feet. The Saab 900 5-door also offers a pair of optional integrated child seats built into the rear seats. Available on either the 900 S or SE, the booster seats are suitable for most children from 3 to 10 years old, weighing between 33 and 80 pounds. The child is properly positioned by the booster seat to be correctly restrained by the car's standard lap and shoulder belt, and the seat's integral headrest offers further protection. Colorful Choices In addition to new Sky Blue, metallic color choices for the 1996 Saab 900 5-door line include Citrin Beige, Scarabe Green, Ruby Red and Silver, and solid Black. The 900 SE Turbo is also available in sporty Imola Red. Interior colors are Taupe (velour), Sand Beige (leather), Light Gray or Charcoa(. Saab's excellent warranty protection includes four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to- bumper coverage with 24-hour roadside assistance, and six year coverage for perforation, with no mileage limit. Saab's first maintenance service at 5,000 miles is performed free of charge. ================== EOF The Saab Network saab@network.mhs.compuserve.com
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