#5444 10/27/95 Message from R. Scott V. Paterson (rsvp@warp.org) Subject: Press: 96 900 Coupe ================== 1996 SAAB 900 COUPES EMBODY VALUE PERFORMANCE AND FUN Saab's Trendsetting Premium Hatchbacks Sport Lengthy List of Standard Features NORCROSS, Ga. -- The 1996 Saab 900 S and 900 SE 3-door Coupes blend value, inimitable styling and fun-to-drive performance, without skimping on the many unmistakable attributes that define these premium hatchback Coupes as purebred Saabs. Ever since the Swedish automaker debuted the aerodynamically-advanced two- door Saab 92 in 1947, fastback Coupes have been an integral part of Saab's innovative model mix. Today, the Saab 900 3-doors' sporty styling, immense cargo-carrying capacity and feisty performance continue to prove irresistible to enthusiasts. The 1996 Saab 900 Coupes deliver a wallop of value, whether buyers choose the 900 S Coupe -- Saab's 1996 price/value leader -- or the 900 SE Coupe, available with the full force of Saab turbocharging. In addition to an extensive complement of standard equipment, all 1996 Saab 900 Coupes arrive with a lifetime supply of Saab spirit, free of charge. Saab 900 CouPe Enhancements for 1996 Saab, already renowned for the integrity and long-distance comfort of its seats, enhances this comfort level even further by adding adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat. Also added to the standard equipment list for five-speed manual 1996 Saab 900s with leather interior is a black leather shift knob and boot. Like all 1996 Saab 900 models, the Saab 900 Coupes are factory-equipped with an all-new, full-width reflective panel between the rear light clusters, for a fresh rear profile. In addition, the base 900 S Coupe integrates the 900 SE Coupe's sporty rear spoiler, also as standard equipment. Also new for 1996 is a rich Sky Blue metallic paint option, which blends a medium blue/silver with a hint of purple for maximum visual appeal. Sportv, SPacious and - Like All Saabs - Dedicated to Safetv Enqineerinq The Saab 900 3-door Coupe shares the same platform as the 900 5-door, and therefore has the same generous passenger space and impressive cargo capacity with the rear seat folded down. Designated a "Midsize" car by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the roomy Saab 900 accommodates five adults. Rear seat passenger can enter and exit the 900 Coupe comfortably, courtesy of doors that are nearly nine inches wider than the 5-door 900 model. Saab's famous utility quotient is just as high in the 900 Coupes as the 5-door variants, offering a spacious interior not just for humans, but also for their "stuff." The 40/60/100 split-folding rear seat has a pass-through opening behind the center armrest, and folds down partially or fully. With the simple push of a release button, the crossbeam folds down with the seatbacks to fully open the rear area for maximum hauling capacity of a cavernous 49.8 cubic feet. With the rear seat folded up, the unique "Saab Safeseat" design can be fully appreciated. This design, shared by all Saab 900s, integrates special crossbeams under the seat and at the top of the rear seatback. The sturdy upper crossbeam not only provides a cross-car reinforcement in the event of a side collision, but also anchors the three head rests (the center head rest is optional) and three safety belts. In addition, it serves as a bulkhead to protect passengers from shifting cargo in the luggage compartment. The "Saab Safeseat" complements the Saab 900's side impact protection, built into the rear panels of the 900 3-door (or rear doors of the 5-door). All Saab occupants are protected by lap-and-shoulder safety belts, head- restraints and anti-submarining seating. Like all Saabs, every 900 Coupe also features standard dual air bags, front safety belt pretensioners, daytime running lights, anti-lock brakes (ABS), industry-leading 5-mph self-restoring bumpers, 1997 side impact protection and the Swedish automaker's legendary safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones. Saab Adds Lenathv Standard Equipment List to Even the Lowest-Priced CouPe The 900 S Coupe may qualify as Saab's lowest priced car, but its equipment ievel is far from entry-level. Unlike some competitors, Saab recognizes that Saab buyers don't want to skimp on performance or equipment level for the sheer sake of owning a nameplate. The powerplant is Saab's lively 2.3L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, with counter-rotating balance shafts, dual overhead cams, 16 valves and a strong 150 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while an electronically controlled four- speed automatic is available as an option. The 900 S Coupe's list of standard equipment is exhaustive, including many features -- like heated seats, a spoiler and alloy wheels -- that would normally be extra-cost options on competing cars. Additional standard features on the Saab 900 S include CFC-free air conditioning, luxury velour upholstery, telescoping 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, and all-season performance tires. Driving enthusiasts will enjoy the secure road-holding and impressive performance of the 900 S Coupe, but for the ultimate thrill ride, it's the Saab 900 SE Turbo Coupe that makes drivers consistently take the long way home. Rated at a potent 18 hp, the 2 0L four-cylinder utilizes Saab's Ecopower technology to squeeze maximum efficiency (power and economy) out of every drop of fuel. Saab 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). An optional automatic transmission will be available with the Saab 900 SE's turbocharged engine starting in January, 1996. The electronically controlled four-speed automatic will feature three driver-programmable shift modes -- for sport, normal or winter driving. Standard transmission for the 900 Turbo Coupe is a five-speed manual. Driving enthusiasts demand road-hugging handling and the Saab 900 SE Coupe delivers. A lowered sport chassis sets the 900 SE apart, featuring specially tuned suspension components, stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars and 1 6-inch high-speed- rated Michelin tires mounted on "Viking Aero" three-spoke alloy wheels. Other standard features on the Saab 900 SE include power front seats with three-position driver's memory, leather upholstery, power sliding glass sunroof, Automatic Climate Control, a 1 60-watt stereo with eight speakers and a multi-function trip computer. Every Saab 900 features a security-conscious deadbolt locking system that, when engaged by turning the key a quarter revolution in the exterior door lock, will not allow thieves to open a door, even if a window is broken. The key must be used. Additional security comes standard on every new Saab in the form of a remote- controlled engine-immobilizing alarm system. This advanced digital alarm system includes a start inhibitor that prevents the engine management system from operating, leaving the engine unable to run unless the alarm is correctly deactivated with the remote control. This, together with the other functions in the alarm system -- glass breakage sensor and alarm sensors for the doors, hood and trunk -- offers excellent protection against burglary and theft. Colorful Choices. Generous Warrantv Complementing the all-new Sky Blue metallic exterior color are these additional choices: Black, Imola Red, Citrin Beige, Scarabe Green and Silver. Interior color options include Taupe (velour), Sand Beige (leather), Light Gray or Charcoal. Saab offers excellent warranty protection on the 1996 models: Bumper-to- bumper protection with 24-hour roadside assistance is provided for four years/50,000 miles. Perforation coverage extends for six years 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