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1996 Saab 900 Convertible Press Release



#5445
10/27/95
Message from R. Scott V. Paterson (rsvp@warp.org)
Subject: Press: 96 900 Convertible
==================
SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE THRIVES ON THE BUSINESS OF EVERYDAY DRIVING, SHINES
WITH THE PLEASURE OF FREE-SPIRITED MOTORING

The Original Swedish Luxury Soft-Top Celebrates a Decade of All-Season
Appeal

NORCROSS, Ga. -- Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 1996, the classic
Saab 900 Convertible is an all-season success story -- capturing more than
a quarter of Saab's total U.S. sales in 1995. The reasons for this
perennial performer's timeless appeal are simple. As a pioneer of the
four-passenger luxury European convertible concept, Saab set the benchmark
for the competitive set by engineering the 900 Convertible as a soft-top
from the ground up. Integrating an unprecedented level of structural
integrity, a triple-layer top that could withstand the vagaries of cold or
warm- weather climates, and comfortable seating for four, the
first-generation Saab 900 Convertible appealed to buyers' practical as well
as leisure needs.

Today's Saab 900 Convertible, which debuted as an all-new model in 1995,
takes this seamless blend of business and pleasure attributes to an even
higher level. Features such as a micro-computer controlled top (standard
equipment on even the lowest-priced Saab 900 S Convertible) with a heated
glass rear window, three distinctive powertrains, and a rear seat that
folds forward for extra storage room, again set new benchmarks for the
competition. Refinements For 1996

Like all 1996 Saab 900 models, the 900 Convertible driver's seats now
integrates adjustable lumbar support, for an even greater level of operator
comfort. For added value, hand-sewn black leather is now utilized for
manual transmission equipped 900 Convertibles. Also new for 1996 is a
reflective panel between the 900's rear taillights, which streamlines the
back for an updated look. Saab's exterior color palette adds a vibrant new
metallic Sky Blue. Buyers who specify their 1996 Saab 900 Convertible in
this attractive color also receive a dark blue fabric top and a light gray
leather interior.

1996 Saab 900 Convertible Has 40-Year Heritaqe

Saab's first open-air motoring venture occurred four decades ago, in 1956,
when the Swedish automaker crafted six prototypes of a spoty two-seater and
called it the Saab Sonett Super Sport. The low-slung two-stroke,
three-cylinder roadsters were built to compete in international rally
races, but unexpected changes in rally rules rendered the cars unsuited for
such competition. The Sonett sports car eventually evolved into a
production hardtop coupe, and Saab's dream of a true soft-top was put on
hold.

That dream became reality when an open-top Saab was introduced to rave
reviews at the 1983 Frankfurt Auto Show. After stunning the international
audience with a pearl-white Saab 900 "Concept Convertible," Saab realized
that a star had been born. The first 400 production Saab 900 Convertibles
were delivered to the U.S. in 1986 -- one to each Saab dealer. Demand far
exceeded expectations (and supply) as enthusiastic consumers applauded the
idea of a four-passenger Convertible that could be driven in sun, sleet or
snow. The Saab Convertible quickly earned accolades for daring to be
different, while offering a high level of comfort, luxury, performance and
versatility.

Ultimately, over 50,000 first-generation Saab soft-tops were delivered
before an all-new design debuted in the fall of 1994. For 1995, the highest
number of Convertibles in the history of the company will be sold, the
majority of them in the U.S. market.

Engineered. Not "Chopped" to Be a Convertible

Since this illustrious beginning, Saab Convertibles have been assembled on
a dedicated production line. Because they are engineered and factory-built
as true Convertibles, Saab 900 soft-tops boast an immediate advantage in
the areas of structural integrity and quality. Rather than l'chop" the top
off a coupe, the Saab Convertible has been engineered and factory-built as
a true open-top car. Today's Saab 900 Convertible shares only its front-end
design and lower side door assemblies with the equally new Saab 900
three-door Coupe.

Unlike conversions, every inch of the 900 Convertible's chassis has been
optimized to compensate for the lack of a hard roof structure. For example,
Saab engineers added heavy reinforcements at crucial stress points, such as
the base of the windshield and the door sill, and the car's A pillars are
formed by a continuous G- shaped member that runs from the screen header
rail, down the hinge post and into the sill. These designs add to an
already rigid chassis, without adding weight. The 1996 900 Convertible
weighs 27 Ibs. Iess than its previous design, but is 73 percent stiffer in
torsion. Even more importantly, the 900 Convertible can withstand almost 30
percent more crush load than its predecessor.

Structural integrity and safety go hand in hand, and the Saab 900
Convertible, like all Saabs, combines both beautifully. Dual air bags,
anti-lock brakes (ABS), daytime running lights, industry-leading 5-mph
self-restoring bumpers, 1997 side impact protection and Saab's renowned
safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones are all part of
the standard Saab safety package.

Four Seasons of Fun are Standard Equipment

The 1996 Saab 900 Convertible continues the tradition of uncompromising
performance, integrity, versatility and a superb price/value relationship.
Both trim levels -- S and SE -- offer a long list of premium equipment and
amenities. Both offer a micro- processor-controlled power top that can be
quickly raised or lowered at the touch of a button. Six electric motors,
eight microswitches, three potentiometers and a trunk- mounted electronic
control unit ensure that the top operates with a minimum of owner effort.
All four windows can be lowered with a single push of an "express-down"
switch in the center console, and after unlatching two header clamps, a
button initiates the top's choreographed disappearing act. The folded top
is concealed under a hard boot, which opens and closes automatically to
maintain the Saab's aerodynamic profile.

The Saab 900 Convertible's rugged top ensures that owners enjoyed their
soft- top regardless of weather conditions. The durable top material,
called Twillfast lll, consists of a special blend of colorfast polyacrylic
fibers, a waterproof rubber middle layer and cotton inside layer. An
additional fabric headliner traps about an inch of air space to ensure the
interior is well insulated against extreme temperatures.

A glass rear window with electrically heated demisting, as well as heated
front seats and outside mirrors, keep the 900 Convertible well equipped for
winter weather. And, a CFC-free Automatic Climate Control System (ACC) on
the 900 SE delivers the perfect level of occupant comfort year-round. A
special thermal sensor override initiates a manual temperature zone setting
program as soon as the convertible top is lowered.

Practicality is engineered into every Saab, including the Convertible. The
top stowage well in the trunk is constructed of a flexible material. With
the top up, the well can be hooked upward, expanding cargo volume from 10
cubic feet to 12 cubic feet. Saab then goes a step further than its
competition by also integrating a fold-down rear seat and pass-through
opening, which accommodate long items such as skis, snow boards or
surfboards. Diverse Enqine Range, Lonq List of Standard Equipment on Everv
Model. Allows Freedom of Self-Expression

Three powerplant options -- a 150-hp naturally aspirated 2.3L
four-cylinder, a sporting 1 70-hp normally aspirated 2.5L V6 and a potent 1
85-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder-- each provide a distinct driving
character.

The Saab 900 S Convertible is equipped with the naturally aspirated
16-valve four-cylinder with counter-rotating balance shafts for smoothness,
matched to either a five-speed manual or electronically controlled
four-speed automatic transmission. Luxury features abound, even on this
lowest -priced of the Saab soft-tops. In addition to a power top and
leather upholstery, the 900 S Convertible is equipped with a lengthy list
of standard features including a premium stereo, power windows, CFC-free
air conditioning, attractive 15-inch short-spoke alloy wheels and remote
lock/alarm. The sophisticated alarm system includes an engine-immobilizing
feature and intrusion sensors for the doors, hood and trunk.

Saab's powerful 2.0L Turbo, one of the automaker's Ecopower engines, is the
standard powerplant on the Saab 900 SE Convertible. Like all of Saab's
turbo Ecopower motors, the key features of the 2.0L four-cylinder are four
valves per cylinder with center-located spark plug, intercooled
turbocharger, Saab Trionic electronic engine management, preheated oxygen
sensor and a catalytic converter moved closer to the engine for quick
warm-up. Ecopower advantages include high torque at low engine speeds, high
power with low exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption. With exhaust
emissions that currently fall below California's TLEV (Transitional Low
Emission Vehicle) limits, Ecopower engines showcase Saab's commitment to
environmental responsibility and driving pleasure.

The Turbo engine is offered with a manual five-speed transmission or, later
in the model year, a four-speed automatic. The transmission features three
electronic shift modes: normal, sport and winter.
 Saab's sporty 2.5L V6 is available as an option on the 900 SE, matched to
an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with
traction control. The smooth V6, with 24 valves and four overhead
camshafts, provides generous torque at low engine speeds and plenty of
smooth power for responsive highway acceleration.

The SE model's dashboard is trimmed with genuine California walnut, crafted
from trees that are specially cultivated for this purpose -- a reflection
of Saab's commitment to environmental consciousness. Other standard
features on the 900 SE Convertible include Automatic Climate Control, 1
60-watt stereo system with trunk- mounted six-CD changer, power seats and 1
6-inch tires mounted on three-spoke alloy "Viking Aero" wheels -- a new
feature for V6-equipped Convertibles, formerly available only on the Turbo
model.

What Color Would You Like?

Exterior color choices for 1996 Saab 900 Convertibles include Black, Cirrus
White, Sky Blue, Imola Red (900 SE), Ruby Red (900 S), Scarabe Green and
Citrin Beige, newly available on the 900 Convertible.

In addition to Saab's four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper protection
with 24-hour roadside assistance, the first maintenance service at 5,000
miles is performed free of charge. Perforation coverage extends for six
years with no mileage limit.
==================
EOF
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