2009 Saab 9-3 Range Expands XWD Cross-Wheel-Drive Technology to 2.0T Sedan And SportCombi, More Powerful V-6 Engine on Aero Models and New 2.0t ‘Sport’ Model

Fresh from the major exterior redesign it received for the 2008 model year, the Saab 9-3 range broadens its customer appeal for 2009 with available XWD cross-wheel-drive technology on 2.0T Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, a more powerful, 280-horsepower (209 kW) engine on all V-6 Aero models, and a new, available Aero-look exterior appearance package for 2.0T Sport models.

2009 Saab 9-3 2.0T Sedan

New for 2009:
* Saab XWD cross-wheel-drive system available on 2.0T models (as of October 2008)
* More powerful 280-horsepower (209 kW) engine on Aero models
* Electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD) standard on Aero V-6 XWD
* Aero-type appearance and performance package available on 2.0T “Sport” FWD models
* Carbon-fiber interior finish trim on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi
* OnStar 8.0 hardware with Turn-by-Turn Navigation* and Bluetooth hands-free calling

Class-leading 2009 Saab 9-3 XWD With Signature 2.0-liter Turbo Power

2008-07-22 -- Saab’s widely-acclaimed all-wheel-drive system – Saab XWD – is given a broader appeal in the latest 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi range by being teamed with classic Saab four-cylinder turbo power, in addition to the current 2.8V6 turbo application.

2009 Saab 9-3 SportCombi XWD

Featuring new generation, active control to bring the driver and car even closer together, the innovative XWD system now leverages the benefits of Saab’s smaller, 2.0-liter turbo engine. “This makes a very nimble handling package for the 9-3 range,” says Per Jansson, Vehicle Integration Engineer for Saab XWD.

“Saab is best known for using a relatively small four-cylinder turbo engine and our XWD system makes a perfect partner. Its compact and sophisticated design improves weight distribution, as well as handling and traction.”

2008-06-19 -- General Motors (GM) has allocated production of the next generation Saab 9-3 to the Trollhattan plant in Sweden. This morning the Saab staff was informed by GM Europe President and Chairman of the Saab Board Carl-Peter Forster.

“This is obviously extremely positive news for our organization and the region and a clear signal of the confidence in our ability to deliver world class production quality and efficiency”, says Saab Automobile Managing Director Jan Åke Jonsson.

“Since we had been allocated production of the next generation global Compact Vehicles in April of 2007 it’s really good to know we can start focusing on building a range of next generation Saab 9-3 vehicles”.

Ruesselsheim to add next Astra Generation, Trollhättan builds Saab 9-3

Ruesselsheim, 2008-06-20 -- Today, GME President Carl-Peter Forster announced two significant production allocations at an all employee meeting in Ruesselsheim, Germany. The plant in Ruesselsheim, Germany, now preparing for the production launch of the new Opel Insignia, will also manufacture the next generation Astra coming into market as of 2010. Other GME compact car plants are Bochum, Germany, Ellesmere Port, UK, Gliwice, Poland and Trollhättan, Sweden. The production of the next generation SAAB 9-3 has been allocated to the plant in Trollhättan.

Sales of bioethanol cars reach 100,000.

2008-05-28 -- The market for E85 flex-fuelled cars is booming. Saab, the largest seller of flex-fuel cars in Europe, recently delivered the 100,000th flex-fuel car in the Swedish market – a Saab 9-3 BioPower. In fact, Saab BioPower models have been the main contributor to Sweden’s leading position in the switch to renewable fuels within Europe.

It took seven years to sell the first 300 flex-fuel cars in Sweden. Six years later there were 50,000 on the roads. An additional 50,000 flex-fuel cars have been sold during the last 15 months alone – proof that the market is truly expanding. A joint strategy between central and local government, fuel producers, retailers and car manufacturers has been a key to this success.

DETROIT, April 2008 — While all Saab Convertibles are popular among car aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny experience. The first-ever yellow version of the Saab Convertible, issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after. Yet for those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be the charm.

2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition: This spring, yellow is back in a limited edition that is unprecedented in the current generation Saab Convertible – without a doubt, a future classic.

The new Saab 9-3 range features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting a series of powertrain improvements that include the introduction of all-wheel-drive and more powerful diesel, gasoline and BioPower (E85)engines.

The distinctive frontal styling,inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal.

2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan

It heralds the introduction of a‘tri-fuel’ engine line-up that now includes, an innovative 180 hp(132 kW), twin-stage 1.9 turbo diesel, an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8V6 turbo gasoline engine and an additional 175hp 2.0t Saab BioPower option, delivering 200 hp (147 kW) on E85fuel.

The 9-3 Convertible confirms Saab’s leading position in the premium convertible segment and is the product of more than 20 years’ experience in designing four-seater, four season soft tops that are as practical as they are stylish.

The Saab Convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of its class.

2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible

Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be ‘more than a Convertible’ by offering all-year-round transport. In addition to its functional qualities, the Convertible also offers strong driving appeal through sharing the excellent chassis dynamics of the 9-3 range.

The all new 2008 Cadillac CTS makes Japan debut

2007-10-25 -- General Motors Corp. (GM) will exhibit the 2008 Cadillac CTS, slated to hit the showrooms in January 2008, the recently facelifted Saab New 9-3, the Corvette Convertible, and the right-hand-drive Hummer H3 at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, scheduled to open from October 24 through November 11, 2007.

2008 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac

2007-10-05 -- Saab’s TV advertising campaign for its new 9-3 model gives yet another unknown but promising female Swedish singer the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience. 23-year-old Nina Kinert, from Stockholm, sings the acoustic soundtrack ‘Through Your Eyes’, specially written for the campaign, with a distinctive, brittle timbre.

The Swedish automaker’s latest ad retains the raw, self-assured tonality of last spring´s successful ‘Release Me’ BioPower campaign, using a soundtrack and imagery designed to communicate quality, safety and ‘cool’ Scandinavian design.