Only
days ago on the brink of liquidation, Saab is already back in the game.
Moving ahead under its new Dutch owner (supercar making Spyker), the
Swedish brand has just given to go-ahead for customers to begin ordering
its newest model. The Saab 9-3x is the brand’s response to Subaru
Outback, Audi A4 Allroad, and other high-riding wagons.
Compared
to the 9-3 SportCombi, the “X” is 1.4 inches higher, features new front
and rear plastic bumpers for durability, and a redesigned interior to
accommodate outdoor gear. While customers in Europe will have the
additional options of a 180hp 1.9L turbo diesel or 210 2.0L “Biopower”
I4, U.S. buyers can only select the venerable petrol 2.0L turbo-four.
Specifically, the 2.0L gasoline-powered four-banger will produce 210hp
and 300 NM of torque. The U.S.-spec 9-3x will be available with either a
6-speed automatic, or 6-speed manual, directing power to either the
front wheels, or all all four wheels with “Cross-Wheel Drive” (Saab
speak for all-wheel drive).
The
result of Saab’s efforts to improve the durability and versatility of
their 9-3 Sportcombi is the 9-3X. Hopefully, their increased engineering
will result in a greater market share- but only time will tell.
Feb. 7th (Source: Saab)
Specifications
Engine: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4
Aspiration: Turbo (.85 bar)
Output: 210hp @ 5300, 300NM @ 2500-4000
Drivetrain: Front engined, front or all-wheel drive (FF, or FA)
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
0-100 KM/H: 8.5 seconds (0-60: 8.4 seconds)
Top Speed: 250 KM/H (155 MPH)
Photos
Press Release
Saab
introduced the 2010 9-3X at the 2009 New York International Auto Show
on April 8, a rugged all-rounder aimed at active individualists seeking
an alternative to a large crossover or SUV. It is the vehicle’s North
American debut, following its world premiere last month at the Geneva
Auto Show.
Developed
and manufactured at Saab’s headquarters in Trollhättan, Sweden, the
9-3X is designed to stylishly transport outdoor enthusiasts to their
adventures. It features distinctive looks; a versatile SportCombi body;
higher stance; and advanced all-wheel-drive technology. On top of that,
the 9-3X also offers fuel efficiency and functional storage without
limits on the kinds of roads it can travel.
In
the 9-3X, the acclaimed Saab Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system – which
made its debut in the Turbo X limited edition model last year – will be
combined with the fuel-efficient 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
gasoline engine. The 9-3X embodies Saab’s “EcoPower” technology
philosophy, which aims at combining a dynamic driving experience with an
efficient use of resources to achieve responsible performance.
Distinctive appeal.
Saab
designers raised the chassis of the two-wheel-drive 9-3 SportCombi 1.4
inches (35 mm) and added automatic body-leveling so the 9-3X can handle a
rugged driving terrain regardless of the load on the rear axle. It is
designed for those who frequently travel gravel or unpaved roads,
without compromising the driving experience on asphalt.
The
Saab 9-3X is a car in tune with the less-is-more priorities of today’s
customers. “The 9-3X is an efficient choice for anyone who doesn’t want
or need an SUV-type vehicle,” said Simon Padian, Saab design chief.
“Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what’s
required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot.”
New
front and rear bumpers feature a dark gray, grained finish that is also
applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a
protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This
treatment is complemented by skid panels with a matte aluminum finish,
curving up toward the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form
in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matte,
aluminum-finish lower door decor strips. Roof rails and visible, twin
round exhaust outlets are standard. Front fog lamps ringed with a chrome
finish add yet another bold accent.
With
the addition of newly designed, multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, the
9-3X’s exterior character reflects its ability to handle mixed road
conditions, whether rough or smooth, loose or paved. Inside, the 9-3X
interior is based on top-of-the-line specifications, adding a Dark Titan
Metallic finish to the door trims, glove box and gearshift surround.
Leather-appointed sport seats and a leather sport steering wheel are
standard, as well as “9-3X”-labeled inner door sills.
Total traction.
At
the heart of the 9-3X is Saab’s cutting-edge XWD system. It is an
intelligent, active system that continuously distributes torque between
the front and rear axles as required for optimum stability and grip in
all conditions.
The
hardware includes an electronically controlled Torque Transfer Device
(TTD) that varies power delivery between the axles. A valve increases or
reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to
progressively engage or disengage the rear axle. The degree of slip
dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. A standard
rear electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) operates
on the same principle, splitting torque across the axle to whichever
wheel has more grip.
As
part of the Swedish manufacturer’s rightsizing strategy, the 9-3X will
come to the U.S. with Saab’s hallmark 2.0L gasoline turbocharged
four-cylinder engine, offering 210 horsepower (157 kW). It is mated to a
choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Form meets function in luggage area.
The
9-3X also is designed to make loading sports and leisure equipment
easy, matching form with function. The rear cargo area’s low floor is
surprisingly spacious and well-proportioned. The compact design of the
rear suspension allows a deep, box-like space, free from intrusions,
offering a useful rear seat up/down volume of 25.4 to 59.5 cubic feet
(719 to 1,685 liters).
The
60/40-split rear seatback incorporates a ski hatch and folds down
without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. The fold-down front
passenger seatback also makes it possible to carry items that are as
long as 8 feet (2.4 meters).
The
fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights
mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly
weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods
completely hidden in the roof to allow a clear, uncluttered opening. The
flush-fitted, black-molded floor plate has been designed to resist
scratching even in heavy use.
The
TwinFloor stowage facility helps keep luggage and equipment safe and
tidy. The middle section of the floor hinges upward transversely when
the handle is pulled, so the front edge fits into two retaining slots.
There is also a 12-volt power outlet in the main load area (for a hot or
cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the
floor, one fitted with a molded holder for large bottles.
Saab: a longstanding heritage in North America.
Saab
made its American debut as a car manufacturer at the 1956 New York Auto
Show with a small display of three vehicles including the eye-catching
Sonett “Super Sport.” Only six years after selling its very first car
and becoming established in Scandinavia, Saab was ready to enter North
America as an entirely new market for the Swedish automaker. Since then,
more than 1.1 million Saabs have been sold to customers throughout the
United States.
(source: Saab)
