2009 SAAB 9-3 RANGE expands XWD CROSS-WHEEL-DRIVE TECHNOLOGY to 2.0T Sedan
06/09/2008
Saab
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.
Other enhancements include interior trim, roof rail and wheel changes, as well as new, standard OnStar 8.0 hardware that enables Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available in late 2008) and Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities.
For 2009, the Saab 9-3 range includes the 9-3 Sport Sedan, 9-3 SportCombi and 9-3 Convertible in 2.0T and Aero models. XWD technology is standard on Aero Sport Sedan and
SportCombi models.
Intelligent all-wheel drive
Originally available in the 2008 model year only on the V-6-equipped Turbo X or Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models, Haldex Gen 4 XWD cross-wheel-drive technology brings additional functionality to four-cylinder 2.0T models while preserving the fun-to-drive attributes and Scandinavian sensibilities that characterize Saab vehicles.
9-3 2.0T models equipped with XWD technology (production begins in October 2008) are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and feature a more comfort-focused chassis setting than V-6 Aero XWD models.
Saab's XWD cross-wheel-drive is a pre-emptive, active-on-demand system that is activated only when required, minimizing the impact on fuel economy while giving the car a sure-footed, dynamic feel that enthusiasts embrace. Developed in Sweden with Haldex of Stockholm, Saab's available XWD cross-wheel-drive system is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions.
This state-of-the-art, all-wheel-drive system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off; and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential (eLSD is standard on Aero XWD models and not available on 2.0T models) that allows variable torque transfer between the rear wheels.
The system is governed by its own electronic control unit, which functions with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESP control modules. The hardware consists of a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM). This incorporates a Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and, on Aero models, an electronically controlled limited slip differential (eLSD). Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units manufactured by Haldex.
The eLSD is installed alongside the RDM and operates via pressurized clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy or wet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip.
The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. This yaw-damping effect can keep the car better balanced and more tightly controlled, without requiring outside intervention from electronic stability technology.
Progressive design with Scandinavian values
The 2009 9-3 range incorporates the award-winning, eye-catching design cues of the Aero X Concept, with a powerful front end including a larger grille, smaller side grilles and semi-overwrap-style hood.
The headlamp design wraps around to the flanks of the vehicle and accommodates the available Xenon cornering headlamps (standard on Aero), which adjust horizontally in conjunction with the vehicle's steering for greater visibility. This distinctive headlamp design element, as well as the clean, monochromatic doors and bumpers, give the 9-3 a longer, sleeker, cleaner and faster look. For 2009, SportCombi models receive a sleeker roof rail design, while matte chrome finish roof rails are available on Aero SportCombi .
For 2009, Saab 9-3 "Sport" Sport Sedan buyers can choose an Aero-type appearance and performance package that includes dual bright-finish tailpipes, sport-bolstered seats, metallic interior decor, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned chassis and new, sportier-looking 17 by 7.5-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
2.0T XWD-equipped 9-3 models feature new, standard 17 by 7-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. The new, sportier 17 by 7.5-inch five-spoke alloy wheel is standard on the Aero FWD Convertible. Eighteen-inch wheels with performance-rated tires are standard on Aero XWD models.
Carbon Grey Metallic and Glass Grey Metallic join the exterior color choices for 2009. Grey also is offered as an additional convertible top color choice.
Inviting cockpit
The 9-3 interiors use premium materials and are generously equipped, with standard features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, front side window de-misters, rain-sensing windshield wipers, cooled and illuminated glove box, plush carpet floor mats and plenty of storage.
2.0T models are equipped with leather-appointed seats and wood-effect trim, while Aero models receive leather-appointed sport seats with two-tone upholstery. For 2009, Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi XWD models receive carbon-fiber interior trim inspired by the Turbo X model.
Turbocharged engine leadership
Saab has been recognized for its turbocharging technology leadership for more than 30 years. Two turbocharged engines are available on the 9-3 range, the 210-horsepower (157 kW) 2.0L inline four-cylinder (2.0T models), and the more powerful 2.8L V-6 turbo (Aero models), which delivers 280 horsepower (209 kW). The 2.8L V-6 also produces more torque, 262 lb.-ft. (355 Nm) for the FWD Aero Convertible and 395 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) for the XWD Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi.
Saab developed the 2.0L I-4 turbo to balance high fuel efficiency with high torque (221 lb.-ft / 300 Nm) for confident passing. Precise, highly sensitive throttle control, adaptive torque delivery and smooth power-on/power-off characteristics are benefits of its Trionic-8 engine-management system.
The 2.8L V-6 Turbo, named one of the "10 Best Engines" by Ward's AutoWorld Magazine in 2006, delivers excellent responsiveness through low-speed torque and high-rpm power as well as exceptional refinement. It features a technologically advanced 60-degree, dual overhead-cam architecture designed to produce power and excellent fuel economy to meet different needs in markets around the world.
All Saab 9-3 models can be equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is available on 2.0T 9-3 FWD models and a six-speed automatic is available on Aero and 2.0T XWD models.
Safety is a Saab priority
The Saab 9-3 lineup has been recognized by insurance and consumer groups for its occupant protection attributes. 2008 model year Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible models earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize category, the fourth consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan brought home top IIHS honors.
The 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible earned the IIHS' Top Safety Pick Award - one of two convertibles and the only soft-top convertible to earn a top spot.
Saab 9-3's long list of standard safety and security features includes:
Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) in the front seats
Pendulum B-pillar side-impact structure
OnStar 8.0 (includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation (available in late 2008), Bluetooth hands-free calling, automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency services, AccidentAssist, roadside assistance and remote door unlock)
Anti-lock brakes and traction control
Electronic Stability Program
Adaptive driver and front passenger air bags
Head/torso side-impact air bags in the front seats (Convertible)
Torso side-impact air bags in the front seats
Front seat safety belt pretensioners and load-limiters
Halo remote lighting feature
Tire pressure monitoring system
Headlamps with delay ("follow-me-home") feature
Premium audio
The top-of-the-line Bose Centerpoint surround sound system complements Saab's turbocharged driving experience. Bose engineers worked with Saab designers to develop the system, using special design and analysis tools to take more than a thousand measurements inside the vehicle to assess the acoustic environment of the cabin.
While surround sound typically requires specially engineered recordings, the Centerpoint signal processing circuitry is based on the surround decoding technology in Bose home theater systems. As a result, Saab owners receive five independent audio channels of surround sound experience from their existing CD collection or any other digital music source.
The Bose Centerpoint surround sound system is standard on the Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi, and available on the 2.0T models. Standard on 2.0T Sedan and Convertible models is a 150-watt premium audio system with seven speakers, CD player and MP3-compatible auxiliary input jack; a 300-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers is available on the Convertible.
XM Satellite Radio is also standard, and comes with a three-month free trial.
Saab ownership
Topping the list of Saab owner benefits is Saab's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty including courtesy transportation and roadside assistance; no-charge scheduled maintenance for three years/36,000 miles and a four-year/50,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper New Car Warranty.