2007 Saab 9-3 news, pictures, and information

SAAB CONTINUES PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OFFENSIVE, REFINES 2007 9-3 RANGE

The SportCombi moves Saab into the premium midsize wagon §egmènt for the first time by combining distinctive design, sporty driving dynamics and the functionality of a five-door. Its strong, compact proportions reaffirm Saab's tradition of sporty, versatile cars, and its cohesive five-door styling and solid, muscular stance clearly mark the SportCombi as a member of the 9-3 family.

Like the rest of the 9-3 range, the SportCombi, which launched in the fall of 2005, is designed to deliver style, performance and surprising functionality. It appeals to customers who need the versatility of a wagon, including smart load-carrying features and a generously proportioned cargo area, without compromising their desire for driving satisfaction.

The top-of-the-line, high-performance Aero SportCombi model features a turbocharged aluminum 2.8L V-6 engine that makes 250 horsepower (186.4 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox comes standard, and a six-speed Sentronic automatic wîth §teering wheel controls is available. The SportCombi can also be ordered wîth Saab's 210 horsepower (157 kW) inline four-cylinder turbo.

With a wedge-like profile and Saab signature styling cues, the close-coupled proportions of the SportCombi include useful load-carrying features and a surprisingly spacious cargo area.

The exterior also offers a sporty, distinctive alternative to conventional wagon proportions, wîth the traditional Saab 'hockey stick' beltline, fastbackrear quarter styling, steeply raked taillight lenses and LED bulbs.

The 9-3 SportCombi has zero lift levels at both axles (0.00 Clf and 0.00 Clr). The car has a drag coefficient of 0.33, impressive high-speed stability and a standard integrated rear roof spoiler.

Inside, the main cargo area floor lifts to divide the space into two separate sections and to reveal additional storage in the recessed subfloor.

9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible
With a steeply raked windshield, wedge-like profile and short front and rear overhangs, all the 9-3 models convey a sense of movement even while standing still. The shape of the windows combines wîth the sleek, integrated headlights and grille to emphasize the distinctive Saab identity.

The 9-3 lineup is the product of the most exhaustive development program in chassis dynamics undertaken by Saab. The kinetics of the rear suspension, for example, are tuned for a unique rear-wheel-steer response to attain optimum handling and stability. The four-link independent rear suspension wîth high lateral stiffness adds stability and grip; longitudinal compliance enhances ride comfort.

The Saab 9-3 model lineup is built from 'the driver outward.' That means the cabin ergonomics, instrumentation, controls and seating position are all developed from the driver's perspective. As a result, the advanced safety features benefit all who use these vehicles.

Saab engineers developed the 9-3 Convertible structure concurrently wîth the Sport Sedan and SportCombi, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car from the very start. The result is a premium convertible wîth a level of structural integrity, build quality and driving refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

The 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan and Convertible feature twin five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, body color rocker panels and bumper skirts, and an infotainment/audio system wîth 150 watts and seven speakers. 9-3 Aero models have the 250-horsepower (186.4 kW) 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

2.8L V-6 Turbo

The 2.8L V-6 Turbo, named one of the '10 Best Engines' by Ward's AutoWorld Magazine, is the most sophisticated turbocharged engine ever offered in a Saab vehicle, delivering 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 strong power and excellent fuel economy to meet different needs in markets around the world.

Technology such as a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable intake valve timing helps the 2.8L V-6 Turbo achieve 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm) in the 9-3.

The V-6 has a lightweight aluminum cylinder block wîth iron cylinder sleeves, an aluminum structural oil pan and aluminum cylinder heads wîth four valves per cylinder. It builds on those strengths wîth components and technology developed specifically for the turbo system, including:

Twin-scroll turbocharger delivering approximately 9 pounds of boost (0.6 bar)
Integrated charge cooling
Únique cylinder heads made from 356T-6 aluminum and featuring sodium-filled exhaust valves
Forged steel crankshaft and sinter-forged connecting rods strengthened for turbocharged loads
Pistons wîth anodized ring grooves designed for turbocharger boost pressure
9.5:1 compression ratio
Piston oil cooling jets
Únique camshaft profiles designed for turbocharger performance
Hydroformed 'dual skin' exhaust manifolds wîth stainless steel inner liners
Engine-mounted oil cooler