2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper
2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper
2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper 2008 Saab Turbo X pictures and wallpaper wallpaper
More Photographs    Wallpaper    Interior Photos   
Image credits: Saab

Turbo X World Premiere at Frankfurt Auto Show

• Performance car to celebrate 30 th Anniversary of Saab turbocharging

• Launch of Saab XWD, innovative all-wheel-drive system

• Unique design evokes look of classic black Saab 900 Turbo

• Sport-tuned chassis: suspension, brakes, wheels

• 400 Nm / 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8 V6 Turbo: 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 5.7 seconds

Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging at this year's Frankfurt International Motor Show by launching the Saab Turbo X, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards for the brand.

This black limited edition model takes Saab ‘back to the future' by evoking the iconic appeal of its first black 900 Turbo and introducing innovative Saab XWD technology.

It is unveiled exactly 30 years after Saab surprised the automotive world at Frankfurt when it revealed its first turbocharged model. That set a trend other manufacturers were to follow. Now Saab unleashes turbo power for the first time through Saab XWD, a cutting edge all-wheel-drive system that sets performance standards competitors will also seek to emulate.

With 400 Nm of torque from its 280 hp/ 206 kW 2.8V6 turbo engine, the Turbo X is the ultimate performance expression of the new Saab 9-3 range. Saab XWD features active management that not only splits torque delivery between both axles, but also between the rear wheels. This responsive system delivers a level of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never seen before from Saab .

In addition to tuning of the suspension and its electronic chassis, throttle and powertrain settings, the Turbo X features distinctive styling additions that enhance aerodynamic performance.

Available in Sport Sedan or SportCombi bodystyles, the Saab Turbo X limited edition showcases the launch of Saab XWD. The order book is now open and the first customer deliveries are expected during the second quarter of next year.

Driver in Focus with Saab XWD

• Intelligent Saab XWD for superb handling and roadholding

• Rear eLSD gives torque transfer up to 40% between wheels

• 280 hp 2.8 V6 Turbo with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing

• Sports tuned chassis optimizes all-wheel-drive benefits

The Saab Turbo X adds a new dimension in chassis control to Saab's unrivalled experience in turbocharging. It is the result of a development program that leverages the full potential of Saab's innovative XWD system, with the car's sports tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems all aligned to meet a single need: driving satisfaction.

Saab XWD is an active all-wheel-drive system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. Its sophisticated electronic control allows fine balancing of drive torque, not only between the two axles but also between the rear wheels. In effect, this stretches the performance envelope of the chassis, for example, raising the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered. The result is closer driver involvement through ‘positive force' chassis control.

The driving benefits of the XWD system are best appreciated out on the open road. Data from the ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is utilized by the Saab XWD control module. Rear drive is instantly applied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding.

Driver control is taken a step further on the Turbo X by the eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40% of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

To exploit the full benefits of Saab XWD, the chassis of the Turbo X has been lowered by 10 mm and the springs and dampers stiffened to minimize body movement. To maintain a constant ride height irrespective of load, self-leveling dampers are fitted at the rear.

Stopping power is also increased with larger brake discs fitted: internally ventilated (345 mm diameter x 30 mm) at the front and externally ventilated (292 mm diameter x 20 mm) at the rear. Standard 235/45 R-18 tires ensure excellent mechanical grip for the 18-inch alloy wheels.

The powerhouse at the heart of the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine generating 400 Nm of torque between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and maximum power of 280 hp (206 kW) at 5,500 rpm. The advanced specification includes a lightweight, all-aluminum construction with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks for perfect balance, variable inlet valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. It is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

This responsive, high torque powerplant is the perfect partner for Saab XWD. Together, they give the Saab Turbo X sporty, all-wheel-drive performance and handling characteristics that will appeal to all enthusiastic drivers who seek a rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Saab Black Turbo Reborn

• Distinctive Jet Black color in homage to first Saab 900 Turbo

• Functional sports bodystyling raises aerodynamic efficiency

• ‘Turbo heritage' boost gauge and personalized driver display

The Saab Turbo X visually communicates its focus on driving performance by extending the bold, progressive design themes of the new 9-3 range. Offered only in metallic jet black, with the front grille and all exterior detailing accented in a matte grey titanium-like finish, it represents a contemporary expression of its illustrious black 900 Turbo forebear.

Distinctive styling additions are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, as well as emphasize the Turbo X's performance focus. At the front, a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intake contribute to reduced drag while also increasing air flow to the engine and intercooler.

At the rear, the re-profiled bumper and insert panel lowers the point of air flow separation, further reducing drag and assisting high speed stability. The Sport Sedan features a rear spoiler that extends the line of the trunk deck, reducing high speed lift forces at the rear axle. The standard SportCombi already has a similar spoiler that extends the rear roof line.

The Turbo X is further distinguished by unique, 18-inch alloy wheels with a grey titanium-like finish that evokes the look of Saab's classic three-spoke design. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes complete the exterior additions.

Inside, the ‘black turbo' theme is continued throughout the cabin. The sports seating, with additional bolstering, is upholstered entirely in black leather. The sporty ambience is further emphasized by a carbon-fiber finish to the main fascia, door inserts, glove box and gear shift console which is unique to the Turbo X.

The driver benefits from improved ‘feel' through the addition of a thick-rimmed, soft grip leather steering wheel. Seating comfort can be taken a step further with an optional premium, natural leather interior, which includes perforated bolsters for the front seat squabs and backs.

In recognition of Saab's turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display. Owners will also enjoy a personalized greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. A unique 'All Systems Go' message flashes in the main instrument display. The owner's name, with the edition number of the car, can also be programmed for display by the supplying dealer.

Source - Saab
Turbo X Celebrates 30 Years of Saab Turbocharging at Frankfurt IAA

The new Saab Turbo X high-technology model, making its world debut tomorrow at the first press day of the Frankfurt auto show, celebrates that it was Saab who put turbocharging on the automotive map. It all began exactly 30 years ago, at exactly the same place, when the first Saab 99 Turbo model was presented to the world media at the 1977 Frankfurt auto show.

At that time Saab was alone in pursuing turbocharging as a reliable and realistic means of extracting more power and efficiency from a production engine. Saab's success over the next three decades shows that imitation is, indeed the sincerest form of flattery -- there are now few manufacturers who do not offer turbocharged models.

That's because the attractions of turbocharging are even more seductive today than they were three decades ago. It is the key to what Saab calls ‘rightsizing'. Less is more. A turbocharged engine is lighter, smaller and more fuel efficient than a non-turbo, ‘naturally-aspirated' engine capable of producing similar power. Not only that. A turbocharger develops more power by harnessing the energy from an engine's exhaust gas flow. The idea of, in effect, recycling energy that's otherwise wasted is even more compelling.

Something for Nothing

The idea that ‘less is more' is intrinsic to the minimalist tradition of good Scandinavian design. Decoration and ornate detail can sometimes distract from an appreciation of form, line or shape. While this Scandinavian perspective is very much part of Saab car design, the ‘less is more' philosophy can be even more closely identified with Saab's mastery of the art of turbocharging.

While engineers will tell you that ‘getting something for nothing' is not a realistic expectation in engine design, most will agree that about 30 per cent of the energy released when an engine burns fuel goes down the tube, or, in this case, the exhaust pipe.

A turbocharger uses that energy to force more air into the engine. Of course, some more fuel has to be added when extra air is pumped in, but a turbo gives the driver a choice in the matter.

As Saab's leading expert, Dr Per Gillbrand, often known as the ‘father of the production turbo', used to say: a turbocharged powerplant is really ‘two engines in one.' There is a ‘small' engine for driving in everyday traffic conditions and then a ‘large' one, giving more power and performance, when the turbocharger joins the party at higher throttle openings.

Today, Saab remains at the forefront of turbocharging technology. In a world seeking to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, Saab BioPower engines bring together turbocharging and bioethanol (E85) fuel to drastically reduce those emissions - while also producing more power than is possible with gasoline. A smart, win/win solution.

Back at Frankfurt in 1977, the sceptics were more concerned about turbocharging being a winning solution in terms of just power. Early attempts at controlling boost pressure had produced severe reliability issues that discouraged other manufacturers from further development for road-going production cars.

But Saab, driven forward by the independent mind-set of its engineers and executives, remained convinced that it could be done. The company was able to draw on experience from aircraft design, where turbochargers were commonly used in aero engines to compensate for the effects of thin air at altitude. It also shared knowledge with colleagues in what was then the company's truck division, who were using turbochargers with large, heavy-duty diesel engines.

Challenging Conventional Wisdom

Saab developed technology to ‘tame the turbo' by using a by-pass valve to control the build-up of boost pressure. It did not take long for the world to appreciate what had been achieved. Fitting a turbocharger to the 2-liter engine of a Saab 99 gave 23 per cent more maximum horse power and a massive 45 per cent increase in torque, the engine's pulling power under acceleration. To produce similar power ratings, a naturally-aspirated engine of the time would have been up to 50 per cent larger in capacity and about 50 kilos heavier, with overall fuel consumption 30 per cent worse. Saab has changed conventional wisdom that equated engine power with engine size.

An early Saab 99 Turbo road test in the UK's influential Autocar magazine concluded: 'It is not just its performance, but the way it delivers it. Its acceleration pattern is unique. Like a roller coaster running downhill, the Saab just gets faster as the turbocharger boost increases. It's uncanny.' The age of the turbo had arrived and, during the next decade, black Saab 99 and 900 Turbo models were to become defining image for the Saab brand.

Over the years, Saab has continued to refine the art of turbocharging. The roller coaster is still there, but the ride is a bit more comfortable. Advances in engine management systems and turbocharger design have given today's Saab turbo engines a much smoother and more progressive power delivery. The new Turbo X, for example, delivers exceptionally strong pulling power of 400 Nm from very low engine revs, the characteristics of a far larger engine.

Rightsizing

Turbocharging has led Saab 2,650 meters ( 8,700 ft) up in the American Rockies to demonstrate how its turbo cars can still perform in the thin air of altitude. And down at sea level, it has given the 9000 Aero model faster in-gear acceleration than a Ferrari Testarossa. There is even a satisfied Saab 900 Turbo owner who has clocked up more than one million miles.

As long ago as 1992, Saab was able to demonstrate the abilities of its Trionic engine management system (Generation 8 is used today) by arranging an independent car test in City of London traffic. It showed that levels of regulated pollutants in the Saab's exhaust were actually lower than found in the surrounding atmosphere. The car was ‘cleaning' the urban air!

Today, in an era when the desire to save energy and achieve greater efficiency has never been greater, the future of Saab turbocharging has never been brighter.

‘Rightsizing' is how Saab describes the process of making engines more efficient, of reducing their size, weight and environmental impact without losing performance .. showing that less is more. Turbocharging is a key component, combined with sophisticated engine management, ‘lean burn' technologies and the potential use of bio-fuel, such as Saab BioPower and E85 bioethanol.

Back to Saab turbo pioneer Dr Per Gillbrand. He shared a similar philosophy when it came to efficient engine design. 'All engines have an oil pump, a fuel pump and a water pump', he used to say. 'So why not an air pump, which is all a turbo really is. I think it's odd that all engines don't have one!' Nowadays, thanks to the power of such independent thinking, an increasing number do.

Source - Saab

2008 Saab Turbo X

Year2008
MakeSaab
ModelTurbo X
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeAWD
Combined MPG0.00
Introduced At2007 Frankfurt Motorshow

Performance
0-60 mph5.7 seconds.

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationV
60-degree
Cylinders6
EngineVariable inlet valve timing
Aspiration/InductionTurbocharged
Twin-scroll turbocharging
Displacement2.80 L | 170.9 cu in. | 2801.1 cc.
Valves24 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
ValvetrainDOHC
Horsepower280.00 HP (206.1 KW) @ 5500.00 RPM
Torque400.00 NM (294.9 Ft-Lbs) @ 2150.00 RPM
HP / Liter100.0 BHP / Liter
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
BlockAluminum
HeadAluminum

Standard Transmission
Gears6
TransmissionManual

Optional Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic

Dimensions   
Standard Payload0.00

Suspension
SuspensionRear : Self-leveling dampers

Steering
 Rack and Pinion

Brakes
Front Brake Size345.001 mm | 13.6 in.
Rear Brake Size292.001 mm | 11.5 in.

Tires / Wheels
Tires235/45 R-18
Wheels18-inch alloy


 
View more photographs
View Wallpaper
View Specifications
Similar Automakers
Add Review
Saab History
Manufacturer Website
Other models by Saab
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Related Articles and Event Coverage
2007 Frankfurt Motorshow

2008 Saab models
9-3
9-5
9-7X
2008 Saab Concepts
Saab 9-4X Biopower
Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept

Vehicle Spotlight
Pininfarina B0 ConceptFord Kuga Show CarVenturi Volage Concept
Nissan Nuvu EV ConceptAudi A1 Sportback ConceptAudi A4 Concept e
Renault Megane TrophyRenault Z.E. ConceptRenault Mégane Coupé
BMW X1 Concept2009 Lotus Exige Cup 260Lamborghini Estoque Concept
Bentley Arnage Final SeriesLancia Ypsilon VERSUS ConceptVolkswagen Pickup Concept
Peugeot Prologue ConceptSpyker C8 Laviolette LM85Peugeot 908 HY
Citroen Hypnos Hybrid ConceptRenault Ondelios ConceptMercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION
Chevrolet Orlando ConceptMazda Kiyora ConceptMazda Kazamai Concept