2005 Saab 9-3

SAAB DEBUTS 9-3 SPORTCOMBI MIDSIZE AND TURBO V-6 WAGON FOR 2006

Saab is in the midst of the most aggressive new product development offensive in its 58-year history, and the all- new Saab 9-3 SportCombi is an essential part of an expanding portfolio. The SportCombi moves Saab into the premium, midsize wagon segment 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.

The SportCombi, launching in the fourth quarter of 2005, will appeal 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.

Also for 2006, Saab merges the 9-3 Linear and Arc into a single base model; the 9-3 Aero receives a new 250-horsepower 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine; the Aero range gets new 17-inch wheels and tires; all sedan and convertible models now have body color door handles and the convertible has standard leather seating. The sedan and SportCombi now offer red walnut trim as part of the Premium Package.

9-3 SportCombi
Like the rest of the 9-3 range, the SportCombi is designed to deliver a unique, fun-to-drive experience that sets the standard for its class. I n 2004, Saab sold more than 27,000 9-3 models in the Ú.S. , including more than 6,100 convertibles.

The newest 9-3 SportCombi carries on the Saab tradition of five-door models that began in 1959 with the Saab 95 Wagon. In 1973, Saab launched another landmark design with the innovative Saab 99 Combi Coupe. Of the more than 500,000 Saabs on the road in the Ú.S. today, nearly half are hatchbacks.

The top-of-the-line, high-performance Aero SportCombi model features an all-new turbocharged aluminum 2.8L V-6 engine that makes 250 horsepower (186.4 kw) and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox comes standard, and a 6-speed Sentronic automatic with steering wheel controls is available. The SportCombi can also be ordered with Saab's 210 horsepower (157 kw) in-line 4-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, with 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 an excellent 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 sub-floor.

The Saab 9-3 SportCombi will have an MSRP of under $30,000.

9-3 Sedan and Convertible

The 9-3 Aero model features the new 250-horsepower (186.4 kw) 2.8L V-6 Turbo engine used on the SportCombi, and a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The Aero model also receives 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 all-season tires. Both sedan and convertible models also have body color door handles for 2006.

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 with 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 with 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 architecture for the 9-3 Convertible concurrently with 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 with a level of structural integrity, build quality and driving refinement that positions it at the top of its class.

New 2.8L V-6 Turbo

The new 2.8L V-6 Turbo 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 with iron cylinder sleeves, an aluminum structural oil pan and aluminum cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder. It builds on those strengths with 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 with 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 with stainless steel inner liners
Engine-mounted oil cooler

Source - GM Media