2008 Saab 9-3 Aero "Scooped"

Logical. Since Saab was rather parsimonious with the official press kit including only a handful of front view pictures it was bound to happen again. Caught in a parking lot in Sweden by a reader of “forum.saabturboclub.com”, we get a better view of the sedan’s rear quarters with the crystal clear tail-lamps and the redesigned bumper. According to the Swedish car registry, the car we’re looking at is the Aero version fitted with the 250Hp 2.8-liter V6 motor and an automatic transmission. Via: forum.saabturboclub -Continued below

2008 Saab 9-3 Facelift: Officially Official – Press Release Included

We saw every single version uncamouflaged, we saw official renderings, we even saw press pictures; about time for Saab to come out with the “officially” official images and press release, don’t you think? Better keep your pants on though cause like the pictures, the press release is nothing more than a teaser, revealing what we already know or can see for ourselves: redesigned front end inspired from the Aero X concept, sales start this August. No word on the interior or the 290 Hp 2.8 V6 Turbo AWD version that’ll go on sale next spring but we suspect that Saab will give more info and pictures on the 2008 9-3 in the upcoming weeks. -Click “Read More…” to check out the press release

New Saab 9-3 Range: Sharper Looks Showcase Enhanced Performance

The new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling, inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car, backed by cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal. .

With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab’s classic ‘clamshell’ design. This new ‘face’ is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile. “The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

The new 9-3 range comprises Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible models, each offering a unique ‘tri-fuel’ engine choice of gasoline, diesel or BioPower (E85). Available in three forms, Linear, Vector and Aero, the range goes on sale from August.

Technorati: Saab+9-3, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Saab 9-3 Facelift Leaked Pics Part XXVII

Just in case you were wondering how the 2008 9-3 looks like in silver colour… Like we predicted yesterday, this “leak-game” will continue till next week when Saab takes the lid of its revised 9-3. There’s one more pic after the jump -I mean for those of you still interested.

Technorati: Saab+9-3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

2008 Saab 9-3 Facelift Official Images Leak

Come on; don’t tell us you're surprised; it's like an accident just waiting to happen. Apparently, like us, none of you will care about the “how’s & why’s” so lets jut get to the facts. The 2008 9-3 features a completely redesigned fascia inspired by the Aero X concept, new tail-lamps, Cadillac BLS door-handles and from May 2008, the first AWD version in the range fitted with a 290Hp 2.8 V6 Turbo. We’ve only got two front view pictures of the 2008 9-3 Estate for the time being, but stay tuned on Carscoop, cause something tells us that we’re going to have the full press pack (at least image-wise) sooner than you think. –Continued after the jump

Technorati: Saab+9-3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan & Estate: Official?

We’re pretty sure that you too have had about enough with the 2008 Saab 9-3 leaks the past few months, so let’s just skip the blah-blah and get straight to the story. These allegedly official teasers CGI’s (computer generated images) were sent this morning to the mailboxes of several “John Doe’s”. Coincidently, some of those “John Doe’s” were members of Saab forums (Saabscene & Trollhattansaab) –need we say more? While one should be cautious about their authenticity, there shouldn’t be a doubt on whether Saab would actually send CGI’s instead of real images; let us remind you that the Swedes did the same with the Aero X Concept last year. We’ll know for sure next week when Saab officially releases the 9-3 facelift press kit. Till then feel free to browse all our previous stories on the 2008 9-3. -More images below

Pics Via: Saabscene & Trollhattansaab

Technorati: Saab+9-3, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Saab 9-3 Sedan Facelift: Caught off-guard again

I think I’ll write off the carelessness factor for the streak of 9-3 sightings in public streets the past month or so. Maybe Saab needs attention for the media or something. In any case it’s plain crazy. Anyhow, in this week’s 9-3 Facelift update a reader of saabturboclub forum snapped the sedan version totally uncovered for the very first time. As with the Estate and Cabriolet versions, the updated Sedan features a new front end inspired from the 9-5 and a few other minor exterior changes. Also, as we’ve been tipped by insiders, the new top-of-the-range 9-3 will be equipped with AWD and an upgraded version of GM’s 2.8-liter V6 Turbo pumping out approximately 290Hp. -More Images after the jump


Pics via: Saabturboclub

Technorati: Saab+9-3, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Saab 9-3 Cabriolet Scooped Once Again...

Ok, it’s getting kinda silly now; I mean, just about every 10 days we’re getting a new set of images featuring the facelifted without any or with very little camouflage on it! These images were taken by a member of the Saabturboclub forum who caught the rag-top 2008 9-3 roaming the streets without a care in the world. Follow the jump for the image gallery or click here to see our previous post on the revised 9-3 that includes inside info.

Pics Via: saabturboclub

Technorati: Saab+9-3, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Saab 9-3 Cabriolet Facelift Snapped Naked

Looks like Saab folks have been pretty careless lately as the upcoming 2008 9-3 (has been caught unguarded and unmasked for the second time this month not by pros but by a random reader. Following the revealing 2008 9-3 SW snap shots an AMS reader managed to catch an unmasked facelifted 9-3 Convertible parked at a petrol station just begging to be immortalized by his cell phone camera. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

In comparison with the facelifted SW we showed you a couple of weeks ago the Convertible gets the same 9-5 inspired front end with the “Aero-X” type grille and eyelash-headlights. The difference is that the Convertible features a different bumper and heaps of chrome accents that make it look very busy. In the rear-end the facelift Convertible gets a set of clear tail lamps and a chrome insert while the bumper looses its protective pads. Unlike the sedan and SW versions, the redesigned soft-top 9-3 doesn’t get the Cadillac BLS door handles.

The 2008 9-3 Sedan, Cabriolet and SW versions will go on sale this fall but there’s a good chance that we'll see the first official pictures quite sooner as according to inside info, GM's planning to reveal initial info in mid May. -Via: Automotorsport

Technorati: Saab+9-3+Convertible, 2008, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

2009 Saab 9-4X Compact SUV Renderings

Our little chit-chat with a Saab PR last week wasn’t only about the facelifted 9-3 that’s coming this fall with a new AWD version fitted with a 290Hp 2.8 V6 Turbo engine, as we also learned that Saab will debut its first-ever compact SUV, the 9-4X, towards the end of 2008.

Although not officialy confirmed, it’s rumored that Saab’s 9-4X will be based on the next-gen Opel Vectra / Saab 9-3 / Cadillac BLX platform. Talking about Cadillac, the American car-maker will also produce their versions of the Saab 9-4X, both of whom will compete against the likes of BMW’s X3 and the upcoming Mercedes MLK, Volvo XC60 & Audi Q5 SUV’s. Back to Saab, GM’s Swedish-arm will probably tease us with a prototype version of the 9-4X in the upcoming months but until then; check out a bunch of computer-generated renderings from the swedish mag, Teknikens Varld

Technorati: Saab+9-4X, SUV, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Saab 9-3 Facelift Scooped Unmasked!

Who needs spy photographers when you’ve got readers that manage to take shots of totally undisguised future models like the 2008 MINI Clubman featured in our previous post or the Saab 9-3 Facelift shown here! Thanks to an eagle-eyed reader of Swedish magazine TeknikensVarld who was thoughtful enough to share the cell-phone pics we won’t have to wait till autumn to see how Saab will integrate the 9-5 grille to the 9-3.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below

However, the redesigned front-end and the Cadillac BLS door handles aren’t the only highlights of the facelifted 9-3. We spoke to a Saab PR and apart from learning that 2008 9-3 will be presented at the Frankfurt Show in September with European sales starting in October, we were informed that the new top-of-the-range 9-3 will be equipped with AWD and an upgraded version of GM’s 2.8-liter V6 Turbo
pumping out approximately 290Hp. Pics Via: Teknikens Varld

Technorati: Saab+9-3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

2008 Saab 9-3 gets a mini-facelift

Following last summer’s interior-upgrade, the Swedes are getting ready to give the 9-3 a mid-life facelift as these scanned pics from Aftonbladet prove. The 2008 9-3 was caught out testing in Sweden and by the looks of it, it’ll get a brand new front end that’s obviously influenced from the sexy Aero-X concept plus a new set of door handles…straight from its Americanized cousin, the Cadillac BLS. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article plus extra pictures

Aftonbladet also suggests that the redesigned 9-3 will receive a suspension upgrade. And some useless but nevertheless interesting info; the guys over at Trollhattansaab who posted the scanned pics also checked out the license plate of the covered-up 2008 9-3 at the Swedish car registry. Turns out that the car shown here is a 9-3 Combi 1.9Tdi owned by “SAAB AUTOMOBILE AKTIEBOLAG” (who else could it be…) and it was first registered on the 9th of January 2007. Via: Trollhattansaab

Technorati: Saab+9-3, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Saab Aero-X Promotional Video

I'm sure that most of you remember Saab's sensual Aero-X Concept that was presented a few months ago in the Geneva Motor Show. But even if your memory has gotten a bit rusty from the sea & sun this promotional video of the 400 Hp Swedish prototype will surely ring a bell to you. Via: Motorpasion

Technorati Tags: Saab+Aero-X, Video, clip, promo, commercial, prototype, Geneva+Motor+Show, concept, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars,

Saab Aero X Concept Press Release

Press Release: Saab Aero X Concept Showcases Future Design Themes

Inspired by aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage. Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars. 'Green Power' from 400 bhp BioPower engine using 100% bioethanol fuel

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As you would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupé breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.

First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'.

Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.

All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedoms to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products.

With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically-controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph (limited).

Despite being so tightly driver focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

Technical Specifications and Performance

Chassis:

Sports Coupé two-seater format, monocoque steel construction

Rear opening cockpit canopy, carbon fiber bodywork

Engine:

Front, longitudinally-mounted behind front axle

Saab BioPower 2.8-litre V6 turbo. 24-valve, four OHC.

All aluminium construction. E100 fuel. 12:1 compression ratio.

VVT, exhaust and inlet. SIDI (Spark Ignited Direct Injection).

Twin VGT (Variable Geometry Turbine) turbochargers. 1.0 bar max. boost

Dry sump lubrication.

Max. power: 400 bhp @ 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Max. torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 - 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Engine management:

32-bit, ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass measurement, throttle setting. Secondary air injection for quick catalysts warm up

Transmission:

Seven-speed, automated manual transmission with double clutch system.

Sequential gear changes via the steering wheel paddles.

All-wheel-drive through multi-plate clutch, variable front/rear torque split.

Suspension:

Front: Double wishbones, coil springs, elec.adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.

Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, elec. adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.

Saab Active Chassis: continuously adjustable damping control.

Steering:

Rack and pinion, hydraulic power-assisted.
Brakes:

380 mm ventilated discs front/rear

ABS, MBA, EBD, electronic stability control.

Wheels/Tires:

Front: 22 x 9.0 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 265/30 mm

Rear: 23 x 11.5 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 325/25 mm

Kerb weight:

1,500 kilos (projected). F/R distribution: 50/50 %

External dimensions:

Length: 4675 mm

Width: 1918 mm

Height: 1276 mm

Track: 1599 mm (f), 1579 mm (r)

Wheelbase: 2795 mm

Performance (projected):

0 - 100 kph: 4.9 secs

Top Speed: 250 kph (limited)

Technorati Tags: Saab, Aero, X, Concept, Press+Release, autos, auto+news, Geneva+Show