Saab 9-3 Turbo X

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by autoblog.com

Though scheduled to debut next Tuesday at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the special edition Saab Turbo X has arrived a bit early courtesy of one particular Swede-o-phile over at Trollhattansaab.net. Actually, only three more images have arrived, but in addition to the front teaser shot that Saab had already released, the new pics show the car from the rear, as well as its exclusive blacked-out interior.

To refresh, the Saab Turbo X will debut the automaker's new XWD all-wheel drive system from Haldex. It's capable of dividing power between the front and rear wheels, but also from side to side in the rear thanks to a new electronic slip differential. Saab's 2.8L turbocharged V6 has been worked over for duty in the Turbo X and now produces 280 hp, up from 255, and 295 ft-lbs. of torque. Trollhattan reports that it will be good for a 5.7 second sprint to 62 mph, which makes it one of the fastest Saabs we've ever heard of.

The gofastedness of the Saab Turbo X will be backed up by a jet black paint job that harkens back to the "Black Turbos" of old from Saab. The XWD system will be twisting a set of particularly handsome 19-inch wheels, though North American customers will be limited to 18-inchers for some reason. Finally, a new front bumper with larger air intake, rear deck lid and dual exhausts round out the exterior treatment.

Only 2,000 Turbo X models will be produced worldwide, though they will be available as both a sedan and Sport Combi wagon. We expect more official images to be waiting for us when we touch down in Frankfurt, and we'll fill up our camera with live shots of Saab Turbo X for you, as well.

I can't help thinking it's utterly cool.

[coolieman1220]

i like these saab cars but idk for some reason there is always something else out there better which i'd get

[orshow]

i think it looks spectacular

[faksta]

I had 9-3 at a list for my first car until I got into it - it's sooo small inside I simply couldn't sit comfortably - the seat doesn't slide back enough... Or, maybe, it's because of my 187cm

[Ingolstadt]

Originally Posted by faksta

I had 9-3 at a list for my first car until I got into it - it's sooo small inside I simply couldn't sit comfortably - the seat doesn't slide back enough... Or, maybe, it's because of my 187cm

Cars from the same class had grown. This saab compares with the E46, B6 and so on.


side note, i've always hoped for saabs to at least come out with 350hp models to deal with those crazy m3 and s4 ..... 280hp is good for year 1998, where the evos and skylines dominate with sub 300hp engines, but since the party was crashed by those german juggernauts.... 280hp is just not enough to generate sales or to create hype.

and i read that this car's chassis just couldn't cope with more hp. wat a waste, screw you GM, give them more funding, Saabs is like the best global brand they had....

[faksta]

Originally Posted by Ingolstadt

Cars from the same class had grown. This saab compares with the E46, B6 and so on.


side note, i've always hoped for saabs to at least come out with 350hp models to deal with those crazy m3 and s4 ..... 280hp is good for year 1998, where the evos and skylines dominate with sub 300hp engines, but since the party was crashed by those german juggernauts.... 280hp is just not enough to generate sales or to create hype.

and i read that this car's chassis just couldn't cope with more hp. wat a waste, screw you GM, give them more funding, Saabs is like the best global brand they had....

Oh, you mean what? I got into it a couple months ago. Or, you think I'm an old man with a long white beard and talking about Saab 92?

[Ingolstadt]

I mean ..... it ain't small in any sense actually. For one, i do not wish to see this segment grow in any way .... sadly ... the E90 and C class just kinda blown out of proportions....

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Ingolstadt

I mean ..... it ain't small in any sense actually. For one, i do not wish to see this segment grow in any way .... sadly ... the E90 and C class just kinda blown out of proportions....

The E90 is actually quite small, and actually over 10cms shorter than the 9-3.

[Ingolstadt]

not bout the length ... but the height, width and so on i guess..... maybe i weren't judging on exact mathematical proportions, but merely the sight of them.... they were just buldgy .... i missed the days when cars are in perfect proportions. note - Audi A4 B5, BMW E36 (not the E190 thou - thats fugly)

[Sledgehammer]

It looks like saab's version of a mazdaspeed6 to me. Anyone have cost figures yet?

[The_Canuck]

I absolutely love this car...

Why only 2000?

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Ingolstadt

not bout the length ... but the height, width and so on i guess..... maybe i weren't judging on exact mathematical proportions, but merely the sight of them.... they were just buldgy .... i missed the days when cars are in perfect proportions. note - Audi A4 B5, BMW E36 (not the E190 thou - thats fugly)

Well the 3 series is wider than the 9-3, but 5 cms lower. If anything for current D-segment standards the E90 is quite small actually. Of course if you compare it to older cars then it's going to be bigger yes.

[Ingolstadt]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

Well the 3 series is wider than the 9-3, but 5 cms lower. If anything for current D-segment standards the E90 is quite small actually. Of course if you compare it to older cars then it's going to be bigger yes.

You serious? E90 is much bigger than either the S40, B7 and so on IMO. When parked next to 5 Series..... there just weren't such a big difference.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Ingolstadt

You serious? E90 is much bigger than either the S40, B7 and so on IMO. When parked next to 5 Series..... there just weren't such a big difference.

Again, the old A4 B7 is longer than the E90. The new A4 B8 just leaves it for dead in terms of dimensions.

On the other hand the S40 is based on a C-segment (Focus) platform, so it was always going to be compromised in terms of size. However the S60 is longer than the E90 3-Series.

[Ingolstadt]

Well .... I can't argue with Ferrer, Ferrer = Facts.

Nevertheless ..... E90 looked chubby .....