Latest diesel technology for Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon

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The Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon's widely-acclaimed, 'fun-to-drive' chassis dynamics are now complemented by the addition of a new, state of the art 1.9TiD powertrain. The combination is expected to significantly raise Saab's penetration of the UK and Europe's growing diesel segment, when sales commence in September. Delivering more performance, more refinement, lower emissions and better fuel economy, this sophisticated new powerplant endows the 9-3 Sport Saloon range with a compelling choice in the premium diesel segment that is as attractive and competitive as its petrol-powered offers. The new common rail, direct and multiple injection 1.9TiD engine is configured for 150 bhp or 120 bhp. More importantly to Saab, it offers a wide spread of strong pulling power, with 90% of the generous maximum torque available all the way from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm. It is also truly state of the art by introducing a maintenance-free particulate filter that ensures compliance with Euro 4 emission standards, effective from 1 January 2006.

- 'State-of-the-art' common rail, direct, multiple injection 1.9TiD unit
- New levels of performance, refinement and economy
- Reinforces sporty, fun-to-drive 9-3 Sport Saloon chassis dynamics
- Raises Saab's competitive offer in Premium diesel segment with low BiK tax liabilities
- Available with choice of 150 bhp/315 Nm or 120 bhp/280 Nm
- Six-speed manual gearbox as standard
- Segment-leading six-speed automatic transmission option
- Innovative maintenance-free particulate filter, Euro 4 compliance
- UK deliveries from September 2004

To be offered in all 9-3 Sport Saloon variants for Model Year 2005, the new turbo diesel is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, as well as the option of a six-speed automatic transmission for the 150 bhp version, a first in the segment.

Sparkling performance

The 16-valve, 150 bhp version is focused on delivering enhanced performance, while the 8-valve, 120 bhp configuration places a greater emphasis on low cost of ownership.

Compared to the 2.2 TiD unit it replaces, the 150 bhp 1.9TiD engine offers 20 per cent more power and 12.5 per cent more torque, as well as greater running refinement, reduced CO2 levels, and improved fuel consumption. Increased power translates to sparkling on-the-road performance. In-gear acceleration, the most important feature for everyday driving, is on a par with the top-of-the-line 9.3 Aero model while the zero to 60 mph dash, of rather less importance, is still accomplished in a brisk 9.3 seconds.

The 8-valve version returns fuel economy of 49.2 mpg (5.8 litres/100 km) over the combined cycle, a useful 12 per cent improvement against the outgoing 2.2 TiD. CO2 emissions of 57 g/km show an 11 per cent reduction.

Both new engines share the same four cylinder, cast-iron block and an alloy cylinder head. There are twin, chain-driven, overhead camshafts and hydraulic tappets for the 16-valve engine, and a single camshaft for the 8-valve format. Both have a steel crankshaft and connecting rods, a dual-mass flywheel, a weight-saving pressure cast aluminium intake manifold and electronically-controlled exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) for quick warm-up and low emissions.

Common rail technology provides consistently high injection nozzle pressures of 1,600 bar, independent of the prevailing engine speed or load. This platform allows the use of small, multiple injections of fuel, between two and five, to release as much energy as possible from a given amount of fuel.

This extremely efficient combustion process pays dividends in a number of key areas. Apart from improving fuel consumption, emissions and power, it is crucial in helping to iron out the strong vibrations traditionally associated with compression ignition.

The Bosch ECM continually adjusts the number, frequency and size of the injections according to three main parameters: current engine speed, requested throttle setting and engine coolant temperature. Each injection pulse may be separated by as little as 150 microseconds, delivering a quantity of fuel as tiny as one cubic millimetre.

Typical Saab turbo power

On the road, both 1.9TiD engines have a distinctly sporty character, further narrowing any perceptible difference between diesel and petrol engine performance levels - except in the frequency of visits to the filling station.

Saab turbo engines have always been characterised by an extremely strong and wide spread of torque, giving the kind of low and mid-range power that is needed in everyday real-world driving. The 1.9TiD engine delivers just this kind of performance, demonstrated by the fact that 90% of maximum torque, an impressive 315 Nm for the 150 bhp engine and 280 Nm for the 120 bhp version, is generated between 1750 and 3250 rpm.

Furthermore, the driving experience is enriched by a smoothness and refinement, together with a progressive torque build-up, that belies the presence of compression ignition. Engineers have helped to achieve this by calibrating the movement of the electronic throttle to deliver a response similar to Saab's petrol turbo engines. The process is optimised by a low-inertia, intercooled Garrett turbocharger, operating at 1.35 bar boost, which includes variable vane geometry (VNT) where the pitch of turbine blades is electronically adjusted for quick pick-up at low engine speeds.

Low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) inside the car are due to the engine's advanced combustion technology as much as its careful chassis installation. This includes the adoption of an electro/hydraulic power steering system, for improved fuel consumption, and additional tuning of the front suspension and wheel angles.

Six-speed transmissions

The high level of driving satisfaction is reflected in the standard fitment of a close-ratio, six gear manual gearbox that encourages driver involvement and complements the 9-3's sporty handling characteristics.

The optional six-speed Aisin AW automatic transmission for the 150 bhp engine is a first for Saab and unique in this sector of the market.

It is a smooth and adaptive unit, responsive to changes in engine load, road gradient or altitude, and quickly finds the 'right' gear without any irritating hunting. It features lock-up in all forward ratios, except first. The driver can also switch to manual control by using a sequential floor shift or optional steering wheel mounted paddle shift buttons.

Innovative Particulate Filter

The 1.9TiD powertrain includes the most advanced diesel particulate filter on the market, enabling Euro 4 emissions compliance, an essential requirement for many company car drivers. Unlike other particulate traps, it is maintenance-free and self-cleaning, requiring no additives or periodic replacement.

Located in the exhaust system downstream of the close-coupled catalyst, the housing for the filter also includes a secondary oxidation catalyst to remove residual hydrocarbons (HC). The exhaust gases pass through this first, before entering the filter's ceramic core, made from a honeycomb of silicon carbide. This is perforated along its length by a matrix of microscopic channels, which collect the particulates as deposits from the exhaust.

In order to clean the filter and to keep the exhaust flow as free as possible, these deposits are periodically burnt off by short pulses of over-fuelling. These briefly raise exhaust temperatures to the required level of 600º C. The process is automatically initiated when back pressure in the exhaust system reaches a certain level and is completely undetectable by the driver.

This innovative solution has been made possible through the fuelling flexibility provided by the engine's multiple injection strategy. The self-cleaning process takes place whenever necessary, irrespective of throttle load or engine temperature.

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