Second generation (2002–2012)
The second-generation model was launched at the North American International Auto Show in early 2002 for the 2003 model year. The new 9-3, like all Saabs, remained a front-wheel drive car. The most drastic change from the former generation was the elimination of the hatchback design. The second-generation 9-3 is available as a four-door saloon, an estate (introduced late in 2005, known as the SportWagon, SportCombi or Sport-Hatch depending on the markets), and a two-door convertible. It includes a number of safety features, including innovations such as Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR II) to reduce whiplash and ReAxs, a passive rear wheel steering design and passive toe-in to help reduce understeer under heavy braking.
The new 9-3 departed from the EcoPower engine used previously for a new 2.0 L straight-4 engine Family II Ecotec engine from General Motors' for the petrol powered models. There are three different versions of the turbocharged I4, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 150 hp (110 kW) version (though two-litre, it is called 1.8t) was standard in the non-U.S. market Linear form (trim-level). The 175 horsepower (130 kW) version (2.0t) was standard in U.S. market Linear or non-U.S. market Vector form, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed 'Sentronic' which is a traditional automatic, not to be confused with SAAB's earlier 'Sensonic' which was a manual transmission which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T (B207R engine) was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, (and Aero in the UK), and the automatic transmission was available, though in the Vector, paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel were added. In 2003 Arcs and Vectors, the manual transmission was a 6-speed.
The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. A proprietary fiber-optic electric/electronic system, the possibility of AWD (exploited from 2008 on, dubbed Saab XWD), and ReAxs as described above, are just a few of the features exclusive to the 9-3.
On February 22, 2012, the final 47 Saabs were built. They were all 9-3 Independence Edition convertible models built by one of Sweden's largest car dealers, ANA, in Trollhättan.
There were 21 LHD cars and 26 RHD ones. The final Saab was a Saab 9-3 Aero Independence Edition TTiD convertible.
2013
National Electric Vehicle Sweden restarted production of the Saab 9-3 on September 19, 2013 in Saab's former Trollhättan assembly plant. Two Saab 9-3 saloon vehicles were produced as pre-production models to calibrate assembly equipment and test new components. The only exterior difference was the lack of the Griffin badge, to which NEVS does not own the rights. The Griffin was replaced with a badge displaying the Saab logotype.
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All-new Saab 9-3 SportCombi
The all-new Saab 9-3 SportCombi, announced today, takes Saab into the premium, mid-size wagon segment for the first time by combining distinctive design with sporty driving dynamics as an alternative to the qualities of a conventional wagon.
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Originally Posted by Spastik_Roach
