Saab reveals first details of 9-3 Sports Saloon

May 17, 2002 - Saab has released first details of the all-new 9-3 Sport Saloon, the first step in the biggest product development programme in Saab’s automotive history. It is the first of a family of 9-3 models, each focused on meeting the particular requirements of a different niche in the market. Future models expected to join the saloon are a cabriolet, estate, 'coupe-like' 3 and 5 door hatch, and finally a 3 door sports coupe in the style of the 9X concept.

As Saab’s first contender in the premium compact sport saloon segment, the focus for the all-new 9-3 is dedicated to delivering a unique, ‘fun to drive’ experience that aims to set new standards for the sector.

The coupe-like silhouette, with steeply raked front and rear screens and short front and rear overhangs, gives a strong, sporty stance, which is reinforced by negative wheel cambers. The overall look is designed to convey a sense of movement even when the car is stationary. The shape of the windows and the sharp wedge-like profile also combine with the distinctive grille to give the new 9-3 its distinctive Saab identity.

The front end shows the latest evolution of the Saab grille, with an angular new headlamp design and a vertical fender line similar to the 9X and 9-3X, but it doesn't go as far as the recent concept vehicles in defining a completely new front face for Saab. In a departure from previous Saab models, the new 9-3 doors have a thin black upper frame, instead of the usual body color wrapover door frames.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Saab 9-3 offers more spacious accommodation, particularly for rear passengers, within the same overall length. Front and rear width is increased by 55 mm and the wheelbase is 71 mm longer.

The main features of the new 9-3 contribute to Saab's aim of an enriched, sporty driving experience in four key areas: driver involvement; responsive performance; driver adaptability and driver-centred design.

Saab is the centre of expertise within General Motors for the development of turbocharged engines and the new powertrain adds enhanced refinement and driveability to Saab’s traditional strengths of high torque for strong, mid-range pulling power. The new model comes with a choice of three new, 2-litre, all-aluminium turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 150 bhp to 210 bhp, plus a 125 bhp 2.2-litre Turbo Diesel. The front-wheel-drive transmissions include five and six speed manual gearboxes, and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the option of steering wheel paddle shift controls.

In addition to its driver-focused chassis dynamics and powertrain performance, the new 9-3 is also designed to adapt to a wide range of driver needs, establishing a close interaction with its owner. The main highlights include:

- ‘Profiler’ customisation: A wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal driver preference, including: anti-theft alarm settings, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and the automatic climate control.

- Satellite Navigation includes voice instruction, location and route storage and dynamic route guidance, avoiding traffic jams.

- First vehicle-integrated Bluetooth application: Bluetooth wireless technology enables short-range communication between devices, such as mobile telephones, hand-held PDA and computers. The new 9-3 supports hands-free voice control and calling via a Bluetooth headset, as well as wireless dial-up networking functionality using a Bluetooth PDA or laptop.

- Additional load-carrying potential: A standard 60/40 split fold rear seat with ski hatch allows additional luggage to be carried effortlessly.

- Three specification levels: 'Linear' is the entry model. 'Arc' adds 16" alloy wheels and leather upholstery with polar wood trim. 'Vector' has 17" alloy wheels and a sports leather/textile with matt chrome trim. The new 9-3 Aero variant is the flagship of the range with lowered, sports-tuned chassis and body styling, available only with the 210 bhp engine.

Following the Saab philosophy, the 9-3 is 'built from the driver outwards'. This means the cabin ergonomics, the instrumentation, the controls and the seating position are all developed from the driver’s perspective. Its safety functions are, naturally, shared by all who use the car. Main highlights include:

- Cockpit feel: The main instrumentation panel arcs around the driver. Logical layout and tactile feels to controls. Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach. Soothing green instrument illumination and Night Panel function for restful night driving.

- High position display: Saab Information Display (SID) located on top of the facia near the base of the windscreen, close to the driver’s natural field of vision. SID screen shows satellite navigation directions, as well as audio setting and warnings.

Announcing the arrival of the new 9-3, Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile’s President and CEO, said: "This car offers a level of driver involvement and responsive performance never seen before from Saab. The integration of a fine handling chassis with the new, refined powertrain delivers a true ‘fun-to-drive’ package.

"It is a formula designed to appeal to young, premium car buyers who place a priority on a rewarding driving experience, but who also seek to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive, less commonplace brand."

	Saab reveals first details of 9-3 Sports Saloon
	Click for larger images During the early development stages, Saab’s chief chassis engineer, Ekkehard Schwartz, was asked to describe the car’s core appeal. His response was to draw an image of an exhilarated driver.	May 17, 2002 - Saab has released first details of the all-new 9-3 Sport Saloon, the first step in the biggest product development programme in Saab’s automotive history. It is the first of a family of 9-3 models, each focused on meeting the particular requirements of a different niche in the market. Future models expected to join the saloon are a cabriolet, estate, 'coupe-like' 3 and 5 door hatch, and finally a 3 door sports coupe in the style of the 9X concept. As Saab’s first contender in the premium compact sport saloon segment, the focus for the all-new 9-3 is dedicated to delivering a unique, ‘fun to drive’ experience that aims to set new standards for the sector. The coupe-like silhouette, with steeply raked front and rear screens and short front and rear overhangs, gives a strong, sporty stance, which is reinforced by negative wheel cambers. The overall look is designed to convey a sense of movement even when the car is stationary. The shape of the windows and the sharp wedge-like profile also combine with the distinctive grille to give the new 9-3 its distinctive Saab identity. The front end shows the latest evolution of the Saab grille, with an angular new headlamp design and a vertical fender line similar to the 9X and 9-3X, but it doesn't go as far as the recent concept vehicles in defining a completely new front face for Saab. In a departure from previous Saab models, the new 9-3 doors have a thin black upper frame, instead of the usual body color wrapover door frames. Compared to its predecessor, the new Saab 9-3 offers more spacious accommodation, particularly for rear passengers, within the same overall length. Front and rear width is increased by 55 mm and the wheelbase is 71 mm longer. The main features of the new 9-3 contribute to Saab's aim of an enriched, sporty driving experience in four key areas: driver involvement; responsive performance; driver adaptability and driver-centred design. Saab is the centre of expertise within General Motors for the development of turbocharged engines and the new powertrain adds enhanced refinement and driveability to Saab’s traditional strengths of high torque for strong, mid-range pulling power. The new model comes with a choice of three new, 2-litre, all-aluminium turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 150 bhp to 210 bhp, plus a 125 bhp 2.2-litre Turbo Diesel. The front-wheel-drive transmissions include five and six speed manual gearboxes, and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the option of steering wheel paddle shift controls. In addition to its driver-focused chassis dynamics and powertrain performance, the new 9-3 is also designed to adapt to a wide range of driver needs, establishing a close interaction with its owner. The main highlights include: - ‘Profiler’ customisation: A wide range of functions can be pre-set according to personal driver preference, including: anti-theft alarm settings, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and the automatic climate control. - Satellite Navigation includes voice instruction, location and route storage and dynamic route guidance, avoiding traffic jams. - First vehicle-integrated Bluetooth application: Bluetooth wireless technology enables short-range communication between devices, such as mobile telephones, hand-held PDA and computers. The new 9-3 supports hands-free voice control and calling via a Bluetooth headset, as well as wireless dial-up networking functionality using a Bluetooth PDA or laptop. - Additional load-carrying potential: A standard 60/40 split fold rear seat with ski hatch allows additional luggage to be carried effortlessly. - Three specification levels: 'Linear' is the entry model. 'Arc' adds 16" alloy wheels and leather upholstery with polar wood trim. 'Vector' has 17" alloy wheels and a sports leather/textile with matt chrome trim. The new 9-3 Aero variant is the flagship of the range with lowered, sports-tuned chassis and body styling, available only with the 210 bhp engine. Following the Saab philosophy, the 9-3 is 'built from the driver outwards'. This means the cabin ergonomics, the instrumentation, the controls and the seating position are all developed from the driver’s perspective. Its safety functions are, naturally, shared by all who use the car. Main highlights include: - Cockpit feel: The main instrumentation panel arcs around the driver. Logical layout and tactile feels to controls. Steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach. Soothing green instrument illumination and Night Panel function for restful night driving. - High position display: Saab Information Display (SID) located on top of the facia near the base of the windscreen, close to the driver’s natural field of vision. SID screen shows satellite navigation directions, as well as audio setting and warnings. Announcing the arrival of the new 9-3, Peter Augustsson, Saab Automobile’s President and CEO, said: "This car offers a level of driver involvement and responsive performance never seen before from Saab. The integration of a fine handling chassis with the new, refined powertrain delivers a true ‘fun-to-drive’ package. "It is a formula designed to appeal to young, premium car buyers who place a priority on a rewarding driving experience, but who also seek to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive, less commonplace brand."