2008 Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible

DETROIT — The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible have earned the 2008 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick Award in the midsize category.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the 9-3 Sport Sedan has brought home IIHS top honors, an unique achievement in the luxury segment. For 2007 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick Award, in 2006 the 9-3 earned the Top Safety Pick – Gold Award and received a Double Best Pick crash-test rating for 2005.

The institute began testing convertibles in 2007. In the inaugural year, the 9-3 Convertible earned a top spot. This is the second year running that the Saab 9-3 Convertible earns the Top Safety Pick Award – one of two convertibles and the only soft-top convertible to earn a top spot.

The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side-impact crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries. Winning vehicles must earn good ratings in all three tests and offer electronic stability control.

“The Saab 9-3 performed well in front and side crash tests and the Saab Active Head Restraints provide state-of-the-art protection against neck injuries,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. "The addition of electronic stability control as standard equipment confirms Saab’s commitment to vehicle safety.”

IIHS is a nonprofit research and communications organization funded by auto insurers. The Institute's research focuses on countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular, and environmental) and on interventions that can occur before, during, and after crashes to reduce losses.

• 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2008
• 9-3 Convertible: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2008
• 9-3 Convertible: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2007
• 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, 2007
• 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Top Safety Pick – Gold Award”, 2006
• 9-3 SportCombi: Activelifestyle.com “Active Lifestyle Award”, 2006
• 9-3 Range : “Wards top-10 best engine”, Wards, 2006
• 9-3 SportCombi: SmartMoney "Best mispriced wagon" awards, SmartMoney magazine, 2006
• 9-3 SportCombi: "Top sport wagon", buyacar.suite101.com, 2006
• 9-3 SportCombi: Intellichoice Award - Lowest Maintenance Costs in Class, 2006
• 9-3 Sedan: IIHS “Double Best Pick” crash test rating, 2005
• 9-3 SportCombi: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2005
• 9-3 Convertible: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2005
• 9-3 Sedan: “Good” rating (the maximum rating) for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Britain’s Thatcham Insurance Research Center crash tests, 2004
• 9-3 Convertible: Five stars, top rating from European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) crash tests, 2004
• 9-3 Sedan: “Green”, top rating for Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), from Swedish Insurance Company Folksam’s crash tests, 2003
• 9-3 Sedan: Five stars, top rating from European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) crash tests, 2002

Performance car celebrates 30 th Anniversary of Saab turbocharging

• Launch of Saab’s innovative XWD all-wheel-drive system
• Unique all-black design evokes look of classic Saab Turbos
• Sport-tuned chassis: specific suspension, brakes, wheels
• 280 hp 2.8 V6 Turbo: 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.7 seconds
• Available as Sport Sedan and SportCombi, 6-speed manual or automatic
• MY 2008 Edition limited to 600 cars for the United States, starting price $ 42,510

Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging by launching the Saab Turbo X, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards for the brand. The first turbocharged Saab, a 99 hatchback, debuted in the fall of 1977. Combining brisk performance with excellent fuel economy, that car immediately set a trend followed by many other manufacturers. Now, the all-black Turbo X takes Saab ‘back to the future’ -- by evoking the iconic appeal of its first black 99 and 900 Turbos and introducing innovative Saab XWD all-wheel drive technology.

Flanked by an equally black 1985 Saab 900 SPG, the Saab Turbo X makes its North American debut at the 2007 New England International Auto Show in Boston – paying tribute to the area where Saab originally started its U.S. business more than half a century ago, and where many longtime Saab aficionados still reside.

Already hailed as a future classic, the Saab Turbo X will become available in 4-door Sport Sedan and 5-door SportCombi bodystyles, and with a choice of six-speed automatic or manual transmissions. For the 2008 model year, the Turbo X edition for the United States is limited to 600 cars overall. With prices starting at $ 42,510 for the sport sedan and $ 43,510 for the SportCombi, first deliveries will start in the spring of 2008.

Starting December 1, the first 100 customers who place their order by January 31 will be invited to attend the Turbo X Academy Driving Program designed specifically for Turbo X owners, courtesy of Saab. The program also includes two nights at the four-star Chateau Elán. Additionally, participants of this exclusive Saab Turbo X Academy will, for the first time ever, experience the thrill of driving on the renown track at Road Atlanta.

With 295 lbs-ft of torque from its 280 hp 2.8V6 turbo engine, the Turbo X is the ultimate performance expression of the new Saab 9-3 range. Saab XWD features active management that not only splits torque delivery between both axles, but also between the rear wheels. This responsive system delivers a level of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never seen before from Saab.

In addition to tuning of the suspension and its electronic chassis, throttle and powertrain settings, the Turbo X features distinctive styling additions that enhance aerodynamic performance.

Available in Sport Sedan or SportCombi bodystyles, the Saab Turbo X limited edition showcases the launch of Saab XWD. The order book is now open and the first customer deliveries are expected during the second quarter of next year.

Driver in Focus with Saab XWD

• Intelligent Saab XWD for superb handling and roadholding
• Rear eLSD gives torque transfer up to 40% between wheels
• 280 hp 2.8 V6 Turbo with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing
• Sport tuned chassis optimizes all-wheel-drive benefits

The Saab Turbo X adds a new dimension in chassis control to Saab’s unrivalled experience in turbocharging. It is the result of a development program that leverages the full potential of Saab’s innovative XWD system, with the car’s sport tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems all aligned to meet a single need: driving satisfaction.

Saab XWD is an active all-wheel-drive system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. Its sophisticated electronic control allows fine balancing of drive torque, not only between the two axles but also between the rear wheels. In effect, this stretches the performance envelope of the chassis, for example, raising the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered. The result is closer driver involvement through ‘positive force’ chassis control.

The driving benefits of the XWD system are best appreciated out on the open road. Data from the ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is utilized by the Saab XWD control module. Rear drive is instantly applied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding.

Driver control is taken a step further on the Turbo X by the eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

To exploit the full benefits of Saab XWD, the chassis of the Turbo X has been lowered by 10 mm and the springs and dampers stiffened to minimize body movement. To maintain a constant ride height irrespective of load, self-leveling dampers are fitted at the rear.

Stopping power is also increased with larger brake discs fitted: internally ventilated (345 mm diameter x 30 mm) at the front and externally ventilated (292 mm diameter x 20 mm) at the rear. Standard 235/45 R-18 tires ensure excellent mechanical grip for the 18-inch alloy wheels.

The powerhouse at the heart of the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine generating 295 lbs-ft (400 Nm) of torque between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and maximum power of 280 hp (206 kW) at 5,500 rpm. The advanced specification includes a lightweight, all-aluminum construction with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks for perfect balance, variable inlet valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. It is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

This responsive, high torque powerplant is the perfect partner for Saab XWD. Together, they give the Saab Turbo X sporty, all-wheel-drive performance and handling characteristics that will appeal to all enthusiastic drivers who seek a rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Saab Black Turbo Reborn

• Distinctive Jet Black color in homage to first Saab 900 Turbo
• Functional sport bodystyling raises aerodynamic efficiency
• ‘Turbo heritage’ boost gauge and personalized driver display

The Saab Turbo X visually communicates its focus on driving performance by extending the bold, progressive design themes of the new 9-3 range. Offered only in metallic jet black, with the front grille and all exterior detailing accented in a matte grey titanium-like finish, it represents a contemporary expression of its illustrious black 900 Turbo forebear.

Distinctive styling additions are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, as well as emphasize the Turbo X’s performance focus. At the front, a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intake contribute to reduced drag while also increasing air flow to the engine and intercooler.

At the rear, the re-profiled bumper and insert panel lowers the point of air flow separation, further reducing drag and assisting high speed stability. The Sport Sedan features a rear spoiler that extends the line of the trunk deck, reducing high speed lift forces at the rear axle. The regular SportCombi already has a standard spoiler that extends the rear roof line.

The Turbo X is further distinguished by unique, 18-inch alloy wheels with a grey titanium-like finish that evokes the look of Saab’s classic three-spoke design. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes complete the exterior additions.

Inside, the ‘black turbo’ theme is continued throughout the cabin. The sport seating, with additional bolstering, is upholstered entirely in black leather. The sporty ambience is further emphasized by a carbon-fiber finish to the door inserts, glove box and gear shift console which is unique to the Turbo X.

The driver benefits from improved ‘feel’ through the addition of a thick-rimmed, soft grip leather steering wheel. In recognition of Saab’s turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display.

Owners will also enjoy a personalized greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. A unique “All Systems Go” message flashes in the main instrument display. The owner’s name, with the edition number of the car, can also be programmed for display by the supplying dealer.

World's First Application of the Innovative Haldex 4.0 All-Wheel Drive System



Intelligent Saab XWD “Cross Wheel Drive” offers new levels of vehicle handling and stability under all driving conditions

• New Haldex 4.0 system offers class-leading performance, up to 100% rear torque transfer
• Innovative all-wheel drive technology: pre-emptive engagement and active rear Limited Slip Differential
• New rear sub-frame and suspension geometry
• Available in the Saab Turbo X and 9-3 Aero XWD as of early 2008 calendar year

DETROIT – Developed in Sweden with Haldex of Stockholm, the Saab XWD “Cross Wheel Drive” system is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. It is offered in the 2008 Saab Turbo X and Aero versions of the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, in combination with an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8 V6 turbo engine which now delivers almost 15% more maximum torque (400 Nm/295 lbs/ft) to exploit the greater traction available. It comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

This state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimize traction at take-off; and an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), allowing variable torque transfer between the rear wheels.

Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary. While offering new Saab Turbo X and 9-3 Aero XWD owners sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions, its sophisticated operation also adds a further sporty dimension to the driving experience in all road conditions. Fine balancing of the drive torque between the front and rear axles raises the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered, providing more scope for closer driver involvement.

The system is governed by its own electronic control unit, which functions in harness with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESP control modules. The hardware consists of a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM). This incorporates a Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and an electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex.

At take-off from rest, the TTD is initially activated when the clutch plates are forced together under hydraulic pressure, thereby engaging the RDM. This pre-emptive function is a valuable improvement in current technology, which requires the detection of wheel slip before the TTD is activated. For the driver, the enhanced functionality gives maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from rest without the possibility of any initial hesitation.

On the open road, drive torque is seamlessly and continuously varied between the axles by the control of a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the pressure on the wet clutch plates. When cornering, Saab XWD rewards the driver by providing enhanced, more finely balanced chassis dynamics. Data from the vehicle’s ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is utilized, and careful programming of Saab XWD enables the application of rear drive to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding.

In highway cruising conditions, when traction or optimum grip is not an issue, only 5% to 10% of engine torque is typically transmitted to the rear wheels. This helps provide the driver with a measure of greater stability, while helping to save fuel.

The ultimate ‘icing on the cake’ with Saab XWD is the eLSD. This is the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. The eLSD is installed alongside the RDM and operates via pressurized clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy or wet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40% of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip.

The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. This yaw damping effect can keep the car better balanced and more tightly controlled, without requiring ‘outside’ intervention from electronic stability aides.

Installation of Saab XWD includes the fitment of a new rear sub-frame to carry the RDM, revised rear suspension geometry and new wheel hubs for the drive shafts. The three piece prop-shaft runs through two bearings with constant velocity joints for smooth running with minimal ‘wind-up’. Wheelbase and rear track dimensions are unaltered. All Saab Turbo X and 9-3 Aero XWD Sport Sedan and SportCombi models will have 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment.

Trollhättan, Sweden – Saab’s Driver Attention Warning System is a development project designed to counter two of the most common causes of road accidents: driver drowsiness and inattention at the wheel. It alerts the driver by using a combination of text and voice messages, or vibrations in the seat cushion, as soon as the risk of drowsiness or inattention is detected.

Unlike other similar systems, the Driver Attention Warning System does not rely on measuring an erratic change in the steered direction of the vehicle. It is designed to detect the onset of drowsiness or inattention, rather than the immediate consequences.

It utilizes two miniature infra-red cameras, one installed at the base of the driver’s A-pillar and the other in the center of the main fascia, which are focused on the driver’s eyes. The image from the cameras is analyzed by software that deploys a series of alerts when the pattern of eye-lid movement indicates the onset of drowsiness, or when the driver is not looking at the road ahead.

Infra-red imaging is used to ensure good performance in all day and night light conditions, and even if the driver is wearing dark glasses.

Drowsiness Detection
The system uses a sophisticated algorithm, against which the driver’s rate of eye blinking is measured. When the cameras detect a pattern of long duration eye-lid closures, indicating the potential onset of drowsiness, a series of three warnings is initiated.

In the first instance, a chime sounds and a text warning message “Tired?” is displayed in the main instrument panel. If the driver’s eye-lid movement does not immediately revert to a normal ‘wide awake’ pattern, a speech message “You are tired” is then delivered through the car’s audio system. If there is still no response, a stronger warning tone and the message, “You are dangerously tired – stop as soon as it is safe to do so!” will come over the audio. This can only be cancelled when the driver presses a reset button in the fascia. The system is then immediately reactivated.

Inattention Detection
The cameras are also able to monitor the driver’s eye-ball and head movement. As soon as the driver's gaze moves away from what is defined as the 'primary attention zone' - the central part of the windshield in front of the driver - a timer starts counting.

If the driver's eyes and head do not return to the 'straight ahead' position within about two seconds, the driver’s seat cushion will vibrate. This will stop once the position of driver’s eyes and head are consistent with the vehicle’s direction of travel.

The processing of the infra-red image is sufficiently accurate to detect when the driver retains some peripheral vision of the road ahead - such as while looking in the rear-view mirror, the door mirror or turning a corner - and will consequently allow a slightly longer time to elapse before activating the seat vibration.

Real-life Safety
The Driver Attention Warning System is a logical extension of Saab’s real-life safety philosophy. It takes account of what the driver actually does behind the wheel, rather than what he or she should be doing.

The system, installed in a Saab 9-3 SportCombi, is the work of the Human Vehicle Integration team at GME Engineering in Trollhättan, Sweden. It is part of a development program, Intelligent Vehicle Safety Systems (IVSS), supported by the Swedish government and involving the national Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).

"It is a fact that many drivers do not stop and get out of the car if they are feeling drowsy. So we are now trying to help drivers to help themselves,” says Arne Nåbo, head of the Human Vehicle Integration team, which specializes in driver ergonomics and managing the interface with in-car ‘infotainment’ systems for Saab cars.

"This system also helps prevent a dangerous habit we call 'cognitive capturing’. For example, the driver can become too absorbed in searching for a favorite CD, programming pre-sets into the radio or trying pick up a screaming baby's dummy from the floor."

Testing
The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi development car will now participate in an eight-month field trial program supervised by the Road and Transport Research Institute.

The car is fitted with a wireless GPRS 3G modem that will download data every minute to a web server at Linköping University, where the performance of the system will be analyzed. A group of volunteers will each drive the car for a month, the first week with the Driver Attention Warning System switched off for comparison purposes

The trial is part of a development and validation process that could see the system become available in future Saab cars. In commercial production, only a single camera is likely to be required and this would be completely concealed behind the car’s main fascia.

Saab’s TV advertising campaign for its new 9-3 model gives yet another unknown but promising female Swedish singer the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience. 23-year-old Nina Kinert, from Stockholm, sings the acoustic soundtrack ‘Through Your Eyes’, specially written for the campaign, with a distinctive, brittle timbre.

The Swedish automaker’s latest ad retains the raw, self-assured tonality of last spring´s successful ‘Release Me’ BioPower campaign, using a soundtrack and imagery designed to communicate quality, safety and ‘cool’ Scandinavian design.

“Our creative strategy is to present an authentic film atmosphere with a distinctive sound quality that is very Saabish,” says Saab´s Marketing Manager Kristian Jörgensen. “We like to offer something ‘extra’, an emotional take-out that will stick in people´s minds. Naturally, this depends on the viewer, but if people like the music, they will hopefully like the film.”

The ‘Release Me’ song reinforced the serious and emotional environmental message of the last campaign, while ‘Through Your Eyes’ enhances the story of the film and presents the new Saab 9-3 car in an alluringly ‘cool’ manner.

“We took an immediate liking to the tune, and above all, to Nina’s voice,” says Lena Olander, Saab Project Manager for Advertising and Internet. “We wanted to keep the soft imagery of the BioPower film and at the same time create an ‘on the road’ feeling, something which Nina´s interesting voice expresses perfectly.”

“Repeating the success of ‘Release Me’ will be difficult, but the first indications have been very encouraging. In a week, ‘Through Your Eyes’ climbed into the Top Three of Swedish Itunes,” adds Kristian Jörgensen.

Nina is enjoying her association with Saab. “It is great fun with Itunes going so well,” she says. “The song works and that´s why I have decided to add it to my new album.”

For the past year, Nina has been a full-time professional singer. Her debut album, ‘Heartbreak Town’, was released two years ago, followed last year by ‘Let There Be Love’. The new release of this album, now including Through Your Eyes’, comes out next month.

“I heard the tune today, standing in my kitchen,” she says. “It felt good, but I don’t think it sounds very much like me,” she adds jokingly. “My buddies have sent me a bunch of text messages since the film was first shown on Swedish TV.”

The new campaign is to be released globally by Saab with the strap-line ‘Designed to Perform’. It emphasizes the new 9-3’s bold design and exciting driving qualities, which are achieved by adopting the same approach that has put Scandinavian design on the world map – letting function and looks go hand in hand.

The ’Through Your Eyes’ song can be accessed by entering the international campaign site at http://saab.com.