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The Saab 9-3 is a compact executive car produced by the automaker Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden, although the convertible (cabriolet) version is made under license in Austria. It shares platforms with the Opel Vectra and the Cadillac BLS, although is only similar enough to the Cadillac BLS in order to be made on the same assembly line in Sweden. It has always been Saab's entry-level model, except in 2005-2006, when the Subaru Impreza-based Saab 9-2X was its entry-level model.

[edit] Overview

The car is badged as 9³. Saab however consistently advertises it as 9-3. The name is pronounced "nine three". The 9-3 was introduced in 1998^[1] and succeeded by a redesigned 9-3 in model year 2003. The Saab 93, pronounced "ninety three" was a car produced by Saab from 1955 to 1960.

[edit] 1998-2002

The first generation 9-3, a substantially improved last-generation Saab 900 was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. It featured slightly sleeker styling with some models sporting a black rear spoiler and removed Saab's trademark centrally-mounted "snow flap". It was available as a three or five-door hatchback, and as a two-door convertible. It was the last small Saab to use the company's H engine. Notable improvements over the Saab 900 were improved ride and handling and substantially improved crashworthiness with standard side impact airbags with head protection and active headrests. Both the Saab 9-5 and Saab 9-3 were the first cars in the world to earn the maximum score in a side impact, based on EURONCAP testing, ahead of the next best, the Volvo S70.

It was also available with the B204E, a new low pressure turbo (LPT) engine based on the B204L used in the last generation Saab 900. The first generation 9-3 was also the first Saab available with a diesel engine, an Opel sourced engine shared with the Opel Vectra

A Saab innovation is the 'Night Panel', carried over from the Saab 900, which permits dousing of the instrument panel lighting, except for essential information, for less distraction when night driving.

A total of 326,370 first generation 9-3s were built.

[edit] Viggen

A high-powered version of the 9-3 was the Viggen (Swedish for "thunderbolt"), named after the Saab Viggen aircraft. It is no longer in production. It came with a turbocharged 2.3 L engine, giving (later ). Acceleration from 0-100 km/h could be reached in 6.4 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h. To handle the high power and performance the following elements were changed/modified: heavy duty clutch and pressure plate, stiffened and lowered springs, firmer dampers, stronger CV joints and driveshafts. In addition to extra power and torque, it also featured a special rear wing (increasing the downforce by 50%^{[citation needed]}) requiring relocation of the radio antenna, aerodynamically designed bumpers and side skirts (reducing the drag coefficient by 8%^{[citation needed]}), specially bolstered and colored leather seats (available in four colors: black on black, black on blue, black on orange, tan on tan), sportier suspension, bigger wheels, upgraded brakes, and other upgraded parts. Production quantity and color choice was very limited (Fewer than 3000 Viggens manufactured; available colors are lightning blue, monte carlo yellow, steel gray, silver, black, or laser red). The Viggen was only available with a five speed manual transmission, CD player, and the Viggen specific motorized and heated leather seats. In 1999 Saab introduced the Trionic 7 engine management system which was developed in house, making 2,000,000 calculations every second from combustions temp, boost control, variable torque curves and many other critical engine processes.

New Viggen buyers in the USA were treated to two days of advanced driving instruction at Road Atlanta and dined with Saab USA executives from nearby Norcross, Georgia. This program, operated by Saab and Panoz, was called Viggen Flight Academy and later transformed into the current SAAB Aero Academy.

The Viggen was created for performance seeking Saab enthusiasts and remains very desirable among Saab enthusiasts. Motoring journalists were widely critical of untamed torque steer in low gears.

500 Units were produced for the UK market.

[edit] Engines

• 2.0 L B204 I4, ECE (1998-1999)
• 2.0 L B204E (non-US) I4, turbo LPT, (1998-2000)
• 2.0 L B204 I4, turbo, (1998-1999)
• 2.0 L B205 I4, turbo, (2000-2002)
• 2.0 L B205E (non-US) I4, LPT(light pressure turbo), (2000-2002)
• 2.0 L B205R I4, turbo, (1999-2003)
• 2.3 L B235R I4, turbo, (1999-2002)

[edit] Second generation (2003-present)

The second-generation model was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2003. All U.S. market gas-powered variants featured a 2.0 L straight-4 engine derived from General Motors' Ecotec family. 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 Linear form (trim-level). The 175 horsepower (130 kW) version (2.0t) was standard in Linear or Vector form, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Sentronic automatic, which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, and the same Sentronic 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.

[edit] 2004

Supposedly due to a request from Vector Aeromotive, the Vector form was replaced with the Aero. In addition, the Arc received the 5-speed manual in lieu of the 6-speed.

Power in the 9-3 was delivered through the front wheels only. It was and is available as a four-door sedan, a wagon (introduced late in 2005, known as the SportCombi, SportWagon or Sport-Hatch depending on the markets), and a two-door convertible. It is the safest car in its class^{[citation needed]} , including innovations such as Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR II) to reduce whiplash and ReAxs, passive rear wheel steering to reduce understeering and passive toe-in under heavy braking. Out of these models, the convertible (manufactured by Magna Steyr in Austria beginning in 2003) is the best known, and is the best-selling in its class in many markets^{[citation needed]}. In certain markets, the local distributor sells version unique to that market. For example, in Singapore, 2.0t are not imported. Rather the 1.8t (which is actually a 2.0 litre low pressure turbo with a 150 hp (110 kW) output) is sold with a Hirsch modification to increase the horsepower to around the output of a 2.0t. Furthermore, Singapore 1.8t cars are available only with automatic transmission unless specially ordered.

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. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive^{[citation needed]} and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhättan plant^{[citation needed]}. An auto-directional rear axle, a proprietary optical fiber electric/electronic system, and the possibility of AWD (to be exploited in 2008) are some of the SAAB exclusive features.

[edit] 2005

United States versions were sold with 16" wheels standard (17" for the Aero) unlike the 15" wheels which were previously found in the Linear version. In the United States, but not in most countries, the 2005 was the last year of the Linear and Arc versions.

[edit] 2006

A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900 convertible. For 2006, the two optional engines were a 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder and a new 2.8 liter turbo 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder option had 12.3 psi maximum turbo boost pressure and turned out 210 hp (160 kW), while the 6 cylinder had 8.7 psi boost and turned out 250 hp (190 kW). The 2.0 liter 16 valve turbo 4 cylinder model was marketed in the United States as the 2.0T, replacing the Linear and Arc models sold until the 2005 model year. The United States 2.0T version was similar to the 2005 Arc except for U.S. Linear wheels were used. The Linear and Arc versions continued to be sold in most other countries. In the middle of the 2006 model year, at least for cars made for the United States market, the trunk release button on the driver's door was eliminated, possibly to save costs. Cars made in the first half of 2006 have the trunk release mechanism mounted on the driver's door. After it was eliminated, the only way to open the trunk is to use the key fob (and the emergency release located inside the trunk for use by people who climb into the trunk).

[edit] 2007

Minor dashboard and interior modifications, SID integration, use of the Saab 9-5 climate control system, reintroduction of OnStar and new stereo. Steel Gray was also replaced with Titan Gray as an exterior color choice. In the U.S. market, only the 210 hp 2.0 litre 16 valve turbo engine and the 250 hp 2.8 litre V-6 turbo are available.

[edit] 2008

The 2008 range, presented at the Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden (June 10, 2007) included new frontal styling inspired by the Saab 9-2X, new door panels, a clamshell hood, and frosted rear lamps. Slight exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD 280bhp 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show (9/07).^[3] The Turbo X will make its North American debut at the New England Auto show in late November. ^[4] Saab is also planning to release an all wheel drive verson of the Aero, with the system dubbed "XWD", in February or March.

[edit] Engines

Note: diesel engines are not available in North America. Starting from 2005 diesel engines are Fiat sourced common rail units.

• 2003-2004 - 2.2 L Isuzu diesel I4, 125 PS (123 hp/92 kW)
• 2005-present - 1.9 L TiD I4, 120 PS (118 hp/88 kW)
• 2005-present - 1.9 L TiD I4, 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW)
• 2007-present - 1.9 L TTiD I4, 180 PS (178 hp/132 kW)
• 2004-present - 1.8 L Ecotec I4, 122 PS (120 hp/90 kW)
• 2003-present - 2.0 L Ecotec I4, low-pressure turbo, 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW)
• 2003-present - 2.0 L Ecotec I4, low-pressure turbo, 175 PS (173 hp/129 kW)
• 2003-present - 2.0 L Ecotec I4, high-output turbo, 210 PS (207 hp/154 kW)
• 2006-present - 2.8 L HFV6 V6, low-pressure turbo,230 PS (227 hp/169 kW)
• 2006-present - 2.8 L HFV6 V6, turbo, 250 PS (247 hp/184 kW)
• 2006-present - 1.8t BioPower 1998 cc I4, turbo 175 PS (173 hp/129 kW). Flexfuel (E85) vehicle.
• 2006-present - 2.0t BioPower 1998 cc I4, turbo 200 PS (197 hp/147 kW). Flexfuel (E85) vehicle.

[edit] Saab Turbo X

Saab Turbo X is a limited edition special version of the 9-3 revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. It is made to celebrate SAABs 30 year of turbocharging. All Turbo X will come in metallic jet black with matte grey trim. The Turbo X is SAABs first production car with the XWD all-wheel drive system from Haldex and eLSD. It is powered by a 2.8 litre V6 giving 280 hp (210 kW) mated to a six speed manual or automatic gearbox. It also has larger brakes as well as stiffer springs and shocks. The dash, shift lever and door panels have carbon fibre look and the turbo boost gauge draws it's inspiration from the Saab 900.^[5]

[edit] Awards and Achievements

2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008

• Top Safety Pick - Gold Award, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, USA.

2004

• Best Pick in side-impact crash tests,Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Sport Sedan repeats the "Best Pick" rating from last year's IIHS frontal offset crash test and is now the first car with standard safety equipment to receive a double "Best Pick" honour.
• Received highest rating, "Good" in the IIHS & Thatcham studies into the safety of car seats and head restraints, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety USA, Thatcham, Great Britain.
• Awarded Compact Executive Car of the Year, Auto Trader, Great Britain
• Voted Top Small Executive Car, Top Gear Magazine's New Car Buyer's Guide, Great Britain
• Awarded one of "10 best Cars of the Year", Hong Kong Car and Driver, Hong Kong
• Awarded Best European Intermediate/middle sedan, Car Plus Award, Hong Kong
• Recommended buy, US Consumer Reports magazine, USA
• Awarded maximum five star rating in EuroNCAP collision test, Saab 9-3 Convertible, EuroNCAP
• Named UK's Most Secure Open-Top Car, British Insurance Car Security Awards, Great Britain
• Prestigious Sporting Open Top award, The Institute of Vehicle Engineers (IVehE), Great Britain

2002

• Awarded maximum five star rating in EuroNCAP collision test, Saab 9-3 Sports Sedan, EuroNCAP
• Best Family Sedan, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, PBS's MotorWeek television, USA
• Prestige Car of the Year, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Brisbane Courier Mail, Australia
• Best Buy, Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan, Expressen, Sweden
• Best New Car, Saab 9-3 Arc Sport Sedan ($30,000 - $40,000 range), Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, USA

1999

• Among the Top Ten Cars of 1999. Fortune Magazine, USA

1998

• One of the Top Ten Cars - Fortune Magazine, USA
• Among Top Ten Family Cars - Consumer's Review, USA

[edit] See also

• Saab 9-5 BioPower: E85, E100 and Hybrid.

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Saab 9-3

• Saab official site
• IIHS Saab 9-3 crash test
• IIHS Saab 9-3 Conv. crash test

Template:Saab automobiles

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