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2008 Saab 9-3 press release and official photos

Saab have finally released details concerning their new 9-3 along with a bunch of official photos although it is not like we haven’t seen it already. This would be one of the least secret new releases we’ve seen with undisguised cars being spotted and


Saab have finally released details concerning their new 9-3 along with a bunch of official photos although it is not like we haven’t seen it already. This would be one of the least secret new releases we’ve seen with undisguised cars being spotted and photographed in locations throughout Europe with seemingly gay abandon…

As previously reported the new Saab 9-3 is largely a freshen-up of the previous models styling while the interior from all reports remains largely unchanged. We do like the new more aggressive front end and the return of the signature clam-shell bonnet. In fact the new Saab 9-3 looks good all around, with the exception of the ‘Marilyn Manson’ style rear tail lights…they are at best peculiar.

Rather than bore you with a long waffle concerning all of the detail changes we will let you read about those (if you are interested) in the press release available by clicking on the link below.

What we would like to go over quickly are the engine options which Saab refer to as their unique ‘Tri-fuel’ engine line-up. They include a choice of 6 petrol, 3 diesel and 2 Saab Biopower (E85) options as follows:

Petrol

• 2.8-litre V6 Turbo 206 kW and 400 Nm (XWD only)

• 2.8-litre V6 Turbo 188 kW and 350 Nm (FWD only)

• 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo 155 kW/300 Nm

• 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo 129 kW/265 Nm

• 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo 110kW/240 Nm

• 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 90 kW/167 Nm

Diesel

• 1.9-litre Twin-turbo diesel TTiD, 16-valve engine, 132 kW/400 Nm

• 1.9-litre Single turbo diesel -110 kW/320 Nm (16 valves)

• 1.9-litre Single turbo diesel - 88 kW/280 Nm (8 valves)

BioPower (Ethanol)

• 2.0t BioPower E85 (85% Ethanol/Petrol blend) 147 kW/300Nm

• 1.8t BioPower E85 (85% Ethanol/Petrol blend) 129 kW/265Nm

As speculated Saab have introduced an AWD system they have called 'XWD'. Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100 percent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary. Wisely the headline act 206Kw V6 is only available with the XWD chassis. No more bruised wrists and terminal FWD understeer, unless you opt for the 188kw FWD V6 option… Saab claim that the 0-100 km/h dash can be dispatched in 6.7 seconds for the FWD V6 or a projected 6.3 seconds for the XWD V6 9-3. Not bad…

There is currently no-word on what engine options we can expect in Australian delivered Saabs but count the BioPower units out for the time being. We suspect that the TTiD will be the only diesel option that will (may) make it down-under. As soon as further details are known we will report.

You can read more by clicking on the link to the press release below:

Saab 9-3 press release

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