93Kewl

Don't need you guys to feel good about it. The jury is still out on the '04 TL while most people have praised the looks of the 9-3 - including some of the Acura faithful.

But hey, to each their own.

I wonder why the original poster started this thread?

I also wonder why there are some people here (other than myself) that are interested in the 9-3?

ROFL!!!

ySL

lol... what about the Chevy Monte Carlo? I think that is the most hideous car I've seen on the road recently....

ySL

chill negroe... I was complementing the 9-3

Huskerpick_RENAMED

That is helpful.

BTW I had the same driving impressions of the 9-3. I wonder if GM is still doing the 24 hour test drive?

Santacruz

Okay Gandi be reasonable
I think the Saab 9-3 has to many similarities to the grand prix and the only thing between it and a stock car are corporate sponsor stickers.

dom

The 9-3 looks like a Grand Prix? I'm sorry dude I just don't see it. The Grand Prix is the biggest POS I have ever seen while the Saab is a nicely styled sport sedan. I agree that the Grand Prix is pure nascar but nascar is the last think I think of when I see a Saab.

And its Mother Teresa to you thank you very much

93Kewl

Grand Prix, huh? Gee, didn't I read something here criticizing the new TL's back end for looking like a Grand Prix? Ouch!

Cool as ice!

need4spd_RENAMED

Even the BMW's have their problems with rattles, friends have a 7, 5 and 3 and each of them had interior panels that rattled, which BMW could not fix after many times (they just simply said that they did not exist even after test drives).

ALL cars have problems, no mater what!

accsuperstar

I went for a test drive in the Saab 9-3 vector today. Man that thing has an awesome turning radius. It also has incredible handling around corners. I did 60 around a 25mph corner and no problems. It is a nice car, but with all the options tacked on it is quite pricey. I guess thats why I have my TSX

gavriil

Saab declares its intention to enter a new market segment with the unveiling of its Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The distinctive, five-door, four-seater format offers sporty, driver-focused performance and innovative load-carrying features, while challenging the traditional distinction between a hatchback and wagon. It is designed for customers with active, outdoor lifestyles who seek a sporty and rewarding driving experience that also delivers the versatility they need. Powered by a 250 bhp, 2.0-liter turbo engine with Saab Sentronic automatic transmission and a lowered, sports chassis sitting on 20-inch wheels, the 9-3 Sport Hatch Concept promises sharp performance to match its eye-catching looks.

It is intended to take Saab into the mid-size wagon segment for the first time by offering a distinctive alternative choice, with hatchback-like proportions that are reminiscent of the shape of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It also represents a further development of the Saab 9-5 wagon's sporty character.

The exterior and interior styling follows themes from the Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept presented last year and the current 9-3 Sport Sedan. Versatility features that are innovative and surprising support Saab's concept of 'emotional functionality'.

Main highlights include:

· Bold styling cues from Saab 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept
· Compact, sporty stance backed by chassis with Saab ReAxs control
· Four-seater layout with central 'clear zone' motif in front and rear
· Information displays on demand via 'touch screen' functionality
· Glass roof and recessed load fixing points to eliminate roof bars
· Powered tailgate with innovative, integrated bike-carrying function
· Extra storage floor below cargo deck

"Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon," says Michael Mauer, Saab's Head of Design. "It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will soon be able to buy a car very much like this."

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is the latest development in the most comprehensive new product plan in Saab's history. Following the unveiling of the multi-dimensional 9X concept at Frankfurt two years ago, the 9-3X was shown at Detroit last year and the all-new 9-3 Sport Sedan went on sale in September. This fall the 9-3 Convertible was launched and next summer the all-wheel-drive Saab 9-2 model is scheduled to arrive in North America.

Concept - Pushing the boundaries

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept challenges automotive convention by eroding the traditional distinction between hatchback and wagon formats. In shifting such boundary lines, it gives further expression to design chief Michael Mauer's vision of the future of Saab design.

Just like the previous 9X and 9-3X, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is testimony to Mauer's belief in the emergence of a new automotive order; one where orthodox classifications are no longer relevant to demanding owners who require one vehicle to fulfill different functions.

It also represents a logical progression towards a near production-ready car. The multi-dimensional Saab 9X imaginatively combined the characteristic features of a coupé, roadster, wagon and pick-up within a single vehicle. The 9-3X then introduced an off-road capability by creating a unique 'cross-over coupé' concept. Now the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept carries forward much of the 9-3X's design language in presenting a sporty, versatile vehicle for the road that is a fusion between hatchback and wagon.

Styling cues from the 9-3X include most of the rear end treatment: the relatively short rear overhang, the steeply raked rear screen and light assemblies and the uninterrupted shape of the side window glazing with disguised door pillars. Despite the addition of two rear doors, the essential compact proportions of a hatchback have been retained.

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is also clearly an evolution of the current 9-3 Sport Sedan architecture although, in adopting the stance and packaging of a five-door hatchback, it follows closely in the tradition of its classic Saab 900 forebears. It re-affirms Saab's commitment to a distinctive, versatile format that is sportier in appearance than a typical wagon.

"Just as the 9-3X occupies a position where coupé meets off-roader, this car represents a cross-over point between hatchback and wagon," explains Mauer. "It is the sort of product that should come from Saab and our customers will be able to buy a car very much like this.

"In using the Sport Sedan chassis, we have been able to ensure that this car offers the kind of sporty, driver-focused performance that is an essential requirement for all Saab models," adds Mauer. " We have now added more functionality with some interesting design features that ensure this car has its own clear and separate identity."

Typical of the design team's unconventional approach is the adoption of a distinctive glass roof, the elimination of roof bars - a common feature of traditional wagon design - and the provision of twin folding rear sports seats. Innovative load-carrying functions are included without compromising the car's essentially sporty appearance and driver-focused character.

The presentation of the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show signifies Saab's intention to appeal to customers who seek the functionality of a premium, mid-size wagon but require fresher, more exciting looks and a sporty driving experience to match.

"Saab customers are predominantly professional people with independent tastes and views," adds Mauer. " This car reflects and respects their desire for bold, alternative solutions."

Execution - Progressive Design

The design language of the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept draws its inspiration from both the 9-3X 'cross-over coupé' concept and the 9-3 Sport Sedan. For the exterior, these themes are synthesized with an economy of line and form to communicate impressions of strength, muscularity and power, all key brand drivers.

The four-seat interior is a development of the 9-3X concept's layout, with innovative driver displays and a bold central motif that complements the external glass roof. These features are combined with core elements of the 9-3 Sport Sedan's cabin to create a sporty and cleanly-executed interior.

External perspective

The dynamic visual appeal of the car is generated by its tautly contained, almost compact, proportions. All external glazing, with the exception of the headlamp units, is presented in dark green tinted glass - a theme that is uniquely carried into the interior. The purposeful stance is reinforced by front and rear tracks which are, respectively, 56 mm and 60 mm wider than in the Sport Sedan and bring the 20-inch wheels out to the edge of the bodywork. The wheel-arches are distinctively flared with a flat vertical face, as previewed on the 9-3X concept.

The wedge-shaped profile and a high, rising waistline are Saab signatures: as is the now 'stretched' teardrop shape of the side window glazing. This is visually framed by brushed aluminum edging, with disguised 'B' and 'C' pillars, and is a natural evolution of the design theme seen on the sport sedan.

The sweeping shape of the side glazing emphases the sloping profile of the roof-line, which progressively reduces from the B-pillar rearwards. The Saab signature 'hockey stick' - a continuous contour in the bodywork that extends from the 'A' pillar under the side windows and up along the forward edge of the 'D' pillar - is also a prominent feature. Traditional, oval-shaped Saab door handles are now color-keyed with a fresh, new look.

A large, reinforced glass panel runs the length of roof, following a gentle, convex profile that leads into a well-integrated rear spoiler at the top of the tailgate.

The frontal styling is an evolution of the traditional Saab 'face', as executed on the 9-3 Sport Sedan. However, the distinctive styling of the headlamps and a subtle extrapolation of key components communicates an even bolder, sportier persona. The central element of the grille is drawn down into the bumper molding and the horizontal 'wing' profile, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage, is now more prominent.

A deep, trapezoidal air intake in the front bumper molding, with two smaller apertures either side for brake cooling, replaces the narrow, full-width opening seen on the sedan.

As you would expect from Saab, the styling of the headlamps eschews the common circular, 'jewel-effect' trend. The clear plastic lens adopts familiar Saab proportions, but the bulbs are installed, projector-style, in rectangular polished aluminum casings which are fixed within three lateral glass mountings extending the entire width of the housing. These horizontal 'fins' feature LED illumination when the lights are switched on. Green-tinted glass filters, echoing part of the overall design theme, are positioned in front of the headlamp units. The headlamp housings now also appear to flow seamlessly into the grille and bumper, without any interruption to line or contour.

The rear, hatchback-like styling features a relatively short overhang behind the rear axle line, which helps remove the bulky extension of rear bodywork and window glazing often associated with a wagon.

As previewed by the 9-3X concept, the full-width, steeply-raked rear screen merges almost seamlessly into the large, triangular light units on either side; the common use of tinted glass appearing to present a single glazed area.

In side profile, the rear light units are bent to mimic the residual 'bustle' or 'notchback' line of a hatchback. LEDs for the tail and stop lights and bulbs for the reversing and indicator lights are all effectively masked behind three translucent fields. These are designed to resemble frosted blocks of ice, which are contained within the green-tinted plastic housings.

The powered tailgate extends down to floor level, giving a flat loading platform without a sill. In addition to load-carrying applications, it also carries the rear roof spoiler and a centrally-mounted high level stop light.

"Overall, we wanted the car to assume a very clean and muscular character," explains senior Saab designer Taras Czornyj, responsible for the exterior of the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept. "And it was important to execute this sporty look free from any traditional wagon motifs. I guess you could say this car inherits some of the classic Saab 900 hatchback genes."

"In contrast to the lines of a conventional wagon, we have tried to move the focal center of gravity forward, away from the rear area. The tapering side window zone and the prominent 'hockey stick' line, which ends by pointing forwards, emphasize the slope of the roof, helping to create an impression of forward movement.

"We've also carried forward the 9-3X rationale of making sure all load-carrying features are virtually invisible when not in use. The glass roof does not interfere with this functionality and it brings an open dimension to the design, which reflects the outdoor lifestyles of potential owners."

From outside to inside

The best of Scandinavian design should have simplicity and consistency, with rounded and clean lines contributing to a sense of 'oneness'. For Saab this means that car design must work in a 'holistic' way, introducing exterior design principles to the inside of the car. There should be no straight lines or mismatches in shape, line or form in the interior of a Saab car. The overall design strategy should echo the fluid, soft lines and contours of the exterior bodywork.

The 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept now takes this approach a step further. Whilst the four-seater cabin layout, with leather/textile Recaro seats, accurately reflects the car's sporty external lines, the main interior motif is the introduction of a translucent 'clear zone'. This is a smoke-tinted, composite material, which mirrors the presence of the glass roof, and introduces a common 'transparency' theme to both the inside and outside of the car.

This innovative feature dominates the interior, covering the main instrument panel, the center stack, both front and rear floor-mounted consoles and a storage compartment between the rear seats. The same surface is also extended across the rear cargo deck, further uniting the front and rear of the car.

Up front, the 'clear zone' uses touch-screen functionality to provide information on demand through illuminating displays in the center stack. It is a further development of Saab's current 'Night Panel' feature and removes much of the visual clutter associated with buttons, controls and panel split lines; again echoing the clean and uninterrupted exterior design.

The center stack has a particularly neat appearance, without the myriad of buttons and controls normally associated with audio and climate control settings. In addition to a CD slot, there are just four large controls for air conditioning, 'infotainment' and comfort functions shared by the driver and front passenger.

Essential driver information is presented through three portholes in the 'clear zone' surface. The large central one contains the speedometer and a wide range of programmable systems 'status checks', graphically displayed. These include, for example, tire pressures, seat-belt usage, light bulb status, door closures and even a front and rear outside clearance check for close maneuvering.

The smaller left-hand porthole contains a tachometer and the right-hand one again offers the driver scope to tailor information as required. In addition to the usual fuel, water temperature and turbo boost displays; oil temperature/pressure, battery charging and even a real-time engine torque read-out can be called up.

As a subtle reference to Saab's aviation heritage, the styling of the aluminum/leather steering wheel mimics the look of an aircraft hand control. In the straight ahead position, the brushed aluminum finish on the inside of the rim extends only from two o'clock to ten o'clock, leaving the top third of the rim 'open'.

The wheel is fitted with audio, telephone and gear changing functionality. A 'mini-mouse', similar to that found in the keyboard of a lap-top, is mounted on top of the shift lever. This provides entry to menus on the main display in the center stack, giving easy control of audio, navigation and heating and ventilation functions on a simple 'point and click' basis.

The disguised handbrake lever at the side of center floor console, a feature introduced on the 9-3 Sport Sedan, is retained and a small DVD/video screen for rear seat passengers is located in the rear face of the central front armrest.

A red, recessed starter button is located immediately behind the shift lever and this is 'armed', together with the instrument displays, by a transponder when the driver enters the car by a passive keyless entry and start system.

The glass roof adds a light and airy counterpoint to the close-coupled interior ambience, again echoing a theme from the 9-3X concept, as well as providing panoramic viewing for the occupants.

The rest of the interior resembles the design of the 9-3 Sport Sedan. The leather upholstery is presented throughout in beige, further highlighting the light and airy feel. All passenger seat-backs can fold forwards, completely flat, into their fixed squabs, the two in the rear folding to the same level as the rear cargo deck. The door trim inserts and handles are finished in brushed aluminum.

The Sport-Hatch Concept's advanced 'infotainment' functions utilize the powerful fiber optic electronic platform from the 9-3. Facilities include satellite navigation, front and rear TV and DVD screens, Bluetooth connectivity with e-mail, Internet and WAP access.

Lars Falk, Head of Interior Design at Saab, says the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept's cabin is intended to demonstrate how Scandinavian design values can be adopted to simplify the appearance of the interior. "In overall design terms, the central translucent 'clear zone' brings a part of the exterior inside the car and unites the front and rear areas. It also allows us to provide information in an attractive way without lots of visible buttons and fixed cut-outs for screens," he explains.

"The principle of information on demand has also provided an opportunity to introduce a lot of interaction for the driver, reinforcing the feeling of being in control," he adds.

"A number of systems checks can be programmed for the central driver display with some interesting graphics. Together with the keyless entry and a starter button, the whole experience of getting into and driving off in the car can be rather more rewarding and involving than usual."

Versatility - Functionality with emotional appeal

The interactive enjoyment offered to Saab owners extends beyond the pure driving experience to include everyday functionality. Put simply, that means Saab engineers and designers are concerned with providing elegant solutions so that Saab owners can enjoy the process and execution of a function, as well as its direct benefits.

At Saab, this philosophy is called 'emotional functionality'. It brings an extra dimension to the provision of what may be a relatively straightforward operation. In this way there can be an unexpected bonus, a 'smile factor' brought about by design elegance that stops well short of gimmickry.

The innovative CargoWing for the Saab 9-3 Convertible - which uses an adaptable trunk lid rear spoiler to provide unlikely ski stowage - is a good example. So, too, is the way instrument illumination can be restricted by the Saab Night Panel function to ease the strain of night driving; or the way the windshield wipers are programmed to provide an extra, delayed sweep in wash/wipe mode to remove any residual streaks. And in the Saab 9-5 range, the highly-geared action of a swiveling cup-holder as emerges and retracts from the front fascia offers a level of enjoyment, as well as pure functionality.

The Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept showcases a number of such 'Saabish' features, in this instance focused on satisfying the varied lifestyle and leisure needs of potential owners:

· 'Hidden' Bike Carrier. The tailgate can be opened and closed while carrying two bicycles mounted in upright positions (the display car demonstrates a fixing for one bicycle). Neatly integrated lugs, just below the rear screen on the tailgate, combine with swiveling points on the trailing edge of the roof to accommodate mounting brackets for the bikes, once the front wheels are removed (which are then stowed inside on storage brackets). This is a far more user-friendly carrying solution than roof mounting and produces less aerodynamic drag.

· Hidden rear floor. An extra load-carrying dimension is offered by an additional compartment under the rear cargo deck, which can be glimpsed through the translucent floor. An access hatch springs open on gas struts to reveal a useful 120 liters of extra luggage space. This area can stow sports equipment, such as roller blades, or wet and muddy items so they are kept separate from the rest of the trunk.

· Integrated roof carrier. Just like its 9-3X forebear, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept offers load carrying on the roof without the need for longitudinal roof bars. Four flush-mounted fixing points can accept a number of roof boxes and adaptors for safe and reliable stowage. Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept owners could, for example, safely carry two mountain bikes and a large roof box at the same time.

· Powered tailgate.

The hydraulically-powered tailgate is remotely operated for ease of use and extends down to floor level for easy loading. It remains fully operational when being used as a bike carrier.

On the move - Sporty Driver Involvement

In keeping with Saab's tradition for sporty and easily accessible engine performance, the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept is powered by a highly-developed 250 bhp (184 kW) version of the 2.0-liter turbo unit introduced in the 9-3 Sport Sedan, now with direct injection, variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger. It is mated to a 'Sentronic +2' automatic transmission, which includes manual gear selection via steering wheel buttons and two intermediate ratios on kick-down.

The front-wheel-drive format incorporates a multi-link rear suspension and Saab ReAxs, a passive rear-wheel steer characteristic designed to increase driver involvement by preventing excessive understeer and improving 'turn-in'.

The abilities of the powertrain and chassis are focused on delivering a level of performance and driving satisfaction that belies the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept's more functional abilities.

Sophisticated power unit

Saab is recognized as a 'Center of Expertise' within General Motors for turbocharging and the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept's all-aluminum engine, based on the L850 series, takes this technology to a new level.

Engineers have focused on improving performance at low engine speeds whilst retaining exceptionally strong mid-range torque, for so long a key Saab driving characteristic. This has been achieved without impairing the powertrain's outstanding mechanical refinement and driveability.

The introduction of direct injection improves combustion and fuel consumption. In this application, it also raises low-end torque by about 15 per cent up to 1,500 rpm.

Breathing is improved by the use of Continuously Variable Cam Phasers (CVCP) to control both inlet and exhaust valves. Apart from improving fuel consumption on full and part-load throttle by up to five per cent, CVCP also further contributes to better low-end torque.

Another 'first' for Saab is the use of a twin-scroll turbocharger. This more effectively harnesses exhaust pulse energy by separating the gas flow into two channels, instead of one, which drive the turbine wheel, now made of a titanium-aluminum alloy turbine for low-inertia. The end result is an improved throttle response which, together with better low-end flexibility, gives the Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept driver a particularly 'user-friendly' control of the strong performance on tap.

In this form, the engine retains its maintenance-free chain-driven camshafts, counter-rotating balancer shafts, dual mass flywheel and integrated oil cooler. As in the Sport Sedan, the turbocharger is located in-board behind the engine. For the 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept, a water-cooled turbocharger, operating at 1.2 bar, is fitted.

'Sentronic + 2' for greater driver control

The 'smart' five-speed automatic transmission includes Saab 'Sentronic +2'. Apart from giving the driver a choice of sequential manual gear selection, via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted buttons, in automatic mode there are two intermediate ratios on 'kick-down'.

In full automatic mode, the transmission is adaptive to both the driver and road conditions and is programmed to fully exploit Saab turbo power characteristics. It can sense changes in engine performance, engine load, road gradient or altitude and will quickly find the 'right' gear without any irritating 'hunting'.

And for rapid overtaking, one of two intermediate gears - '2.5' and '3.5' - is automatically engaged on kick-down to maximize engine response and acceleration.

For even closer, manual involvement, the shift lever can be moved across the gate to Sentronic mode, giving sequential 'up' or 'down' changes at will with full lock-up in 3/4/5th gears. This process is taken a step further by the provision of steering wheel buttons, which bring gear-shifting control right to the fingertips of the driver.

Fun To Drive

As seen on the 9-3 Sport Sedan and 9-3 Convertible, the four-link rear suspension layout, using toe-links and ball joints instead of rubber inboard and outboard suspension bushings, has allowed engineers to dial in a unique, passive rear wheel steer characteristic, Saab ReAxs.

When cornering, the elasto-kinematics at the rear axle induce a very slight deflection of both rear wheels in the opposite direction to the steering input, ie. toe-out for the outer wheel and toe-in for the inner wheel.

Depending on the radius of a bend and the consequent loadings at the rear axle, one degree of movement at the front wheels would typically produce a small but significant response of about one hundredth of a degree at the rear.

This is sufficient to prevent excessive understeer, where the driver is forced to apply progressively more steering lock to turn the front end of the car, increasing the scrub angles of the front tyres. The ReAxs characteristic overcomes this 'crabbing ' effect, helping the tail of the car follow the direction of the front wheels, instead of its nose. For the driver, this gives the car a better balance, helping it turn in and respond more closely to steering inputs.

Saab 9-3 Sport-Hatch Concept: Technical Specifications and Performance

Body:
5-door format, 4-seat, powered tailgate; monocoque construction,

Engine:
Front, transversely-mounted, 2.0-liter, 16 valve, all-aluminum, turbocharged.
Saab Trionic 8 engine management system
Direct injection, variable valve timing, twin-scroll turbocharger, 1.2 bar max boost.
Max. power: 250 bhp (184 kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Max. torque: 350 Nm @ 2,500 rpm

Transmission:
5-speed, automatic with manual Saab Sentronic selection.
Steering wheel buttons. 2 intermediate gears on kick-down.

Steering:
Rack and pinion, power-assisted.
2.5 turns lock-to-lock

Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, lower A-arm, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Rear: Independent, 4-link, gas-filled shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Saab ReAxs passive rear-wheel steer characteristic

Brakes:
Front: 378 mm, vent. steel discs. 4-piston callipers
Rear: 328 mm, vent. steel discs. 2-piston callipers

Wheels/Tires:
20 x 8.5 inch, five-spoke alloy / 245/40R 20

Kerb weight:
1580 kilos

External dimensions:
Length: 4659 mm, Height: 1547 mm, Width: 1801 mm
Wheelbase: 2700 mm, Track (f): 1580 mm, (r) 1566 mm

Loadspace:
Volume: 410 liters (rear seats up), 1350 litres (rear seats folded)
Under floor: 120 liters

Performance (projected):
Top speed: 250 kph (limited), 0-100 kph: 7.1 secs

Silver™

Not bad. I would still prefer an Audi Avant though.

chef chris

I like it.

pimpscls

ugly

Red Nj-s

I like it. Roof needs to be lowered in the front alittle, more rake to the winshield would be nice.

gavriil

They have got to come up with some interesting 6 cylinder engines at Saab. The wonna be called a premium brand for God's sakes.... What is this 2 liter 4 cyl turbo crap?

gavriil

chungkopi

it's aiite

soopa

thats really nice, if they go to production with this it would be a nice direction for saab

charliemike

The 9-3 wagon is a 9-7?

soopa

oh yea, this aint a 9-7. 9-7 is supposed to be an SUV on debut at NY Auto Show

chef chris

I wish the pics were brighter...looks pretty hot.

gavriil

Sorry guys. And thanks Soopa.

gavriil

Saab readies 300bhp 9-3 for S4 attack - - Source: Autocar


Saab plans to muscle into the high-performance saloon market with an all-wheel-drive 300bhp version of the 9-3 that will gun for the Audi S4. The company has been testing its own four-wheel-drive system for the past two years, and insiders say the car should be ready by 2007.

Power is likely to come from a version of next year’s new V6 engine, tuned from the standard 250bhp to 300bhp. Saab is likely to share technology from partners within the GM empire, and the forthcoming Vectra VXR is the most obvious candidate.

Torquesteer has plagued high-power Saabs in recent years, as power levels stretched the limits of front-wheel-drive chassis. The worst moment came with the 9-3 Viggen (right) in 1999, which comprehensively failed to put down its 225bhp with any degree of composure. Saab has throttled back on high-power front-drivers in recent years; the most powerful 9-3 now on sale is the 210bhp 2.0 turbo Aero.

Zoot

Awesome news! Go SAAB

Beltfed

2007 is a little late to the party for a 300hp AWD 9-3, shit Volvo has head their 300hp S60R out for a year already.

Hopefully, that # will grow to at least 350hp by the time the car comes out.

AQUI NO!

pics no workie

phil2

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

1SICKLEX

I think all these cars are chasing the M3 and well, just get the M3. I can appreciate though that seemingly everone is taking shots at BMW.

Beltfed

Look when this thread originated.....

gavriil

I dont think the S60R is out for a year already. I'd say more like 5-6 months.

heyitsme

The only thing, is everyone doesn't like the styling of the 3 series. The saab 9-3 is a pretty hot sedan if it has the mechanicals to back it up.

nandowong

hot

charliemike

I definitely agree with you there. From what I hear, the engineering lets down a fantastic design.

GunMetaL CLSPiG

kekeke I love the 93 too coz i got one!!! it's a nice car!

Beltfed

Yeah that sounds about right, but regardless its been out for awhile and 2007 is too late for a 300hp 9-3.

By then that will be

phil2

or

gavriil

Well, Saab has gotten us used to being late, or non-participant with everything. Now that GM is taking full control (not that it did not have it before on paper, but not in reality), we'll finally see some big changes. It already has started.

chungkopi

very few people will take 9-3 over 3 series, styling wise.

nandowong

i like the saabs styling better than the new 3 series abortion

chungkopi

i was talking about the current one, the icon.