SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition Officially Revealed

Saab has built a limited edition of its 9-3 Convertible to celebrate the first anniversary of its independence, or to put it more realistically, the completion of the sale from General Motors to Spyker Cars. Called the Independence Edition, only 366 examples of the car will be produced, one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year.

The newcomer in Saab's range is based on the 9-3 Convertible Griffin Aero specification adding a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone satin chrome and black finish. In the interior, the special edition model is distinguished by the orange trimmed beige sports leather seats and glovebox, carbon fiber trim, a unique turbo boost gauge and orange stitched sports leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping.
Depending on the market, the powertrain choices for the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition include a 180HP, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, a 220HP, 2.0-liter gasoline turbo with direct injection, and a Biopower version able to run on any combination of gasoline or E85 fuel. All three powerplants are available with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

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SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition Officially Revealed

Saab has built a limited edition of its 9-3 Convertible to celebrate the first anniversary of its independence, or to put it more realistically, the completion of the sale from General Motors to Spyker Cars. Called the Independence Edition, only 366 examples of the car will be produced, one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year.

The newcomer in Saab's range is based on the 9-3 Convertible Griffin Aero specification adding a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone satin chrome and black finish. In the interior, the special edition model is distinguished by the orange trimmed beige sports leather seats and glovebox, carbon fiber trim, a unique turbo boost gauge and orange stitched sports leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping.
Depending on the market, the powertrain choices for the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition include a 180HP, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, a 220HP, 2.0-liter gasoline turbo with direct injection, and a Biopower version able to run on any combination of gasoline or E85 fuel. All three powerplants are available with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

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2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin: Facelift Model Receives Subtle Styling and Engine Upgrades

Aside from the limited-run 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition, Saab also announced today a mild facelift across the 9-3 range, which gets refreshed exterior and interior styling plus the introduction of gasoline direct injection on the 2.0-liter engines. The updated range will carry the 9-3 Griffin moniker and it is basically a last edition before a new generation takes over in 2012.

Changes apply to all models (Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Convertible and 9-3X) and include new front bumpers, a new "ice block" finish for the headlights and the Griffin badge added to the front fenders. On the inside, the dashboard, seat upholstery and decor have received a fresh look. The 9-3 Griffin models will be offered in two specs, standard and Aero.
Technical updates involve the addition of new 2.0-liter gasoline engines with direct injection technology, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbocharging. The 2.0-liter engine is available with 163 or 220 horsepower, and can be combined with Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system.
The petrol units join the 1.9-liter turbo diesel engines that produce 130, 160 or 180 horsepower. Six-speed transmissions become standard across the 9-3 Griffin range.
Saab claims that combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have dropped by 4 percent across the entire range. For example, the 9-3 SportCombi fitted with the 1.9-liter TTid engine has an average fuel consumption of 4,5 liters/100 km (52.2 mpg) with 119 g/km of CO2 emissions.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Saab 9-3

Saab has revealed the new face of its forthcoming 9-3 replacement. The 2008 model will sport a restyled hood and grille treatment, designed to bring it in line with the recently refreshed 9-5.

GM's Swedish division says the 9-3 range, which will be available as a convertible as well as a sedan and wagon variation, have all been influenced by the Aero X concept unveiled by the company at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The new hood marks a return of Saab's 'clamshell' design, while the front bumper and fender designs are claimed to project a 'more focussed and assertive stance'.

Judging from the photos it seems clear that the Swedish automaker is exploiting its aviation heritage, expanding the grille and encasing the entire design in bright chromework. Saab also says they have revised the door panels and rear styling, but haven't shared pictures as of yet.

The new 9-3 will be powered by petrol, diesel, or Saab's BioPower engines running on E85-grade ethanol. The new car will also likely be offered in all-wheel-drive when it hits dealerships in autumn.

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Saab 9-4X concept

The barrage of crossover SUVs set to be unveiled at the NAIAS continues, with these images of Saab's new compact crossover leaked online prior to its scheduled debut. Called the 9-4X, the crossover concept looks to be quite close to production reality, with well-executed - though a bit bland - design cues.

Built atop the same platform as the Cadillac Provoq concept, the 9-4X is the latest vehicle aiming to do battle with the BMW X3 and the Land Rover Freelander in the compact crossover SUV marketplace. Due to the flagging dollar and the popularity of SUV/crossovers in the US, the 9-4X is expected to built in Mexico and should be available to consumers starting in 2009. Aside from being all-wheel-drive, the vehicle should also be fitted with Saab's BioPower powerplants, capable of running E85 bio-ethanol fuel, gasoline, or a mix of both.

Stay tuned for our impressions of the concept once we see it live at the Detroit Auto Show next week
Source: cardesignnews

Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept

Saab unveiled its new 9-X BioHybrid concept at an exclusive media preview the evening before the start of the Geneva Motor Show press days. Mark Adams, Vice-President of Design at GM Europe, says the concept is the precursor for a future compact car from Saab.

Inspired by Saab's award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the youth-oriented premium compact has 'fuselage' bodywork, a nod to Saab's aviation past. Using active aerodynamics to reduce drag - and fuel consumption - at cruising speeds., the concept features a roof-mounted spoiler which extends at speeds above 43mph. At the same time an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seat interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a 'low friction' loading system.

To read our opinions of Saab's new concept and see our unique hi-res photos be sure to read our Geneva Motor Show Highlights.

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Saab 9-X Air concept

We saw the 9-X BioHybrid concept at Geneva, and at Paris we can expect to see this car as a cabriolet version called the Saab 9-X Air Concept.

The core innovation in this design is the roof which in Saab's words is: "a powered, flat-folding roof developed from a Targa top principle". Relating to this, the rear C-pillar buttresses are also unique. Another interesting design innovation we're looking forward to seeing is the way that the rear luggage area is accessed via a sliding drawer as opposed to the conventional trunk lid.

With an original 900 cabriolet pictured in the press release it's clear that Saab want to make best use of its cabriolet heritage with the forthcoming production version of this car: the 9-1.

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