FRANKFURT: 2008 SAAB 9-3 Turbo X

[Flybrian]

GM @ Frankfurt
2008 SAAB 9-3 Turbo X

Link to Original Article @ Trollhattansaab

The Saab Turbo X is a special, limited edition release to mark the debut of Saab’s new XWD system. Sourced from Haldex, this latest generation system is capable of splitting power between front and rear wheels, as well as from side to side at the rear thanks to a new electronic limited slip differential (eLSD).

The system allows for extraordinary roadholding. Saab’s own testing on a slalom course during development showed the system outpacing German and Japanese competition, including a special test against the Porsche 911 Turbo.

The Saab Turbo X will feature an uprated version of the 2.8 litre V6 engine producing 280hp and 400Nm of torque and will do the 0-100 sprint in 5.7 seconds. All models produced are believe to be manual transmission only.

The Saab Turbo X will feature a unique black paint finish, special edition 19″ wheels (18″ for North America) and unique interior trim as seen in the shot above. There’s also new body treatment front and rear with a deeper front bumper, new rear deck spoiler and new dual exhaust tailpipe treatment.

The model will be limited to 2,000 units world-wide and these will include both Sport Sedans and SportCombis. The Saab Turbo X is expected to be available for sale early in 2008.

[pow]

I like it, except for the wheels, the spoiler, the exhausts, and the bumpers. I'm just having trouble understanding why anyone would buy it over a 335i.

[Flybrian]

To not be everyone.

[GM4ever]

I really like it, the wheels are alittle different but I think it works. My only complaint is the lower rear bumper seems alittle busy. I would buy this over the 335i, I think the new 3-series looks ugly.

[jbartley]

well i want one!

[pow]

To not be everyone.

Or a G35 or IS350 or C350 or TL-S or CTS then.

Don't get me wrong... I like the 9-3, especially the SportCombi, especially at $28K. I just can't imagine spending the $40Ks on something so dated and technically inferior, even if it's full of character and whatnot.

[regfootball]

this would be a really fun ass car!!!!!!!!!!! especially after a snowfall.......

[Flybrian]

Or a G35 or IS350 or C350 or TL-S or CTS then.

Ugh. Not even the G35. The new one may actually be worth the fervor and asking price, but it still resembles the old one too closely, and the old G was so totally a Nissan it was sad. Hood prop? Puleeze.

[silverss/sc]

Sweet package , me likes . Its not the best looking on the market , but I really like this car .

[FAPTurbo]

Shame we don't get the 19's. I like it.

[CaddyXLR-V]

I like it, but as stated above, I couldn't pick it over a 335i.

[ZL-1]

if I had the money.

[ocnblu]

That's a hot ass SAAB! If only it came in a 3-door hatchback.

[RJB]

I like it but too bad the car will be $50,000, a current 9-3 Aero is $40,000 with all the options. I wonder if the front end gets a different treatment as well? 280hp is going to be nothing in the near future for these cars mark my words :AH-HA_wink: Edited September 9, 2007 by RJB

[big blue]

That is one hot SAAB. I'd love to have one if not for the price. The wheels are very unique looking, I guess the whole car can be called unique when its in a sea of BMWs and Infinitis.

[smk4565]

I like it, except for the wheels, the spoiler, the exhausts, and the bumpers. I'm just having trouble understanding why anyone would buy it over a 335i.

Agreed, the 335i is pretty good. This looks like they gave the 9-3 a dose of Pontiac, big exhaust tips, spoiler, some ground effects, add 30 hp (still 25 short of the competition) and call it a performance car. They need to sell or close Saab, give every dime of theirs to Cadillac.

[regfootball]

the sportcombi version of this will rock

[Intrepidation]

the sportcombi version of this will rock

I would easily buy this over a 335i...it looks far better, controls are far easier to use, it's full of character and the interior, while not made of the best materials, is a hell of a lot better looking.

[LS7]

I really like the wheels for being old style SAAB unique. But please get rid of the tacky boy racer rear fascia and the horrid looking exhaust pipes. Whats wrong with good old unpolished stainless steel? Put on some large pipes like on the old 944 Turbos.

I am still not a fan of a all wheel drive SAAB. Keep it to a 4cyl. to help lower the weight and cost. Other than die hard Subaru and Audi fans, do most buyers give a $h! about all wheel drive. Sure a lot of people responding will say, "yay all wheel drive", but I am talking about people like myself who are SAAB owners "and" are we willing to spend the extra money and actually purchase these all wheel drive SAAB's?

I like the idea of a higher powered SAAB, give it some unique wheels, but don't give it the look like some piece of glorified $h! you would see on the Speed Channel or MTV.

Let the posuers purchase their M's,V's,R's and AMG's. The SAAB owner does not need a penis extender.

[rueben44]

Why would some one buy it over the competition?

Did you read this, "The system allows for extraordinary roadholding. Saab’s own testing on a slalom course during development showed the system outpacing German and Japanese competition, including a special test against the Porsche 911 Turbo."

Plus the fact it is limited production to 2000 units world wide and it is a Saab so it is not a me to car like a BMW.

[Intrepidation]

I really like the wheels for being old style SAAB unique. But please get rid of the tacky boy racer rear fascia and the horrid looking exhaust pipes. Whats wrong with good old unpolished stainless steel? Put on some large pipes like on the old 944 Turbos.

I am still not a fan of a all wheel drive SAAB. Keep it to a 4cyl. to help lower the weight and cost. Other than die hard Subaru and Audi fans, do most buyers give a $h! about all wheel drive. Sure a lot of people responding will say, "yay all wheel drive", but I am talking about people like myself who are SAAB owners "and" are we willing to spend the extra money and actually purchase these all wheel drive SAAB's?

I like the idea of a higher powered SAAB, give it some unique wheels, but don't give it the look like some piece of glorified $h! you would see on the Speed Channel or MTV.

Let the posuers purchase their M's,V's,R's and AMG's. The SAAB owner does not need a penis extender.

The wheels are the one thing i don't care for.

AWD < FWD because at with that kind of power you will get torque steer with FWD. An advanced AWD system enhances handling. If you want FWD just don't get the XWD models

I don't see how exhaust pipes that are shaped to the contours of the car, a small spoiler and the subtle rocker panels qualify it as rice or a "glorified piece of &#036;h&#33;"

[vdoh182]

I like it, but as stated above, I couldn't pick it over a 335i.

How much is this supposed to cost, because a 335 is going to cost u about 55k with options and all the stuff the dealer tacks on.

[MyerShift]

I don't like the wheels or taillamps.

The rest I don't mind.

[BatmanGTO]

Make it a coupe and I'm there.

[Oracle of Delphi]

Saabs are for snobs. I wonder if Bob, has that on his radar?

[smk4565]

How much is this supposed to cost, because a 335 is going to cost u about 55k with options and all the stuff the dealer tacks on.

A 335xi with sport package, cold weather package, keyless access ($500), premium package, automatic ($1375), satellite radio and rear parking sensors is $48,700. Take off $2000 if you don't need all wheel drive. The 2 items in parenthasis Saab doesn't have. It is pricey, but not $55,000, plus it's 0-60 time is the same as an Aston Martin DB9.

Or compare this car to a CTS, the CTS has a far better interior for the same money. The CTS probably handles better than the Saab too, despite being bigger and heavier, because Sigma is a far better platform than Epsilon. No car with a transversely mounted engine handles great, they may be good, but never class leading.

Edited September 10, 2007 by smk4565

[CaddyXLR-V]

A 335xi with sport package, cold weather package, keyless access ($500), premium package, automatic ($1375), satellite radio and rear parking sensors is $48,700. Take off $2000 if you don't need all wheel drive. The 2 items in parenthasis Saab doesn't have. It is pricey, but not $55,000, plus it's 0-60 time is the same as an Aston Martin DB9.

Or compare this car to a CTS, the CTS has a far better interior for the same money. The CTS probably handles better than the Saab too, despite being bigger and heavier, because Sigma is a far better platform than Epsilon. No car with a transversely mounted engine handles great, they may be good, but never class leading.

Exactly. The only positive for the Saab over the 335i is that it's a GM. I'm sure the BMW still handles and drives better too.

[thegriffon]

The Turbo X is basically a limited-edition version of the Aero XWD. All XWD 9-3s get the 280 PS engine shared with the fwd Vectra OPC, while fwd Aeros get the 255 PS version. If you don't like the styling of the Turbo X, fine, just get a standard Aero XWD and save yourself some money into the bargain.

[PurdueGuy]

Looks good to me.

[pow]

Exactly. The only positive for the Saab over the 335i is that it's a GM. I'm sure the BMW still handles and drives better too.

And it won't be worth half its MSRP in three years.

[RJB]

I really like this car now especially after seeing the entire car from these pics. And I like the Sport Combi wagon even more, what is it about a hopped wagon that is cool anyway? Its just too bad that it will be out the average joe's price range.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfu...essed-in-black/

[jbartley]

i'm pretty impressed. the wheels are growing on me.

[K.C.]

This would be Darth Vader's car when he was staying at his Scandanavian lair. I really like the black outline on the taillamps, and I love the wheels. They are a huge step up from the other wheel choices on the new 9-3. I agree with the post above, this would be one fun car in the snow. Cross wheel drive and 280 hp? That just begs for drifting (in the safety of a light polless parking lot. Saab.

[HarleyEarl]

Saab desparately needs cars like this. And they need to have it in a two door hatch, with attitude.

This should have been done long ago.

Edited September 12, 2007 by HarleyEarl

[zeek]

The car isn't much more than a dressed up base 9-3. I love the wheels but the rear bumper is way too busy!

[aaaantoine]

Hmm, I'd buy it, if I could afford it.

Until the CTS goes AWD, that is.

[K.C.]

After seeing this pic, it appears those really cool wheels are 19 inchers. I really like this car alot!

19 inchers are here.