SPY PHOTOS: Saab 9-3 Restyling

SAAB 9-3 AWD

Saab is working on an 4-wheel drive version together with Swedish specialist Haldex. Expected to be released in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, people at Saab are already confirming that this prototype exists. Due to increasing demand for 4-wheel drive, Saab wants a piece of the pie too. For Saab, marketing themselves as a lifestyle brand, 4-wheel drive fits perfectly.

Rumours are also talking about a special high performance model, called the “Black Turbo”. Delivering 300 bhp and of course with 4-wheel drive, this model will put Saab in the higher league together with other prestige brands such as BMW and Audi.

This 4-wheel drive prototype already has some bigger brake discs and big blue calipers, so it might just be a Black Turbo.

SAAB 9-3 Facelift

Just in time to celebrate Saab's 60th anniversary this summer, the 9-3 gets a new face. The powerful style of the new front with the bigger grille is inspired from the Aero X Concept. Other trademarks from the Concept are the smaller side grilles and the v-shaped hood. Expect some chrome in the grilles and also a chrome stripe on the upper side of the headlamps. Both the front bumper and the bumper in the back are new, and together with the missing decor stripes on the doors as well on the bumpers, it gives the new 9-3 a cleaner look. Also the door handles are new. It looks like they are the same as on the Cadillac BLS. The shape of the rear lights will remain the same, but there will be optional LED lights.

These pictures taken in northern Sweden show the new 2008 Saab 9-3 SportCombi completely undisguised, and with just a little black tape on the chromed parts. Expect the official launch on June 11, 2007.