by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen June 6, 2008 4:00 PM
Filed Under: European, Saab
The all-black Saab Turbo X is back and if you ordered one before February then you have the opportunity to experience your new car at the Saab Turbo X Driving Academy. The new Saab Turbo X premiered at last years Frankfurt auto show and features Saab's new Cross-wheel Drive system.
Saab started turbo charging their cars since their 1978 99 CombiCoupe hatchback. The new Turbo X tries to mimic the appeal of these early black 99 and 900 Turbos while offering state-of-the-art technology.
“Like the enthusiasts who have remained loyal from the first turbo models, we are very proud of our turbocharging heritage,” said Saab Automobile USA General Manager Steve Shannon. “The new Turbo X is one of the most satisfying Saabs ever built.”
The Saab Turbo X is available as either a four-door Sport Sedan or a five-door SportCombi estate. Styling cues enhance aerodynamic performance and differentiate the Turbo X from the regular Saab 9-3's. The Turbo X sits on 18 inch three-spoke alloy wheels while the interior build on the all-black theme.
Power comes from the 2.8 liter, 24 valve V6 Turbo engine producing 280 hp (206 kW) with 400 Nm of torque coupled with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The United States will see a maximum of 600 units in total, split between the two body styles, and will be priced starting at USD 42,510 for the sedan and USD 43,310 for the estate.
The all-black Saab Turbo X, which made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show last year, is now arriving at Saab dealership around the United States. Celebrating thee decades of Saab turbocharging leadership and the first to feature Saab’s state-of-the art Cross-Wheel Drive system, the limited-edition Turbo X is a driver-focused performance car that is already being hailed as an instant classic.
As an added bonus, American Turbo X customers who ordered their car before February this year, are being offered the opportunity to participate in the specially created Turbo X Driving Academy – courtesy of Saab. The first sessions of this exhilarating two-day event are taking place this week at the storied Road Atlanta race track in Braselton, Georgia.
“The Turbo X is the ultimate performance expression of the new Saab 9-3 range,” said Saab Automobile USA General Manager Steve Shannon. “It delivers levels of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never experienced before from Saab.”
The first-ever turbocharged Saab, a 99 “CombiCoupe” hatchback, debuted for the 1978 model year. Combining brisk performance with excellent fuel economy, that car started a trend that was followed by many other manufacturers. Now, the all-black Turbo X evokes the iconic appeal of the first black 99 and 900 Turbos – while introducing innovative Saab XWD all-wheel-drive technology.
“Like the enthusiasts who have remained loyal from the first turbo models, we are very proud of our turbocharging heritage,” said Shannon. “The new Turbo X is one of the most satisfying Saabs ever built.”
The Saab Turbo X is available in four-door Sport Sedan and five-door SportCombi body styles. It has styling cues that enhance aerodynamic performance and create a distinctive appearance, including specially designed 18-inch alloy wheels that have a grey, titanium-like finish that harks back to Saab’s classic three-spoke design. The “black turbo” theme is continued in the well-equipped interior, which carries unique appointments.
For the 2008 model year only 600 examples – split between both body styles – will be delivered to customers in the United States. Pricing starts at $42,510 for the Sport Sedan and $43,310 for the SportCombi.
XWD driving experience
A new dimension in chassis control is realized with the Turbo X, leveraging Saab’s unrivalled experience in turbocharging with the innovative Saab XWD system. Combined with the car’s sport-tuned suspension, brakes and electronic control systems, the Turbo X is engineered to meet a single need: Driving satisfaction.
Saab XWD is an active all-wheel-drive system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. Its sophisticated electronic control allows fine balancing of drive torque, not only between the two axles but also between the rear wheels. In effect, this stretches the performance envelope of the chassis; for example, raising the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered. The result is closer driver involvement through “positive force” chassis control.
The driving benefits of the XWD system are best appreciated on the open road. Data from the ABS/ESP sensors – measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is analyzed by the Saab XWD control module. At appropriate moments, rear drive is instantly applied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and road-holding.
Driver control is taken a step further on the Turbo X by the eLSD, the first application of an electronically controlled, rear limited-slip differential in the segment. It uses inputs from the rear-wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 percent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.
To exploit the full benefits of Saab XWD, the chassis of the Turbo X has been lowered 10 mm and the springs and dampers optimized to minimize body movement. To maintain a constant ride height, self-leveling dampers are fitted at the rear.
Stopping power is also increased with larger brake discs fitted: internally ventilated, 13.6-inch-diameter (345 mm) at the front; and externally ventilated, 11.5-inch (292 mm) at the rear. Standard 235/45 R18 tires ensure excellent grip for the 18-inch alloy wheels.
The powerhouse at the heart of the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8L V-6 turbo engine generating 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of torque between 2,150 rpm and 4,500 rpm; and maximum power of 280 horsepower (206 kW) at 5,500 rpm. Design features include a lightweight, all-aluminum construction, with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks for perfect balance; variable-inlet valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. It is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
This responsive, high-torque powerplant is the perfect partner for Saab XWD. Together, they give the Saab Turbo X sporty, all-wheel-drive performance and handling characteristics that will appeal to all enthusiastic drivers who seek a rewarding experience behind the wheel.
Black is back
The Saab Turbo X visually communicates its focus on driving performance by extending the bold, progressive design themes of the new 9-3 range. Offered exclusively in metallic jet black, with the front grille and all exterior detailing accented in a matte grey titanium-like finish, it represents a contemporary expression of its illustrious black 900 Turbo forebear.
Distinctive styling additions are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, as well as emphasize the Turbo X’s performance focus. At the front, a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intake contribute to reduced drag while also increasing air flow to the engine and intercooler.
At the rear, the re-profiled fascia and diffuser-like insert panel lower the point of air flow separation, further reducing drag and assisting high-speed stability. The Sport Sedan features a rear spoiler that extends the line of the trunk deck, reducing high speed lift forces at the rear axle. The regular SportCombi already has a standard spoiler that extends the rear roof line. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes complete the exterior additions.
Inside, the black turbo theme is continued throughout the cabin. The sport seating, with additional bolstering, is upholstered entirely in black-appointed leather. The sporty ambience is further emphasized by a carbon-fiber finish to the door inserts, glove box and gear shift console, which is unique to the Turbo X.
The driver benefits from improved feel, through the addition of a thick-rimmed, soft-grip leather steering wheel. In recognition of Saab’s turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display.
Owners also enjoy a personalized greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. A unique “All Systems Go” message flashes in the main instrument display. The owner’s name, with the edition number of the car, can also be programmed for display by the supplying dealer.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.
I actually dont mind it on the Saab, its a little different than the tacky aftermarket ones everyone sees. The Saab is a little more classy, but have to say very nice car! i really like how the sedan looks, understated, sleeper and clean!
Just Hear the Sound of the Turbo , Really WAW .. . it couse u to get more speed , and do some flirty Work on the streets ... i hate that the GM steal the Saab Technology and install it on There Silly Cars ..
Great engine, great exterior and interior design, but the materials and GM parts everywhere inside turn me off from this car, It still drives and sounds like a SAAB but the interior is a major let down and does not compare with pre 2001 and nevermind pre 1993, in my mind the last REAL SAAB was the Viggen.
My brother got the Turbo X Sedan, and he's rather underwhelmed. For the price you should get an exclusive interior with black ceiling, aluminum pedals and other bling, but it's just the standard 9-3 Aero interior with full leather seats. Only a trained eye can tell the X from a standard 9-3 for half the price. Lots of rattling plastic when you turn up the stereo or drive on less than perfect roads.
Also if you live where it's so cold you need an engine heater, be warned that neither Saab nor any 3rd parties have figured out how to mount it -- it's so jam packed under the hood, you have to lift out the engine in order to gain access for this job.
Great performance and all that, but Saab's reluctance to make this model a little more exclusive leaves a bad aftertaste. Goddamn rubber pedals in a model like this from a premium brand...
