Saab 9-3 Convertible 25th Anniversary Special Edition Debuts at L.A.

It seems like every year the team at Saab's marketing department finds something to celebrate with the announcement of a new special edition. This year will be no different as the company has revealed that it will use the LA Auto Show to debut their latest special edition 9-3 Convertible.

Featuring a unique metallic Bright Champagne exterior, the new special edition marks the 25th anniversary since Saab debuted their first convertible at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show. The model will also be offered in Jet Black and Carbon Grey, should Saabaphiles find the champagne color a bit too brash.

The special edition features design influences from the new Turbo X, such as the revised front bumper and carbon fiber interior trim. In the rear, the new special edition features the same dual exhaust that can be found on 9-3 Aero's and an anthracite grey bumper insert. Power comes from the base 2.0-liter engine which produces 210 horsepower and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.

Expected to be in dealerships this January, the special edition will start at a rather hefty $46,725.

Press Release

Saab Celebrates 25 years of Convertibles with Special Edition

American debut at Los Angeles auto show

The first ever Saab Convertible made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall of 1983. Now, 25 years later, a Special Edition makes its American debut at the Los Angeles International auto show which opens to the public on November 22. This new version of the Saab 9-3 Convertible will be showcased in a unique bright champagne metallic color.

Saab surprised the automotive world when it pioneered the concept of a ‘four season, four-seat' soft top Convertible. Designed to be practical and stylish, the Scandinavian-styled convertible changed the perception of open top vehicles to be used all the year round.

"Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the timeless design and responsible performance that Saab convertibles have always represented," said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.

The special edition Saab Convertible will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne. It will feature Saab's signature 2.0-liter, 210 hp four cylinder engine and can be matched to six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

Special content includes influences from the Turbo X performance model, such as the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with grey binding. Like the Aero version, the rear shows dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite grey bumper insert. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard.

Expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Saab 9-3 2.0T Special Edition Convertible will be priced starting at $ 46,725 including destination charges.