Spies expose new Watergate affair- Launch of the 2008 Saab 9-3

Agent 001 is in the nation's capital this week, just steps away from the Watergate Hotel, scene of the infamous Watergate scandal, covering the launch of the hot looking, new 2008 Saab 9-3.

Upon arrival, 001 was wisked over to the Swedish Embassy (House of Sweden)overlooking the Potomac River for dinner and introductions to the key members of Saab's team.

Tomorrow, we take to the streets and drive the new 9-3 through the Virginia horse country and will be posting more photos and driving impressions.

Be sure to check back often tomorrow for our continuing exclusive coverage of the new Saab 9-3.

The new Saab 9-3 range, expected at North American dealerships in early September, features bold, more assertive looks, reflecting enhancements that include the introduction of all-wheel-drive and more powerful gasoline engines.

The distinctive frontal styling, inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car, is designed to reinforce the range’s sporty appeal. For the U.S. market, it heralds the introduction of an uprated 2.8L V-6 turbo gasoline engines that produces 280 horsepower (206 kW) when combined with Saab’s new all-wheel-drive (XWD – “cross-wheel-drive”) system available in spring 2008.

The advanced Saab XWD system is exclusive to 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models. It features innovative developments in wheel slip management and, as an option, the use of an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential.

Progressive design

The new 9-3 range is visually distinguished by all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar, with new bumpers and light assemblies front and rearm as well as new doors and handles for the Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Flared side sill extensions become standard across the range. All these elements combine to give the car a clearer Saab identity and a bolder, more assertive stance. On the Sport Sedan, for example, 70 percent of the external body panels and parts are new.

The styling strategy combines contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character.

Sporty driver focus

The active Saab XWD system is designed to optimize handling and stability in all driving conditions. It is offered on Aero versions of the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, in combination with an uprated 280 hp (206 kW), 2.8L V-6 turbo engine that delivers almost 15 percent more maximum torque – 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) – to exploit the greater traction available. It comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Agent001 - 8/29/2007 1:14:08 AM

+3 Boost

Hard to accept your opinion when you have never driven it.

If you drive it and then feel the same way, your comments will be validated.

We always wait until we drive a car before we form a final opinion...stay tuned.

001

MercBasher - 8/29/2007 4:32:30 PM

+1 Boost

Hey editorial staff - thanks, but no thanks, for the picture of the hotel bathroom, what are you friends of Senator Craig's?

Anthony - 8/29/2007 1:25:09 AM

0 Boost

I love the striking exterior but hate the GM-esque interior.

Matthew1 - 8/29/2007 2:15:13 AM

+1 Boost

This is not a new car, remember. It is a substantial re-fresh of an existing model in the SAAB line-up.

The interior is a bit too plasticky, some of the design elements aren't very SAAB-like, (door handles and rear lights) however it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a very handsome car with keen chassis response and a real feel of solidity.

I have driven an '06 9-3, which is what I base my opinions on, and from what I have read and heard out of Europe, the face-lifted model builds on those strengths.

It still has that turbo-charged surge of thrust like SAAB's of old (in Aero spec), and it still looks quirky enough not to be a German car.

Look at this pic of the convertible (which still retains the SAAB-style door handles, not the Cadillac BLS ones on the sedan) with Hirsch wheels and tell me that it isn't one of the sexiest convertibles you can get for the money:

http://www.trollhattansaab.net/archives/2007/08/another-beautiful-2008-saab-9-3-2.html

VERY nice.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 8/29/2007 4:07:25 AM

+1 Boost

What have they done with those rear light?

BenzW124 - 8/29/2007 9:40:18 AM

-3 Boost

SAAB is pure crap. Fake wannabe German. And POS GM makes them? I'd dirve a POS VWAudi before a SAAB.

BMW740Z4 - 8/29/2007 9:44:30 PM

0 Boost

001, Like the pics - brings me back to my college days. And Love that Ritz - my wife and I were ther just a month ago. Did you get to go to Sea Catch or Nathan's? Right around the corner and two of the best restaurants in Georgetown.

The 9-3 looks about as good as you could expect it to. - Not bad I guess, but a 9-3 is a 9-3.

Agent001 - 8/29/2007 10:14:16 PM

+1 Boost

Doing dinner at the Ritz tonight..Farenheit

Saw Nathans thisafternoon on my photo shoot...check out the second gallery article

001

BMW740Z4 - 8/29/2007 10:19:53 PM

+1 Boost

Farenheit is not bad, but Sea Catch is a must - best seafood in DC if you're into it. Ask the concierge about it. It's only a block down M Street

gryphon - 8/30/2007 12:13:29 PM

+1 Boost

Agent001,

Great pics. Personally, I think that the new 2008 9-3 is a beauty. I've been a SAAB fan for the last couple of years, but even non-SAAB guys I know think the new 9-3 hits it out of the park. At the very least, it's not a hideously Bangled Up BMW or the new Mercedes Kia (pardon me, C-Class-less). Even better, in a SAAB, you don't pass by a mirror immage of your car every 5 seconds like you do in a BMW or Mercedes. That's a plus for me.

By the way, I did just test-drive the new C-Class over the weekend, and I really thought I was behind the wheel of an expensive Korean import.