Agent 001 was busy today capturing the essence of the 2008 Saab 9-3's, rural Virginia and the sophistication of Georgetown.
No one captures a new product launch like AutoSpies.com so enjoy the fruits of our labor.
I especially enjoyed the SportCombi 'Aero' version...VERY cool looking and driving wagon!
001 also sends a special shout out to the lovely SpyGirl 'Sabra'.
Trust us, you'll know who we're talking about when you view the photos...HOT!!!!!
We may have discovered one America's next SuperModel's!
AERO X CONCEPT INSPIRES NEW 2008 SAAB 9-3: A SPORTY, DYNAMIC BLEND OF CONTEMPORARY AND CLASSIC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The distinctive looks of the new Saab 9-3 clearly position the range as products that can come only from Saab. The styling strategy melds contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character. The result is a bold and assertive stance that reflects a strong, sporty driver appeal.
Exterior design evolves, pays homage to heritage
Up front, the deep, prominent evolution of the Saab grille adopts a theme first seen on the Aero X concept. This is complemented by sweeping headlamp units that incorporate a thin “eyebrow” lighting zone designed as a brand-specific signature feature. These units culminate in an upswept rear edge, introducing a Saab design theme from the 9-5 range and classic 900 model. The grille’s central wing motif is retained as a cue to Saab’s aircraft heritage.
The frontal styling adopts another Saab signature feature: a “clamshell’ hood that closes across the top of the front fenders. The hood stamping incorporates a sweeping U-shaped styling line, first seen on the Aero X, which echoes the curvature of the windshield.
The swept-back frontal lines are complemented by a front bumper and splitter assembly with a deep, trapezoidal air intake, which is even more pronounced on Aero versions. This is flanked by deep black vents that are framed, like the grille, in a matte chrome finish. As with the Aero X concept, these evoke the intakes of a jet engine.
Doors and bumpers are clean and uncluttered by rub strips (color-keyed on the convertible doors). The flared, sill extensions are visually integrated front and rear with the scalloped corners of the bumpers. At the rear, distinctive, frosted white light clusters are a subtle reference to the brand’s Scandinavian roots.
In profile, the gently arching roofline of the sedan flows between the steeply raked front and rear screens to create a coupe-like shape. Classic Saab styling cues include the combined teardrop form of the side windows with a disguised B-pillar; the wedge shape and high waistline culminating in that distinctive “hockey stick” curve into the C-pillar; and a single swage line running the entire length of the car.
The 9-3 SportCombi is a bold statement of Saab's tradition for designing cars that are sporty in character and versatile in use. It draws on a rich design heritage that began with the first “combi-coupe” Saab 99 Turbo, a performance car that also offered wagon-like functionality. The SportCombi's compact appearance, steeply raked rear screen, short rear overhang, the small glass area behind the C-pillar and the absence of roof rails (optional), separate it from conventional wagon design.
Like the sedan, the SportCombi has a rising belt line that extends along the entire length of the car, culminating in the Saab hockey stick shape of the forward-angled D-pillar. All side windows are encapsulated within a single, teardrop-like graphic, with the B- and C-pillars blacked out.
The Convertible, in profile, is a distinctive, clean wedge line that is classic Saab and, top down, the shape is no longer interrupted by a tower to mount the front safety belts. The styling of the rear deck is particularly clean because the pop-up bars and retractable rear head restraints are beautifully streamlined by twin fairings, giving a subtle hint of the Convertible’s sporty character. The color-keyed tonneau cover is flush-fitting. Top up, the car assumes the persona of a coupe, an impression reinforced by the extremely smooth, taut lines of the soft top and its step-less integration with the windshield header rail.
The dramatic rear styling features a relatively short rear overhang and distinctive, bold rear light zones with white, frosted lenses. In profile, these units are angled forward to emphasize the fastback shape of the rear styling. On the SportCombi, a rear spoiler is neatly integrated at the top of the steeply raked tailgate, extending and visually lowering the profile of the roofline. The overall effect provides a sharp contrast to the extension of rear bodywork and window glazing commonly associated with competitors in the premium wagon segment.
Going with the flow: aerodynamically defined
The 9-3 is designed to cleave the air as efficiently as possible, providing good high-speed stability, optimal fuel efficiency and low wind noise inside the car.
The aerodynamics team concentrated on achieving a smooth airflow over, around, through and under the car. Advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling played a vital role in the visualization of airflow and facilitated optimization work in the wind tunnel. CFD was also the main tool for analyzing internal airflows in the engine bay. It was important to look at flow separation at the rear to reduce turbulence and minimize the size of the car’s wake.
The shaping of the side sills, rear body panels and the radius and curvature of the rear corner of the C-pillars in the Sport Sedan and the D-pillars in the SportCombi all play a part in helping to reduce drag. The result is an impressive drag coefficient of 0.28 for the Sport Sedan and 0.33 for the SportCombi
At the front, the rear edge of the hood lid kicks up to smooth the passage of air onto and around the windshield and A-pillars, helping to reduce wind noise as well as easing airflow. The traditionally deep curvature of the windshield reduces the acceleration of the airflow as it approaches the A-pillars, which have a flattened radius where they connect to the windshield to minimize airflow disturbance. The door mirror casings even have a small spoiler-like profile in the bottom surface to reduce the possibility of wind noise and grime buildup on the side windows.
On the sedan, the team also worked hard to reduce disturbance where the bottom of rear window joins the trunk deck, a particularly sensitive area in notchback shapes. The subtle upturn of the rear edge of the trunk lid is, in effect, an integral lip spoiler that helps reduce the size of the car’s wake, the area of turbulent air that trails behind the car at high speed.
High-speed stability, including pitch sensitivity under braking and yaw responses to crosswinds at different speeds and angles, was a main priority. The SportCombi is the first Saab to achieve a zero level of lift at both axles, 0.00Clf and 0.00Clr. This has been achieved by utilizing the longer roofline of the SportCombi to speed up airflow, including the aerodynamic performance of the rear spoiler. The Sport Sedan’s value of 0.11 Clr (coefficient of rear lift) is on a par with the best in its class.
The Convertible’s roof-up drag coefficient is a class-competitive 0.34 but, probably more important, major strides have been made in improving high-speed stability by keeping rear lift forces low and consistent. Additionally, particular attention was paid to the Convertible roof to avoid “ballooning.”
Close at hand and sight: driver control
The Saab 9-3 is designed to provide a near-perfect driving position for the vast majority of drivers, almost irrespective of size, through a multi-adjustable driver’s seat and a steering wheel that adjusts for both rake and height.
The main instrument panel gently arcs around the driver, an evolution of the same theme in the previous model. In typical Saab fashion, the controls are all logically grouped, those most frequently used being easily at hand and closest to the driver’s natural field of vision. The short gearshift lever is just a hand span away.
The main dials – a large speedometer, with a compressed scale above 90 mph (145 kph), and flanked by a smaller rev-counter and a combined fuel/water temperature/turbo boost gauge – are recessed in traditional Saab fashion. They are white on black and continue to be softly illuminated in green as Saab believes this is the most restful color choice for night driving.
Also located in the main instrument panel are twin adjustable air vents and audio or infotainment system controls with, according to specification, an available 6.5-inch, high-resolution color monitor screen displaying particularly clear graphics.
The Profiler facility, offering driver pre-sets for a wide range of functions, is operated via steering wheel buttons, with on-screen prompts and selections shown in the main instrument display. Automatic climate control modes, the clock/alarm, speed scale illumination, the anti-theft alarm, rain-sensing wipers, available parking assistance and heated seats can all be tailored in this way.
Saab has sought to minimize potential driver distraction for many years, and the Saab 9-3’s ComSense function includes the use of a dynamic workload manager, introduced with the first generation Saab 9-5 sedan in 1997. This enables the brief suppression of dashboard warning messages, or the interception of an incoming phone call, when a moment of high driver workload is detected by the operation of the indicators or heavy braking.
In the same way, the Night Panel feature on all Saab cars allows the driver to minimize distraction by switching off, or dimming, all the main instrumentation illumination at night (expect for the speedometer). The development of steering wheel controls for the audio system and telephone, as well as voice-activation programs, also help keep the driver's attention on the road.
The sporty and slim three-spoke steering wheel is adjustable for height and rake; it can carry buttons for the infotainment system, telephone, telematics or gear shifting with automatic transmission.
A substantial central console below the main instrument panel is inclined slightly toward the driver and sweeps elegantly down between the front seats. It accommodates the automatic climate controls, more minor switchgear, the gearshift lever, ignition switch and handbrake. The main storage compartment can be specified to incorporate coin slots, a 12-volt outlet for a battery charger and a smaller roll-top compartment with a cupholder below the central armrest.
The innovatively “disguised” handbrake is beautifully integrated in the edging trim of the console. It is a Z-shaped lever, self-adjusting and with a positive, easy-to-use action.
In true Saab tradition, the ignition switch continues to be located alongside the handbrake. It is now entirely electronic in operation, and the previous mechanical reverse gear lock is replaced by an automatic, electronic steering column lock.
Sitting pretty
Saab has earned an enviable reputation for class-leading seating comfort, and the Saab 9-3 continues that tradition. All four seating positions are upholstered to be comfortable and supportive, without being too firm. The front seat squabs and backrests are well bolstered where it matters to give excellent under-thigh and lateral back support. The rear of each front seatback is also fully upholstered, including a large storage pocket, and carefully shaped to optimize rear seat legroom.
All four seating positions offer similar standards of comfort; rear-seat passengers benefit from their own adjustable air vents, reading lights, cupholders, a center armrest and generous storage facilities. Saab’s new-generation active head restraints are fitted to both front seats, and the rear head restraints can be folded flat without compromising seat comfort.
Heating and ventilation
Saab engineers are constantly seeking to raise the efficiency of air conditioning systems, often balancing conflicting needs, such as ensuring quick engine warm-up in cold conditions while also providing an adequate supply of warm air for the passenger cabin. For more consistent performance, Saab favors energy-balanced rather than sensor-controlled automatic systems. This means there are no sudden eruptions of the fan, for example, when a door or window is briefly opened
All variants are fitted with a highly efficient automatic climate control (ACC) system, which is designed to function in a range of conditions from minus 4 degrees F to 104 degrees F (minus 20 degrees C to + 40 degrees C). In-car air circulation is optimized by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling and the system operates on a dual-zone basis, allowing different temperatures to be selected for the left or right hand side of the car. This can be useful when the driver, for example, may wish to stay alert by having a slightly cooler setting. The system includes an automatic airflow balance function that compensates for temperature changes if one side of the car is in direct sunlight.
Rear passengers also benefit from adjustable, twin air vents at the rear of the central console as well as outlets under the front seats.
Optional heated front seats are linked to the automatic climate control, which can switch on and progressively lower as the interior warms up. This function and other ACC settings, such as the fan and air distribution, can also be selected through the Profiler customization menu.
Easily entertaining
The passenger cabin sets new standards for Saab in terms of interior refinement and noise suppression. It has also allowed technicians to take interior acoustics to a new level, providing excellent sound reproduction for occupants irrespective of their seating position.
A choice of three infotainment systems is offered, each of which includes a CD player compatible with MP3 music discs. Also standard is an auxiliary audio input.
The audio range includes a new Bose Centerpoint surround sound system available on the Sedan and SportCombi, delivering five audio channels from CD, XM Satellite Radio or MP3 inputs. With twin amplifiers and 11 speakers, its performance is optimized for the acoustics of the cabin, giving an impressive, expanded “concert-hall” sound reproduction. Surround-sound quality is automatically provided even if a CD is not encoded for it. This system is identified by Bose branding embossed on the outer front speaker grilles.
Plenty of spots for ‘this and that’
The new Saab 9-3 range follows the tradition of all Saab products, offering excellent on-board storage and load-carrying facilities.
There are numerous places in the passenger compartment where various items can be stowed. Up front, there is a small cubbyhole with a power outlet, two good-sized door bins; a large air-conditioned glove compartment and two pouches at the front of the seat squabs.
Rear-seat passengers are also well-served. In addition to the two door bins in the Sport Sedan and SportCombi, there are large pockets in the front seatbacks and a flat storage area in the center armrest.
The sedan’s trunk is deep and tall, with a wide opening and an ample 14.9 cubic foot (421 L) capacity. Two pull handles in the top of the trunk lower the 60/40 split rear seat-back, which includes a ski-hatch, to give a flexible and impressive load-carrying potential. The floor of the trunk also has two tie-down loops to safely secure heavy items.
Versatility
The SportCombi is designed to support the sports and leisure interests of its owners as well as their desire for a rewarding driving experience. The rear cargo area, with a low floor, is surprisingly spacious and well proportioned. The compact design of the rear suspension allows a deep box-like space, free from intrusions. It offers a useful rear seat up/down volume of 14.8 / 45 cu. ft. (419 L / 1273 L VDA).
The 60/40 split seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. A folding front passenger seatback is available as an option, further increasing the overall load through length to 8.7 feet (2.65 m).
The fully carpeted rear load space is illuminated by two interior lights mounted on the inside of the D-pillars. It is accessed by a lightly weighted tailgate that opens down to bumper level, its damper rods completely hidden in the roof to allow a clear, uncluttered opening. Two recessed handles in the bottom edge of the tailgate allow easy closing whether the user is right or left-handed. The flush-fitted, black molded floor plate will not become marked or scratched in heavy use.
The main cargo deck, with chrome-finished cargo tie-down loops at each corner, echoes Saab's aviation heritage by featuring a chrome, aircraft-shaped handle. This reveals the SportCombi's innovative TwinFloor stowage facility. The middle section of the floor hinges upward transversely when the handle is pulled, the front edge fitting into two retaining slots. The recessed subfloor provides a convenient location for shopping bags, which can be easily secured by fitting a cargo net between the top of the floor, in its raised position, and attachment points at each corner of the recess. A bag holder for this feature is available as an option, together with a load divider and cargo net.
There is also a 12-volt power socket in the main load area (for a hot or cool box) and a separate storage compartment at either side of the floor, one fitted with a molded holder for large bottles.
A retractable load cover slots into position behind the rear seatback and can be pulled out to keep items out of sight. When deployed, it is ergonomically designed to slide up the inside of the D-pillars for easy access to the load space.
A two-position, retractable cargo retaining net also provides protection against shifting loads. When the rear seat is in position, it can be fitted into slots behind the seatback and hooked up into carriers in the roof, separating rear passengers from the cargo deck. Alternatively, when the rear seatback is folded down, the holder and its net can be relocated across the floor of the cabin, behind the front seats, from where the net and holder can be pulled up into carriers near the top of the B-pillars.
For the top-of-the-line audio system, Saab fits a large, 10-inch subwoofer unit in the spare wheel well, giving outstanding acoustic performance.
Interior decor
There are two interior specifications or forms 2.0T and Aero. Both can be specified in a “light room” (Parchment) or “dark room” (Black) color scheme for the seats, door panels, the main interior trim and carpets. However, the door cappings are always presented in Anthracite, as part of their integration with the fascia and main instrument panel, and the interior headliner is always Parchment.
The 2.0T is intended to communicate a Scandinavian, understated and modern environment. The seats and door panels are upholstered in appointed leather. The door trim inserts and the center console molding for the gear lever are presented in a complementary dark wood-effect finish.
The Aero model is, of course, the ultimate performance expression of the Saab 9-3 and is more progressive and performance orientated. The sports seats are two-toned leather-appointed and include more bolstering to the seat squabs and backrests. The door trim and glove box inserts, center molding and steering wheel spokes are finished in matte chrome. Also offered on Aero is a sport steering wheel with distinctive matte chrome inserts in the leather rim, a design inspired by the control column of an aircraft – hinting at Saab's aviation heritage.
A superb premium natural leather interior is offered as an option on all variants, including seats, door trims and armrests. The soft, luxurious feel of this leather is a result of its semi-aniline quality. The seats are bolstered and available in Parchment or Black.