While all Saab Convertibles are popular among car aficionados, owning one in yellow is an extra sunny experience. The first-ever yellow version of the Saab Convertible, issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after. Yet for those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be the charm. This spring, yellow is back in a limited edition that is unprecedented in the current generation Saab Convertible – without a doubt, a future classic.

The Saab Convertible Yellow Edition is based on the 2.0T version, its turbocharged four-cylinder combining spirited performance with excellent fuel economy. In addition to its Lynx Yellow paint and a long list of standard equipment, including XM radio and OnStar, this special edition features Aero look items such as 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and a subtle, yet effective rear spoiler while the premium audio system will be music to all ears. The 2008 Saab Convertible Yellow Edition has a MSRP of $42,830, including destination charges.

Top Safety Pick

Saab pioneered the concept of a ‘four season, four-seater’ soft top with the launch of the first Saab Convertible in 1986, which was initially exclusively sold in the United States and immediately created a cult following. Now in its third-generation, the Saab Convertible leverages more than two decades of experience in designing an open-top car that is as practical as it is stylish and safe.

The current Saab 9-3 Convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of its class. Like the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, the Saab 9-3 Convertible was named a “2008 Top Safety Pick” by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, following its first-ever crash tests for open cars last year.

The Convertible’ DynaCage system helps provide rollover protection with pop-up rear roll bars, strengthened A-pillars and sills, and automatic seat-belt pre-tensioning. Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) are fitted to the front seats as standard to help counter the risk of neck injury in rear-end impacts.

Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be ‘more than a Convertible’ by offering effective transport all the year round. Saab ‘ReAxs’, a unique rear wheel steer characteristic in the kinematics of the suspension, contributes to the responsive chassis dynamics, as does the reinforcement of the front, rear and side structures to compensate for the absence of a fixed roof.

On the road, the Convertible delivers all the fun-to-drive qualities of the widely-acclaimed 9-3 Sport Sedan chassis. The all-turbo powertrain line-up is led by a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 255 hp in the Aero model, while the 210 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder shines with great fuel economy.

Scandinavian design

Scandinavian design ensures the styling is clean and flowing. This is an open-top car that looks like a unique model in its own right, free from any awkward styling compromises – regardless whether the top is down, or up.

The hydraulically-powered, triple layer roof automatically latches to the windshield header and deploys just 20 seconds, making it among the fastest in its class. The innovative CargoSET function connects the roof operation to a flexible, ‘concertina’ storage well in the trunk. When the roof is up, the well automatically retracts, releasing useful stowage space.

The interior shares the cockpit feel and driver-focused themes of the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi. Particular emphasis was placed on styling that integrates the rear passenger area, including a light colored, near seamless headlining that gives a fixed-head interior ambience. A U-shaped, Surround Trim extends from the base of A-pillars along the top of the doors, rear side trims and tonneau cover, further integrating the interior and exterior.

For ease of use and convenient rear access, the Saab Convertible front seats have an extended travel and integrated seat-belts, which eliminates the need for attachment to the B-pillar. Other interior features include profiler personalization of cabin functions as well as Night Panel ‘need to know’ instrument illumination.

Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging by launching the 2008 Saab Turbo X, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards of performance and capability for the brand.

Flanked by a classic, black 1985 Saab 900 SPG, the new Saab Turbo X made its North American debut at the 2007 New England International Auto Show in Boston – paying tribute to the Northeast region where Saab originally started its U.S. business more than half a century ago, and where many longtime Saab aficionados reside.

“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 turbocharged Saab, a 99 hatchback, debuted in the fall of 1977. 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 takes Saab “back to the future,” evoking the iconic appeal of the first black 99 and 900 Turbos – and 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.”

Already hailed as a future classic, the Saab Turbo X will become 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 come to the United States. Pricing starts at $42,510 for the Sport Sedan and $43,310 for the SportCombi; and first deliveries will be made in spring 2008.

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 will 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.

2008 SAAB TURBO X SPECIFICATIONS

Overview
- Model: 9-3 Turbo X
- Body style / driveline: Sport Sedan: 4-door, 5-passenger, all-wheel drive; SportCombi: 5-door, 5-passenger, all-wheel drive
- EPA vehicle class: premium compact sport sedan and sport wagon
- Manufacturing location: Trollhättan , Sweden
- Key competitors: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Volvo S60, Mercedes C-Class

Engines
- Type: 2.8L V-6-cylinder high-output turbo
- Displacement (cu in / cc): 170 / 2792
- Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.5 x 2.94 / 89 x 74.8
- Block material: aluminum
- Cylinder head material: 356-T6 aluminum
- Valvetrain: dual overhead chain-driven camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, continuously variable inlet valve timing
- Ignition system: Bosch Motronic ME 9.6
- Fuel delivery: distributorless ignition, multi-point fuel injection
- Compression ratio: 9.5:1
- Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 280 / 206@ 5500
- Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 295 / 400 @ 2150
- Aspiration: water-cooled turbocharger with APC charge pressure control, intercooler
- Estimated fuel economy: TBD

Saab’s Driver Attention Warning System is a development project designed to counter two of the most common causes of road accidents: driver drowsiness and inattention at the wheel. It alerts the driver by using a combination of text and voice messages, or vibrations in the seat cushion, as soon as the risk of drowsiness or inattention is detected.

Unlike similar systems, the Driver Attention Warning System does not rely on measuring an erratic change in the steered direction of the vehicle. It is designed to detect the onset of drowsiness or inattention, rather than the immediate consequences.

It utilizes two miniature infra-red cameras, one installed at the base of the driver’s A-pillar and the other in the center of the main fascia, which are focused on the driver’s eyes.

The image from the cameras is analyzed by software that deploys a series of alerts when the pattern of eye-lid movement indicates the onset of drowsiness, or when the driver is not looking at the road ahead.

Infra-red imaging is used to ensure good performance in all day and night light conditions, and even if the driver is wearing dark glasses.

Drowsiness Detection

The system uses a sophisticated algorithm, against which the driver’s rate of eye blinking is measured. When the cameras detect a pattern of long duration eye-lid closures, indicating the potential onset of drowsiness, a series of three warnings is initiated.

In the first instance, a chime sounds and a text warning message “Tired?” is displayed in the main instrument panel. If the driver’s eye-lid movement does not immediately revert to a normal ‘wide awake’ pattern, a speech message “You are tired” is then delivered through the car’s audio system. If there is still no response, a stronger warning tone and the message, “You are dangerously tired – stop as soon as it is safe to do so!” will come over the audio. This can only be canceled when the driver presses a reset button in the fascia. The system is then immediately reactivated.

Inattention Detection

The cameras are also able to monitor the driver’s eye-ball and head movement. As soon as the driver’s gaze moves away from what is defined as the ‘primary attention zone’ – the central part of the windshield in front of the driver – a timer starts counting.

If the driver’s eyes and head do not return to the ’straight ahead’ position within about two seconds, the driver’s seat cushion will vibrate. This will stop once the position of driver’s eyes and head are consistent with the vehicle’s direction of travel.

The processing of the infra-red image is sufficiently accurate to detect when the driver retains some peripheral vision of the road ahead – such as while looking in the rear-view mirror, the door mirror or turning a corner – and will consequently allow a slightly longer time to elapse before activating the seat vibration.

Real-life Safety

The Driver Attention Warning System is a logical extension of Saab’s real-life safety philosophy. It takes account of what the driver actually does behind the wheel, rather than what he or she should be doing.

The system, installed in a Saab 9-3 SportCombi, is the work of the Human Vehicle Integration team at GME Engineering in Trollhättan, Sweden. It is part of a development program, Intelligent Vehicle Safety Systems (IVSS), supported by the Swedish government and involving the national Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI).

“It is a fact that many drivers do not stop and get out of the car if they are feeling drowsy. So we are now trying to help drivers to help themselves,” says Arne Nåbo, head of the Human Vehicle Integration team, which specializes in driver ergonomics and managing the interface with in-car ‘infotainment’ systems for Saab cars.

“This system also helps prevent a dangerous habit we call ‘cognitive capturing’. For example, the driver can become too absorbed in searching for a favorite CD, programming pre-sets into the radio or trying to pick up a screaming baby’s pacifier from the floor.”

Testing

The Saab 9-3 SportCombi development car will now participate in an eight-month field trial program supervised by the Road and Transport Research Institute.

The car is fitted with a wireless GPRS 3G modem that will download data every minute to a Web server at Linköping University, where the performance of the system will be analyzed. A group of volunteers will each drive the car for a month, the first week with the Driver Attention Warning System switched off for comparison purposes

The trial is part of a development and validation process that could see the system become available in future Saab cars. In commercial production, only a single camera is likely to be required and this would be completely concealed behind the car’s main fascia.