2012 Saab 9-3 gets styling upgrades, powertrain enhancements

Saab has pulled back the curtain on the 2012 3.9, again available in sedan, SportCombi and Convertible variants. Over the range, buyers can now expect to be met with a new front end borrowed from the company signature headlight design from the sultry 9-5. Likewise, the grid now packs a bigger Saab wing across the nose of the vehicle and all models come with fog lights as standard equipment. Out back, the new 9-3 is dominated by a newly designed apron, and the sedan models, all with a standard spoiler for the first time.

In the UK, the buyer their 2012 Saab 9-3 with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 163 or 220 hp depending on configuration spec, as well as the tried and true 1.9-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder . The oil-burning mill is still available in 130, 160 and 180 hp versions. Saab says that the company has managed to increase the efficiency of the company's gasoline engines by about four percent in order to tricks like variable valve timing, direct injection and twin-scroll turbocharger. Expect trickle this new 2.0-liter mill about the United States as well. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Saab 9-3 Independence Edition sneaks out ahead of Geneva debut

The Saab 9-3 Independence Edition (based on the Aero Convertible) marks the day 23 February a year ago, when Saab has the General Motors corporate organization chart once again an independent car manufacturer (if they can be called now that since there are still owned by Spyker). Within the next month Geneva Motor Show debut of the Saab 9-3 Independence Edition leaked onto the web a little early.

Individual Independence Edition touches include a new color called Sunset Red, and special 18-inch wheels. Meanwhile, get the inside parchment leather seats with an orange stripe in the middle of an orange needle on the turbo gauge, a super sports steering wheel and a range of other internal bits from Saab specialist Hirsch. The best part is that the 9-3 Independence Edition also gets the 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo four from the Saab 9-5.

In love? Try not to be, as are sold with only 366 individually numbered examples, the probability of getting your hands on one is pretty slim indeed

Saab hatchback concept teased ahead of Geneva

It looks like Saab is a party for this year's Motor Show in Geneva. The Scandinavian automaker has just rolled their invitations to the hype, and the cards have a whopping total of four cars covered by leaves. According to the company the public will get their first glance a totally new concept car from the automaker and judging by the insertion of the picture below, it's like it could be a return to form gasoline engine that heralds the next 9 provides -3. In addition to the show car it is probably special edition versions of the Cabriolet will be 9-3 and 9-3. Of course, the 9-4X crossover on the stand, and the freshly teased 9-5 SportCombi is also set to make a appearance.According Enthusiast site Saabs United, tweaked both the 9-3 and 9-3 are told that always a pre-Geneva on 23 February reveal. Expect full of photos and detail what you have to offer these models as we get closer to see that day.

Hopefully, these new models will help drum up some interest in Saab. Last year, the Swedish auto manufacturer struggled to traction, after he publicly released by General Motors bonds, selling a mere 5445 units in the States. Officials have earmarked a target of triple that figure for 2011.

Chicago 2011: Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3 adds some Swedish style, performance

This has not last long. Just a month after announcing that it has planned to Swiss tuning house Hirsch performance of his official partner and supplier of go-fast parts in the United States, Saab 9-3 shown from such appointed at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show (okay, so was just at a stand in the open next month Detroit Auto Show) will be displayed.

The 9-3 you see a deer map upgrade that has 240 hp (an additional 30 hp more than the stock car), 6-Twin-alloy wheels with 19 inch diameter networks, an upgrade set of springs and a dual exhaust system System. Visual updates include a rear spoiler, carbon fiber body kit with a front splitter and rear diffuser, four-piece set mesh grille and some interior updates to remind you what you all that money spent.

Speaking of the almighty dollar, there is currently no indication of how much all these goodies will cost you, but we will at least know that is all the stuff available from your dealer and protected under the factory warranty. A number of parts are also available for the latest 5.9. Take a look at the Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3 down in our high-res image gallery. Not bad, eh?