The 9-3 Independence Edition will not only celebrate liberation from Saab in the GM umbrella, but also the 25th Anniversary of the company's first convertible. It is based on the Aero trim model, but earlier reports said that there could be the 220-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine from the 9-5, the Special Edition is actually a 1.9-liter diesel four driven with 180 horses and get a six-speed automatic.
Amber Orange Metallic is the dominant color, coating the outside and highlighting the cabin trim on the parchment leather sport seats and stitching on the steering wheel. There are also gray piping on the mats and carbon-look leather on the dashboard, and lever handles. And while the special 18-inch wheels can look like they have five spokes, but could actually have twenty.
Only 366 examples of the independence edition will be held in all - one for each day of the year and another at the start of the next. Follow the jump for the press release and see the pair of images in the gallery below.
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.
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
It is revealed a little over a year since the Saab 9-4X has the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the first production example, left the assembly line.
Envisaged that if Saab is still under the umbrella of General Motors, the 9-4X is based on the same platform as the Cadillac SRX Theta. As such, it is not being built in Trollhattan, Sweden, like other Saabs, but in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
This first example - an Aero model in Metallic Ice Pearl with the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 and XWD - with the chassis number 00001, and is at Saab Museum in Sweden is found - after it makes the media rounds, course. While waiting to meet for the 9-4X to U.S. dealers of May, check out our galleries below along with the official announcement of production after the jump.
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.
Automotive News reports that Saab execs assure traders that 2011 turns out to be much better, with projected sales of U.S. 15000-20000 units. This is a significant recovery in sales and at least part of the increased volume should come courtesy of a strengthening of the automotive market. However, sales alone do not provide 400 percent growth. Fortunately, Saab has some new product in the pipeline is to come with the 9-4X crossover in May, while sales of the 9-5 sedan and station wagon version of the upcoming (scheduled for fall 2011) should further enhance the bottom line.
If the 9-4X prove popular enough to move the Saab sales boss? We do not doubt it, if only because the turnover of the company's Bogey is so low. And it helps that the 9-4X attractive and balanced to the market at a time, customers with high-end CUVs will be made loud and clear.
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?
Saab will unveil the new 9-5 SportCombi Wagon Estate at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and what appears to be the first official image leaked showing out of Luke's new slim body. The 9-5 SportCombi was during the period of limbo automakers between owners caught testing, but now that it is safe in the hands of Spyker Cars, the stylish combination is quickly prepared for production.
Expect to drive directly from the 9-5 sedan made, that is charged the base 2.0-liter inline-four, and up-level 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 will be available. Saab XWD all-wheel drive system is likely to Aero V6 models are offered, and the full range of optional goodies such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Bi-Xenon headlamps are available at a price. We are the details closer to the car in Geneva premiere, and look for the 9-5 SportCombi to arrive in the United States later this year.
