The model for the 9-3 convertible was
already more or less chosen when Michael Mauer, Saab chief designer, arrived
in 2000. However, he did manage to insert some influence on the final
design of the car. "I convinced the group that we should change the
rear-end. I thought this aspect of the car at that time was very boring
and didn't have real character," he adds.
The Saab 9-3 convertible
is modern-Scandinavian in design |
|
 |
The new 9-3 carries through Saab's web-shaped profile signature. The
style can be described as modern-Scandinavian so that form follows function
in a non-showy package, coupled with a new European outlook. "I think
a Saab should have a distinctive character. It is tough to define this,
but it is to have more character than other cars," says Mauer.
The use of six, instead of five braces has contributed to a more coupé
looking cabriolet. The automatic self-latching soft-top deploys fully
in just 20 seconds.
The new cabriolet is powered by an all-aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged
engine configured for two levels of power output: 175 or 210bhp. Transmission
includes an improved five-speed and a new six-speed manual gearbox as
well ash adaptive five-speed automatic transmission.
This is a sporty, yet highly
practical cabriolet competing in its class with such others
as the Audi A-4, the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz CLK |
|
 |
Maximum power on the 2.0t litre is 129kW (175bhp) at 5,500rpm. This allows
for a maximum torque output of 265Nm at 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. On the 2.0T
litre engine maximum power is higher at 155kW (210bhp) at 5,300rpm and
maximum torque is at 300Nm at 2,500 to 4,000rpm. The 2.0t makes it from
0-100kph at 9 seconds on the five-speed manual gearbox and in 10.5 seconds
on the five-speed automatic.
This model reaches a top speed of 220kph on the manual and 215kph on the
automatic. The 2.0T is a little faster reaching 0-100kph in just 8 seconds
on the six-speed manual and in 9 seconds on the automatic, with a top
speed of 230kph on the manual and 225kph on the automatic.
"The launch of the new 9-3 Convertible," the carmaker's president
and CEO, Peter Augustsson explains," is the latest phase in the roll-out
of a new generation of products, each demonstrating the sporty and multi-dynamic
appeal of our brand."
The new car is built in the new production facility in Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik,
near Graz in Autria and will go on sale from September.
This is a sporty, yet highly practical cabriolet competing in its class
with such others as the Audi A-4, the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz
CLK.
Mauer explains: "This Saab has to be outstanding which means a lot
of people most probably won't like it."
This is a car for the less conventional buyer. "The main thing about
Saab," Mauer explains, "is that we have had strange and quirky
cars in our heritage. We have a certain reputation, but to survive as
a carmaker we need some products that are less extreme." The 9-3
convertible is also an image builder but probably in the more conventional
sense," he adds.
"There is no rational behind buying a convertible. It has less space
and a soft top, so the motive behind buying such a car is purely emotional,"
says Mauer.
|
|
