Unveiled in Sweden this week, ahead of its local launch in Australia around the end of the year, the distinctive frontal styling of the new 9-3 is inspired by Saab’s award-winning Aero X concept car.

The new 9-3 ranges boasts a ‘tri-fuel’ engine line-up and introduces to the range:

• Aero XWD (‘cross wheel drive’) with an industry leading advanced all-wheel-drive system and uprated version of the 2.8 litre V6 turbo producing 206 kW and 400 Nm,
• TTiD, an innovative and powerful 132 kW, twin-stage 1.9 litre turbo diesel delivering 400 Nm of torque, and
• a new 2.0 litre BioPower engine for Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible with 147 kW on E85 fuel.

The Saab XWD is exclusive to 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi models. It features innovative developments in wheel slip management and the use of an electronically-controlled rear limited-slip differential.

The new 1.9-litre two-stage turbo diesel offers class-leading efficiency and is the first diesel engine in the premium segment to use an integrated two-stage tubocharging system.

Sporty Driver Focus

The Saab XWD active, all-wheel-drive system is designed to optimise handling and stability in all driving conditions and is offered on Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi.

With the uprated 206 kW V6 turbo engine Aero XWD delivers almost 15 per cent more maximum torque (400 Nm) to exploit the greater traction available. It comes with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

This state-of-the-art system includes two innovative features: pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels to optimise traction at take-off; and an active rear limited-slip differential (eLSD), allowing variable torque transfer between the rear wheels.

Saab XWD is a fully automatic, on-demand system capable of sending up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels whenever necessary. It offers sure-footed handling in low-grip conditions and its sophisticated operation also adds a further sporty dimension to the driving experience in all road conditions.

Fine balancing of the drive torque between the front and rear axles raises the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered, providing more scope for closer driver involvement.

The system is governed by its own electronic control unit, which functions in harness with the engine, transmission and ABS/ESP control modules. The hardware consists of a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM). This incorporates a Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and an optional electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Both are wet, multi-plate clutch units from Haldex.

At take-off from rest, the TTD is initially activated when the clutch plates are forced together under hydraulic pressure, thereby engaging the RDM. This pre-emptive function is a valuable improvement in current technology, which requires the detection of wheel slip before the TTD is activated. For the driver, the enhanced functionality gives maximum traction immediately for smooth, strong acceleration from rest without the possibility of any initial hesitation.

On the open road, drive torque is seamlessly and continuously varied between the axles by the control of a valve in the TTD, which increases or reduces the pressure on the wet clutch plates. When cornering, Saab XWD rewards the driver by providing enhanced, more finely balanced chassis dynamics. Data from the vehicle’s ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle – is utilised, and careful programming of Saab XWD enables the application of rear drive to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding.

In highway cruising conditions, when traction or optimum grip is not an issue, only 5 to 10 per cent of engine torque is typically transmitted to the rear wheels. This helps provide the driver with a measure of greater stability, while helping to save fuel.

The ultimate ‘icing on the cake’ with Saab XWD is the eLSD option. This is the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. The eLSD is installed alongside the RDM and operates via pressurised clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy or wet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 per cent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip.

The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high speed manoeuvre, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels. This yaw damping effect can keep the car better balanced and more tightly controlled, without requiring ‘outside’ intervention from electronic stability aides.

Installation of Saab XWD includes the fitment of a new rear sub-frame to carry the RDM, revised rear suspension geometry and new wheel hubs for the drive shafts. The three piece prop-shaft runs through two bearings with constant velocity joints for smooth running with minimal ‘wind-up’. Wheelbase and rear track dimensions are unaltered.

Saab XWD will be available in Australia in the first half of next year.

Responsible Performance

New 1.9 TTiD engine

The 9-3 range introduces a new member to the Saab diesel family, with a powerful new four cylinder diesel engine. With a unique two-stage turbocharging system, TTiD offers a world ‘first’ in the premium car segment with class-leading levels of efficiency.

The 1.9-litre, 16-valve engine produces 132 kW and 400 Nm of maximum torque, specific power outputs that are unmatched among competitor products on the market. With combined fuel consumption of 5.9 litres/100 km projected for the Sport Sedan, this engine also offers class-leading economy, together with in-gear performance on a par with the 2.8 litre V6 turbo petrol engine.

The two-stage turbocharger housing is integrated with the exhaust manifold and contains two turbochargers of different sizes. The pair of turbine/compressor wheels are sequentially mounted and each is able to by-pass the input and output feeds of the other, while also being able to operate in tandem.

This arrangement provides a driver with ‘the best of both worlds’: good, instant torque at low engine speeds - via the low-inertia small turbo when the exhaust pressure is light - and strong ‘top end’ power at higher revolutions, when the bigger turbo is engaged.

Saab’s two-stage turbocharging uses a system of by-pass valves that directs the exhaust gas stream between the two turbine wheels and also separates the air intake charge from the compressors. From tick-over to 1,500 rpm the exhaust feeds only the small turbo. Between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm the flow is split between both turbines, giving stronger boost and ensuring a smooth transition phase to full power operation, above 3,000 rpm, when only the larger turbo is engaged.

The compact design provides more efficient packaging than systems using two separate turbochargers linked together externally in series. It ensures that the complex control and regulation of gas flows on both the exhaust turbine and intake compressor sides is achieved with a minimal number of seals and connections.

The TTiD engine is a substantial development of the current 16-valve 1.9TiD unit, using common rail, direct and multiple fuel injection. It operates with a maximum boost pressure of 1.8 bar (1.4 bar for the current engine) together with a slightly lower compression ratio of 16.5: 1 (17.5:1). The cast-iron block, alloy cylinder head and all internal components are strengthened as necessary to withstand the higher thermal pressures.

The exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) system is characterised by extremely efficient cooling and now includes an electronically controlled by-pass for improved emissions. This feature, together with the fitment of a maintenance-free exhaust particulate filter, is expected to ensure compliance with more stringent future Euro 5 emissions standards.

Other technical enhancements include the adoption of a larger air-to-air intercooler, for better cooling of the intake charge; the introduction of more efficient pre-heating elements inside the cylinder head, for faster starting in cold conditions; and the use of a weight saving plastic intake manifold.

The Saab TTiD engine meets a growing demand from drivers unwilling to sacrifice performance in the interests of fuel economy. With power characteristics typical of a much larger engine, it is an example of Saab’s commitment to ‘right-sizing’, the achievement of ‘big’ engine performance without the usual drawbacks, such as extra weight, bulk and higher fuel consumption.

In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Saab TTiD engine will be offered in all three bodystyles, in addition to the current 110 kW 1.9 TiD engines, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Australian pricing and specification will be announced at launch.

New 2.0t BioPower

Saab leads Europe’s emerging flex-fuel segment with its unique BioPower concept. This combines turbocharging with the use of E85 fuel to deliver increased engine power and performance, as well as greatly reduced fossil CO2 emissions. The new Saab 9-3 range now features the introduction of a more powerful BioPower engine, in addition to the current option.

Running on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/15% petrol), the new 9-3 BioPower 2.0t engine delivers 14 per cent more maximum power 147 kW vs 129 kW and 13 per cent more torque (300 vs 265 Nm).

In the Sport Sedan, this gives projected zero to 100 km/hour acceleration in 7.9 seconds and 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in 10.0 seconds, compared to 8.5 and 11.1, respectively, on petrol.

E85 has a higher octane rating (around 104 RON) than petrol (95 RON for premium), and turbocharging with Saab BioPower allows the use of a higher boost pressure and more advanced ignition timing than is possible with petrol. This gives more engine power, without risk of harmful 'knocking' or pre-detonation.

Saab’s 32-bit Trionic 8 engine management system controls the throttle setting, ignition timing, fuel injection, air mass and turbo boost pressure. It is a powerful platform that has facilitated software re-programming to accommodate the different ignition timing and fuel/air mixture requirements of E85. The only hardware modifications necessary to the all-aluminium Saab 9-3 engine are the fitment of more durable valves and valve seats. Bioethanol-compatible materials are also used in the fuel system, including the tank, pump, lines and connectors.

Trionic monitors fuel quality after every visit to the filling station and automatically makes any adjustments necessary for running on E85 and/or petrol in any combination. That means Saab BioPower drivers can also use petrol, should E85 not be available.

Saab Australia has already announced that it expects to launch the 9-5 BioPower this year. If the 9-5 BioPower is well received locally, Saab will also look to introduce the 9-3 BioPower models to the Australian market.

Uprated 2.8V6 Turbo

For the new 9-3 Aero XWD models, the current 2.8-litre, 24-valve V6 Turbo engine is upgraded to 206 kW and 400 Nm maximum torque. This has been achieved by increasing available boost pressure from 0.5 to 0.8 bar. It gives the Sport Sedan projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds and 80 to 120 km/hour (fifth gear) in 7.9 seconds.

The advanced specification includes: a lightweight, all-aluminium construction; variable inlet valve timing; a twin-scroll turbocharger and hydroformed exhaust manifolds with stainless steel liners and air injection for improved cold starting.

In two-wheel drive applications, the Aero V6 engine will also offer a 4 kW increase in maximum power, to 188 kW.

Progressive Design

The new 9-3 range is visually distinguished by all-new bodywork forward of the A-pillar, with new bumper mouldings and light assemblies front and rear, as well as new doors and handles for the Sport Sedan and SportCombi.

Flared side sill extensions become standard across the range. All these elements combine to give the car a clearer Saab identity and a bolder, more assertive stance. For the Sport Sedan, for example, 70 per cent of the external body panels and parts are all-new.

The styling strategy brings together contemporary and classic Saab design themes in a progressive, modern expression of the brand’s distinctive character.

The deeper, more prominent evolution of the Saab grille adopts a theme first seen on the Aero X concept car. This is complemented by all-new headlamp lenses and light units that now incorporate a thin ‘eyebrow’ lighting zone designed as a brand specific ‘signature’ feature. These wraparound units culminate in an upswept rear edge, introducing a Saab design theme from the 9-5 range and classic 900 model. The grille central wing motif, referencing Saab’s aircraft heritage, is, of course, retained.

The new look sees the adoption of another Saab signature feature: a ‘clamshell’ bonnet, closing across the top of the front guards. The bonnet pressing incorporates a sweeping, U-shaped styling line, as 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, even more pronounced on Aero versions. This is flanked by deep black vents which are framed, like the grille, in a matte chrome finish. As with the Aero X concept, these represent a metaphor for the intakes of a jet engine.

At the rear, the Sport Sedan and Convertible now feature smoked white light clusters. The new bumper mouldings are much deeper with curved, uninterrupted surfaces. The boot lids of the Sport Sedan and Convertible are also altered to accommodate a new matte chrome handle trim with an integrated badge, similar to that on the SportCombi.

The removal of all external rubbing strips from bumpers and doors (colour-keyed on the Convertible) contributes to a cleaner and more cohesive overall appearance. New door panels now adopt a simple, uncluttered form with redesigned and colour-keyed handles. The sill extensions are visually integrated front and rear with the scalloped corners of the new bumper mouldings.

Other external enhancements include the introduction of flat wiper blades, for reduced wind noise, and new alloy wheels, with an 18-inch design now offered as an option. Two new colours are added to the range, including a Snow Silver metallic paint finish similar to that seen on the Aero X.

More driving enhancements

Sport Mode standard for automatic transmissions can be selected via an instrument panel button and aligns gear selection more closely with the intentions of the driver. If the driver momentarily lifts off the throttle, the current gear will be held for more effective engine braking and a quicker acceleration when required. During braking, downshifts are also faster and more closely matched to the rate of vehicle deceleration.

Optional cornering bi-xenon headlights provide improved vision. The steering-linked bulbs can swivel up to 15 degrees when negotiating a bend or corner above 15 km/h. In highway driving above 110 km/h, the low beam is also automatically raised slightly for improved illumination.