From GM... .

How XWD works.





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.

Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden.

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


Transmissions

Type:
6-speed manual
6-speed auto

Gear ratios (:1):

First:
3.77
4.15

Second:
2.04
2.37

Third:
1.37
1.56

Fourth:
1.05
1.15

Fifth:
0.85
0.86

Sixth:
0.71
0.69

Reverse:
3.54
3.39

Final drive ratio:
3.55
3.53


Chassis/Suspension

Front:
MacPherson struts, gas shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, hydroformed sub-frame

Rear:
independent, 4-link (including toe-link), coil springs, self-leveling shock absorbers, anti-roll bar, sub-frame, Re-Axs rear-wheel steering system

Steering type:
power-assisted rack and pinion

Steering ratio:
16.0:1

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
2.97

Turning circle, curb to curb
(ft / m):
39 / 11.9


Brakes

Type:
4-wheel disc, hydraulic, dual-circuit with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), mechanical brake assist (MBA), vacuum booster, anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP), ventilated front discs and rear discs

Rotor diameter x thickness
(in / mm):
front: 13.6 x 1.18 / 345 x 30
rear: 11.5 x 0.8 / 292 x 20


Wheels and Tires

Wheel size and type (in):
18 x 7.5-inch alloy

Tires:
P235/45 R18


Dimensions

Exterior
Sport Sedan
SportCombi

Wheelbase (in / mm):
105.3 / 2675
105.3 / 2675

Overall length (in / mm):
182.5 / 4636
183.2 / 4653

Overall width (in / mm):
69 / 1753
69.4 / 1753

Overall height (in / mm):
56.4 / 1433
60.6 / 1443

Track (in / mm):
front: 59.9 / 1521
rear: 59.3 / 1506
front: 59.9 / 1521
rear: 59.3 / 1506

Minimum ground clearance

(in / mm):
5.9 / 150
5.9 / 150

Curb weight (lb / kg):
TBD
TBD

Weight distribution:
(% front / rear):
TBD
TBD

Interior

Seating capacity
(front / rear):
2 / 3
2 / 3

Headroom (in / mm):
front: 38.9 / 988.1
rear: 37 / 939.8
front: 38.9 / 988.1
rear: 37 / 939.8

Leg room (in / mm):
front: 42.3 / 1074.4
rear: 35.1 / 891.5
front: 42.3 / 1074.4
rear: 35.1 / 891.5

Shoulder room (in / mm):
front: 56.3 / 1430.2
rear: 55.1 / 1399.5
front: 56.3 / 1430.2
rear: 55.1 / 1399.5

Hip room (in / mm):
TBD
TBD


Capacities

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
Sport Sedan: 15 / 425

SportCombi: 29.7 / 841 (rear seat up, luggage cover in place); 72.3 / 2047 (rear seat down, no luggage cover)

Fuel tank (gal / L):
16.4 / 62

Engine oil (qt / L) :
6.0 / 5.7





>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

Hmm....little bit more money, I could have more power in an M3. I think this car could be SUPER competitive in the mid-high 30's

nice ride needs more power though

i think the 260hp turbo eco needs to be the base motor , and the V6 should be 350hp range

I like it a lot but there are other cars I'd rather have with that kind of money



Proud member of Jbody of Kentucky ... Click on sig to go!

I don't know about everybody else, but I think Saab makes some very sexy cars! If I had the money, I would defiantly start looking at one as another car.

97cavie24ls(™): I was thinking the exact same thing, but I'm sure they detuned it for the streets With a good tune, you SHOULD be able to get at least 300hp

dan

DroptopPaul wrote:Hmm....little bit more money, I could have more power in an M3. I think this car could be SUPER competitive in the mid-high 30's

yeah and you could also have a car thats good for 3 out of the 7 days in a week
id rather have the saab, looks better and more reliable

dubduce18s wrote:I don't know about everybody else, but I think Saab makes some very sexy cars! If I had the money, I would defiantly start looking at one as another car.

97cavie24ls(™): I was thinking the exact same thing, but I'm sure they detuned it for the streets With a good tune, you SHOULD be able to get at least 300hp

dan

if youve seen the size of the turbo on the V6 models , its a wonder its not on a lawn mower , LOL

seriously though its a rather small turbo

Mmmmmm sexy.

I really like it.

[quote=97cavie24ls(™)]

dubduce18s wrote:I don't know about everybody else, but I think Saab makes some very sexy cars! If I had the money, I would defiantly start looking at one as another car.

97cavie24ls(™): I was thinking the exact same thing, but I'm sure they detuned it for the streets With a good tune, you SHOULD be able to get at least 300hp

dan

if youve seen the size of the turbo on the V6 models , its a wonder its not on a lawn mower , LOL

seriously though its a rather small turbo

No, I haven't seen the size of the turbo, but thanks for the knowledge

dan

dubduce18s wrote:[quote=97cavie24ls(™)]

dubduce18s wrote:I don't know about everybody else, but I think Saab makes some very sexy cars! If I had the money, I would defiantly start looking at one as another car.

97cavie24ls(™): I was thinking the exact same thing, but I'm sure they detuned it for the streets With a good tune, you SHOULD be able to get at least 300hp

dan

if youve seen the size of the turbo on the V6 models , its a wonder its not on a lawn mower , LOL

seriously though its a rather small turbo

No, I haven't seen the size of the turbo, but thanks for the knowledge

dan

The old 3.0L v6 turbo (in the 9-5 only) was small and cast into one exhaust manifold, but the new 2.8L is pretty decent sized, about the same as a 2.0L ecotec that everyone is putting on their cavy.
They do run low boost on the 2.8L so i'm curious as to how much they increased the boost to get 280 hp (25 hp more)

But like others have said this car's hp needs to be in the 300's to compete better.

looks good.



05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447 12.523@111.30

Its flippin gorgeous though!




http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2898349

Looks pissed off... I like that

The only nit-picky thing: the interior looks like a Golf Mk III/IV to me... not sexy.

Quote:


I don't know about everybody else, but I think Saab makes some very sexy cars! If I had the money, I would defiantly start looking at one as another car.

Agreed. I'd rock one in a heartbeat. Saab's designs have always been darn sexy indeed.




-John

Did you all wanted to know on the engine?

From GM... .

All-aluminum 2.8L V-6 Turbo

This sophisticated engine has a 60-degree angle between its cylinder banks for perfect balance and combines excellent multi-valve refinement with outstanding performance. Exclusive to Aero variants, it develops 280 hp (206 kW) and exceptional torque of 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm), when offered with Saab XWD, and 255 hp (188 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) in front-wheel-drive applications. The all-aluminum construction provides a light and compact architecture, well suited to its transverse installation.
The cylinder heads, each with double chain-driven, overhead camshafts operating four valves per cylinder, are of high-specification aluminum. The design ensures enhanced heat resistance under 1,200-psi (85 bar) cylinder pressures, as well as minimum maintenance costs. The pistons have hard-anodized ring grooves for durability and under-skirt oil-jet cooling. The steel connecting rods are strengthened by sinter-forging, a process that involves molding metal in a powered form. The exhaust valves are filled with sodium to further enhance cooling. The cylinders have cast iron liners and a bore stoke of 3.50 inches (89 mm) and 2.94 inches (74.8 mm).
For improved engine breathing, variable cam phasing on the inlet side is electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated, allowing continuously variable adjustment through 50 degrees of crankshaft rotation. On the road, this translates to a more flexible power delivery and better fuel economy under different engine loads. A die-cast aluminum oil sump is designed to increase structural stiffness and the strong, four-bearing crankshaft is made from micro-alloy forged steel, a specification more commonly seen in competition performance or diesel engines. Together, with a dual-mass flywheel, these elements further reduce unwanted noise and vibration, ensuring smooth and refined performance.
The twin-scroll, water-cooled TDO4-15TK turbocharger operates at 8.7-psi (0.6 bar) maximum boost, with intercooling and an integral by-pass valve. It is mounted centrally above the transmission and fed by both banks of cylinders. The use of two inlet tracts, one for each cylinder bank, separates the exhaust gas pulses, improving gas flow, reducing energy losses and enhancing turbocharger efficiency. The turbine wheel is made from a special, high-grade steel alloy, commonly used in the turbocharged engines of world championship rally cars, which is resistant to erosion, cracking and creeping under high temperatures and centrifugal forces.
Also unique are double-skin exhaust manifolds, which are hydroformed with stainless steel liners to improve cold start emissions by minimizing heat absorption to the manifold. Air injection into each manifold for up to 30 seconds after a cold start also helps the central pre-catalyst, positioned upstream of the main catalytic converter, achieve light off – its effective working temperature – as early as possible.
A 32-bit engine management system, with software calibrated specifically for the Saab 9-3 application, utilizes a torque-based engine control strategy and direct coil-over-plug ignition with a robust engine-mounted control unit. Ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass measurement and the throttle setting are all key engine functions controlled by the software.
The sophisticated control strategy is designed to deliver smooth performance in all driving conditions. For two-wheel drive, it can modulate engine torque in low-traction conditions, helping provide confident, sure-footed driving. Variable fuel pressure further contributes to smooth idle and driving characteristics.
For driving comfort, control of the electronic throttle through the movement of the accelerator pedal is programmed to be sensitive to different driving conditions, with greater pedal movement introduced at lower vehicle speeds, such as when maneuvering or parking. At low engine speeds, the engine control system also brings the turbo in quickly by momentarily opening the throttle slightly more than requested by the driver.
In 280 hp (206 kW) or 255 hp (188 kW) specification, maximum torque is generated from just 1,800 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm, with 90 percent available from only 1,500 rpm. Under a full-throttle load at take-off or low engine speeds, 90 percent of maximum acceleration is delivered within one second.
The fast, but controlled, torque buildup immediately above the 720-rpm idle speed is delivered with a turbine-like smoothness, giving impressive on-the-road performance. The 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan can accomplish the 0-to-100 km/h (0-62 mph) dash in 6.7 seconds in the front-wheel-drive model or 6 seconds flat (projected) with Saab XWD; each mark represents new performance benchmarks for Saab. Careful tuning of the Aero's twin sport exhausts downstream of the main catalyst adds a distinctive, exhilarating engine note.





>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

The twin-scroll, water-cooled TDO4-15TK turbocharger operates at 8.7-psi (0.6 bar) maximum boost

dam , just think what it would see for hp and tq with about 14-15psi

You're right. This engine can easily 300HP like some of GM's conecepts using this engine.



>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

I really like it, but its about 6K overpriced.




www.drluc.ca

They really need to ditch the 3 spoke design that theyve had forever

3-spoke looks just fine.



>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

Quote:

3-spoke looks just fine.

Yeah.... If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Asking Saab not to have the 3 spoke wheels would be like asking BMW not to have the kidney shapped grilles.




-John