Saab celebrates three decades of leadership in turbocharging at thisrnyear's Frankfurt International Motor Show by launching the Saab TurbornX, a driver-focused performance car that sets new standards for thernbrand.

This black limited edition model takes Saab 'back to thernfuture' by evoking the iconic appeal of its first black 900 Turbo andrnintroducing innovative Saab XWD technology.

Saab Turbo X isrnunveiled on the 11th September 2007, exactly 30 years after Saabrnsurprised the automotive world at Frankfurt when it revealed its firstrnturbocharged model. That set a trend other manufacturers were tornfollow. Now Saab unleashes turbo power for the first time through SaabrnXWD, a cutting edge all-wheel-drive system that sets performancernstandards competitors will also seek to emulate.

With 400 Nm ofrntorque from its 280 hp/ 206 kW 2.8V6 turbo engine, the Turbo X is thernultimate performance expression of the new Saab 9-3 range. Saab XWDrnfeatures active management that not only splits torque delivery betweenrnboth axles, but also between the rear wheels. This responsive systemrndelivers a level of driver involvement and dynamic chassis controlrnnever seen before from Saab.

In addition to tuning of thernsuspension and its electronic chassis, throttle and powertrainrnsettings, the Turbo X features distinctive styling additions thatrnenhance aerodynamic performance.

Driver in Focus with Saab XWD

ThernSaab Turbo X adds a new dimension in chassis control to Saab'srnunrivalled experience in turbocharging. It is the result of arndevelopment program that leverages the full potential of Saab'srninnovative XWD system, with the car's sports tuned suspension, brakesrnand electronic control systems all aligned to meet a single need:rndriving satisfaction.

Saab XWD is an active all-wheel-drivernsystem designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. (Refer tornNew Saab 9-3 release for full technical description). Its sophisticatedrnelectronic control allows fine balancing of drive torque, not onlyrnbetween the two axles but also between the rear wheels. In effect, thisrnstretches the performance envelope of the chassis, for example, raisingrnthe threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions arerntriggered. The result is closer driver involvement through 'positivernforce' chassis control.

The driving benefits of the XWD systemrnare best appreciated out on the open road. Data from the ABS/ESPrnsensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle - isrnutilized by the Saab XWD control module. Rear drive is instantlyrnapplied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improvingrnstability and roadholding.

Driver control is taken a steprnfurther on the Turbo X by the eLSD, the first application of anrnelectronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in thisrnsegment of the market. It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensorsrnand can transfer up to 40% of torque between the drive shafts, tornwhichever wheel has more grip. When cornering hard, this yaw dampingrneffect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction ofrnthe front wheels.

To exploit the full benefits of Saab XWD, thernchassis of the Turbo X has been lowered by 10 mm and the springs andrndampers stiffened to minimize body movement. To maintain a constantrnride height irrespective of load, self-leveling dampers are fitted atrnthe rear.

Stopping power is also increased with larger brakerndiscs fitted: internally ventilated (345 mm diameter x 30 mm) at thernfront and externally ventilated (292 mm diameter x 20 mm) at the rear.rnStandard 235/45 R-18 tires ensure excellent mechanical grip for thern18-inch alloy wheels.

The powerhouse at the heart of the TurbornX is a 24-valve, 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine generating 400 Nm of torquernbetween 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and maximum power of 280 hp (206 kW) atrn5,500 rpm. The advanced specification includes a lightweight,rnall-aluminum construction with a 60-degree angle between the cylinderrnbanks for perfect balance, variable inlet valve timing and twin-scrollrnturbocharging. It is offered with a choice of six-speed manual orrnautomatic transmission.

This responsive, high torque powerplantrnis the perfect partner for Saab XWD. Together, they give the Saab TurbornX sporty, all-wheel-drive performance and handling characteristics thatrnwill appeal to all enthusiastic drivers who seek a rewarding experiencernbehind the wheel.

Saab Black Turbo Reborn

ThernSaab Turbo X visually communicates its focus on driving performance byrnextending the bold, progressive design themes of the new 9-3 range.rnOffered only in metallic jet black, with the front grille and allrnexterior detailing accented in a matte grey titanium-like finish, itrnrepresents a contemporary expression of its illustrious black 900 Turbornforebear.

Distinctive styling additions are designed to improvernaerodynamic efficiency, as well as emphasize the Turbo X's performancernfocus. At the front, a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intakerncontribute to reduced drag while also increasing air flow to the enginernand intercooler.

At the rear, the re-profiled bumper and insertrnpanel lowers the point of air flow separation, further reducing dragrnand assisting high speed stability. The Sport Sedan features a rearrnspoiler that extends the line of the trunk deck, reducing high speedrnlift forces at the rear axle. The standard SportCombi already has arnsimilar spoiler that extends the rear roof line.

The Turbo X isrnfurther distinguished by unique, 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inchrnavailable as an option outside US/Canada markets) with a greyrntitanium-like finish that evokes the look of Saab's classic three-spokerndesign. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes complete the exterior additions.

Inside,rnthe 'black turbo' theme is continued throughout the cabin. The sportsrnseating, with additional bolstering, is upholstered entirely in blackrnleather. The sporty ambience is further emphasized by a carbon-fiberrnfinish to the main fascia, door inserts, glove box and gear shiftrnconsole which is unique to the Turbo X.

The driver benefits fromrnimproved 'feel' through the addition of a thick-rimmed, soft griprnleather steering wheel. Seating comfort can be taken a step furtherrnwith an optional premium, natural leather interior, which includesrnperforated bolsters for the front seat squabs and backs.

Inrnrecognition of Saab's turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is arnreplica of the original 900 Turbo display. Owners will also enjoy arnpersonalized greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on thernignition. A unique 'Ready For Take-off' message ('All Systems Go' inrnUS/Canada) flashes in the main instrument display. The owner's name,rnwith the edition number of the car, can also be programmed for displayrnby the supplying dealer.

Saab Turbo X Technical Specifications

Engine:

• 2792cc.rnV6. Aluminum cylinder heads and block. Twin-scroll turbocharger,rnintercooled. DOHC, 24-valve. Variable valve timing (inlet). Dual-massrnflywheel. Bosch Motronic ECM
• Max power: 280 hp (206 kW) @ 5,500 rpm. Max. torque: 400 Nm @ 2,150 - 4,500 rpm
• Bore/stroke: 89.0/74.8 mm. Compression Ratio: 9.5: 1. Max. Boost Pressure: 0.8 bar.

Transmission:

• Saab XWD, all-wheel-drive. Electronic rear limited-slip differential (eLSD)
• 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox

Suspension:

• Front: MacPherson struts and gas shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. Hydroformed sub-frame.
• Rear: Indep, four link, incl. toe-link. Coil springs and self-levelling shock absorbers. Anti-roll bar. Sub-frame.

Steering:

• Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance. Turning circle (curb to curb): 11.7m.Lock to lock: 2.75 turns

Wheels, Tires:

• 18 x 7.5" , 235/45R18,
• 19 x 7.5" , 235/40R19,

Brakes:

• Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs: 345 mm / 292 mm (all ventilated)

Performance Data (preliminary figures)

• 0 - 100 km/h:
  • Sport Sedan: 5.7 secs (manual)
  • SportCombi: 5.9 secs (manual)
• 80 - 120 km/h (5th gear):
  • Sport Sedan: 7.9 secs
  • SportCombi: 8.3 secs
• Top Speed:
  • Sport Sedan: 250 km/h (manual)
  • SportCombi: 250 km/h (manual)
• Fuel consumption/CO2 (combined cycle, L/100km):
  • Sport Sedan: 10.9 / 259 gm/km (manual)
  • SportCombi: 11.0 / 263 gm/km (manual)