Inside The Mind Of An Automotive Geek

Car fans would surely appreciate the new offering by the car making giant that is General Motors. For the 2008 model year, the company will offer the redesigned Saab 9-3 range which boasts of a concept car styling. That is because the new Saab 9-3 possesses styling cues direct from the Saab Aero X Concept.

According to its manufacturer, they strived to offer a car with a better handling, performance and safety. The new Saab 9-3 boasts the “clamshell” hood design which was first used in the Aero X Concept.

Aside from the new styling of the car, a more potent engine offering comes with the 2008 Saab 9-3 range. It also comes with a lot of standard features. Optional features are also abundant as General Motors tries to promote the brand to American car buyers.

According to the company’s site here are the engine specs for the Saab 9-3 range:

• Engine specifications – 2.0T
  
• Type – Inline 4-cylinder turbo
  
• Displacement – 121 cu. in. (1988 cc)
  
• SAE horsepower rating – 210 hp @ 5500 rpm
  
• SAE peak torque – 221 lb. ft. @ 2000 rpm

• Engine specifications – 2.8 V6T
  
• Type – 6-cylinder turbo, 60° Vee
  
• Displacement – 170 cu. in. (2792 cc)
  
• SAE horsepower rating – 250 hp @ 5300 rpm
  
• SAE peak torque – 258 lb. ft. @ 2000 rpm

According to General Motors’ site here are some of the strong points about the new Saab 9-3 range:

Design:

• Dynamic, cohesive looks with new front, rear and side aspects
  
• Frontal styling inspired by Aero X concept
  
• 'Clamshell' hood, clean body surfaces, smoked white rear light lenses

Performance:

• Intelligent Saab XWD offers greater driver involvement
  
• Active system for class-leading performance, up to 100% rear torque transfer
  
• Cutting-edge technology: pre-emptive engagement and active rear LSD
  
• New rear sub-frame and suspension geometry

With those features and the fact that the Saab 9-3 convertible received the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety boosts the 9-3’s popularity among those who are thinking about buying a new car.