Saab 9-3

Saab 9-3 Viggen

A high-powered version of the Saab 9-3, the "Viggen" (English: Thunderbolt), was marketed from 1999 to 2002. It was named after the Saab 37 Viggen aircraft.

The Viggen included a turbocharged 2.3 L engine (B235R). Initially it was rated at 225 bhp (168 kW; 228 PS) and later at 230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS) on 1.0 bar (15 psi) of boost from its Mitsubishi TD04-HL15-5 turbocharger. The cars were equipped with a higher capacity intercooler, performance tuned ECU, flow through muffler and tip, heavy duty clutch and pressure plate, stiffened and lowered springs, firmer dampers, as well as stronger CV joints and driveshafts.

In 1999, the Viggen was the first 9-3 to use Saab's Trionic 7 engine management system. The 2001 model year introduced a Traction Control System (TCS). The TCS was later made available in the SE line.

The car featured a rear wing that required relocating the radio antenna, aerodynamically designed bumpers and side skirts, special bolstered and colored leather seats (in four colors: black with black inserts (charcoal), black with blue inserts (deep blue), black with orange inserts (flame ochre), or tan with tan inserts), sportier suspension, as well as bigger wheels and upgraded brakes.

The Viggen was only available with a five-speed manual transmission, CD player, power moonroof, and (what were initially) Viggen-specific motorised and heated leather seats with the Viggen delta logo embossed in the backrest; these were later also available in the Aero model (U.S. market 'SE' model) without the embossed Viggen logo. Some colors featured carbon-fibre interior trim from its introduction to the middle of the 2001 model year. Cars built afterward came with a less expensive printed gray pattern for the dash and standard trim.

New buyers of Viggens in the U.S. were offered two days of advanced driving instruction at Road Atlanta and an opportunity to dine with Saab USA executives from nearby Norcross, Georgia.

Some motoring journalists were critical of untamed torque steer in low gears.[4][6]

A total of 4,600 Viggens were manufactured by Valmet in Finland until production ended in June 2002; of which 500 units were produced for the UK market. For 1999, 426 3-door Viggens were imported into the U.S.; of those 420 were blue, 2 were silver, 2 were Monte Carlo yellow, and 2 were black.[7]

Saab H Engine with Saab Direct Ignition and Trionic Engine Management, Shown Here In Trionic 7 Trim.

Other than the diesel engines, all the first generation engines were versions of the Saab H engine. Other than the Saab 9-5, the first generation 9-3 was the last to utilise this all Saab DOHC 16-valve Fuel Injection design. The Non-Turbo models use a Distributor, and Leads to each Spark Plug, while the Turbocharged engines utilise Saab's Trionic engine management system which works hand in hand with the Direct Ignition Module (or Cassette) mounted to the top of the engine, directly connecting to the spark plugs. Trionic 5 was used on the B204 Engines, and Trionic 7 was introduced with the B2x5 Engines. The later two technologies were migrated into other GM products during the ten years that GM controlled Saab. All of the engines, other than the normally aspirated version and the low-pressure turbo, had high specific power outputs. The B205R generated 102.5 horsepower (76.4 kW) per litre and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m) of torque.

Notes:

• Turbochargers used: B204E, B204L: Garrett T25; B204R, B205E & B205L: Garrett GT17; B205R & B235R: MHI TD04-HL15T with 5 cm? exhaust port.
• The Primary differences between the B204E and the B204L are with the use of a Boost Pressure Control Valve and the ECU tuning.
• The primary differences between the B204L and the B204R are with the intercooler and the ECU tuning.
• The primary differences between the B205L and the B205R are the upgrade to the TD04-HL15T turbo from the GT17 and the ECU tuning.

Note: Diesel, biopower and certain petrol engines were not available in North America. Starting from late 2004 diesel engines are Fiat-sourced common rail units.

2004–2007 Saab 9-3 convertible (US)

9-3 SportCombi

The Vector form was replaced with the Aero in the USA. In addition, the Arc received the 5-speed manual in place of the 6-speed. In the UK 210 horsepower 2.0T was also available as the 6 speed manual 9-3 Aero.

The 2.2 TiD engine was replaced with the common rail 1.9 TiD engine from Fiat. The 1.9 TiD was available both as an 8V version with 120 PS and a 16V version with 150 PS. The 8V version was available exclusively with a 6-speed manual, while the 16V was also available with a 6-speed automatic. The 16V was equipped with a diesel particulate filter as standard, while it was optional on the 8V for the 2005 MY. Like the 2.2 TiD, the 1.9 TiD was not available in the US, where demand for diesel engines was not very high.

US versions were sold with 16-inch wheels standard (17-inch for the Aero) unlike the 15-inch wheels which were previously found in the Linear version. In the United States, but not in most countries, the 2005 was the last year of the Linear and Arc versions. In addition, the 6-speed manual was dropped and both the Arc and Aero received the 5-speed manual.

2006 9-3 2.0T

A new 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine, branded as 2.8T by Saab, was introduced for the Aero. The 2006 Aero was exclusively available with the V6 in the US, replacing the 2.0T engine. In other markets, the 2006 Aero was available with both the four-cylinder 2.0T and the 6-cylinder 2.8T engine. The 2.0T had 12.3 psi maximum turbo boost pressure and turned out 210 hp (157 kW), while the 2.8T had 8.7 psi boost and turned out 250 hp (190 kW). In certain markets, like Switzerland, a 230 hp variant of the 6-cylinder was also offered in Vector trim.

In the United States, the Linear model and the 175hp engine was dropped, so that all four-cylinder 9-3 models had the 210 hp engine. The Arc designation also disappeared, replaced by a trim level simply known as 2.0T, which was similar to the 2005 Arc except that Linear wheels were used. A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900 convertible. All 20 Years Edition Aero Convertibles were offered in metallic electric blue.

9-3 updated interior

The dashboard was revamped for 2007, with the Saab Information Display moved from its high mounted position to the main instrument binnacle. The button-heavy climate control system disappeared, replaced by the Saab 9-5 climate control system, OnStar was re-introduced and required when Nav was ordered in North America, and the corporate GM head unit debuted, which allowed for satellite radio and MP3 CD capability. The suspension went from harsh to firm, and the cabin was quietened. Steel Gray was also replaced with Titan Gray as an exterior color choice. For the 2007 model year, the 9-3 was also available with Biopower versions of the 1.8t and 2.0t engines, able to run on E85 as well as petrol.

In the U.S. market, only the 210 hp 2.0-liter 16-valve turbo engine and the 250 hp 2.8-litre V-6 turbo were available. The manual transmission in the 2.0T model was changed from a 5-speed to a 6-speed.

A 60th Anniversary Edition was also offered for sedan, wagon and convertible body styles for 2007 to celebrate 60 years of SAAB. The package was available on 2.0T cars, and included unique five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, black leather sport seats with grey inserts and SAAB embossments on the front seats, dark walnut trim, black floormats with grey binding, front fog lamps and a BOSE audio system with 6-disc CD changer and satellite radio. Sedan and convertible models also received trunk-lid spoilers. An Ice Blue metallic paint was offered for the edition, as well as standard SAAB paint colors. 60th Anniversary Edition sedans were offered for US$24,820, SportCombi wagons for US$30,065, and US$40,065 for convertibles.[20]

2008 Facelifted Saab 9-3 Aero convertible

Saab claimed over 2000 changes were made to model year 2008 cars. The 2008 range, first presented at the Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden (June 10, 2007) included new frontal styling inspired by the Saab Aero-X and Saab 9-2X, Saab's first use of LED "signature" lighting in the revised headlamps, new door panels, a new clamshell bonnet, new rear bumper, and frosted "ice block" rear lamps. Black replaced charcoal gray as an interior color choice. Snow Silver became a new exterior color. The 2.8T V6 received a mild output boost from 250 hp to 255 hp. Some additional exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD 280 hp (209 kW) 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (9/07).[21] The Turbo X made its North American debut at the New England Auto show in late November.[22] Saab also released an all-wheel-drive version of the Aero, with the system dubbed "XWD", in March 2008.

A new twin-turbo diesel engine with 180 PS, dubbed 1.9 TTiD, was introduced. The TTiD engine was also available in Aero trim. The TTiD Aero marked the first time Saab had used a diesel engine in a car with the Aero designation.

Offered in either Sport Sedan, or Sportcombi (wagon) It was made to celebrate SAAB's 30 years of turbocharging. All Turbo X were offered in metallic jet black with matte grey trim. The Turbo X is SAAB's first production car with the XWD all-wheel drive system from Haldex Traction and eLSD. It is powered by a 2.8-litre V6 producing 280 PS (210 kW) mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. It has larger brakes as well as stiffer springs and shocks. The dash, shift lever and door panels have carbon fiber look and the turbo boost gauge draws its inspiration from the Saab 900.[21]

Turbo X at Frankfurt Motor Show, 2007

2009 Saab 9-3X

The 2009 9-3 series expands the trim levels while dropping the limited-edition Turbo X[23] saloon and estate from the lineup. The 2.0T and Aero saloon and estate models are now available with Saab's all-wheel drive (XWD). The convertible range lacked the all-wheel-drive option. The 2009 Saab 9-3 was mostly unchanged from the 2008 model, although the Aero trim level came standard with the XWD system, eLSD, and 280-horsepower power increase, all formerly reserved for the discontinued Turbo X.[24][25] During 2009 the 9-3X was launched at the Geneva auto show. The 9-3X is a four-wheel-drive XUV version of the 9-3 SportWagon.[26] The new 9-3X came with two engine choices: the 1.9-litre diesel (producing 180 bhp) and the 2.0-litre petrol motor (producing the 210 bhp). Only the 2.0L petrol engine is equipped with the XWD while the diesel version is available only with front-wheel-drive.[27]

For 2010, the Saab 9-3 Aero's turbocharged V6 was eliminated. All models used the 2.0-liter turbo-4.

Carlsson boot lid badge

2010 marked the 50th anniversary of Erik Carlsson's first win for Saab on the RAC Rally in a Saab 96. A limited edition of 96 Aero Carlsson 9-3 was released priced at £26,495. The 9-3 Aero Carlsson features Saab's cross wheel drive (XWD) system, a turbocharged engine, 2.8 litre V6 producing 280 hp and 400Nm of torque through a 6-speed automatic sentronic gearbox.

The Saab 9-3 ePower electric car was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and became Saab's first electric vehicle. The ePower concept car is based on the 9-3 SportWagon, has a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph), and an estimated driving range of 200 km (120 mi).[28] Saab had scheduled to run a two-year trial with 70 ePower demonstrators in Sweden by late 2011.[29] The new owner of the Saab estate, National Electric Vehicle Sweden, initially stated that they intended to start producing the all-electric 9-3 ePower to be launched in China by late 2013 or early 2014.[30][31]

The production version was slated to be unveiled at the 2014 Frankfurt Motor Show and market launch for 2015.[32] In April 2014, NEVS began production on a batch of 200 units to be tested in Qingdao, China by mid-2014. After the test, sales are scheduled to begin in Sweden in 2015.[33]

For the 2011 model year, the single-turbo TiD diesel engines were replaced by twin-turbo diesel engines (TTiD), which increased the power output of the 8V version from 120 to 130 PS, and the 16V from 150 to 160, respectively.

2012 Revised version and facelifted Saab 9-3 Griffin (2012) (Saloon)

The 9-3 received some revisions in 2011 for the 2012 model year. Changes were in the engine range with an overall reduction in diesel and petrol engine fuel consumption of 12% and 7% respectively.[34] An entry-level 163 hp, 2.0-litre gasoline/BioPower engine was added for 9-3 saloon, estate, and 9-3X models with Saab XWD. Other changes included rear badging in line with all new Saab 9-5 saloon, 'ice block' style headlights, New bumper design, titanium metallic effect trim around instrument panel, gearshift, doors and glove box. Aero gets graphite fiber effect. Contrast stitching on leather upholstery.

In most markets, car was badged 'Griffin'.[35] The three-spoke alloy wheel returned in 16- to 18-inch choices. An "Independence Edition" convertible was released with a total of 366 units to commemorate the first anniversary of the sale to Spyker Cars.[36]

Saab 9-3 Aero MY14
Overview
Production	2013–2014
Assembly	Trollhättan, Sweden, Saabvägen 5 (NEVS)
Designer	Michael Mauer,[9] Einar Hareide,[10] Anders Gustafsson[11]
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	GM Epsilon platform
Related	Fiat Croma Cadillac BLS Chevrolet Malibu Opel Signum Opel Vectra Saturn Aura
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 220HP B207R I4 (HP-turbocharged petrol)
Transmission	6-speed F40 manual 6-speed Aisin AF40-6 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,675 mm (105.3 in)
Length	Sedan: 4,668 mm (183.8 in)
Width	Sedan: 80.25 in (2,038 mm)
Height	Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in)
Curb weight	2008-2009: 1,410 to 1,690 kg (3,109 to 3,726 lb)[12]

National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) restarted production of the Saab 9-3 Aero Sedan MY14 on December 2, 2013 in Saab's former Trollhättan assembly plant. The only exterior difference on the MY14 model is the lack of the Griffin badge, to which NEVS does not own the rights. The Griffin is replaced with a badge displaying the Saab logotype, as well as new seats.[37] The 9-3 Aero MY14 features a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged engine and went on sale in Sweden on December 10. The first cars were to delivered in Spring 2014 as a "Limited Edition" model. Only two colors were available, black and Silver.[38]

The 9-3 no longer meets the latest Euro NCAP tests regarding pedestrian safety; therefore, only 1,000 cars of each body model could be sold in Europe, as a low-volume manufacturer. The only other market was China. An electric version was to be launched in spring 2014 in the Chinese market.[39]

The updated 9-3 have been tested favourably by motoring magazines.[40] Vi Bilägare wrote that it feels modern and feels sporty yet comfortable.[41]

MY14 Saab 9-3 Interior

Saab automobile production ended as of May 2014 because Qingbo Investment, one of NEVS shareholders, was not able to reach a financing agreement.[42] By the end of 2014, India's Mahindra & Mahindra agreed to buy a majority stake in NEVS.[43] In February 2015, it was announced that the remaining 100 cars that were stuck on the halted production line since May 2014 would be completed.[44]

Production of the electric 9-3 was started in 2019.[45][46]