Saab’s product offensive continues

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Saab has been busy since its re-birth as an independent company seven months ago. Not only has it launched the all-new 9-5 saloon, but it has also concentrated all facilities in Sweden, ramped up production, rebuilt the global sales network and formed new strategic business partnerships.

And there is more to come. In the next 12 months there will be two more new products to launch – the hotly anticipated 9-5 SportWagon and the exciting, all-terrain 9-4X – proving that Saab’s business plan is well on track. In short, the future for Saab Automobile has never looked brighter. Meanwhile, at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Saab is proud to showcase its new eco-benefits, including zero-emissions driving and class-leading low CO2 .

Taking centre stage and making its world premiere in Paris is the unique Saab 9-3 ePower, an all-electric version of the 9-3 SportWagon. It is Saab’s first step towards developing an all-electric vehicle and represents an important step forward for Saab’s pursuit of delivering cleaner and sustainable mobility solutions. A test fleet of 70 ePower cars will begin user trials in Sweden early next year.

Saab 9-3 ePower: midsized sportswagon with zero emissions
Saab Automobile takes its first step towards developing an all-electric vehicle with the unique Saab 9-3 ePower, a Saab 9-3 SportWagon designed to offer a zero-emissions driving range greater than any EV currently in production.

Using high-density, lithium-ion battery cells, the 9-3 ePower has a projected driving range of 124 miles and is powered by a 184 hp electric motor giving zero to 62 mph acceleration in just 8.5 seconds.

Early next year, Saab and its development partners will begin a test driving programme in Sweden with a 70-strong fleet of Saab 9-3 ePower cars. Performance will be monitored across a wide variety of usage patterns, with component data logged on aircraft-style, black box recorders. The programme is designed to evaluate the potential for developing a high performance Saab EV.

Low emissions: Saab 9-3 diesels offer class-leading performance
On sale in the UK, all Model Year 2011 Saab 9-3 1.9 TTiD diesel engines now have more advanced twin turbocharged engines and, in the saloon, all three engines deliver a class-leading CO2 rating of only 119 g/km, a reduction of 10 percent in CO2 emissions across-the-range and the cleanest and most efficient Saab ever.

The 180 hp/400 Nm variant not only has the lowest CO2 per hp of any four cylinder diesel in the market but it is also the most powerful sub-120g/km saloon on sale in the UK, making it an attractive proposition for buyers wanting a vehicle that has improved power, lower emissions, sporty performance and increased efficiency.

With these engines and manual transmission, the 9-3 saloon delivers outstanding fuel economy on a combined cycle of 62.8 mpg. The SportWagon offers an impressive 61.4 mpg and low CO2 emissions of 122g/km and for the Convertible, the respective figures are 54.3 mpg and 137g/km.

The 1.9-litre diesel line-up now comprises 130, 160 and 180 hp TTiD units.

Two engines added to new Saab 9-5 powertrain line-up
The powertrain menu for the new 9-5 is further broadened by the introduction of two new engines, a 190 hp, 2.0-litrediesel, with twin turbochargers, joins the current 160 hp, single-turbo version. It combines strong performance with impressive economy and can also be teamed with Saab XWD, bringing this advanced all-wheel-drive technology together with diesel power for the first time.

Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy is also reinforced by the addition of a 180 hp 1.6-litre petrol turbo. Developing more than 112 hp per litre, it is among the most powerful series production engines in its displacement class. Combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 36.2 mpg and 179 g/km respectively.

Source: Saab (press release/media site)