Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero

The 9-3 Convertible confirms Saab’s leading position in the premium convertible segment and is the product of more than 20 years’ experience in designing four-seater, four season soft tops that are as practical as they are stylish.

The Saab Convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that places it at the very top of its class. Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top car should be ‘more than a Convertible’ by offering effective all-year-round transport. In addition to its functional qualities, the Convertible also offers strong driving appeal through sharing the excellent chassis dynamics of the 9-3 range.

The extensive engine line-up incorporates a 'tri-fuel' choice of gasoline, diesel or bioethanol (E85) powered engines. It is led by an all-aluminum 2.8-liter V6 turbocharged engine rated at 255 bhp.

Exterior Design

The impressive looks of the Saab 9-3 Convertible radiate power, sporty performance and great strength; all elegantly packaged with a Scandinavian design flair that ensures the lines are clean and flowing, but never cold or clinical.

As an indication of the success of the overall design, this is an open top car that looks like a unique model in its own right, free from any awkward styling compromises. Furthermore, the car looks just as good, top up or top down - effortlessly exchanging the looks of a sporty coupe for those more akin to a roadster.

The automatic soft-top operates entirely at the push of a single button. It incorporates three innovations and new performance standards for the class, including its speed of operation and means of deployment.

Interior Design and Features

The overall interior design reflects the curves and flowing lines of the exterior. In the same way, the fascia layout, the supportive seating, the shape of the door panels and trim, together with the feel of the tactile, soft-touch controls, are all very modern interpretations of classic Saab styling themes. It is a warm, harmonious interior, without undue ostentation, that is typically Scandinavian and could only come from Saab.

The high quality materials include the use of Hydroblox, the first water repellent seat upholstery to be fitted to a convertible. A polyester membrane lines the underside of the textile seat covering in order to prevent water penetration. This is a particularly useful feature for a convertible if the driver is caught in a shower of rain, for example, before being able to raise the soft-top.

The sporty, well-shaped front seats have been specially designed for the Convertible. They make a very visible contribution to the high quality appearance of the interior and demonstrate Saab’s excellent reputation for class-leading seating comfort.Both the seat cushion and back rest are deeply bolstered, giving good lateral and under thigh support without restricting seating comfort.

All Aluminum 2.8-liter V6 Turbo

This sophisticated 255 bhp engine is exclusive to the top-of-the-line Aero model. Maximum torque of 258 lb-ft is generated from just 1,800 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm, with 90 per cent of this value available from an exceptionally low 1,500 rpm.

With a 60o vee-angle between its cylinder banks for perfect balance, the engine combines excellent multi-valve refinement with outstanding performance. The all aluminum construction provides a light and compact architecture, well suited to its transverse, front-wheel-drive installation in the Saab 9-3.

The twin-scroll, water-cooled Mitsubishi TDO4-15TK turbocharger, operates at 0.6 bar maximum boost with intercooling and an integral by-pass valve.

For the 2.8V6 Turbo, a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The automatic transmission includes ‘Saab Sentronic’, a sequential manual gearshift giving closer driver involvement. When the shift lever is moved across the gate to ‘manual’ Sentronic mode, ‘up’ and ‘down’ changes can be made with full lock-up in 3/4/5 or 6th gears. This process can be taken a step further by the option of steering wheel buttons, which bring gear-shifting right to the fingertips of the driver.

Source: www.rsportscars.com