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2008 Saab 9-3 Preview

Whenever we hear the term “cockpit” being used to describe the interior froma driver's perspective, one of the few car companies that can claim credit for the verbiage appropriateness is Saab. You see, Saab stands for "Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget", which translates to Swedish Aeroplane Limited. The aeronautical heritage of Saab began in 1937 with the company manufacturing warplanes for the Swedish Air Force. In the mid 1940s the company wanted to diversify into automobile production and with that goal, the first Saab 92001 rolled off the production line. Design cues mimicked the innovative approach the brand took with their warplanes, so this first Saab was rather unconventional for the era, in terms of styling, drivetrain and its platform architecture. First it was one of the first cars to be driven by the front wheels on a transversely mounted engine. Second, a major emphasis on safety was integrated into the design with a safety cage concept designed into the shell. Finally, the overall shape of the vehicle demonstrated the influence of Saab's

The 9-3 family has been redone for 2008. It's noticeably different with a stylish new look. (Photo: Saab)

aerodynamic expertise, as the profile looked very much like the profile of an airplane wing. The 92001 was the birth of the Saab automotive legacy of forward thinking design, safety, and aviation influence.

After 60 years in the business and enjoying several mergers prior to its current ownership by GM, for the better part of the last decade, the new 2008 Saab9-3 (pronounced “nine three”) model range has been unveiled. The new 9-3 is still a compact executive car geared to compete against BMW's 3-Series and the like, and continues to be based on the Opel Vectra and Cadillac BLS architecture, both sold in Europe while in North America, cousin to the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura. It comes in three configurations:

The 9-3 soft top cabriolet carries through. It's a handsome looking car. (Photo: Saab)

Sport Sedan, SportCombi (wagon) and convertible. In addition, there will be three engine choices available, including a 2.8-liter V6 turbo, a 2.0t BioPower four-cylinder, and an extremely thrifty 1.9-liter two-stage turbo diesel.

Loyal Saab enthusiasts will be happy to find out that, despite 70-percent of the new 9-3 being made up of new parts, the styling cues remain quintessentially Saab-like. Think of it as a refined facelift if you like. Fascia design elements were drawn from the Aero X concept, giving the 9-3 a more defined presence. Most notably up front, its deeper and wider trapezoidal grille and slimmer headlights that wrap around the sides have greater visual presence. The lower half of the front bumper is fitted with a functional black mesh air vent, which really makes the new 9-3 more aggressive looking than its predecessor.This

Clear taillights are now a Saab trademark. (Photo: Saab)

treatment actually reminds me of the BMW E39 M5, which isn't a bad role model to take after. Another recognized Saab feature is the clamshell hood that closes neatly on top of the grille.

Look at it in profile and you'll notice that the new doors which sit higher on the beltline are void of any black rubber side strips, thus giving a very clean look. The wheel arches are flared and when completed with side skirts, give the new 9-3 an air of confidence.

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