2008 Saab Turbo X First Drive
Black Ice: Saab does stealthy and wicked
The Saab 9-3 has never been a fierce player in its segment, lacking the killer instinct of some of its more formidable rivals, namely the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Sure it offers a pair of turbocharged power plants, including a range-topping 255-horsepower V-6, but its Achilles heel lies up front, as in front-wheel drive -- a feature that can diminish dynamics and degrade feel.
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So how's a small Swedish brand to arm its bestseller for the future? By harking back to the past, of course.
Say hello to the Turbo X, a limited-edition 9-3 (only 600 for the U.S., in either sedan or wagon body styles) that pays homage to the 1985 Saab 900 SPG, a classic coupe known for its trademark black exterior treatment, three-arm alloys, and turbo engine. Thus, the Turbo X comes dressed in one hue -- metallic black -- and is treated to twin-spoke three-arm wheels and a robust 280-horse turbocharged V-6 that, thanks to 11.6 psi of maximum boost (up from 8.7 for the Aero's 255-horse 2.8 turbo) makes the X the brawniest 9-3 ever. More important, the X's 280 horses are routed via not the front wheels but rather all four, courtesy of a new Haldex 4 all-wheel-drive system. Touted as an active system (power to the rear is pre-emptive, not requiring front-wheel slippage), the Haldex unit is complemented by a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that apportions torque side-to-side for a yaw damping effect. The result is the best-handling 9-3 to date -- oversteer is more prevalent and easier to maximize, and the overall balance borders on neutral. Moreover, torque steer has been all but quashed.
Of course, there's more to the X than its ebony duds and all-wheel drive. Saab enlarged the four-wheel disc brakes (13.6 inches front, 11.5 rear), lowered the ride height by 0.4 inch, and stiffened the springs and dampers all around. Inside, carbon-fiber accents, black leather seats, and a replica of the 900 Turbo's boost gauge complete the treatment.
Can't swing the price tags? Happen to be buyer 601? No worries -- the X's all-wheel drive and eLSD will be available on the slightly less-powerful and less-expensive Aero. If, however, you're able to mark your spot with an X, then rest assured that Saab's history holds traction in the future.
