Crank Up the Boost: Saab to Debut Powerful Turbo X at Frankfurt

This September, Saab will be celebrating three decades of turbochargedpower. The late 1970s might not be too far back, and Saab might not have been the first car manufacturer to tinker with turbines, but they were the first to apply these boost-generating works of engineering to an entire lineup of mainstream cars. Returning to the launch site of the original Saab 99 Turbo at the 1977 Frankfurt motor show, Saab is planning on introducing a new, limited edition model that's called the "Turbo X".

Since the initial 99 Turbo, turbocharging has been a part of almost every Saab vehicle with the exception of a few base, entry-level European models (e.g. Saab 90), and the now defunct low-end 9-2x, plus the GMT360-based 9-7x SUV. To many, the quintessential Saab turbocharged car is the squarish, 3-door 900 Turbo sold between 1978 and 1994, complete with wedge tail spoiler and three-spoke alloy wheels. Today, turbocharging plays a key role in producing the responsive yet easy to drive nature for Saab cars that run on gasoline, diesel and ethanol (E85).

Most recently, Saab facelifted their 9-3 compact luxury lineup with a heavily redesigned exterior that was inspired by the stunning Aero-X Concept vehicle. While the new look is certainly nifty, the big news came beneath the skin where Saab introduced a brand new all-wheel drive system called XWD (Cross Wheel Drive), featuring a torque-vectoring Haldex rear differential. With an effective and innovative way of delivering power to the ground without wasting it in wheel spin and tire smoke, Saab's engineers were able to crank up the boost on the turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 to 280 horsepower, a big step up from the standard 255 hp (also mildly upgraded) for the front-wheel drive model.

At the time when the new 9-3 landed, it was leaked to the media that Saab was planning something on the side that would give the car a little extra kick, something to launch it into the limelight. Introducing the new Turbo X model with well in excess of 300 horsepower, could be the big push that Saab needs to get new buyers into its automobiles. Saab promises that this limited edition model will "deliver standard-setting levels of performance for the brand," and will involve further technical advancements in order to make this a possibility.

If the teaser photo is anything to go by, expect to see this lightening quick model pack a little extra visual punch in the form of a body kit and spoiler, bigger wheels and suspension mods. We also wouldn't be surprised if its marquee color is black or charcoal, given that the previous high-performance Saab turbocharged cars were nicknamed "Black Turbo". With less than a month to the Frankfurt motor show, it won't be too long before the cover is taken off on the new Saab, and we can't wait to see what they've got in store.