Major Updates for Saab's 9-3

The 9-3 is Saab's strongest seller and an impressive entry in the premium compactsector. By toning down most of the quirkiness of previous models and keeping the heritage strong and true, Saab was able to keep its enthusiast fan base happy while bringing new customers to the brand. Currently, the 9-3 range consists of a sedan, a convertible, and the most recent introduction, the SportCombi wagon. Together, these three models account for more than two thirds of all Saab sales. After a powertrain update last year that included the introduction of a brand new Holden-developed turbocharged V6 engine, and a new interior, Saab is following up this year with a radical exterior update.

The only images Saab released of the 2008 9-3 have been from straight ahead, or at a slight side angle. From what we can see, the nose has undergone some pretty serious surgery, but it's not as drastic as last year's 9-5 sedan. The new 9-3 has a nose inspired by the Aero X supercar concept, with a more prominent front grille section that dips into thebumpers. Besides new black bezel headlamps that wrap around the front end, the 9-3 also has a clamshell hood, which is a tribute to the old 900. Also new are the door panels that incorporate a different door handle design. The interior, however, remains the same.

As it currently stands, the 9-3 powertrain lineup will soldier on, with two engines, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four for the entry-level model, and the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 which is reserved for the Aero with a choice between automatic and manual gearboxes. The V6 produces slightly more power than last year's model, at 255 horsepower versus 250. European models also benefit from having two different types of motors to purchase, diesel as well as the BioPower option (ethanol), whichSaab has been pushing through various concept vehicles. But there's more ...

Jan Jonsson of Saab says that the new 9-3 has changes that focus on design, performance and handling. The first one is pretty obvious, as seen by these pictures, but we're left wondering about the latter two. They seem to point in the direction of a so-called "Black Turbo" model that recently entered the rumor mill. This could potentially give Saab a 300-horsepower vehicle with all-wheel drive that would be able to compete with vehicles like the BMW 335xi, Infiniti G35x and Audi A4 3.2 quattro. Spy photographers snapped the new 9-3 prior to its release under camouflage, but spotted some other changes, including driveshafts and differentials underneath to properly harness the extra power without incurring additional and unwanted torque steer. Tuning the turbo V6 engine could easily create the extra power.

The new Saab 9-3 2.0T and Aero are scheduled to arrive this autumn.