The 2008 Saab 9-3

General Motors Corp. has already launched the all-new 2008 Saab 9-3 with new features and innovative systems. The car comes in two model trims: 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi Aero models, and will roll out in Saab dealer showrooms early in 2008.

Inspired by the Aero X concept, the 9-3 comes with the innovative all-wheel-drive system called the Saab XWD (cross wheel drive). Saab said the XWD is capable of sending up to 100% of engine torque to the front or rear wheels and variable torque transfer between the rear wheels. Under the hood of the 2008 Saab 9-3 is a 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine that pumps out 280 hp (206 kW) and pulls out 400 Nm amount of peak torque. A choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission completes the powertrain package for this model.

Moreover, Saab also offer other engine types for the 9-3 like the 1,910 cc, four-cylinder engine with direct injection turbodiesel. This type of power plant boasts 180 bhp at 4,000rpm and 295 lb ft of torque at 1,850 - 2,750rpm.

In addition, the Saab 9-3 also features an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential (eLSD). But for sure, the 9-3 will also feature quality Saab control arm.

Other features include joystick-controlled air vents, the night-panel dashboard facility, baffling transmission tunnel-located ignition, comfortable front seats, air-conditioning, electric windows fore and aft, aluminium-alloy wheels, cruise control, a seven-speaker CD player, smoked white rear light clusters, prominent central grille, U-shaped pressing, clamshell hood, smooth bumper molding with a deep trapezoidal air intake, and other aerodynamic parts.

GM aims to boost Saab's sales with the launch of the 9-3.

During the launch of the vehicle, Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe commented about GM's 50 percent acquisition of Saab. He said: "A 50-50 deal is difficult. It doesn't allow you to influence the company's work and almost forces you to manage it via the board. It means you can make suggestions, but you basically have to wait until people come to you to ask for support. If they don't do that, you can't do much. Saab wanted to preserve its unique position. I think we could have gained considerably more by working together, but that didn't happen and I suppose we haven't done as much as we could."

Forster added: "My suggestion now is that you should spend all your resources on what makes a Saab different and distinct. You should not spend any money on that which doesn't make any distinction or matter that much to customers. That continued for one or two years after we took ownership, but it has stopped now."