SUNNY DISPOSITION
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Mon, Jul 7, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
SUNNY DISPOSITION
While the Saab convertibles are popular among auto aficionados, owning one in
yellow is an extra sunny experience. The first-ever yellow version of the Saab
convertible, issued in 1991, now enjoys collector car status, just as well-kept
copies of the 1997 version are starting to get equally sought after. Yet, for
those preferring the attractions of an all-new open Saab, the third time may be
the charm. This summer, yellow is back in a limited edition that is
unprecedented in the current generation Saab convertible-without a doubt, a
future classic.
The Saab convertible Yellow Edition is based on the 2.0T version, its 2.0 liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine combining spirited performance with 210hp and
221lb.ft. of torque. Add to this a standard 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed
automatic, and you'll appreciate the excellent fuel economy. In addition to its
Lynx yellow paint and a long list of standard equipment, including XM radio and
OnStar, this special edition features Saab Aero styling cues such as 17X8
5-spoke, alloy wheels, and a subtle, yet effective rear spoiler, while the
premium audio system will be music to your ears.
Saab pioneered the concept of a four-season, four-seater soft top with the
launch of the first Saab convertible in 1986, which was initially exclusively
sold in the U.S. and immediately created a cult following. Now in its
third-generation, the Saab convertible leverages more than two decades of
experience in designing an open-top car that is as practical as it is stylish
and safe.
The new Saab convertible has a level of structural integrity, build quality and
running refinement that places it at the very top of its class. Like the 9-3
sedan, the convertible received a 2008 Top Safety Pick by the U.S. Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety, following its first-ever crash tests for open cars
last year.
The convertible Dyna-Cage system helps to provide rollover protection with
pop-up rear roll bars strengthened A-pillars and sills, and automatic seat-belt
pre-tensioning. Saab Active Head Restraints are fitted to the front seats as
standard to help counter the risk of neck injury in rear-end impacts.
Innovative product features further develop the Saab concept that an open-top
car should be 'more than a convertible' by offering effective transport of all
the year round. Saab Re-Axs, a unique rear wheel steering characteristic in the
kinematics of suspension, contributes to the responsive chassis dynamics, as
does the reinforcement of the front, rear and side structures to compensate for
the absence of a fixed roof. On the road the convertible delivers all the
fun-to-drive qualities of the widely-acclaimed 9-3 sport sedan chassis.
Scandinavian design ensures the styling is clean and flowing with a powerful
front end including a larger aluminum grille, small side grilles and semi-overwrap-style
hood.
This is an open-top car that looks like a unique model in its own right, free
from any awkward styling compromises-regardless whether the top is down or up.
The hydraulically-powered, triple-layer roof automatically latches to the
windshield header and deploys just 20 seconds, making it among the fastest in
its class. The innovative CargoSET function connects the roof operation to a
flexible, 'concertina' storage well in the trunk. When the roof is up, the well
automatically retracts, releasing useful storage space. When the roof is up
there is plenty of head room and a minimum of outside noise.
The interior shares the cockpit feel and driver-focused themes of the Saab 9-3
sport sedan and Sport Combi. Particular emphasis was placed on styling that
integrates the rear passenger area, including a light colored, near seamless
headlining that gives a fixed-head interior ambience. A U-shaped, Surround Trim
extends from the base of A-pillars along the top to the doors, rear side trims
and tonneau cover, further integrating the interior and exterior.
For ease of use and convenient rear access, the Saab convertible front seats
have an extended travel and integrated seat-belts, which eliminate the need for
attachment to the B-pillar, and the top of each seat has a satin aluminum
pull-up that easily folds the seat back forward for further ease of entry and
exit in the rear.
The 9-3 turbo interior is roomy and luxurious using premium materials and
generously equipped with standard features such as dual-zone automatic climate
control, 8-way power driver's seat, power windows, power side mirrors,
wood-effect trim, front side window de-misters, rain-sensing wipers, cooled and
illuminated glove box, plush carpet floor mats, a center console with good
storage, dual map lamps, a center stack with easy-to-use dials. The instrument
panel is trimmed in real aluminum and features a large 160 mph speedometer,
7,000 rpm tachometer, boost gauge, fuel and engine coolant temperature gauges.
The standard audio system is a pleasure to the ears and features a 150-watt
premium AM-FM radio with seven speakers, CD player and MP3 compatible auxiliary
input jack. Options include a 300-watt premium Surround Sound audio system with
10-speakers, wind-blocker, and parking assist.
Saab developed the 2.0 liter I-4 turbo to balance high fuel efficiency with high
torque (221 pound-feet) for confident passing. Precise, highly sensitive
throttle control, adaptive torque delivery and smooth power-on/power-off
characteristics are benefits of Saab's Trionic-8 engine-management system.
The Saab 9-3 Turbo chassis is pinned to the ground using Saab's unique and
proven fully independent suspension geometry. Up front are MacPherson struts,
gas-charged shocks, anti-roll bar, and a hydro-formed sub-frame. The rear
features a four-link setup with toe-link, coil springs, gas-charged shock
absorbers, anti-roll bar, sub-frame and Re-Axs rear-wheel steering system. There
is hardly an evidence of both cowl shake over rough roads or torque steer during
a hard launch. While the suspension is tuned a little to the soft side because
of the extra weight it still grips the road solidly straight-ahead and on the
curves.
The precise power-assisted rack & pinion steering system makes the 9-3 Turbo
Convertible go where you point it to without any hesitation. The on-center feel
and feel for the road are excellent.
Quickly and safely slowing the car down from speed are large, steel disc brakes.
Up front are 11.14-inch vented discs clamped with large, dual-piston calipers,
while the rear solid discs measure 10.87 and are clamped with single-piston
calipers. ABS, traction control and electronic stability control help you
maintain braking control during severe braking maneuvers or on slick or wet
pavement.
Keeping you safe is a long list of safety features including adaptive front
airbags, head/torso side-impact airbags, HID headlamps, halo remote lighting,
front/rear crush zones, 3-point safety belts for four seats, tire pressure
monitoring system and daytime running lamps.
The all-new 2009 Saab 9-3 Turbo Convertible is very competitive against the
Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz convertibles in the same segment. The 2009 Saab 9-3
Turbo Convertible Yellow Edition has a base price of $42,830.00, including
destination.
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A very civilized screaming yellow zonker.
For more information about Saab products, go to
saabusa.com
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name:
2009 Saab 9-3 Turbo Convertible Lynx Yellow Special Edition
Price:
$42,830.00
Engine:
2.0 liter, inline 4-cylinder, all-aluminum, DOHC with VVT
Horsepower:
210 at 5,500 rpm
Torque:
221 lb-ft. at 2,5000 rpm
EPA miles per gallon estimate:
Not available
Drive configuration:
Front engine/front-wheel-drive
Transmission:
6-speed manual/5-speed automatic with semi-automatic shifting
Front suspension:
MacPherson struts, gas shocks, anti-roll bar, hydroformed sub-frame
Rear suspension:
4-link including toe link, coil springs, gas shocks, anti-roll bar, sub-frame,
Re-Axs rear-wheel steering system
Wheels/tire:
17X7.5 five spoke alloy/235/45R17in. all-season Continental ConTac performance
tires
Brakes:
Front: 11.14-in. vented with dual-piston calipers
Rear: 10.87-in. solid discs with single-piston calipers
ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control,
electronic stability control standard
Overall length:
182.4 in.
Overall width:
69.3 in.
Overall height:
56.4 in.
Curb weight:
3,520 lbs