2008 Saab 9-3
May 9, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Our friends at Trollhattan Saab have been blessed with some CGI pics of the new Saab 9-3 set to be officially unvieled next month (Sunday June 10th).
Reports suggest that the new 2008 Saab 9-3 will have an option for a new all-wheel-drive system, subtly called XWD. It appears that the new system will have little todo with the AWD system previously borrowed from the Subaru range for the US version of the Saab 9-2.
Saab says the XWD is a new generation Haldex system and the car will come with an option for a new active stability control program.
Australian release dates are yet unconfirmed, however the new MY2008 car is likely to make an appearance in European dealers shortly after its unvieling. Nonetheless, the XWD system is rumoured to arive towards the end of the year.
As far as engines go, the current range incldues everything from a 1.8L Turbo, 1.9 Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Turbo and a 2.8 Litre Turbo in the Aero convertible.
Trollhattan Saab reports of a project called Black Turbo, which will produce an engine capable of anywhere between 290 and 320hp. mated to the XWD system for driveability. The powerful variant should see the light of day by mid next year.
Print it: 
Finally a Saab 9-3 that I like! Finally, a GM that I like! Gee, am I having a great day or what?
I really like the looks, it kinda reminds me of the IS250 for some reason, even though the shape hasnt changed.
Yeah, I can see some sporty IS250 feel in it. The fact that it is AWD and a turbo puts it into the sport sedan market. It’s good that Saab and Volvo have still stuck with their somewhat uglyish designs and just facelifted and modernised them and now they look beautiful.
^
Yeah funnily enough I was the same, reminds me of a IS250. That is a rare Saab that I would actually buy (if I had the money lol).
Why do the two shots (front and rear) have different style rims?
what is the difference between this model and the 2007, cuz to me it looks “cooler” or maybe i’m just crazy. Also, i saw the website said australian… is this car gonna be available in the US?
It is going to make my ‘05 9-3 look a little out of date. I will definately be signing up for the AWD model when it’s out. Finally Saab can leave the stigma of having good engines and power but with front wheel drive. Look out Audi and BMW with this hot modern look.