Saab
9-5
Uprated
Saab 2.3t Ecopower engine
The
Saab 2.3-litre light pressure turbo engine - the Saab 2.3t Ecopower -
has been uprated from 170 bhp to 185 bhp for livelier acceleration and a
higher top speed.
The
engine performance has been raised by modifications to the Saab Trionic
engine management system which controls the ignition, fuel injection,
throttle and turbo boost pressure. To enable the exhaust valves to
withstand the more difficult conditions caused by the higher engine
output, they are now made of Nimonic, which is a nickel alloy with
excellent heat resistance properties. The Saab 9-5 Aero is fitted with
valves of the same type.
Rain-activated
windscreen wipers
Rain-activated
windscreen wipers will be introduced during the model year as
factory-fitted optional equipment on all variants of the Saab 9-5. The
system is fully automatic and initiates wiping of the windscreen in
response to falling rain or snow. A rain sensor mounted at the inner
rear-view mirror on the inside of the windscreen uses infrared light to
measure the amount of moisture on the windscreen. The sensor starts the
wipers automatically and adjusts the wiping frequency to suit the
intensity of rain or snow. The system switches steplessly between
intermittent and continuous wiping to suit the amount of rain or snow
falling onto the windscreen.
Saab
9-3
Upgraded
Saab 9-3 Aero
The
Saab 9-3 Aero has undergone extensive upgrading - inside and out. On the
outside, the Aero models are fitted with the same aggressive front
spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper housing as the Saab 9-3 Viggen, all
of which combine to underscore the high performance of the car. A new
17-inch wheel is standard and contributes to enhancing the sporty
appearance.
The
interior fittings and seats also emphasize the kinship with the Saab 9-3
Viggen. The front seats are the same as those of the Viggen models and,
compared to the standard seats, have extra padding at the front edge for
improved thigh support. The sides of the backrest have also been
redesigned to provide better lateral support.
In
conjunction with the upgrading of the Saab 9-3 Aero, the Saab 9-3 Viggen
will be withdrawn from the range in Europe and on the Asia/Pacific
markets.
Upgraded
Saab 9-3 SE
Since
the Aero models have been restyled, the Saab 9-3 SE is also upgraded and
features a bodywork-coloured front spoiler, a rear bumper extension and
side skirts. This is the same aerodynamic skirt kit as that fitted
earlier to the Aero models of the Saab 9-3. All SE cars have white side
direction indicator lenses, and a 17-inch wheel is available as a
factory-fitted option.
New
2.0t entry level engine - all-turbo engine range
A
new version of 2.0-litre light pressure turbo engine in the Saab 9-3
replaces the earlier 2.0t engine. The new engine is based on the
2.0-litre engine powering the Saab 9-5 and, compared to its predecessor,
is equipped with new camshaft on the exhaust side, new and stronger
pistons for lower compression, and new sturdier connecting rods.
(August
17, 2000)
|