2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen Press Release USA

2001 SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN OVERVIEW

2001 updates:
• Saab Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on all models
• Next generation OnStar is standard equipment. Includes 12 months of premium service
• No charge scheduled maintenance program included
• New one-piece key/remote transmitter
• White side-marker indicator lamps
• New colors: Laser Red and Steel Gray Metallic
• Eliminated colors: Silver, Lightning Blue, and Monte Carlo Yellow

2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen model availability:


Model
Standard Powertrain
MSRP*
Saab 9-3 Viggen 3/5-door
2.3L 4-cyl. 16-valve High Output turbocharged (230 hp)
$37,995

Saab 9-3 Viggen Convertible
2.3L 4-cyl. 16-valve High Output turbocharged (230 hp)
$44,995

*MSRP does not include $575 destination charge

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SAAB FOR 2001: 9-3 VIGGEN — DESIGN

SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN FEATURES HIGH-PERFORMANCE, AIRCRAFT-INSPIRED DESIGN

• Aerodynamic exterior aids vehicle stability at speed
• Aircraft-inspired cockpit invites spirited driving

Nowhere is the connection between the Saab 9-3 Viggen and its namesake, the Saab JA37 Viggen jet fighter, stronger than in their exceptional aerodynamics and cockpit design. At Saab, form has always followed function, and that long-standing belief is readily apparent in the aerodynamic elements of the 9-3 Viggen.

Aerodynamic Exterior Design
The 9-3 Viggen’s aggressive front spoiler, rocker panel extensions, rear bumper cover and rear wing aren’t just stylish — they serve a purpose. Fully integrated into the already sleek shape of the Saab 9-3, these elements give the Viggen dramatically improved aerodynamic properties. The Coupe and 5-Door Viggen’s coefficient of drag (Cd) has been decreased a full 8 percent to 0.31 Cd, and Saab engineers have managed to reduce lift forces at the rear wheels by 60 percent. The 9-3 Viggen Convertible’s coefficient of drag is reduced to 0.33 Cd.

Instrumental in decreasing the Viggen’s drag is the deep front spoiler and pronounced rocker panel extensions. The front spoiler pushes more of the airflow over the surface of the body rather than allowing it underneath. The integrated rocker panels contain and channel what airflow there is under the body rather than allow it to dissipate from the sides. When the directed underbody airflow exits the rear of the car, it properly integrates into the airflow off of the rear wing. These elements not only improve the Viggen’s stability at speed, but also reduce both wind noise and fuel consumption.

However, the advantages of utilizing such an aggressive front spoiler present a challenge. Increased airflow over the car adds to the lift forces at the rear of the car, which can have a destabilizing effect under heavy braking from high speeds. To counter this possibility, the rear wing was designed to dramatically reduce lift forces at the rear and regain the front/rear balance of the car.

The Saab JA37 Viggen’s delta wing design provides the lift and agility necessary to enable this multi-purpose jet fighter to perform its airborne duties. In contrast, the inverted rear wing designed for the 9-3 Viggen, with greater surface area on the underside than on top, keeps the earthbound Viggen firmly planted on the ground by creating an area of low pressure beneath the wing. This provides enhanced high-speed stability and a more linear response to hard braking, preventing the 9-3 Viggen from “nose diving” during high-speed deceleration. Balance is the key, not only for Saab JA37 Viggen jet fighter pilots, but also for pilots of the low-flying Saab 9-3 Viggen automobile.

Interior Cockpit Design
Like the cockpit of the Viggen jet fighter, the interior of the Saab 9-3 Viggen is designed to provide superior driver ergonomics. The Viggen exclusive light-gray dashboard fascia is slightly curved around the driver with all controls and buttons logically grouped in order of importance. All components and switches are black so they stand out from the light gray panel and are easier to find at a glance. The 9-3 Viggen is also equipped with Saab’s Night Panel system that enables the driver to turn off potentially distracting lights and instruments, improving visibility. Information is then displayed on a need-to-know basis.

Starting with the 9-3 Viggen’s exclusive stainless doorsill plates with Viggen logo, every element of the car’s interior is representative of its high performance character. The sport seat, unique to the Viggen, features a raised and extended center bottom cushion for excellent thigh support and pronounced seat side bolsters for lateral support during spirited driving. Saab engineers incorporated existing Saab safety features into the seats — such as the head and chest protecting dual-stage side airbags and the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system.

Viggen-exclusive leather treatments complete the sporty environment of the cockpit. All Saab 9-3 Viggens feature Rocky Black leather seat upholstery with textured leather inserts. The upper portion of the seatbacks, front and rear, feature embossed Viggen delta-wing emblems representative of the delta-wing shape found on the Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter plane. The textured leather carries over to the door panel inserts as well, and Viggen-specific leather covered sport steering wheel, leather shift knob and shift lever gaiter complete the interior package.

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SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN’S PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES MERIT THE VIGGEN NAMEPLATE

• 2.3L high-output turbo engine delivers 230 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque
• Trionic 7 engine management system eliminates turbo lag
• New All-speed Traction Control System aids performance
• Chassis enhancements provide performance handling
• World's most powerful Saab Viggen tames Pikes Peak

Saab exhibited its first high performance sports car, the Sonnet Super Sport prototype, in the spring of 1956. Since then, Saab has continued to develop limited edition performance legends, cars like the aerodynamic 900 Turbo SPG and 9000 Aero, which combined full-boost turbo engines with sport suspensions and other performance-oriented modifications. The 1999 debut of the 9-3 Viggen Coupe continued that legacy. Last year, Saab added the 9-3 Viggen Convertible and 5-door models to the performance line-up.

The Viggen name and badge honor the most agile and versatile Saab fighter jet ever developed, the Saab JA37 Viggen. Therefore, the 9-3 Viggen’s performance must be exceptional to be worthy of the name.

2.3L High-Output Turbo Engine Delivers Powerful Thrust
With 230 hp at 5,500 rpm, and impressive torque of 258 lb.-ft. available at just 2,500 rpm all the way through 4,500 rpm, the driver of a 9-3 Viggen will quickly identify with the level of thrust available to Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter pilots. Maximum torque is on tap for 30 percent of the useable power band, making this leading mid-range performer one of the world’s most entertaining front wheel drive automobiles.

Saab’s highly modified and responsive 2.3L four-cylinder engine resonates with Saab high output turbo character and provides exceptional overtaking performance. In fact, the 9-3 Viggen’s engine is nearly 12 percent more efficient at producing horsepower per liter of engine displacement than the 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera. More importantly, the Viggen is a full 52 percent more efficient at producing lb.-ft. of torque per liter of engine displacement. To enable the front tires to cope with the amount of torque available, maximum torque is electronically limited in first gear to 184 lb.-ft. and in second gear to 243 lb.-ft.

The incredible power output of the Viggen’s engine is primarily attributable to the larger turbocharger, which produces maximum boost pressure of 1.4 bar, or a full 20 psi, and is assisted by less restrictive air intake pipes and a performance exhaust system. Although only 15-16 psi of boost pressure may be required to achieve maximum power and torque at or near sea level, Saab’s Trionic 7 engine management system allows the turbo to produce up to 20 psi at higher altitudes to compensate for less dense air. The result is maximum power is available at altitudes approaching 10,000 feet.

Saab engineers have designed the engine to withstand this high boost level. Like all Saab turbochargers since 1988, the Viggen’s turbo is both oil and water-cooled. In addition, the engine features reinforced alloy pistons that benefit from oil-cooling jets at the base of the block that spray oil at the underside of each piston. The engine also features sturdier connecting rods, nitrided gudgeon pins and strengthened intake valves. To handle the heat, exhaust valves are made of Nimonic alloy — a high nickel content, heat-resistant alloy used in aircraft components subjected to high pressure and temperature, such as the exhaust nozzles in jet engines.

Engine Management by Saab Trionic 7
The Saab Trionic 7 (T7) engine management system in the 9-3 Viggen is controlled by a 32-bit microprocessor that is capable of performing two million calculations per second. It monitors and controls the direct ignition, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure and throttle setting to enhance engine performance and eliminate turbo lag. The system continually adjusts the calibrations to maximize engine performance — compensating for a number of variables including fuel quality, altitude and more.

Since T7 provides electronic throttle control, it overcomes the inertia present in a large turbocharger and eliminates turbo lag by manipulating the throttle position. It opens the throttle further than the driver has requested, making more engine torque available as soon as it’s needed. It’s an electronic slight of hand, but immediately accomplishes the driver’s request for more power. All 2001 Saab models feature Trionic 7.

Traction Control System aids performance
For 2001, Saab’s Traction Control System (TCS) is now standard on all 9-3 models. TCS works in conjunction with the engine management system to prevent the driving wheels from spinning if tire grip is lost. TCS is fully automatic in operation, and is functional at all road speeds, but includes an “off” switch for special circumstances (such as if the driver needs some wheelspin to cut through heavy snow, or when snow chains are fitted). The off-switch will only deactivate the system at low speed (below 40 mph).

Chassis Combines Performance Handling with Touring Composure
As with the Viggen jet fighter, the new 9-3 Viggen Coupe has the structural technology to support and enable its performance capabilities. To harness the Viggen’s
power and direct it properly, an enhanced sports suspension — comprised of modified springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and steering rack mounts — is utilized.

To coordinate the balance of the suspension with the improved aerodynamic balance of the body, the rear springs were stiffened over 25% while the front springs were stiffened by only 5%. These spring rates, along with the recalibrated valving of the dampers, reduce the initial body roll, while still allowing a high level of ride comfort at speed.

The anti-roll bars have been optimized to complement the rest of the suspension — the rear bar is unchanged at 26mm diameter while the front bar diameter was reduced by 2mm to 24mm, to improve traction while accelerating out of corners.

Transferring the Viggen’s power to the pavement are 17”x7.5” light alloy wheels with P215/45R17” low profile Z-speed rated high performance tires.

Stopping ability was equally critical to the development of the 9-3 Viggen. Front rotors are almost three-quarters of an inch larger in diameter than the standard 9-3’s, and larger front calipers and pads provide better braking performance. All four rotors are redesigned with cooling vents and grooves for better cooling to ensure repeated fade-free stops in demanding driving conditions.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen was developed jointly by Saab Automobile AB’s Special Vehicles Operations team and the Oxfordshire, England-based TWR Group. The TWR Group is owned by Tom Walkinshaw, whose extensive racing background has evolved the company into one of Europe’s foremost design and engineering houses, specializing in high-performance tuning. The 9-3 Viggen body will continue to be manufactured at Saab’s factory in Trollhattan, Sweden, then shipped in a climate controlled, sealed container to Uusikaupunki, Finland for painting and final assembly at the Valmet Automotive plant. Only a limited number of 1,000 Saab Viggen models will be produced annually for the U.S. market.

World's most powerful Saab Viggen tames Pikes Peak
On July 4, 2000, Swedish rally driver Per Eklund delivered a solid rookie performance at the fabled Adelphia Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Eklund raced to the winner's circle at 14,110 feet behind the wheel of a 750-horsepower Ecopower 9-3 Viggen in a time of 11:21.58. This time not only set a new Open Class record, but also was the second fastest overall time of the day.

Attachment 438

SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN COMPLEMENTS ITS PERFORMANCE ABILITIES
WITH HIGH LEVEL OF SAFETY

• Next generation OnStar standard equipment
• Body structure designed to dissipate energy in a controlled manner
• Pendulum effect on side impact directs crash energy downward
• Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) whiplash-reducing system
• Performance attributes contribute to Real-Life Safety

The extensive standard safety features in all 2001 Saab 9-3 Viggen models include, but are not limited to, next generation OnStar equipment, the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), driver and passenger front airbags, dual-stage head and torso protecting side-impact airbags, and a collision force deflecting pendulum “B” pillar side-impact protection system. These features, together with the high strength steel reinforced safety cage around the passenger compartment and front and rear crumple zones, give the Saab 9-3 Viggen a very high level of crashworthiness.

All safety systems in the Saab 9-3 Viggen have been developed in line with Saab’s Real-life Safety concept — cars must be as safe as possible in accident situations that occur in the real world. Since 1972 Saab has investigated more than 5,000 accidents involving Saabs in Sweden. In addition to providing invaluable information regarding the real-life crash safety properties of Saab cars, this data also helps Saab engineers perform more lifelike crash tests. The Saab 9-3 model has been subjected to more than 40 different crash tests, including car-to-car, car-to-truck and car-to-dummy-moose. Saab performs almost four times the number of tests mandated by government standards.

OnStar Technology Provides Additional Safety
For 2001, Saab will provide the next generation OnStar as well as 12 months of premium service as standard equipment on all of its vehicles. This telematics system uses wireless technology and state-of-the-art voice recognition and text-to-speech technology to provide hands-free safety, security and concierge services. OnStar uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and wireless communication to link the driver and vehicle to the 24-hour OnStar Center, where advisors provide real-time, personalized help. Current OnStar safety and security services include automatic air bag notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services, roadside assistance with location and route support. For 2001, these services expand to include voice-activated, hands-free personal calling, in addition to hands-free Internet connectivity for access to e-mail and information like stock quotes and personalized news and sports.

Body Structure Designed to Dissipate Energy in Controlled Manner
The body structure of the Saab 9-3 Viggen is designed to behave in a controlled and consistent manner during a crash, regardless of the accident type. In a frontal or rear-end crash, the collision forces are absorbed by the crumple zones of the body and are then transferred to a reinforced high-strength steel safety cage that surrounds the interior. The front structure of the Saab 9-3 Viggen is specifically designed to reduce the energy and force that occurs in a head-on crash. The front chassis members are connected to the wheel arches and the engine subframe in such a manner that the forces will be well distributed over a broad area instead of being concentrated to any one point. Special reinforcements at the rear of the front wheel arches help minimize the risk of front-wheel intrusion into the interior in an offset crash.

A predictable deformation behavior enables the Saab engineers to optimize the design of the seat belts, airbags, dashboard and interior details, further reducing the risk of occupant injuries in a crash.

Pendulum Effect on Side Impact
In the event of a side impact, only very narrow deformation zones are available to absorb the crash energy. The body structure is designed mainly to distribute the impact forces over as large an area as possible. The crash energy is absorbed by the side of the car, where the door pillar is made of high-strength steel, and the reinforcements in the sill and door pillar assist in distributing the impact forces to the safety cage surrounding the interior.

The door pillar of the Saab 9-3 Viggen is designed to behave as a pendulum in the event of a side collision. Because crash energy from an impact will take the path of least resistance, Saab’s engineers have designed into the “B” pillar a safer path that dissipates the crash energy downward. The center section of the pillar is very stiff to prevent the pillar from deforming and intruding in the middle into the interior. The top of the “B” pillar is designed to perform as a “hinge” and retain its position when the lower half of the pillar is displaced inwards like a pendulum. As a result, it is the most robust parts of the human body (the pelvis area) that will be subjected to most of the crash energy. This reduces the risk of injury to the more fragile parts of the body — the rib cage, head and torso.

Head and Torso Protecting Side Airbags
Although the seats in the 9-3 Viggen are exclusive, the seat frames are consistent with the other 9-3 models. Therefore, as further protection in event of a side impact, front seat head and torso protecting side airbags are included as standard equipment. Located in the outside bolster of each front seatback, to be correctly positioned regardless of the occupant’s seat position, the side airbags are divided into upper and lower sections. When activated, the airbag inflates in two stages. The bottom section is fully inflated first to protect the torso, which is the part of the occupant's body initially at risk from side-impact collision forces. The top section of the airbag then fully inflates to offer protection for the occupant’s head which, at the moment of impact, is further away from the side structure of the car.

The entire process takes only a split second. The crash sensor triggers the gas inflator in the airbag five milliseconds (0.005 seconds) after the crash process has started. The lower part of the airbag is filled after 15 milliseconds, and the top part after 30 milliseconds.

Two full-size front airbags are standard on all variants of the Saab 9-3 Viggen.

Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR)
Real-life accident statistics show that neck injuries are one of the most common results of rear-end collisions, even at relatively low speeds. The Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), introduced as a world-first innovation on the Saab 9-5 and provided as standard equipment on all Saab models, effectively reduces movements of the occupant's head following a rear-end impact, thereby reducing the risk of whiplash injuries.

The system is entirely mechanical and is based on the lever principal. The padded head restraint is connected to a pressure plate inside the backrest. In most rear-end crashes, the occupant's body will be pressed into the backrest first, pushing the pressure plate rearward. As a result, the head restraint will move up and forward, and will “catch” the occupant’s head before the dangerous whiplash motion has started.

The SAHR system needs no repairs to restore it to operational condition after it has been activated. It automatically reverts to its initial position and is immediately ready to operate again.

Performance Attributes Contribute to Real-Life Safety
The Saab 9-3 Viggen also provides a number of performance features that can help drivers avoid a crash situation. For example, the modifications made to the 9-3 Viggen’s chassis provide optimal handing and control, and therefore, may help a driver maneuver effectively to avoid a potential crash. Its brakes are larger than the standard 9-3’s and are ventilated and slotted to enhance heat dissipation. They provide outstanding stopping capabilities and may help a driver avoid an accident. Additionally, the power of the 9-3 Viggen may also be useful in overtaking situations and when merging into traffic.

SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN FLIGHT ACADEMY CLEARS OWNERS FOR TAKE OFF

All 9-3 Viggen models come standard with a powerful range of performance, safety, comfort and convenience features. Another standard item is the Viggen Flight Academy — a two-day intensive driver training class where Saab-savvy racing professionals teach 9-3 Viggen owners about getting the most out of their performance car in everyday driving situations.

Saab cars are valued for their long list of standard equipment, and the limited edition Saab 9-3 Viggen is no exception. Every 9-3 Viggen buyer receives, at no charge, a certificate for the Viggen Flight Academy. This two-day intensive driver training session is held at the world-class Road Atlanta complex, located near Saab Cars USA’s headquarters in Norcross, Georgia. Designed just for 9-3 Viggen owners, the program is taught by a team of racing professionals.

"The new 9-3 Viggen is the Saab for enthusiasts who crave performance," says Saab Cars USA's Director of Product Planning, Sean McNamara. "We wanted to reward these customers with a standard feature that maximizes the 9-3 Viggen experience — a hands-on driving school."

Over 300 Viggen owners have completed the course since the car's launch in 1999. One owner, Doug Barrett from Portland, Oregon found the Flight Academy "enlightening … It takes a lot of skill to handle this amount of horsepower. My only regret was that the course did not last longer."

The Viggen Flight Academy features 80 percent active driving instruction and 20 percent classroom sessions. "Owners get to put the training cars through a number of 'in-flight' exercises, ranging from performance braking, shifting and slalom maneuvers to safe, evasive techniques," says McNamara. "They get a chance to push the vehicle to its legal limits, and learn how to control skids with proper steering, throttle and brake responses."

Additional exercises show owners how to handle vehicle weight transfer during emergency lane changes and other useful defensive driving techniques. Drivers equipped with these skills are more adept at avoiding accidents. Studies show that the majority of automobile accidents are attributable to driver mistakes. The Viggen Flight Academy teaches drivers how to be more alert of the situation around them, and provides them with the tools they need to react quickly. The event concludes with a friendly autocross competition and dinner with Saab Cars USA management.

The Saab 9-3 Viggen — which takes its name from Saab's JA37 Viggen jet aircraft — is a limited-production high-performance model developed jointly by Saab Automobile AB's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team and Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR). It features a long list of standard performance-oriented equipment, including an enhanced high-output turbo engine, sports-tuned chassis, larger brakes, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, sport seats and aggressive aerodynamics for a base price of $37,995.

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1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen promotional video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jzA5zc4wT4

Saab 9-3 Viggen Tonality ad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDEDzm7dlbs