2001 Saab 9-3 Press Release - USA

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2001 updates:
• Saab Traction Control System (TCS) is standard on all models
• Next generation OnStar is standard equipment. Includes 12 months of premium services
• Base convertible is dropped and replaced by an SE model at a lower price point
• Premium convertible package including Automatic Climate Control, dual power seats with driver's side memory, sport steering wheel, and rear spoiler is available
• Saab Car Computer standard on all models
• No charge scheduled maintenance program included on SE models
• 205/50 all-season tires standard on all 9-3 SE models
• New one-piece key/remote transmitter
• White side-marker indicator lamps
• New colors: Laser Red and Steel Gray Metallic
• Eliminated colors: Imola Red, Scarabe Green, and Frost Gray

2001 Saab 9-3 model availability:

Model - Standard Powertrain - MSRP*

Saab 9-3 3-door - 2.0L 4-cyl. 16-valve turbocharged (185 hp) - $26,495
Saab 9-3 5-door - 2.0L 4-cyl. 16-valve turbocharged (185 hp) - $26,995

Saab 9-3 SE 5-door - High-output 2.0L 4-cyl. 16-valve turbocharged (205 hp) - $32,595
Saab 9-3 SE Convertible - High-output 2.0L 4-cyl. 16-valve turbocharged (205 hp) - $39,995

*MSRP does not include $575 destination charge

SAAB 9-3 OFFERS INNOVATIVE, USEFUL DESIGN

• Cockpit interior provides driver comfort and control
• Convertible top designed for four seasons of comfort
• Saab Car Computer standard on all models
• Two new exciting colors added to the Saab palette
• New wheels standard on entry-level 5-door model

NORCROSS, Ga. — Saab cars have been lauded for innovation in design and technology ever since the first Saab 92 was unveiled for the press in 1947. Designed by aircraft engineers not limited by conventional automotive thinking, the early Saab cars attracted much attention for their advanced aerodynamic exterior design, front wheel drive, strong body shell and other unconventional solutions aimed at improving occupant safety, roadholding and driver control. This legacy is held in trust by today’s Saab engineers — and is evidenced in the 2001 Saab 9-3 models.

Cockpit Provides for Driver Comfort
The interior of the Saab 9-3 is designed with driver ergonomics as the main focus. Since driver comfort and convenience are critical elements of safe driving, Saab provides a number of comfort-enhancing standard features like: a telescoping steering wheel, power 8-way adjustable front seats (SE models and premium package-equipped convertibles), steering-wheel mounted audio controls, analog instrumentation and the Saab Night Panel.

A direct influence of aircraft ergonomics, and to reduce the strain of nighttime driving, the Saab Night Panel displays information on a need-to-know basis, with a choice of illumination modes and variable brightness. An electronic monitoring system activates each instrument automatically as soon as the driver needs to be alerted (in the
same way as in the latest aircraft) — such as if the engine speed is increasing towards
the redline, if the fuel level is getting low, or if the engine temperature begins to rise.

The Saab 9-3 offers two different climate control systems designed to keep
occupants comfortable. Entry level models are equipped with a manual heating, ventilation and air conditioning system while SE models and premium package-equipped convertibles include a computerized Automatic Climate Control (ACC) system.

The Saab 9-3 5-door and Coupe models continue to offer outstanding utility with trunk capacity of 21.7 cubic feet and cargo capacity, with the split fold-down rear seat folded, of a full 46 cubic feet. The split-folding rear seat has a pass-through opening behind the center armrest.

Saab 9-3 Convertible Top Design & Operation
The popular Saab 9-3 Convertible continues to offer generous room for four occupants, as well as four-seasons comfort, sports car performance and a comprehensive list of standard features for exceptional value. The power operated soft top of the Saab 9-3 Convertible is operated by hydraulics and is secured to the windshield header with a single, centrally located handle. The top lining is a light gray fabric which, together with the large rear window, helps make the interior brighter. A thick insulating layer (6 mm) and carefully designed seals between the top and the windshield header contribute to make the Saab 9-3 Convertible one of the quietest convertibles around.

Saab Car Computer standard on all models
All 9-3 models now offer the full-option Saab Car Computer. In addition to outdoor temperature and date, distance to empty reading, average fuel consumption, and average speed, the enhanced computer system includes functions for the following: distance to destination, estimated time of arrival, alarm, and speed warning.

Two new exciting colors added to the Saab palette
Laser red and Steel grey are the two new bodywork colors. Laser red is a bright, sporty color that replaces Imola Red. Steel Gray is a medium silver metallic that exudes a high-tech, industrial personality.

New wheels on entry-level 5-door models
All Saab’s entry level 9-3 models will feature 15-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels. SE models will include 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels as well as the added traction of 205/50 all-season tires.

SAAB 9-3’S PROVIDE SPIRITED, TURBOCHARGED DRIVING AND PRECISE CONTROL

• Turbocharged 2.0L engines provide high hp and torque ratings
• Trionic 7 engine management system improves performance
• Transmission choices contribute to fun-to-drive attitude
• Suspension systems provide precise control and handling
• Traction Control System standard on all models
• Standard ABS brakes incorporate EBD

Saab engineers firmly believe that a driver should feel as if they are one with the car — that intentions behind the wheel translate into precise response from the car. This concept of control has evolved naturally from Saab’s aircraft heritage. In three-dimensional airspace, precise control is immensely important. Saab realizes that precise control is equally important in its earth-bound vehicles, as evidenced by the Saab 9-3. Offered in three-door, five-door and convertible models, the Saab 9-3 is designed to provide outstanding response and control, not only for spirited performance driving, but also for enhanced safety.

The Saab 9-3’s fun-to-drive character is highly attributable to its powertrain line-up. All 9-3 models are powered exclusively by enhanced turbocharged engines that strike a precise balance between high performance, good fuel efficiency and low emission levels. The Ecopower 2.0L engine is the latest offering in a long line of dynamic Saab turbocharged cars. Saab presented its first turbo car in 1976 and has been optimizing turbocharging technologies ever since.

Traction Control System standard on all 9-3 models
New for 2001, Saab’s Traction Control System (TCS) is standard equipment on all 9-3's. TCS is an “all-speed” system that modulates ABS braking and electronic throttle to optimize traction at the front drive wheels for enhanced control in inclement weather conditions.

Saab Chassis Philosophy – The Driver Must Be in Full Control
Saab’s extensive Real-life Safety research and subsequent active-safety
engineering has two primary objectives — to design the driver's environment so that the driver will find it easier to avoid incidents, and to provide the car’s chassis with the properties needed to enable the driver to avoid accidents in emergency situations.

Suspension Systems Provide Precise Control
For precise handling and control, the Saab 9-3 features a front suspension comprised of MacPherson struts with direct-acting gas shock absorbers and coil springs.
Split lower wishbones in forged aluminum and a stabilizer bar help maintain stability during cornering. This entire front suspension system works in tandem to provide excellent handling and precise control in nearly all driving environments.

The rear suspension features an H-formed, semi-rigid torsion-beam rear axle
with inner and outer stabilizer bars, sport-tuned coil springs and gas shock absorbers. It is tuned to provide 9-3 occupants with ride comfort and allow the driver precise control.

Enhanced horsepower and torque ranges
The 2001 Saab 9-3 models are available with two 2.0L Saab Ecopower turbocharged engines — a 205 horsepower high-output turbo engine in the Saab 9-3 SE 5-door and SE Convertible variants and a 185 horsepower engine for all other Saab 9-3 Coupe and 5-door models.

Saab’s updated 205 horsepower 2.0L high-output turbo four-cylinder engine delivers its maximum horsepower at 5,500 rpm (5,750 rpm with automatic transmission)
and strong low-end torque of 209 lb.-ft. at just 2,200 rpm. Because the amount of torque available in the rev range dictates the driveability and acceleration capabilities of a vehicle, this Saab engine, with a manual transmission, maintains its maximum torque all the way up to 4,800 rpm. With an automatic transmission, the maximum torque of 184 lb.-ft. is maintained from 1,900 rpm all the way to 5,700 rpm. With either variant, this broad, flat plateau of maximum torque provides power on-demand for driving enjoyment.

Saab doesn’t restrict the fun-to-drive attributes of a broad torque range just to
9-3 SE owners. Its entry level 9-3 models offer a 185 horsepower 2.0-liter engine that, with a manual transmission, provides 194 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,100 rpm to 4,200 rpm. When mated to an automatic, the engine offers 184 lb.-ft. from 1,900 all the way to 5,000 rpm.

Saab Trionic 7 Engine Management System
All Saab engines feature the latest version of Saab’s Trionic engine management
system — Trionic 7. A highly sophisticated system, Trionic 7 utilizes a 32-bit microprocessor capable of two million calculations per second to control Saab’s direct ignition, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure and the electronic “drive-by-wire” throttle to enhance engine response and eliminate turbo lag. It allows both engines to provide low emission levels, high fuel efficiency and adaptable power and torque levels, for flexible and responsive driving characteristics.

Saab turbo engines are labeled Ecopower and offer a unique combination of high performance, low emissions (all 2001 Saab 9-3 engines are LEV compliant) and good
fuel economy. With its 9-3 SE turbo engine, Saab now provides over 100 horsepower per liter of engine displacement — an efficiency virtually unmatched in a family car, and traditionally only found in ultra high performance sports cars.

Transmissions contribute to fun-to-drive attitude
The Saab 9-3 features a standard five-speed manual transmission that includes a hydraulically operated clutch to ease driving and provide smooth gear shifts. For excellent low-end performance, and to make the car easy to drive in city traffic, Saab’s manual transmission offers driver-friendly gear ratios and a final drive ratio of 4.05:1. These gear and final drive ratios provide quick off-the-line response while maintaining good highway cruising fuel efficiency. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable shift modes – sport, normal and winter – is optional.

Standard ABS Brakes Incorporate EBD
All Saab 9-3 models are equipped with standard front and rear disc brakes with a diagonally split hydraulic system and electronically controlled ABS. The car is also equipped with acoustic pad wear indicators that warn the driver when the brake linings are nearing the end of their life.

As with all Saabs, the ABS system is lightweight and compact with four-channel operation triggered by four individual wheel sensors. The ABS system incorporates electronic brake distribution (EBD). EBD comes into effect under hard braking before the ABS is activated. This balances the friction available at each wheel with the braking forces being applied. It automatically provides optimum retardation and the shortest possible stopping distance.

SAAB 9-3 OFFERS PROVEN REAL-WORLD SAFETY

• Next generation OnStar and 12 months premium service standard
• Designed deformation helps protect occupants
• Pendulum effect on side impact directs crash energy downward
• Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) whiplash-reducing system
• Convertible noted for lowest injury claims by U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute
• 4-stars in EuroNCAP collision test

The extensive standard safety features in all 2001 Saab 9-3 models include, but are not limited to, next generation OnStar equipment, the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), 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 a very high level of crashworthiness.

All safety systems in the Saab 9-3 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 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.

Designed Deformation Helps Protect Occupants
The body structure of the Saab 9-3 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 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 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.

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), which is standard on all Saab 9-3 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.

Convertible noted for lowest injury claims by U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute
The U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reported that the Saab 900 convertible
topped the "midsize sports model" category with the lowest injury claim frequency score. The 9-3 convertible replaced the 900 in the U.S. market in May 1998. The 9-3 builds on the same occupant protection systems and structures established in the 900, with the addition of Saab Active Head Restraints, second-generation driver and passenger front airbags, head and torso protecting side-impact airbags, and a side impact force-deflecting pendulum "B" pillar system. For more information, please visit the HLDI at http://www.carsafety.org.

4-Stars in EuroNCAP collision test
The Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 were both awarded four stars in the latest European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP) collision test, which evaluates European model variants. Both Saab models were also awarded the highest possible score in the EuroNCAP new side collision test. In the Folksam, a Swedish insurance agency, safety study of cars in the Swedish market, the Saab 900 and 9-3 are the only cars in their class to achieve the 'Gold group', which is what Folksam considers the top five vehicles.

STANDARD ON SAAB 9-3 MODELS:

PERFORMANCE
2.0-liter turbocharged 185-hp engine
5-speed manual transmission
Traction Control System (TCS)
Hydraulic clutch actuation
4-wheel power assisted disc brakes with ABS
5-spoke light-alloy wheels
195/60 VR-15 all-season Michelin radial tires
Front and rear stabilizer bars
SAFETY
Enhanced OnStar telematics system
Saab Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) -- Driver and passenger front air bags, Side-impact airbags, head and chest type, front seats
Automatic belt tensioner system for front seat occupants
3-point safety belts for all occupants
Side-impact protection system
Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system, front seats
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Welded steel construction/Safety Cage design
Front and rear energy-absorbing “crumple zones”
Well-isolated fuel tank location
Collapsible steering column
Manually activated “child-proof” rear door locks (five-door)
Lock-out switch for rear power window switches
Rear side window demisters (five-door)
Headlamp wipers and washers
Rear window wiper and washer system (exc. Convertible)
Color-keyed 5-mph “self-restoring” bumpers
Daytime running lights
Split, wide-angle exterior passenger mirror

EXTERIOR
Protective bodyside moldings
Aerodynamic headlamps with flush lenses, halogen bulbs
Cornering lights
Side guidance reversing lights
Side-mounted direction indicator lights
Front & rear fog lights
Front spoiler
Rear spoiler (Coupe & five-door)
Undercoating and anti-corrosion treatment
Power convertible top with one-touch-down windows (Convertible)

INTERIOR & SEATS
CFC-free air conditioning
Electrostatic cabin air filter
Reclining front bucket seats
Luxury velour upholstery (Coupe & five-door)
Leather upholstery (Convertible)
Adjustable lumbar support, driver’s seat
Driver’s left foot rest (dead pedal)
Adjustable-height front safety belts (except Convertible)
Remote central locking and anti-theft alarm
Engine immobilizing anti-theft system
Power windows with one-touch feature on front windows
Single button for operating all side windows (Convertible)
In-dash folding cupholder
Cupholder/coinholder in center console
Electrically adjustable and heated rearview mirrors
Head restraints at front and rear outboard seating positions
Fold-down rear seat with pass-through opening from trunk
Automatic headlamp shut-off and courtesy headlamp delay
Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
Overhead cabin light with dual rear spotlights
Interior courtesy light delay feature
Luggage compartment light and built-in tool kit
Heat absorbent tinted glass (except Convertible)
Electric rear window demister
Front/rear plush carpet floor mats

DRIVER CONTROLS & INSTRUMENTATION
Telescopic steering wheel
Variable intermittent windshield wiper/washer
Electronic speed control
80-watt AM/FM stereo cassette or CD with Weather Band and CD changer controls
Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
Stereo anti-theft lock-out code
4 acoustically engineered speakers
Automatic electric antenna
Analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges)
Turbo boost gauge
Digital odometer and trip meter
Dashboard Night Panel feature
Saab Car Computer with digital clock

STANDARD ON SAAB 9-3 SE MODELS: (In addition to or instead of 9-3 equipment listed above)

2.0-liter high output turbocharged 205-hp engine
16-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels
205/50 ZR-16 Michelin all-season radial tires
Full body airflow package
Polished chrome sport exhaust tip
Automatic climate control (Prem. pkg on cvt. models)
Power 8-way adjustable front seats (Driver only on cvt.)
3-position driver's side seat memory (Prem. pkg on cvt.)
Walnut-trimmed instrument panel
Electric tilt/slide tinted glass sunroof with sunshade
Leather seating surfaces
Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, shift knob & boot
80-watt AM/FM stereo cassette or CD with 80-watt subwoofer, Weather Band and CD changer controls
6 acoustically engineered speakers
Rear spoiler on convertible

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