Spy Shots: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible totally exposed
Normally, flashing should be discouraged, but the lack of any cover on this Saab 9-3 Aero convertible is something to be celebrated. The next-generation convertible that was born from jets was spied out and about, flashy as can be in brilliant yellow paint and chrome abounding.
The front end features some matte chrome accents, toning down all the metal and allowing the redesigned grillework and headlamps to take the leading role. The rear end is a dynamic shift from earlier models, with clear taillamps, a subtle spoiler and two exhaust pipes. The interior, from what we can tell from the photos, is standard Saab issue with the past years' design, including the two-tone steering wheel with built-in sound system controls and functional DVD navigation system and HVAC controls.
Click through for more photos.
[Source: SaabTurboClub via GMInsideNews]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
arevee 9:20AM (6/06/2007)
Beautiful!
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THOMAS 10:33AM (6/06/2007)
looking good, but there are no HVAC controls on the saab steering wheel, nor have there ever been.
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Tim 9:29AM (6/06/2007)
When I saw the concept sedan photos I was a little hopeful. Now I see it was just a cheap face lift. Sad. Saab may have been Born from jets but now one must ground their expectations. It looks like the "beautiful" Chrysler Sebring.
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Hamud 9:28AM (6/06/2007)
Indeed, very good looking, the lower front end looks like the one on the Euro Focus.
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ex-g35-owner 9:38AM (6/06/2007)
Saab convertibles have really high belt-lines. Ridiculously high.
The bottom of the door windows are about the same height as your chin. You feel like you are driving around in a hot tub.
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HotRodzNKustoms 10:18AM (6/06/2007)
Nothing is like driving a bathtub after owning and driving a 911 Cab. I personally think Saabs are sharp looking cars, and this is even better. I expect a redesign when GM releases their new front drive platforms.
Adam 10:00AM (6/06/2007)
Sorry, but this car is badly in ineed of a full redesign. from the windsheild back, it looks pretty much idenitcal and the new front end just looks tacked on to me. For me, the lines of the car don't jive with what is going on up front.
It is a pretty sad state for Saab these days. A once inovative an unique brand has withered on the vine under GM's watch. Honestly, how old are the platforms that Saab is using right now? Not trying to be smart, I am honestly curious.
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Dave 10:05AM (6/06/2007)
GM should have let Saab die a natural death instead of keeping Saab on minimal life support for the last 20 years.
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Craig 10:17AM (6/06/2007)
It still looks like a Saab 9-3 Convertible from 10 years ago. There is a difference between keeping your design language and moving forward. But both can be achieved.
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Yago bal 11:22AM (6/06/2007)
It was launched in 2003... that's 4 years ago.
the law 10:41AM (6/06/2007)
I like the forward movement of this Saab is a improvement from previous generations but is not where Saab needs to be to complete in their markets.Although the front looks new a bit aggressive and European, which I like.The side profile is nothing new.Maybe GM will change body styles in 3-4 yrs, when I'm in the market for a new ride.
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gouzizi 10:39AM (6/06/2007)
@Adam
The platform used for the 9-3 is a quite new architecture which is shared with the actual European GM Opel vectra (realized in 2002)
The car can be order with very efficient diesel in Europe and top performs iihs and euroncap crash-test.
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Yago bal 11:16AM (6/06/2007)
Guys:
Remember: the Convertible is the only one which will only have a slight restyle (it even keeps the old doors). The rest of the 9-3 range will have a deeper renovation.
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Jeff 11:20AM (6/06/2007)
I like it.
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Yago bal 11:22AM (6/06/2007)
Saab is developing almost every new technology of the GM group... Turbo engines, E85 engines, plug-in hibrids... (the Volt, yes) so... Don't fall in the mistake of thinking SAAB is about the cars it sells, to GM.
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Jeff 11:21AM (6/06/2007)
Tim (and others): Holy crap, just a facelift?! You're right! I'm completely outraged that this MID CYCLE FACELIFT is just a facelift. /sarcasm
Anyway, there are other improvements besides the awesome grille redesign. The interior, while the same cosmetically, has had some tweaks to reduce squeaks, rattles, and other annoyances. Also, new semi-aniline leather is available for the seats. The car looks awesome, which makes sense, because it's an awesome car. You naysayers have obviously either never driven one or have been brainwashed by the Germans.
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MikeW 11:41AM (6/06/2007)
'Saab convertibles have really high belt-lines. Ridiculously high.'
So they are the Steve Urkel of convertibles.
do you got any cheese?
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I am a driver too 11:46AM (6/06/2007)
Saab was turned from a unique sporty not-so-expensive brand into an embarrassment.
It's interior hasn't hanged for 10+ (feels more like 20+) years. It wasn't exceptionally good to begin with, but after decades of face lifts, instead of desperately need redesigns, it just horrible.
Then Saabaru and Saab Trailblazer models added to the image of the company, an image that all Saab can do is "minor face lifts", not cars.
9.5 - Great car on release. 10 years later (when everyone else went through 3 generation changes) Saab makes a face lift. Front got questionable design decisions (after all, its headlights are awfully large in proportion to the car body). Back became hideous with the cheap shapeless lights that they slapped on it in a hurry of cost savings enhancements.
9.3 Was a unique car. Not for everyone, but it had its fans. Then it was turned into ugly twin of Corrola with a price tag of A4. Now goes Saab's favourite - a face lift. This car didn't look good when it was released, and its mechanics is outdated and doesn't match neither its price tag nor competition. Much cheaper vehicles are better than Saab 9-3 in every possible way.
Wake up GM. If you cannot do anything with Saab just euthanize it, and everyone will thank you.
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Mike 11:47AM (6/06/2007)
DAMN! That's a nice ride. I always likes Saab drop-tops. They are sporty but not "hey look at me" obnoxious like most converts.
"The next-generation convertible that was born from jets"...ha ha, love the cynicism Erin. I cringe every time I see that commercial.
P.S. How's it feel being the only female contributor over there at the sausage-fest we call Autoblog?
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Yago bal 12:18PM (6/06/2007)
From wikipedia:
"The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhattan plant. An auto-directional rear axle, a proprietary electric/electronic system, and the possibility of AWD (to be exploited in 2008) are some of the SAAB exclusive features."
Besides a facelift in it's 4th year being a normal thing, what's the problem with the 9-3's technology? In what way it's mechanics are outdated and which are the cheapeast and better cars you mention?...
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