Frankfurt Preview: Saab to unveil "Black Turbo"-inspired Turbo X
by Alex Nunez on Aug 10th 2007 at 8:29AM 
Click image to enlarge
Frankfurt will be the stage upon which Saab reveals the Turbo X, a limited edition 9-3 that will reportedly serve as the debut vehicle for the automaker's new XWD system and celebrate 30 years of turbocharging at Saab. According to Trollhattan Saab, which has been discussing and dissecting the Black Turbo/Turbo X speculation for a while, the car will make 280 horsepower and more importantly, feature eLSD as standard equipment. eLSD will be available on XWD Aero models, but only as an option. This limited slip differential adds the ability to split torque between the rear wheels in addition front/rear split that XWD affords drivers. Look for Turbo X styling to be more aggressive than what you'll see on the other restyled 9-3s, as well as an interior treatment exclusive to this model. Many people have called for an AWD performance Saab, and it's almost here. All will be made known in Frankfurt, and we'll be on hand to tell you about it soon after it goes down.
[Source: Saab]
PRESS RELEASE:
Saab 'Black Turbo' Rebjörn
* Saab unveils the Turbo X
* Celebration of 30 years at the forefront of turbocharging technology
* Saab to replicate classic 'Black Turbo' models, available as a limited edition
Saab will go 'back to the future' at next month's Frankfurt International Motor Show by evoking the iconic appeal of its classic 'Black Turbo' models.
The Swedish premium car maker will celebrate 30 years of leadership in turbocharging by unveiling the Saab Turbo X, a limited edition performance car that inherits the visual appeal of the Saab 99 and 900 'Black Turbos' – while also introducing cutting-edge technology. This ultimate expression of the new 9-3 range will deliver standard-setting levels of performance for the brand.
It was at Frankfurt in 1977 that Saab surprised the automotive world when it revealed its first turbocharged model. It set a performance trend that others were to follow. Now the innovative features of the new Saab 'Black Turbo' are also expected to attract widespread imitation.
Further details of the Saab Turbo X will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg "2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TigerMil 8:43AM (8/10/2007)
I want the one in the background!!
Seriously, only 280hp? Already got that in a slightly modified 2.0T in a 1987 900T.
Saab needs 350+ hp to play in this game.
Reply
d 10:22AM (8/10/2007)
Power isnt everything. Sure, it helps. But I would take a tight and true chassis over a 10 foot limp noodle any day.
I just hope the Turbo X isnt a limp noodle.
zamafir 11:04AM (8/10/2007)
actually, given ever increasing safety standards, and ever decreasing amounts of R&D capital at GM, power would be everything for a car like this. Let us not pretend Saab is Lotus. Hell or BMW or Audi.
Don 3:59PM (8/10/2007)
First Saab I've been semi-excited about in years.
jron 10:27AM (8/10/2007)
it better be a 2 door hatch.
Reply
Chet 11:31AM (8/10/2007)
How can 280hp not be enough?
It's not like there's another offbeat ugly-beautiful AWD car out there with 300+hp (*cough*STi*cough*).
Reply
Cortez 11:33AM (8/10/2007)
No TigerMil
You can have 300+hp but if you havent got traction and grip and superb handling its crap
Reply
mk 12:09PM (8/10/2007)
I am not going to actively trade my 300hp-tuned AWD manual transmission Subaru Legacy GT for one of these.
But if I were shopping, I would certainly consider it.
three door would be cool. I like the new front end. the back end isn't as striking. If the AWD is good, the turbo engine reliable, as well as high performance, and a manual transmission option, i would consider it.
Precious few value-priced AWD sport sedans exist.
Reply
Esprit bird 11:51AM (8/10/2007)
i bet with 280 HP it can atleast take the Mustang.
Reply
Turbofrog 1:25PM (8/12/2007)
With more weight, less power and torque, and a dubious AWD system? I don't see it happening.
Dan 6:38PM (8/20/2007)
I saw this car... Was part of Saab meeting in Sweden, and while the car looks just like a 9.3 with the new front and rear, the fact it will have 300 hp and in AWD, WILL make this car HOT.
Don't discredit or knock-it, as you might be surprised... That's a lot of power, from a silky smooth, high rev, turbo charged V6, and WITHOUT the Saab torque-steer.
Reply