Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Saab, Special/Limited Editions
LA 2008: Saab 25th Anniversary 9-3 Cabrio
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Saab 9-3 Cabrio 25th Anniversary Edition
A couple of days ago we told you about this special edition 25th Anniversary Saab 9-3 Cabrio. It's a sure sign that there's not much happening when automakers launch these specials in lieu of any real new models. Saab is guilty of this right now. This is the second limited edition of the 9-3 convertible alone this year. At least this one isn't as colorful as the Yellow edition that came out this summer. This latest special edition 9-3 Convertible is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the very first Saab convertible. Believe it or not that was way back in 1983.
To celebrate the model, this special edition takes some cues from the Turbo X, like the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with special piping. Also, like the Aero, it sports dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite gray bumper insert out back. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard and you can choose Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne (above) for the exterior. The standard Saab 2.0L turbo with 210 hp is the only engine. All of that for "just" $46,725. Oh, and those big BioPower stickers on the sides? It apparently can run on E85.
Live photos copyright ©2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
American debut at Los Angeles auto show
Saab Celebrates 25 years of Convertibles with Special Edition
DETROIT – The first ever Saab Convertible made its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall of 1983. Now, 25 years later, a Special Edition makes its American debut at the Los Angeles International auto show which opens to the public on November 22. This new version of the Saab 9-3 Convertible will be showcased in a unique bright champagne metallic color.
Saab surprised the automotive world when it pioneered the concept of a 'four season, four-seat' soft top Convertible. Designed to be practical and stylish, the Scandinavian-styled convertible changed the perception of open top vehicles to be used all the year round.
"Saab has sold more than a quarter of a million convertibles worldwide and this latest edition highlights the timeless design and responsible performance that Saab convertibles have always represented," said Steve Shannon, executive director, marketing and product, Saab Automobile USA.
The special edition Saab Convertible will be available in three metallic colors to include Jet Black, Carbon Grey and the new Bright Champagne. It will feature Saab's signature 2.0-liter, 210 hp four cylinder engine and can be matched to six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
Special content includes influences from the Turbo X performance model, such as the design of the front bumper and steering wheel plus carbon fiber interior finishes and black floor mats with grey binding. Like the Aero version, the rear shows dual exhaust pipes and an anthracite grey bumper insert. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels will be standard.
Expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in January 2009, the Saab 9-3 2.0T Special Edition Convertible will be priced starting at $ 46,725 including destination charges.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For the 2009 model year, Saab offers 7 different models that deliver 27 mpg or better according to EPA Highway fuel economy standards. In addition to 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty, including roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, every new Saab comes with 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance plus standard Onstar and XM Satellite radio. Visit www.saabusa.com for more information.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Justin 6:09PM (11/20/2008)
Ugly. Ass. Color.
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Torrent 6:28PM (11/20/2008)
The color reminds me of this beautiful woman's eyeshadow:
http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/5/55/Oh_hai_guise_girlfriend_model_my_car_macro.jpg
Justin 8:54PM (11/20/2008)
Ugh. I just threw up. But thank you for supporting my earlier statement.
Torrent 11:49PM (11/20/2008)
lmao!!
Max 6:22PM (11/20/2008)
Does the 25 refer to how many years the car has been on the same platform?
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Yago Bal 3:07AM (11/21/2008)
Is 5 years a lot? Or just a Saab clich? :)
Torrent 6:24PM (11/20/2008)
Maybe next decade, we'll get a car someone wants. On a new platform.
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Arturo 6:36PM (11/20/2008)
Saab is one of the rarest cars there is. I have seen more Ferraris, and Lamborghinis than saabs. either that or not that many people buy them. sarcasm!!!
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Mobius_1 6:50PM (11/20/2008)
I actually think this looks quite decent, pretty cool and that grille is aggressive and the lines are cohesive and strong.
Or should I be getting an eye checkup, like someone suggested?
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ed 6:53PM (11/20/2008)
Ok I still like Saab, infact they look way better now than ever, but they keep saying they are born from jets...yet they use inline 4 instead of flat engines like subaru, porsche and yes jets.
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Jesse 7:46PM (11/20/2008)
How many shades of lipstick is Saab going to invent for this old pig? They used to be so popular here in FL, but the residuals are so bad that an A4 Cabrio or C70 leases look like bargains.
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Level 5 8:42AM (11/21/2008)
For $46k, just gimme a Vette and I'll hypermile it. E85 be damned.
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