Saab 9-3 Joins 1999 New Model Line With Host of Changes
5 January 1998
Saab 9-3 Joins 1999 New Model Line With Host of Changes
Enhanced Model Features More Than 1,000 Revisions for 1999
NORCROSS, Ga., Jan. 5 -- Saab launches its 1999 model year
with the new Saab 9-3 five-door, Convertible and three-door Coupe, along with
the new Saab 9-5 premium performance sedan. The Saab 9-3 is the result of
extensive refinement and re-engineering of the popular Saab 900. Lauded for
innovation in design and technology since its 1994 debut, the second-
generation Saab 900 underwent such a significant evolutionary step for 1999
that a new model designation was appropriate. The Saab 9-3 (pronounced "nine
three") provides a subtle freshening of the 900's sporty and distinctive
styling, along with more than 1,000 technical improvements and interior design
changes.
For the new Saab 9-3, chassis engineers have significantly refined the
handling, steering precision and ride comfort of the car. New front seats and
revisions to the instrument panel improve driver ergonomics and emphasize the
interior's cockpit feel, while an upgraded climate system improves the
interior comfort for the occupants.
The already high standard of crashworthiness has been improved further by
the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), and side airbags included as standard
on all Saab 9-3 cars. The lines of the car have been enhanced by a restyled
rear section, a new grille and new bumpers.
Model Designation with Aircraft Origins
The new model designation traces its roots to Saab's aviation heritage in
the same way as the Saab 9-5. When the first Saab car -_ the Saab 92 -_ was
launched towards the end of the 1940s, the model designation was derived from
the number series used for the civilian aircraft that Saab was developing at
that time. The Saab 90 was the twin-engined Scandia passenger aircraft, the
Saab 91 was the Saab Safir trainer and private aircraft, and 92 was the next
model number, allocated to the first automobile produced by Saab.
The Saab 92 was then followed sequentially by new car models up to the
Saab 99, launched in 1968. The Saab 900 and Saab 9000 model designations
marked the beginning of a new series of bigger cars. The number "9" in the
new model designation maintains the Saab nomenclature tradition, while also
reinforcing the family relationship with the Saab 9-5.
All 9-3 Models Are Turbo Powered
All 1999 Saab 9-3 models feature Saab's powerful 2.0L Turbo, one of the
automaker's Ecopower engines. Ecopower technology achieves both high
performance and high fuel economy -_ hallmarks of all Saab turbocharged
engines. Ecopower engines feature four valves per cylinder with center-
located spark plug and direct ignition, intercooled turbocharger, Saab Trionic
electronic engine management, preheated oxygen sensor and a catalytic
converter positioned close to the engine for quick warm-up to optimum
operating temperature. The 32-bit processor of the award-winning Saab Trionic
system helps keep the exhaust emissions exceptionally low.
The 185-hp 2.0L four-cylinder's low-inertia, full-boost turbocharger
ensures an aggressive torque curve and strong acceleration, with boost
pressure monitored by Saab's Automatic Performance Control (APC). Saab
turbochargers, with water-cooled bearings and maintenance-free operation, are
an integrated part of the engine, and are designed to last the life of the
vehicle.
The standard five-speed manual transmission includes a hydraulically
operated clutch for ease of driving and smoother gear shifts. The hydraulic
clutch system helps provide precise shifting action, and is entirely self-
adjusting. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission
with three driver-controlled shift modes -_ sport, normal and winter -_ is
optional.
Saab 9-3 Is Rolling Digital Network
The Saab 9-3 is equipped with a new data bus system that transmits
information between the car's various electronic control units (ECU) by means
of a digital network. The advanced data bus system employs only two cables
connected to all the various control units, rather than each control unit
communicating with the others through separate cables. The information needed
for several different systems to perform correctly, such as information on the
speed of the car, is continuously sent to the network instead of every system
having to gather information from its own dedicated sensor.
The various control units continuously send updated information on the
data bus system. Depending on the type of information, the data is updated at
intervals varying between 10 milliseconds (0.01 second) and 1 second. The
various ECUs that are interconnected in the digital network of the car include
the main instrument unit (MIU), the automatic climate control (ACC) system,
the anti-theft system, the main unit of the audio system, the CD changer, the
memory of the electrically operated driver's seat, the Saab information
display (SID) and the convertible top operating system of the Saab 9-3
Convertible.
Styling Refinements
The Saab 9-3 has a new grille with a wing-shaped center profile. While
strengthening the family tie with the Saab 9-5, the new grille also emphasizes
Saab's origins as an aircraft manufacturer. New color-keyed bumpers, sporty
lower air intakes and a front spoiler with integrated front fog lights and
cornering lamps give the Saab 9-3 a more distinctive and aggressive
appearance. A rear spoiler is standard on all 9-3 five-door and Coupe models.
The tailgate has been redesigned for a smoother, cleaner and more
substantial look from the rear. The rear license plate has been moved up
between the taillights, while the high-level brake light is an LED design,
mounted for superior visibility at the top of the rear window. An integrated
washer nozzle in the high-mounted brake-light housing works with the rear
wiper. The previously concave part of the lower tailgate now follows the
curvature of the top edge for a generally more harmonious styling effect. The
tailgate, now equipped with an opening handle on the outside, extends to
bumper level for easy loading and unloading of the 9-3's cavernous cargo area.
The Saab 9-3 five-door and Coupe can haul 49.8 cubic feet of cargo by
folding down the rear seat. The split-folding rear seat has a pass-through
opening behind the center armrest, or folds down partially or fully. Even the
Saab 9-3 Convertible offers class-leading utility with its fold-down rear seat
and full pass-through to the trunk.
New Front Seats
The front seats of the Saab 9-3 are of a totally new design for improved
seating comfort. The seat is wider and the backrest is more deeply contoured
for improved side support. The front seats are equipped with side airbags and
the Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR) introduced on the Saab 9-5. The side
airbags and SAHR are both standard on all 1999 Saab models.
The new Saab 9-3 seats are tilted slightly towards the rear when the seat
is in its lowest position for more comfortable seating, with ample thigh
support for tall drivers. The manual seat adjustments include height and
stepless fore-and-aft adjustment, assisted by a spring in the seat chassis to
assist the seat's forward movement and restrain it slightly to provide smooth
rearward motion.
The front seats of the three-door Saab 9-3 Coupe are equipped with an
"easy-entry" function to help ease entry and exit for rear-seat occupants.
When the handle for folding the front-seat backrest is lifted and the backrest
is folded forward, the seat slides forward on its mounting rails, assisted by
springs.
The Saab 9-3 five-door and Coupe feature luxury velour upholstery, with
optional leather, while the 9-3 Convertible and 9-3 SE models include leather
upholstery as standard equipment. Two new interior colors are being
introduced on the Saab 9-3 -_ a warm beige and a medium-gray shade.
Previously black, the dashboard and center console are a warm, charcoal gray
color. However, the buttons and controls on the dashboard are still black so
that they stand out from the background, which makes them easier for the
driver to find at a glance.
On cars with automatic transmission, the selector lever is of new,
ergonomically improved design with a leather shift knob (with leather
upholstery), and the gear selection is presented in an instrument panel
display.
New seals between the door and windshield frame, and between the door and
roof, further reduce wind noise.
Upgraded Climate Control System
An upgraded climate control system improves the comfort level in the Saab
9-3's passenger environment. A new high-capacity ventilation fan, together
with an improved air distributor and modified ducts, provide more effective
and more uniform air distribution in the interior. As a result, both heating
and cooling of the interior, particularly in the rear seat area, is quicker.
A larger exhaust air outlet also contributes to an increased rate of
ventilating airflow through the interior. Modifications to the windshield
defroster design provides quicker, more effective clearing of the front
windshield.
The new air conditioning compressor has better performance, particularly
at low speed and when the engine is idling, and compressor engagement takes
place smoothly. The layout of the manual control panel has been modified and
is now similar to that of the Saab 9-5, with more distinct settings of the
temperature control knob and air distribution selector.
The automatic climate control (ACC) system _- standard on the 9-3 SE -_
incorporates entirely new control unit programming to ensure fast response and
short heating and cooling times. The control panel for the ACC system is also
new, with a logical, easy-to-understand display similar to that used in the
Saab 9-5.
Anti-Theft System
The Saab 9-3 is equipped with one of the industry's most sophisticated
anti-theft systems. All locks are virtually impossible to open without using
the correct key. An ingenious system of cylinders and striker plates causes
the lock cylinders to rotate freely if an attempt is made to unlock the door
by using some form of skeleton key, or if a tool is used to break into the
car. The alarm system has a number of electronic and mechanical components,
including a glass-breakage sensor and alarm sensors in the doors, hood and
tailgate, all of which are linked into a common control unit. The alarm
system is activated and de-activated by means of the key or the standard
remote control.
All Saab 9-3 cars are equipped with an electronic immobilizer that
prevents the engine from being started unless the right key is used. When the
key is inserted into the ignition lock, its individual digital code must be
identified before the engine management system can receive clearance to start
the engine. The digital code is changed after every time the key has been
used, and there are more than 4 billion possible code combinations.
Enhanced "Night Panel" Feature
A direct influence of aircraft ergonomics, the Saab 9-3 is equipped with a
"night panel" function in the dashboard. This feature -_ an enhanced version
of the Saab 900's "Black Panel" -_ allows the driver to focus more attention
on the road when traveling at night, achieved by darkening all gauges and
lamps in the main instrument cluster except the speedometer. In addition, the
background lighting intensity of the various illuminated driving controls is
reduced. 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 above the safe limit, if
the fuel level should drop low, or if the engine temperature begins to rise.
The Saab Information Display (SID) of the Saab 9-3 is of the same design
as that of the Saab 9-5 and gives information such as the time, outside
temperature, audio system setting, estimated range on the fuel remaining, and
various other messages to the driver. The Saab Car Computer (SCC), standard
on the 9-3 SE, provides several additional functions.
New Audio System
The new audio system of the Saab 9-3 is available in two versions,
designed to follow Saab's ergonomic philosophy on functionality and ease of
use, including convenient steering-wheel controls. The audio systems include
the customer's choice of an in-dash CD player or cassette player.
The high-quality radio unit has a built-in 4 x 20 watt amplifier, and is
equipped with a program preselection function. The system includes six
speakers in the dashboard and rear parcel shelf. The Saab 9-3 SE includes an
additional 80-watt subwoofer and two extra speakers in the front door panels.
Both systems include a power antenna, and both are pre-wired for a six-disc CD
changer in the luggage compartment.
An extra set of controls for the most frequently used functions _- volume,
audio source (radio or CD), seek and selection of preset stations _- is
provided on the steering wheel, within the driver's immediate reach. The seek
function changes automatically between the radio, CD player and tape player,
depending on which unit is in use.
The audio system has a "smart" volume control which automatically adjusts
the volume setting according to the road speed of the car, thus compensating
for the inevitable increase in ambient noise as the road speed increases. The
degree of compensation depends on the initial volume setting, and the volume
is automatically reduced as the road speed decreases.
To improve theft-resistance, the audio system is electronically matched to
the specific car, so that the entire audio system will not function elsewhere.
Only an authorized Saab workshop can reset the system for a new car, if
necessary. But this must be done while the audio system is still in the
original car, with unit-specific codes.
Saab 9-3 Convertible Features New Top Design & Operation
The popular Saab 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 now operated by hydraulics
instead of the electric motors used in the past, and is quieter and more
reliable. The top latches are secured to the windshield header with a single
centrally located handle.
The height of the rear window has been increased to improve visibility to
the rear. The window is secured in a new way, using special fabric strips
under the top fabric to grip the window and keep it in a more vertical
position for improved rear visibility and an even more attractive appearance
when the top is raised. Fabric "rain channels" along the sides of the top
help keep water from the door openings.
The top lining is now a warm gray fabric, which, together with the larger
rear window, helps make the interior lighter. Already one of the quietest
convertibles around, the Saab further reduces possible noise intrusion with a
thicker insulating layer (6 mm) and new seals between the top and the
windshield header.
Saab Convertibles have always been assembled on a dedicated production
line in Uusikaupunki, Finland. Because they are engineered and factory-built
as true convertibles, Saab 9-3 soft-tops boast an immediate advantage in the
areas of structural integrity and quality.
Note: See summary list of changes below.
The 1999 Saab 9-3 features more than 1,000 new or modified components.
Following are the most significant revisions or additions to the 1999 Saab 9-3
compared to the 1998 Saab 900.
* Improved front suspension, including tuning changes, modified upper
struts mountings and new front struts with longer springs for
increased wheel travel.
* 2.0L Turbo engine standard on all 9-3 models.
* New wheel design: 3-spoke "Delta" alloy 15-inch wheel for base 9-3.
* Restyled front end includes new grille, bumper design, integrated
fog lights, lower air intake, integrated spoiler.
* Front cornering lamps.
* Restyled rear end includes new sheet metal and bumper design, new
taillights, relocated license plate, stainless steel exhaust tip,
new badging.
* LED high-mounted brake light with integrated rear washer nozzle.
* Exterior handle for tailgate, strengthened latch system.
* Improved convertible power top _- now hydraulic with single,
centrally located fastening handle, larger rear window, integrated
rain channel over doors, improved sealing, increased sound
insulation.
* Anti-theft alarm includes tamper-resistant, free-rotating door lock
cylinders, engine immobilization, sensors for doors, hood, glass
breakage (except convertible), and trunk.
* New front seats with Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) System.
* Revisions to side safety cage structure for improved protection.
* Side-impact airbags of the head-thorax type.
* Driver-side left footrest.
* New automatic gear selector, and gear selection display in
instrument panel.
* Improved climate control system featuring higher capacity blower
and air inlet, new defrosting ducts, new AC compressor, new manual
controls and new Automatic Climate Control (ACC) programming and
display.
* Change in interior dashboard and upholstery colors, and upholstery
patterns.
* Variable intermittent wipers.
* Improved information message display/Saab Car Computer.
* Enhanced "Night Panel."
* Rear overhead individual reading lights, new location for light
* switch.
* Revised audio systems, including choice of in-dash CD or cassette
player.
* Steering wheel audio and telephone controls.
* Telephone pre-wiring with "hands-free" operation.
SOURCE Saab Cars USA
