2010 saab 95 | super speed cars  Front Side

To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe’s entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker’s newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn’t exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks – if not bright – at least markedly less dim.

 Saab aficionados with a strong memory will recall that the same exact dashboard design -minus a few minor details- was previewed on last year’s 9-4X prototype. Same goes for the newly designed three-spoke steering wheel which Saab refers to “aircraft-shaped trimmed”.

 Underneath the sheetmetal, the new 9-5 uses the same Epsilon II chassis as the Opel Insignia. Saab of course has not released any details, but it’s no secret that the engine range will be common between the two models. This means that the 9-5 will be offered with 2.0-liter turbocharged four pots and 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 gasoline units as well as with an updated line-up of 4-cylinder direct-injection diesels.

Infotainment choices include a range-topping Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch color touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB for MP3 music files. A large center console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5 mm AUX ports alongside a 12 V power outlet. Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.

2010 Beijing Auto Show will be highlighted by the alternative-energy cars. Saab offers the 2010 model of diesel powered 9-3 Convertibles with 7% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while keeping the performance as good as it was in older models. What the carmaker would like to emphasize is that there is no noticeable loss in performance.

The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible handles as well as anything else out there. Steering and breaks on the Saab 9-3 Convertible's are masterfully engineered to be quick and sure. The standard engine pulls its weight with aplomb, and for those with a thirst for more power, the turbocharged 210-horsepower is deceptively quick.

Saab's new concert quality 300-watt sound system has no equal. Ventilation settings and seat positions can be saved in Saab'ss onboard computer. For those who seek even more performance, check our home page for links to retailers who offer 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible accessories you can order online. The BMW 3 Series interior space is not as large as the 2011 Saab 9-3 and neither is the trunk as cavernous. The new 9-3 is an above average entry-level luxury sports car that will give people cause to think twice about BMW.

There are two different versions of the 2011 Saab 9-3's new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque are produced by the low-pressure turbo base engine coupled with a five-speed manual standard or a five-speed automatic.

The change is due in part to Saab’s ongoing EcoPower Technology development strategy, which concentrates on optimizing efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of its products. The low emission diesel variants with the 150 hp/110 kW, single turbo 1.9-liter engine can generate 145 g/km CO2and fuel consumption of only 5.5 l/100 km over the combined cycle. Cars that have the 180 hp/132 kW, two-stage turbo power results to 144 g/km and 5.4 l/100 km. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h and top speed are largely unchanged. However, fifth gear 80-120 km/h times are raised by less than one second.

The high-pressure Saab 9-3 Convertible turbo engine option produces 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible offers 205 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder coupled to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The new 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible comes as a 4-door, and a convertible, both of which are offered with a choice of three trim levels. The new 2011 "Linear" model comes with full leather seating, fabric door panels and gray trim in addition to a 150-watt stereo, keyless entry, the OnStar system, stability control and 15-inch alloy wheels. The "Arc" versions offers wood veneer and leather with poplar accents, power front seats, automatic climate control, a 300-watt audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels. (2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible facts)

The efficiency gains have been achieved by a series of fine-tuning measures including: the use of wider gear ratios, a longer final drive, idle and low engine speed remapping, and an optimized tire and wheel choice. These variants, which are offered only with manual transmission, are now being built in Trollhättan, Sweden, like all Saabs. In several markets, customers are offered with valuable CO2 tax-related benefits and are being introduced alongside 9-3 Sport Sedan and Sport Combi diesel models, which already feature the improvements.