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paragraph;mso-table-anchor-horizontal:column;mso-table-left:left;mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in'> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:1;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes'> <td width=1 style='width:.75pt;background:black;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-element:frame;mso-element-frame-hspace:2.25pt; mso-element-wrap:around;mso-element-anchor-vertical:paragraph;mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column;mso-height-rule:exactly'><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td width=573 style='width:429.75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'> <table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=573 style='width:429.75pt;mso-cellspacing:0in;mso-yfti-tbllook:1184;mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in'> <tr style='mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes'> <td width=573 style='width:429.75pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-element:frame;mso-element-frame-hspace:2.25pt; mso-element-wrap:around;mso-element-anchor-vertical:paragraph;mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column;mso-height-rule:exactly'><a name=logo></a><a href="http://saabusa.01o.com/ajtk/servlet/JJ?H=thnyn&amp;R=492142116"><span style='mso-bookmark:logo'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:black;text-decoration:none;text-underline:none'><img border=0 width=58 height=59 id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://mnsaabclub.org/NewsLetter/Images/logo.gif" alt="SAAB home page"></span></span></a><span style='font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>BORN FROM JETS</span><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td> </tr> </table> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <span style='font-size:36.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'><img border=0 width=150 height=87 id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://mnsaabclub.org/images/MNSaabClub.jpg"></span><span style='font-size:36.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:lime'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <span style='font-size:36.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'>Minnesota SAAB Club Newsletter</span><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <span style='font-size:36.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'>September, 2007</span><span style='mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Hey, gang!&nbsp; Well, the National SAAB Owners Convention is over, but what a blast it was!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A big thanks to everyone who helped make it happen including The Great Lakes SAAB Club, SAAB, GM, The sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and everybody else--you know who you are!&nbsp; There were all the great cars, people, and events&nbsp;that are always at the SOC, but this year was even more special as it was SAABs 60th anniversary, and those in attendance had the opportunity to see several of the GM warehouses containing concept cars, automotive firsts, and beautifully restored and original cars of interest from GM's past (including SAAB).&nbsp; Still want to go to a national convention?&nbsp; Well, you sure can.&nbsp; You can&nbsp;attend SOC 2008 in Massachusetts, you can attend SOC 2009 in Colorado, or you can attend both!&nbsp; </span><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>This month we will be swapping SAAB stories, talking about the convention, and viewing photos of the SOC 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read on to learn the latest in the SAAB world, including reviews from <em class="style1"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The Boston Globe, The Car Connection, </span></em>and<em class="style1"><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> Straight.com </span></em>on the great new vehicles coming down the pipline from SAAB!&nbsp; </span><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><strong class="style2"><u> <span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Check out Ryan Emge's ongoing wonderful work on SOC 2007, and SAAB history at</span></u></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:blue'> <a href="http://www.saabhistory.com"><span style='font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"'>http://www.saabhistory.com</span></a></span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '>&nbsp;!&nbsp; </span><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:blue'><a href="http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2007/08/26/these_saabs_really_get_a_grip/">http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2007/08/26/these_saabs_really_get_a_grip/</a></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> <br> </span><u> <span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>These Saabs Really Get a Grip  The Boston Globe</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span></u> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>First all-wheel-drive cars offer sharp performance</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>By Royal Ford -- August 26, 2007</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>STORA HOLM, Sweden -- The Saab was sideways, front wheels pointed right, as it slid left through a sharp and wet-gravel corner on a test track here. Sideways, but perfectly stable.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>I'm capable of sliding a car sideways in a controlled drift through a corner -- after all, I learned to drive on New Hampshire's frozen lakes. But it takes a balance of delicate gas control and tender steering to do so. In this case, I was not doing any work. I put pedal to the metal, counter-steered, and let the car do what it was going to do -- get sideways on its own, but go no farther.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>That's significant, especially for New England drivers, because Saab is finally bringing all-wheel-drive to its cars. It seems odd that the company trails other manufacturers in spreading all-wheel-drive throughout its lineup, considering that Saab built a reputation in the United States on the winter capabilities of its front-wheel-drive systems. Back in the day, Saabs were among the best-performing in slush, sleet, and snow.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Now, the company's new 9-3 series introduces the fourth generation of a Haldex four-wheel-drive system. Initially, this so-called XWD system will be exclusive to 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi (wagon) models. In those models, it is being offered with a 280-horsepower, 2.8-liter, V-6, turbocharged engine, and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Saab is selling the XWD system not just as a good weather-beater, but also as a high-performance tool for driving enthusiasts. Using four wheels to power the car and act as receptors to electronic controls that prevent skids and slips is better than two wheels any day.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>And on a multifaceted test track in Sweden, our test car showed a remarkable adaptability, the likes of which I've only encountered recently in the new Porsche Cayenne SUV on a test track in Texas.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>We went from gravel to hard turns on rough pavement, and negotiated a tight slalom of cones without knocking any over. From there, we moved on to sharp bends on a dry racetrack. All was seamless. Then there was the simulated &quot;ice&quot; track -- mirror-smooth concrete kept wet by a constant spray of water, along with a course to negotiate. There also was an &quot;emergency lane change&quot; through a set of cones meant to simulate danger at highway speeds.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>In several instances, I could feel the car try to break away. But, right away, I could sense the booming &quot;voice&quot; of the electronic controls and Haldex system saying, &quot;Oh, no, you don't!&quot;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height: 150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The XWD system is fully automatic and does such things as send power to the rear wheels as soon as it senses an aggressive takeoff. Voila, the torque steer that is common to front-wheel-drive cars is suddenly gone.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The electronics serve to monitor a driver's input, the car's attitude, and driving conditions, distributing torque front-to-rear as needed. They also can send it corner to opposite corner. The variable torque transfer of an active rear limited-slip differential allows the power swap between rear wheels. In this case, the limited slip uses wet, multiplate clutch units. The &quot;grip&quot; between the plates can change and thus allow rotational difference between the two shafts of the rear axle.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Throttle and braking input, via electronic monitors, also act to control the car by reaching out to troubled wheels.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>On the highway, when traction and grip is not an issue, only between 5 and 10 percent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels. That provides the heavier tactile sense of front-wheel-drive and saves on fuel. Transfer to the rear occurs only as needed.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The XWD models could go on sale late this year, or by spring at the latest. While the XWD system is featured on just a couple of models for now, you can be sure that no car company would develop something this sophisticated without the intent of spreading it through its lineup. And remember, General Motors Corp. owns Saab, so there may be hope for some US versions of this system as well.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>None of us will ever be Erik Carlsson, but should we accidentally find ourselves in one of the precarious positions into which he often put himself intentionally while racing, this car will do for us what he so often did for himself -- calmly fix it.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '>FYI, The Car Connection is one of the longest standing automotive websites in the business, and its founder and publisher Paul Eisenstein is a fixture in the American automotive media.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span><u> <span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>2008 Saab 9-3 Road Test  The Car Connection</span><span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height: 150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span></u> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'><br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>By Paul Eisenstein  September 3, 2008</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>I broke with with tradition, this year. &nbsp;I normally wrap up the summer season with a day down at the big regional amusement park, noshing corn dogs and riding the rollercoasters. Instead, I spent a couple days with the Saab 9-3, and while they didn't have any junk food in hand, I certainly got in one wild ride - much to the new car's credit.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>I admit being a bit of a Saab fan, ever since the days of the old two-stroke engines and five-door designs. Sadly, in recent years, the Swedish automaker lost a bit of its image and identity, walking away from its classic hatchback styling in favor of more conventional <u>sedan</u> shapes. Rather than lament the loss, the real question is whether the latest 9-3 is infused with that special &quot;Saab-ness,&quot; if you will, a distinctive ride and feel that justifies its existence in a market full of solid, sporty import alternatives - from the BMW 3-Series to the Lexus IS. &nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>To a large degree, the answer is, &quot;yes.&quot; The '08 update delivers 2,157 changes, by Saab's count, including a new shape strongly influenced by the popular Aero X concept vehicle. The car is decidedly more distinctive looking. But more significant is the ride. Gone is the turbo lag and torque steer of prior-generation Saabs; the 9-3 now does a credible job of arguing in favor of front-drive, even in the performance luxury segment.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>(But for those not ready to swallow that argument, stand by. A new all-wheel-drive system is in the works, and we'll get to that in a moment.)</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The Aero X was a real show-stopper, when it made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, in early 2006. The design came as close as possible to justifying Saab's advertising tagline, &quot;Born From Jets.&quot; With the 2008 9-3, Saab has incorporated some of the most striking, but realistic details from the show car, starting with a bolder, trapezoid, three-hole grille, a wider face, and browed headlamps that wrap into the fenders and flow into the gracefully sculpted grille. </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '><br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The Aero edition, meanwhile, gets a unique front spoiler and bumpers, as well as its own rear bumper with integrated dual exhaust. The bodywork is entirely new, on all models, from the A-pillar forward. And there are new flared side sills, as well.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The cabin, however, is largely unchanged for '08, as Saab chose to hold the redesign that emerged on 2007 models. In traditional Saab style, the emphasis is on function, with a rather vertical and slab-like instrument panel that positions all knobs and other controls within quick reach. Last year's revision resulted in a cleaner look and newer materials that are both easier on the eye and friendly to the touch.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The handbrake in the Aero we first tested was notably a bit out of alignment, but inside and out, with only a few exceptions, the new 9-3 boasts a more precise feel, with fit-and-finish levels that are finally world-class.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Credit goes to General Motors for that. The 9-3 borrows one of GM's world &quot;architectures,&quot; engineer-speak for its chassis. And that has permitted the Swedish automaker to get a better grip on its manufacturing system.</span><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>On the downside, it can be challenging to take a platform shared by everyone from Opel to Chevy to Saturn and make it distinctly Saab. Yet our time behind the wheel would suggest that Saab has admirably succeeded.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>We headed out, on a late summer morning, from downtown Washington, D.C., heading for the Virginia countryside. Our route took us /through ancient farmland where the roads hadn't evolved much in 300 years. Our 9-3, however, was more than up to the task, slicing through the tightest of corners, and holding solidly to the road as we charged into a series of slingshot corners and daredevil hills that would have been right at home at the Cedar Point amusement park. Steering proved precise, with no need to correct, and a well-balanced level of boost, plenty in parking situations, but unobtrusive on the highway.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height: 150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>We were especially impressed by the new Sport Mode feature - activated by a button on the dashboard. When activated, it will hold the current gear longer, even if you briefly lift off the throttle. That provides an additional measure of cornering stability, along with more effective engine braking, and good acceleration when you step down again. The system also downshifts more quickly when you're braking, again adding more engine braking to your maneuvers.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The Aero features McPherson struts up front, with gas shocks anti-roll bars and a stiff, hydroformed subchassis. In back, it's an independent four-link design with Saab's Re-Axs rear-wheel steering system. It kicks in just enough to help hold a set in sharp corners without being as intrusive as other four-wheel-steer systems we've driven.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>It's become conventional wisdom that European-style sport sedans (and coupes and wagons) should be rear-wheel drive. With the latest tweaks to the 9-3's steering and suspension, it's hard to argue that point with any conviction.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>We are, meanwhile, anxiously waiting the formal launch, in calendar-year 2008, of the Swedish automaker's new Cross-Wheel Drive , or XWD, which will be available on the entire 9-3 lineup for somewhere, it's being hinted, under $2000. The system, it appears, will provide a little more sport feel than most of the all-wheel-drive packages now on the market and, notably, Saab will now take the lead in developing all-wheel drive for all of GM's front-drive, transverse-engine products.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>With XWD, Saab's release claims, &quot;the Sport Sedan (will have a) projected 0-to-62 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds and 50 mph to 75 mph (fifth gear) in 7.9 seconds.&quot;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>With XWD, the 9-3 will initially offer a 280-horsepower version of its turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6. In front-drive trim, the engine makes 255 hp, or five more than the '07 edition. Saab is also offering the 9-3 with a fuel-sipping 2.0-liter turbo four, the 2.0T, that makes a more-than-acceptable 210 hp and gets a combined 28 mpg.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>There's a six-speed stick available for all models, while the 2.0T can be paired with a five-speed automatic. The 2.8T has an optional six-speed &quot;manumatic,&quot; an automatic with manual shift capability.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>For 2008, Saab adds a number of desirable new standard features, including XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, a new tire pressure monitoring system, rain-sensing wipers and a new &quot;Quiet Tuning&quot; noise package. The latter does a reasonably good job. The 2008 is notably more quiet than before, though nowhere near the tomb-like silence of a Lexus.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Maintenance, meanwhile, is now free for three years or 36,000 miles, a smart move considering Saab's struggle to gain recognition in a crowded market. For those who opt for the sportier Aero package, Saab also kicks in a two-day driving course at the challenging Road Atlanta race track.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>In terms of safety, Saab offers the segment-standard front, side and roof-mounted airbags, a body-and-frame structure designed to deflect crash loads away from the passenger compartment, <u>active head restraints</u>, and the usual assortment of electronic brake and chassis controls, such as anti-lock braking and stability control.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>Saab has had some serious trouble gaining real traction in today's crowded market. That's not surprising, perhaps, considering its limited lineup and past quality problems. The new 9-3 won't be able to overcome Saab's image problems on its own, but those who take the time to check the new model out, whether in sedan or SportCombi wagon trim, could be pleasantly surprised.</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height: 150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>&nbsp;</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> <br> </span> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";'>The 2008 Saab 9-3 is nimble, attractive and just plain fun to drive. Interesting perspective... <br> </span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'> <a href="http://www.straight.com/article-105729/the-general-orders-saab-to-turbocharge">http://www.straight.com/article-105729/the-general-orders-saab-to-turbocharge</a></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; '> </span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'><u> <span style='font-size:13.5pt;line-height: 150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>The General Orders Saab to Turbocharge  Straight.Com</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'> </span></u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>By Ted Laturnus  August 16, 2007</span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:blue'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>Hard-core aficionados were aghast. It was the early 1990s, and General Motors had just bought half of Saab. One of the more interesting vehicles on the market, they argued, would be mainstreamed and neutered by the world s largest car manufacturer. The Swedish manufacturer would become just another Oldsmobile, indistinguishable from its stablemates and just as unexciting as the rest of GM s lineup. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>Despite their fears, however, Saab has benefitted from its relationship with the General. True, it may not be quite as idiosyncratic as before, but pre GM Saabs weren t that great on quality control and reliability. I can remember driving a 1990 900 Turbo SPG that I absolutely loved but that literally had parts falling off it. And it leaked like a sieve in the rain. Also, Saab was losing big money at the time of the merger, and it s debatable whether or not it would have survived without GM s intervention. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>A good example of the new, improved Saab is the 9-3 series, which comes as a sedan, convertible, or station wagon. I recently spent time with the wagon, which is available with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. Both are turbocharged, and my test car, the 9-3 SportCombi, is powered by a two-litre four-cylinder that develops 210 horsepower. The V6 version is much the same but is tagged as the Aero. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>In just about every respect, the SportCombi is still very much a Saab. It has the ignition key on the floor, those excellent aircraft-style flow-through heat/air-conditioning vents, topnotch instrumentation, and arguably the most comfortable front bucket seats in the industry. Although they weren t the best-built cars on the road, the non GM models were always entertaining to drive and that hasn t changed. I looked forward to sliding behind the wheel of this car every chance I got, and were I in the market for a station wagon, it would be on my shortlist just for its comfort factor. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>You can choose from either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission with the 9-3 SportCombi; my tester had the former, and as far as I m concerned, it added to the car s overall appeal. Gears are nicely spaced, linkage has just the right amount of feel, the clutch is smooth and linear. It may be a station wagon, but the 9-3 SportCombi has the heart of a sports car. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>All is not perfection, however. Back-seat legroom is severely compromised if anyone even remotely tall sits up front. Push the front buckets back to the full extent of their travel, and there s only room for munchkins in the rear. I also grew to dislike the hand-brake design on the 9-3. Aircraft-style, it folds down into a kind of grab-handle arrangement, and if you don t pay attention, it s amazingly easy to pinch your fingers annoying. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>On the other hand, storage room is more than decent; with the rear seats folded down, you ll find 2,047 litres of space back there, accessed by a huge one-piece tailgate that unlocks remotely. By way of comparison, Subaru s Legacy wagon offers 1,874 litres, and the Audi A4 Avant, 1,672 litres. Saab seems to have decided that carrying cargo is more important than accommodating large people in the back seat. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='line-height:150%'> <span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";'>But I would still put up with that because, in my eyes, the 9-3 SportCombi has drivability, that elusive and very desirable quality, in abundance. The turbo