Saab looking on the bright side
Australian arm launches new models and upgraded engines despite parent company crisisThe future of the company may be extremely uncertain but Saab Australia is pushing ahead as best it can. Parent company General Motors has begun cutting ties with the Swedish brand as attempts to find a buyer continue unsuccessfully.
Saab will be hoping it has better luck finding a buyer for its new range of models, set to be unveiled on Friday at the Melbourne International Motor Show. The company's XWD (cross-wheel drive) system has been installed in the 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi range.
First used in the range-topping Turbo X model last year the XWD system is designed with performance in mind (more here).
As expected the eLSD active rear differential is an optional extra. It is bundled with larger brakes and either 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels. The 18-inch package costs $3510 while the 19-inch XWD Pack is priced at $4550.
The 2.8-litre V6 -- as used by the Turbo X -- has found its way into the 9-3 Aero Sport Sedan and SportCombi. It produces 206kW and 400Nm.
In another boost for the company it will become the only Australian brand to offer its full range of cars with E85 -- an 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol mix -- capable engines. According to Saab, its updated 2.0t BioPower engine will become available in all models by mid-year.
The engine produces 147kW and 300Nm running on E85 an increase of 18kW and 35Nm compared to running on regular unleaded petrol. Not only does E85 produce more power it also reduces CO2 emissions.
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