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For Release: July 1, 2003 ALL-NEW CONVERTIBLE MODEL JOINS SAAB 9-3 MODEL LINEUP Hot on the heels of introducing its 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab introduces a convertible companion for 2004. "The all-new 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible is poised to reaffirm Saab as a market leader in the art of building open cars with rugged four-season, four-seater practicality," Saab Automobile President and CEO Peter Augustsson said. More than a convertible "Our engineers took the chassis dynamics of the new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan - widely acclaimed, I might add - to produce a convertible that delivers high levels of quality and driving dynamics. By combining its sporty and practical characteristics, the 9-3 Convertible symbolizes the core appeal of the Saab brand," said Augustsson. Saab engineers developed the architecture for the 9-3 Convertible and Sport Sedan concurrently, enabling them to incorporate their demanding requirements for an open-top car from the very start. The result is a premium convertible with a level of structural integrity, build quality and running refinement that positions it at the top of its class. The new 9-3 Convertible includes a supplementary "ring of steel" reinforcement linking the front, rear and side structures. This helps to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity due to the absence of a roof. The supplementary ring of steel also improves ride refinement, handling and crash-impact resistance - the latter benefiting from a series of new structural and occupant protection measures. Safety features for front seats include new seatbelts integrated into the seat frames, adaptive dual front air bags, two-stage side-impact air bags designed to offer protection for both the torso and the head, and second-generation Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR). Pioneered by Saab, these innovative restraints help prevent neck injury for front-seat occupants during rear-end impacts. Integrated into the seat backs, this safety system is improved for even quicker responsive action. Although rollovers are comparatively rare events, the consequences are quite serious and Saab has installed an active protection system in the new 9-3 Convertible. Its DynaCage concept combines pop-up rear roll bars, front seatbelt pre-tensioning and substantial reinforcement of the A-pillars to help provide an integrated protection system. The one-touch soft-top operation requires no manual involvement beyond pressing a button. The roof is hydraulically powered, with automatic self-latching to the header rail, and deploys fully in just 20 seconds while the engine is running. This is partly achieved by the Convertible's tonneau, which has a unique two-step cycle. It rises to a full horizontal position, then moves rearward, parallel to the top of the trunk. Raising the soft top of the Saab 9-3 Convertible automatically increases trunk capacity. The CargoSET (Self-Expanding Trunk) directly links the soft-top's rearmost hinge mechanism to the flexible, "accordion" storage well in the trunk. When the roof is in position, the well is fully retracted, releasing useful storage space. Setting new standards Both models are dedicated to delivering a unique, fun-to-drive experience that promises to set new standards for the class. "Our 9-3 models are designed to appeal to young, premium-car buyers who place a priority on a rewarding driving experience, but who also want to express their individuality through choosing a distinctive, less commonplace brand," said Augustsson. Dynamic styling The 9-3 Sport Sedan is available with a choice of two 2.0L all-aluminum turbocharged engines, ranging in power from 175 to 210 horsepower (131 to 157 kw). The 9-3 Convertible, meanwhile, is equipped exclusively with the 210-horsepower (157-kw) engine. The front-wheel-drive transmissions include five- and six-speed manual gearboxes and a five-speed automatic with Saab Sentronic manual selection and the option of steering-wheel shift controls. Driver involvement The kinetics of the rear suspension are tuned for a unique rear-wheel-steer response to attain optimum handling and stability. The four-link independent rear suspension with high lateral stiffness adds stability and grip; longitudinal compliance enhances ride comfort. The front suspension system of both 9-3 models features MacPherson struts with lower A-arms mounted on a hydroformed, rubber-isolated sub-frame. A cadre of safety and handling systems achieves optimal vehicle control: ESP (electronic stability program), ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), CBC (cornering brake control), MBA (mechanical brake assist) and TCS (traction control system). All are standard. High-performance Aero The lowered sport chassis and twin five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 17-inch performance tires provide an athletic stance that's further accentuated by a body kit that is unique to the 9-3 lineup and features front and rear spoilers. Metal-finish trim on center console and doors, a tire-pressure monitor and sport leather seats complete the Aero model. Driver adaptability Built around the driver The instrument panel arcs around the driver, with a logical layout and a highly tactile feel to the controls. The steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach, and green instrument illumination and the Night Panel function contribute to safe night driving. The Saab Information Display (SID) is located on top of the fascia near the base of the windscreen, close to the driver's natural field of vision. The screen shows radio settings and driver information. Dozens of different crash configurations were carried out during development, utilizing Saab's database of more than 6,000 real-life road accidents. Tests include truck-to-car side impacts, car-to-car frontal impacts with a closing speed of 74 mph and replica moose impacts. In addition, OnStar is available across the entire Saab 9-3 model lineup. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the U.S. and Canada. Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor (U.S. only) gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays. # # # Contact: GM of Canada Communications GM de Mexico Communications |
