26.4.2005
Six-cylinder turbo power gives Saab 9-3 Aero class-leading appeal

The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero with the new 2.8V6 Turbo engine is the fastest-accelerating car ever to carry the Saab badge. It represents the culmination of almost 30 years' experience from Saab as acknowledged leaders in the art of turbocharging.

With massive pulling power (350 Nm) spread widely across the engine's speed range, the 250 hp/184 kW 2.8V6 Turbo generates more torque than any other six-cylinder gasoline engine in the Saab 9-3 segment. Maximum torque is generated all the way from 2,000 rpm to 4,500 rpm, with 90 percent of this value available at an exceptionally low 1,500 rpm. The Saab 9-3 Aero 2.8V6 Turbo needs 6.9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (7.9 seconds with the automatic transmission) and has a top speed of 250 km/h (245 km/h with the automatic transmission).

The engine is offered with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The close-ratio manual gearbox includes duel output shafts to reduce transmission vibration, together with a dual mass flywheel this ensures smooth performance.

The 'smart' Asin AW automatic transmission is adaptive to driver usage patterns and prevailing road conditions. It can sense changes in engine performance, engine load, road gradient and altitude, quickly finding the right gear without an irritating 'hunting'.

The Saab Sentronic, a sequential manual gearshift, is also included. When the shift lever is moved across the gate to ‘manual’ Sentronic mode, ‘up’ and ‘down’ changes can be made with full lock-up in 3/4/5 or 6th gears. The option of steering wheel buttons brings gear-shifting right to the fingertips of the driver.