Saab readies 300bhp 9-3 for S4 attack
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Saab readies 300bhp 9-3 for S4 attack
Saab readies 300bhp 9-3 for S4 attack
Saab plans to muscle into the high-performance saloon market with an all-wheel-drive 300bhp version of the 9-3 that will gun for the Audi S4. The company has been testing its own four-wheel-drive system for the past two years, and insiders say the car should be ready by 2007.
Power is likely to come from a version of next year’s new V6 engine, tuned from the standard 250bhp to 300bhp. Saab is likely to share technology from partners within the GM empire, and the forthcoming Vectra VXR is the most obvious candidate.
Torquesteer has plagued high-power Saabs in recent years, as power levels stretched the limits of front-wheel-drive chassis. The worst moment came with the 9-3 Viggen (right) in 1999, which comprehensively failed to put down its 225bhp with any degree of composure. Saab has throttled back on high-power front-drivers in recent years; the most powerful 9-3 now on sale is the 210bhp 2.0 turbo Aero.
Saab plans to muscle into the high-performance saloon market with an all-wheel-drive 300bhp version of the 9-3 that will gun for the Audi S4. The company has been testing its own four-wheel-drive system for the past two years, and insiders say the car should be ready by 2007.
Power is likely to come from a version of next year’s new V6 engine, tuned from the standard 250bhp to 300bhp. Saab is likely to share technology from partners within the GM empire, and the forthcoming Vectra VXR is the most obvious candidate.
Torquesteer has plagued high-power Saabs in recent years, as power levels stretched the limits of front-wheel-drive chassis. The worst moment came with the 9-3 Viggen (right) in 1999, which comprehensively failed to put down its 225bhp with any degree of composure. Saab has throttled back on high-power front-drivers in recent years; the most powerful 9-3 now on sale is the 210bhp 2.0 turbo Aero.
possible G6 in that list of sharing? So much for that Mazda6....
Back to the article... this should make the 9-3 a very awesome car! Anyone wana take a guess as to what V6? I assume the HF V6's, probably the 2.8.
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S4 comes with 344HP and a nice V8. It also weighs a lot.
I think SAAB will need 320 HP if they wish to compete in terms of power. As a neat halo car, though, it sounds good. Let's just hope it is not priced outrageously, like their 9-3 vert.
I think SAAB will need 320 HP if they wish to compete in terms of power. As a neat halo car, though, it sounds good. Let's just hope it is not priced outrageously, like their 9-3 vert.
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Sounds great! 
I've been wanting SAAB to come out with something more powerful than their current list of cars. I think the 9-3 has a somewhat aggressive look that was always wasted on an a fwd four cylinder. Now SAAB is stepping up and this can really only be good for them. Now imagine a TT version
I've been wanting SAAB to come out with something more powerful than their current list of cars. I think the 9-3 has a somewhat aggressive look that was always wasted on an a fwd four cylinder. Now SAAB is stepping up and this can really only be good for them. Now imagine a TT version
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