Saab 9-3 Convertible

Tags: Saab 9-3 Saab 9-3 Convertible Los Angeles Auto Show 2006 new models

Saab is celebrating two decades of Convertible sales success by introducing an eye-catching anniversary model, the Saab 9-3 Convertible 20 Years Edition.

The concept of a practical, all-year-round, 'four season, four-seater' soft top was pioneered by Saab when sales of the first Saab 900 Convertible began exactly 20 years ago, in January 1986. A limited production run of 400 units for the US market with 175 bhp, 2.0-liter turbo engines was an immediate success and the following year the Saab Convertible was taken into full global production.

Now, more than 240,000 cars later, the Saab 9-3 20 Years Edition Convertible is unveiled as the latest expression of an iconic product that combines sporty design with surprising functionality, the core appeal of the Saab brand.

On sale next month (Feb 2006) in Vector or Aero specification and distinguished by a unique 'Electric Blue' metallic paint finish, the 20 Years Edition is offered with a full powertrain choice, including a newly-introduced 150 bhp 1.9 TID and 150, 175, 210 or 230 bhp gasoline engines. The top-of-the-line 250 bhp, 2.8V6 turbo engine, with a lowered sports-tuned chassis, remains unique to Aero variants. The 20 Years Edition includes the following features:

· Tonneau cover, door trims and door handles color-keyed in Electric Blue
· Unique 'double five-spoke', 17-inch alloy wheels
· Parchment leather sports interior with electric blue upholstery trim lines
· Color-keyed rear trunk lid lip spoiler (standard for Aero, optional for Vector)

It also offers all the fun-to-drive qualities of the widely-acclaimed 9-3 Sport Sedan chassis; a fast-acting, fully automatic hood with space-saving flexible trunk storage; pop-up rear roll bars and a five-star EuroNCAP

crash safety rating.

Other Saab Convertible design features include:

· Front seats with integrated seat-belts for ease of use/ convenient rear seat access
· An airy cabin ambience with light parchment-colored interior headlining
· Profiler instrument/function customization by personal preference
· Saab ComSense functionality to minimize potential driver distraction
· Bluetooth wireless communication with driver's head set
· Soft-top lowering by remote control (optional)
· 'Intelligent' air conditioning control with heat settings when soft-top is down
· Saab ReAxs passive rear wheel steer characteristic for optimum handling
· Active front head restraints to help prevent neck injury in rear-end collisions.
· DynaCage rollover protection system with pop-up rear roll bars, strengthened A-pillars, sills and automatic seat-belt pre-tensioning

Standard electronic chassis systems include Saab-tuned stability control; EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and TCS (Traction Control System).