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Saab 9-3 Convertible
If you wish to open up and indulge your more passionate desires, we
offer the Saab 9-3 Convertible. Its turbocharged, top-down appeal is
destined to heighten your senses and deliver a fresh new perspective
of the world outside. And whether you select the well-equipped SE model
or the high-performance Viggen, both now include the OnStar and No-Charge
scheduled maintenance* to appeal to your more rational side, too.
Either way, the sparkling freshness of springtime and the tantalizing
chill of a cool autumn night are sure to take on a whole new meaning
and redefine your relationship with the road. But we hope it won't take
you long to select the 9-3 Convertible best-suited for you. After
all, a new and exciting world is awaiting your arrival.
* This program covers all factory-recommended scheduled maintenance
(excluding wear and tear items) for the above period, as outlined in
the Warranties and Service Record Booklet. This program is associated
with this particular vehicle, regardless of owner. This program is not
transferable to another vehicle.
This program is available for additional charge of $750 for base 9-3
3-door and 5-door models. The Saab No Charge Scheduled Maintenance Program
may be terminated for future Saab vehicles at any time without notice.
Saab 9-3 Viggen
The Saab 9-3 Viggen offers the essence of driving a Saab. In this section,
you can explore the Saab 9-3 Viggen's unique blend of high performance,
enhanced control and safety, and distinct aircraft-inspired design.
You can also explore the 9-3 Viggen's specifications and find detailed
information about the car's various equipment levels and options and
accessories. Not only do get a totally unique, high performance Saab,
but enrollment in the exclusive Viggen Flight Academy is included in
the base price.
Saab 9-3 Viggen - Performance
Like Sweden's Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter, the Saab 9-3 Viggen takes
performance to a whole new level. Indeed, we think the name "Viggen,"
which means "thunderbolt" in Swedish, is no exaggeration.
Of all the Saab models, the Saab 9-3 Viggen was specially designed to
provide the ultimate in high performance.
In developing the 9-3 Viggen, we paid special attention to refining
the drivetrain. The Saab 9-3 Viggen features an all new 4-cylinder,
2.3 liter high output turbo engine that delivers an impressive 230 hp
at 5,500 rpm.
The 9-3 Viggen's engine features a larger, high performance
turbo charger that supports sporty driving. The exhaust turbine is made
of heat resistant stainless steel, and the bearing housing is also specially
designed for heat resistance.
In addition, to improve the flow of inlet air to the turbocharger,
a new inlet duct was designed. By delivering a maximum torque of 258
lb/ft at 2,500-4,000 rpm, the 9-3 Viggen ensures exceptional acceleration
and response, and is fun to drive on challenging roads.
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In order to handle the 9-3 Viggen's high engine output, the
engine's exhaust valves were modified to withstand extreme heat conditions.
For this reason, these valves are coated with an exclusive alloy called
Nimonic. In addition, the pistons are reinforced to handle the heat
and very high combustion pressure.
Other drivetrain refinements include a heavy-duty clutch to handle increased
engine output, and substantially upgraded drive shafts and state-of-the-art
drive joints to handle the increased drive train forces.
Combined with a specially tuned sports chassis, a high performance
brake system with better fade resistance, and improved aerodynamics,
the 9-3 Viggen's drivetrain delivers a level of performance that is
sure to please even the most demanding of drivers.
Saab 9-3 Viggen - Control
A car's performance is a matter of its ability to do what you expect
of it. It is a matter of having complete control of the car, whether
you are winding through snaking switchbacks, overtaking another car
on a freeway, or coming to a sudden stop in city traffic. With the high
performance Saab 9-3 Viggen, that is exactly what you get.
In order to fully utilize the tremendous power delivered by the 9-3
Viggen's 230 hp, 2.3 liter high output turbo engine, and still achieve
superior road handling and driving characteristics, the 9-3 Viggen was
equipped with a specially developed sport chassis. In order to improve
stability, the chassis' springs were re-rated (front springs - 5% stiffer
and rear springs - 25% stiffer), and more firmness was added to its
dampers. In addition, the offset of the 9-3 Viggen's 7.5X17" wheels
was extended from 42 to 49 mm, adding up to a 14 mm increase of wheel
track.
To improve traction, especially when accelerating through corners,
the chassis' front anti-roll bar was softened and 215X45X17" wheels
were added. In addition, the steering gear was given a firmer mounting
to improve the driver's feedback from the road and to reduce torque
steer.
In order to add substantially to driver control, the 9-3 Viggen's
brakes were also upgraded. The master cylinder and booster provide
larger capacity, and the black painted calipers are large and feature
a new design with better ventilation. The brake pads are now larger
and equipped with a high performance compound to improve friction, fade
resistance, and stability. In addition, the front disc diameter is 20
mm larger and is grooved to improve fade resistance at high temperature
and maximize initial bite. Thanks to the grooves, water and mud are
instantly removed as the brakes are applied. The overall result is a
high performance brake system with a distinctive and confident brake
feel.
In order to improve the stability and wind resistance of the 9-3 Viggen,
we further enhanced the already competitive aerodynamic properties
of the Saab 9-3. In addition to flared side rocker panels, a low front
spoiler was added so that a larger part of the air actually flows over
the car and reduces drag resulting from the under carriage. In addition,
the 9-3 Viggen's unique rear spoiler reduces lift and optimizes the
aerodynamic balance between the front and rear ends of the car.
Within the aircraft-inspired cockpit, the instruments and controls
are grouped logically and clearly for ease of operation, so that the
driver can concentrate on the road and traffic. The Saab 9-3 Viggen
was equipped with specially designed sport seats that feature side bolsters
and thigh support to help make high performance driving more controlled
and comfortable.
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Saab 9-3 Viggen - Safety
The Saab 9-3 Viggen is a good example of Saab's holistic approach to
car design. While the Saab 9-3 Viggen delivers a level of performance
and driving excitement that is unrivalled by any Saab yet, no compromises
have been made in terms of driving safety and security. The safety profile
of the Saab 9-3 Viggen provides the same high level of accident protection
as the 9-3 model.
The Saab 9-3 Viggen's superior performance and ergonomic characteristics
actually contribute to driver control. Thus the cockpit, with its logically
grouped instruments and specially designed sports seats, helps reduce
distraction and lets the driver concentrate on the road and traffic.
In addition, the Saab 9-3 Viggen's high performance engine provides
superb overtaking capabilities and is extremely responsive. In addition,
the Saab 9-3 Viggen's sports chassis provides enhanced road handling
characteristics, enabling the driver to steer away from danger if necessary.
And specially designed, high performance brakes add substantially to
driver control.
When it comes to crash protection, the Saab 9-3 Viggen is among the
safest cars in the world. The Saab Safeseat system, which includes
the world's first Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR), anti-submarining
protection in all seat positions, 3-point seat belts for all passengers,
front and side-airbags, side-impact protection, and cargo-shifting protection,
provides protection for occupants in all seating positions. In addition,
soft outer body structures, and stiff inner body structures make the
Saab 9-3 Viggen highly resistant against crash forces, has a high level
of standard safety features.
The Saab 9-3 Viggen also benefits from a theft protection system. The
door locks cannot be forced with an unfamiliar key or other instrument.
An immobilizer is standard equipment, and when the ignition key is removed,
the gearbox becomes locked.
Saab 9-3 Viggen - Design
The Saab 9-3 Viggen is designed to stand out among high performance
cars. The 9-3 Viggen's lines are simple and clean, based on Scandinavian
design philosophy. And as the most aerodynamic Saab 9-3 yet, the unique
aircraft-inspired design of the Saab 9-3 Viggen is more obvious than
in any other Saab. On the exterior, aerodynamic refinements give the
9-3 Viggen a unique stance that is low and aggressive, and long feature
lines that emphasize the car's wedge shape give the car a strong sense
of forward movement. In addition, body color matched front bumpers and
sill covers help to attract attention to the front wheels, emphasizing
Saab's front-wheel drive heritage.
Designed around the driver, the interior is marked by a distinctive
cockpit feel, with all instrumentation grouped logically around sport
seats specially designed for the Saab 9-3 Viggen. Apart from the metal-gray
finish on the fascia, the interior is all sporty black, with the seat
and door inserts in Deep Blue or Charcoal.
The Viggen symbol is a trademark and features a blue and yellow delta
shape. It is reminiscent of the Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter's delta
wing plan, graphically conveying a strong connection with the Swedish
aircraft industry. The Viggen symbol is placed on the cam cover, the
front fenders, above the side indicators, in the door threshold treadplates,
and embossed in the back rest of the seats.
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