Cross Wheel Drive? Electronic limited slip differential? These are terminologies to get familiar with if you're a Saab enthusiast or are interested in the new 9-3 model range.
Featuring updated styling and performance, the 9-3 Sedan and 9-3 SportCombi Aero models will be available with innovative Cross Wheel Drive (XWD). The system is designed to maximize handling and stability in all driving conditions, though it's somewhat different than a standard AWD system.
It is similar in some ways to be sure- as it's fully automatic and invisible. But where some AWD's react to slippage, the XWD system seeks to proactively prevent it. On the highway while cruising, for instance, the XWD setup delivers 5 to 10 percent of the engines power to the rear axle, which is said to provide greater fuel efficiency and stability. During take off, maximum traction is available from the get-go, and the system can then deliver up to 100 percent of engine power to either the front or rear axle.
In back, torque can be transferred variably between the wheels by an electronic limited slip differential, or eLSD. This device has the ability to momentarily cut torque to either rear axle, to help create a yaw-dampening effect which causes the rear wheels to follow the front more closely- resulting in more precise turn in and sharper handling.
Power comes from an updated 2.8 litre turbocharged V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 15 percent more torque than the unit it replaces. A six speed transmission in manual or automatic is available.
Look for the XWD equipped 9-3 models in showrooms in early 2008.
photo:Saab
Featuring updated styling and performance, the 9-3 Sedan and 9-3 SportCombi Aero models will be available with innovative Cross Wheel Drive (XWD). The system is designed to maximize handling and stability in all driving conditions, though it's somewhat different than a standard AWD system.
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It is similar in some ways to be sure- as it's fully automatic and invisible. But where some AWD's react to slippage, the XWD system seeks to proactively prevent it. On the highway while cruising, for instance, the XWD setup delivers 5 to 10 percent of the engines power to the rear axle, which is said to provide greater fuel efficiency and stability. During take off, maximum traction is available from the get-go, and the system can then deliver up to 100 percent of engine power to either the front or rear axle.
In back, torque can be transferred variably between the wheels by an electronic limited slip differential, or eLSD. This device has the ability to momentarily cut torque to either rear axle, to help create a yaw-dampening effect which causes the rear wheels to follow the front more closely- resulting in more precise turn in and sharper handling.
Power comes from an updated 2.8 litre turbocharged V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 15 percent more torque than the unit it replaces. A six speed transmission in manual or automatic is available.
Look for the XWD equipped 9-3 models in showrooms in early 2008.
photo:Saab