For far too long, Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 ranges have been interesting vehicles, if somewhat limited by always routing power through the front wheels; but, here at the Vancouver International Auto Show, the 2008 9-3 Turbo X is both pulling and pushing that first statement apart. Yes, the Turbo X drives all four wheels, but don't call it an AWD.
In an effort to highlight their all-wheel-drive system's advancement over the average system, Saab is calling it XWD - not unlike Acura's SH-AWD. And, just like SH-AWD, XWD splits power between left and right rear wheels for better power delivery and less understeer. To do this, XWD utilizes an electronic rear limited-slip differential.This drive system acts actively by monitoring wheel speed, yaw rate, and steering angle, and the net result is increased driver control with reduced stability control intervention. Control at the Turbo X's extremities is also improved with large (13.6-inch front / 11.5-inch rear) disc brakes, 235/45 R18 tires, and a re-calibrated suspension (with a 1 cm drop and rear self-levelling dampers).The Turbo X is powered by an all-aluminum 2.8-litre V6 with a twin-scrolled turbocharger, making a healthy 280 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated with six forward gears in either automatic or manual form. The Turbo X will also be available in SportCombi (wagon) format, which doubles the 425 litres of cargo capacity behind the sedan's rear seats, but adds $1,300 to the sedan's $54,995 base price.The sophisticated and intriguing Turbo X sets itself apart with subtle, but sharp, highlights inside and out. Only 100 Turbo Xs will be coming to Canada for the 2008 model year, and all will have jet black metallic paint.
photo: General Motors