Launched: Saab Turbo X
Limited edition high performance 9-3 model is to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the brand’s utilisation of turbochargers for its cars
By Justin Lee
LOCAL SAAB DISTRIBUTOR Trans Eurokars has unveiled the Turbo X. Only 2000 units of this limited edition model will be produced. Coming in both sedan and estate variants, all the cars are painted in a distinctive Jet Black colour to pay homage to the first 900 Turbo which came in a similar shade.
Four units of the Turbo X sedan have been allocated for Singapore. The estate will not be brought in.
The car sports exterior, interior, engine and chassis tweaks to differentiate it from lesser 9-3s. It also premieres the brand’s all-wheel drive system named XWD.
It is powered by a modified version of the turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 in the 9-3 Aero V6. Maximum output is increased by 25bhp to 280bhp and torque is up by 50Nm to 400Nm. A six-speed automatic gearbox is standard. 0-100km/h is now achieved in 7.2 seconds as compared to the 9-3 Aero V6’s 7.5 seconds.
The XWD all-wheel drive system which debuts on the Turbo X has been designed to balance the drive torque of the car between the two axles and the rear wheels to optimise its handling and stability. This system works by instantly applying rear drive to balance oversteer or understeer on the car. There is also an electronically controlled, rear limited slip differential which can transfer up to 40 per cent of torque between the drive shafts to whichever wheel has more grip.
The Turbo X has been lowered by 10mm reducing its height to 1473mm. The car also features stiffened springs and dampers and rear self-levelling dampers.
Larger ventilated disc brakes have been fitted all round with the front and rear measuring 345mm and 292mm in diameter respectively.
The car is distinguished by exterior features such as a lip spoiler, a re-profiled rear bumper, a rear spoiler, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, twin rhomboid-shaped exhaust pipes and matte grey finishing on the front grille.
Inside, there are sports seats and carbon-fibre finishing on the main fascia, door inserts, glove box and gearshift console. A replica of 900 Turbo’s boost gauge has also been included in the Turbo X’s instrument panel. In addition, owners get a personalised greeting upon turning the ignition and a unique ‘Ready For Take-off’ message which will be shown on the main instrument display. This feature can be personalised further with the owner’s name and the edition number of the car which can be programmed by Trans Eurokars.
The Turbo X is priced at $208,888 with COE.
