Saab 9-3 Griffin
- The Saab 9-3 Griffin range replaces the current 9-3 vehicle range
- Refurbished interior and exterior styling
- 9-3 SportCombi TTiD with outstanding low 119g CO2 / km at 180 PS (132 kW) performance
- New gasoline engines with direct injection for more power and on average 4% optimized consumption / CO2 emissions
The Saab 9-3 Griffin range replaces the current specifications of the Sport Sedan, SportCombi, Cabriolet and 9-3X. Distinctive features include the new front bumpers, the brand-identifying ice block design headlamps and the Griffin emblem on the front bumpers.
Inside, the redesigned instrument panel, the refreshed interior design and the new seat cushions catch the eye. All models are available in the Standard and Aero versions.
Under the hood, two new 2,0-liter petrol units produce 163 and 220 PS (120 and 162 kW, respectively). Both have direct injection, variable valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. Consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by an average of 4% across the entire engine program.
The new engines complement the current 1.9 TTiD turbo diesel engines with 130 / 160 / 180 PS (96 / 118 / 132 kW), which are extremely competitive in terms of their CO2 values. With the Sport Sedan, there are just 119 g / km - measured by the value for CO2 per horsepower, a groundbreaking result in the class of 180-PS engines. By renewed fine-tuning this value could also be achieved with the SportCombi, which also consumes impressively little: only 4,5 l / 100 km in the combined cycle.
Also available are E85-compatible Saab BioPower versions of both petrol engines. Six-speed gearboxes are standard equipment for the entire powertrain range.
Refreshingly new look
Outside, the headlamp units of the Saab 9-3 Griffin model range have adopted the ice block design, first seen on the all-new Saab 9-5. The inspiration comes from the Aero X Concept; in daylight the unmistakable units shimmer blue-green. On the radiator grille dominates in the middle of reminiscent of aircraft wings bar with the Saab logo. Also this detail was taken from the Saab 9-5 sedan.
A striking feature of the redesigned front bumpers is the deep trapezoidal, black air intake with cross braces. Fog lights are part of the standard equipment as well as the Griffin emblem, which was derived from the Saab coat of arms and can be seen on the sides of the front bumper.
At the rear of the Saab logo replaced the usual emblem on the chrome molding. All design lines of the Sport Sedan also have a spoiler on the boot lid. The factory-installed Saab 9-3 Griffin rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17 inches on the Aero and Saab XWD versions. As an option, 17 and 18 inch rims are offered in a new design.
The interior has been subtly revised. Instrument panel, control gate, doors and glove box are for the first time provided with decorative elements in titanium look. For the Aero models, a graphite fiber optic is used here. Brushed metal optics are available as an option for all design lines.
The standard black or beige synthetic leather seat covers have been given shark gray fabric inserts. In the Aero versions, the irregularly ribbed leather is set off with decorative stitching in a different color - also an inspiration from the Aero X concept vehicle.
Both versions (Standard and Aero) have a practical storage pocket for smaller items on the outside of the front seats. It is also marked with the Griffin logo. In the special seats of the Cabriolet is here only the Griffin lettering.
More power, less consumption, less emissions
An optimization of the TTiD diesel engines with 9 / 3 / 130 PS (160 / 180 / 96 kW) used for the 118-132 Griffin SportCombi has led to a further reduction of CO2 emissions (119 g / km) and fuel consumption (4,5 l / 100 km in the combined cycle). Like the sports sedan, the SportCombi with 180 PS in its class is clearly groundbreaking in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption per horsepower.
The gasoline engines have become more efficient. The combined cycle improved on average by 4% in terms of consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, with the currently strongest unit offered with 210 PS (154 kW), there is an increase in performance by 10 PS. The two new engines, rated at 163 PS (120 kW) / 320 Nm and 220 PS (162 kW) / 350 Nm, will be offered in combination with front-wheel drive and Xab, Saab's advanced all-wheel drive system.
By using variable valve timing and direct injection, fuel consumption, emissions and performance have been optimized. The camshafts feature hydraulically actuated wing-shaped cam angle adjusters that allow for individual valve timing of both the intake and exhaust valves, depending on engine speed and engine load. This achieves better torque development over a wide engine speed range, more power, and lower fuel consumption.
The direct injection pumps fuel at high pressure directly into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke. Air and fuel enter the combustion chamber separately. The advantages are better scavenging, higher torque at low speeds and less tendency to knock.
Further, a twin-scroll turbocharger is used, which virtually eliminates the usually noticeable at low speeds turbo lag. Each of the two spiral inlet ducts of the turbine is supplied via its own exhaust duct by a pair of cylinders. As a result, the response is comparable to that of a naturally aspirated engine. Other technical refinements include two counter-rotating balance shafts to optimize the running culture and a crankshaft forged for increased strength.
The revision has done the Saab 9-3 range visibly well. The engines are more environmentally friendly and the 1.9 TTiD 180 PS diesel in the station wagon is the best purchase, which should also guarantee good value retention. The design is now cooler, more Nordic and more “Saabig”. The optically most beautiful 9-3 of the current series to date.
Saab is on the way and has made with the new Saab 9-3 Griffin a convincing gift for first-time independence. The current configurator of Saab Germany has been updated, configure your wish Saab 9-3 Griffin.
Pictures / Source: Saab Automobile AB
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