Saab 9-3 Convertible

Second generation (2002-present)

Second generation

Production	2002–present
Assembly	Trollhättan, Sweden (sedan 2002-, wagon 2005- and convertible 2010-)Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr ) (convertible 2003-2009)
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout (2002-) F4 layout (2008-)
Platform	GM Epsilon platform
Engine(s)	1.8L Ecotec I4 16 valve 2.0L Ecotec I4 Turbocharged 2.8L LP1 V6 24 valveTurbocharged 1.9L I4 Turbodiesel 8 & 16 valve 2.2L I4 Turbodiesel 16 valve
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed "sentronic" automatic 6-speed "sentronic" automatic
Wheelbase	2,675 mm (105.3 in)
Length	2003-07 Sedan: 4,635 mm (182.5 in) 2008-2009 Sedan: 4,646 mm (182.9 in) 2003-07 Convertible: 4,633 mm (182.4 in) 2008-2009 Convertible: 182.9 in (4646 mm) Turbo X & Wagon: 4,653 mm (183.2 in)
Width	Sedan: 1,753 mm (69.0 in) Convertible: 1,760 mm (69.3 in) Turbo X & Wagon: 1,763 mm (69.4 in)
Height	2003-07 Sedan: 1,443 mm (56.8 in) 2008-present Sedan: 1,450 mm (57.1 in) 2003-07 Convertible: 1,433 mm (56.4 in) 2008-present Convertible: 56.6 in (1438 mm) 2003-07 Wagon: 1,540 mm (60.6 in) 2008-present Turbo X & Wagon: 1,496 mm (58.9 in)
Curb weight	2008-2009: 1,410 to 1,690 kg (3,109 to 3,726 lb)
Related	BAW C60 Fiat Croma Cadillac BLS Chevrolet Malibu Opel Insignia Opel Signum Opel Vectra Saturn Aura Saab 9-5 Mk2

All U.S. market gas-powered variants featured a 2.0 L straight-4 engine derived from General Motors' Ecotec family. There are three different versions of the turbocharged I4, with the amount of turbo boost determining the power output. The 150 hp (110 kW) version (though two litre, it is called 1.8t) was standard in the non-U.S. market Linear form (trim-level). The 175 horsepower (130 kW) version (2.0t) was standard in U.S. market Linear or non-U.S. market Vector form, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed Sentronic automatic, which allowed for shifting without a clutch pedal. The 210 horsepower 2.0T was available in both the Arc and Vector forms, and the same Sentronic transmission was available, though in the Vector, paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel were added. In 2003 Arcs and Vectors, the manual transmission was a 6-speed.
The 9-3 and the Opel Vectra were the first of the global GM Epsilon platform, which was then lengthened to accommodate four new cousins, the Chevrolet Malibu/Malibu Maxx, the Pontiac G6, and the Saturn Aura. Even so, this platform was heavily re-engineered by SAAB, making it 60% exclusive[citation needed] and rendering it impossible to build outside its Trollhättan plant[citation needed]. A proprietary fiber-optic electric/electronic system, the possibility of AWD (exploited from 2008 on, dubbed Saab XWD), and ReAxs as described above, are just a few of the features exclusive to the 9-3.

2004

2005-2007 Saab 9-3 convertible (US)

Supposedly due to a request from Vector Aeromotive, the Vector form was replaced with the Aero in the United States. In addition, the Arc received the 5-speed manual in replace of the 6-speed.

9-3 SportCombi

2005

United States versions were sold with 16" wheels standard (17" for the Aero) unlike the 15" wheels which were previously found in the Linear version. In the United States, but not in most countries, the 2005 was the last year of the Linear and Arc versions.

2006

A special "20 Years Edition Aero Convertible" for the American market was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006 to celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Saab 900convertible. For 2006, the two optional engines were a 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder and a new 2.8 liter turbo 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder option had 12.3 psi maximum turbo boost pressure and turned out 210 hp (160 kW), while the 6 cylinder had 8.7 psi boost and turned out 250 hp (190 kW). The 2.0 liter 16 valve turbo 4 cylinder model was marketed in the United States as the 2.0T, replacing the Linear and Arc models sold until the 2005 model year. The United States 2.0T version was similar to the 2005 Arc except for U.S. Linear wheels were used. The Linear and Arc versions continued to be sold in most other countries. In the middle of the 2006 model year, at least for cars made for the United States market, the trunk release button on the driver's door was eliminated, possibly to save costs. Cars made in the first half of 2006 have the trunk release mechanism mounted on the driver's door. After it was eliminated, the only way to open the trunk is to use the key fob (and the emergency release located inside the trunk for use by people who climb into the trunk ).

2007

The dashboard was completely revamped for 2007, with the Saab Information Display moved from its high mounted position to the main instrument binnacle, and a return to the look of the classic Saab 900 dash. The button-heavy climate control system disappeared, replaced by the Saab 9-5 climate control system, OnStar was re-introduced and required when Nav was ordered in North America, and the corporate GM head unit debuted, which allowed for satellite radio and MP3 CD capability. While the 2008 model is touted as all-new, the majority of under skin enhancements occurred for the 2007 model year. The suspension went from borderline harsh to firm, and the cabin was quieted considerably. Steel Gray was also replaced with Titan Gray as an exterior color choice. In the U.S. market, only the 210 hp 2.0 litre 16 valve turbo engine and the 250 hp 2.8 litre V-6 turbo were available. The manual transmission in the 2.0 model was changed from a 5-speed to a 6-speed.

2008 facelift

2008- Saab 9-3 sedan (US)

Saab claims over 2000 changes were made to model year 2008 cars. The 2008 range, first presented at the Saab Festival in Trollhättan, Sweden (June 10, 2007) included new frontal styling inspired by the Saab Aero-X, new door panels, a new clamshell hood, and frosted rear lamps. Slight exterior modifications are available on the limited-edition XWD 280 horsepower (210 kW) 9-3 Turbo X, presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show (9/07).[6] The Turbo X made its North American debut at the New England Auto show in late November. Saab also released an all-wheel drive version of the Aero, with the system dubbed "XWD", in March 2008.

2009

The 2009 9-3 series expands the trim levels while dropping the limited-edition Turbo X sedan and wagon from the lineup. The 2.0T and Aero sedan and wagon models are now available with Saab's all-wheel drive(XWD). The convertible range continues to lack the all-wheel-drive option because of limited under-body space for the necessary componentry due to added structural bracing to compensate for the rigidity lost when eliminating the hard roof from the design of a car. The new Saab 9-3 is virtually unchanged from the 2008 model, which underwent subtle design and performance enhancements. During 2009 the 9-3X was launched at the Geneva auto show. The 9-3X is a four wheel drive XUV version of the 9-3 SportCombi.

Engines

Note: diesel engines are not available in North America. Starting from late 2004 diesel engines are Fiat sourced common rail units.