Saturday, September 13, 2008

Saab extends X-wheel drive, announces pricing


More Saabs are getting more sure-footed.

General Motors’ Swedish brand is expanding its innovative all-wheel-drive technology, dubbed XWD, to the 9-3 2.0T sedan and wagon models and a new 2.0T sport model.

XWD stands for cross-wheel drive. It uses preemptive engagement of the rear wheels to boost traction at launch and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential to allow for variable rear-wheel torque transfer.

The idea is to give the cars of the Scandinavian-rooted brand a dynamic, fun-to-drive feel while fortifying their ability to deal with sleet and snow.









XWD was launched in the 2008 model year in V6 versions of the 9-3 Aero and the sedan and wagon versions of the limited-run Turbo X.

Meanwhile, Saab lightly freshened some other models for 2009. Highlights include:

-- The 9-3 sedan gets an aero package, which adds upgraded brakes, dual bright-finish tailpipes, sport seats, 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and metallic interior accents.

-- The 9-7X sport-utility vehicle gets new Bluetooth hands-free technology.

Saab’s price range starts at $29,610 for the 9-3 2.0T sedan and extends to $48,200 for the 9-7X Aero. Prices include shipping charges.
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