Uus Saab 9-3

Skybound · #26

Arildi blogis on tehtud päris hea kokkuvõte sellest, mida praeguseks hetkeks uuest 9-3 teada on. Mõned lõigud sellest postist:

/.../ The modular architecture Saab developed consists of several modules or parts with fixed interfaces. If they need to redesign the architecture to fit a future vehicle or to implement new technology, instead of redesigning the whole architecture they can just redesign the affected modules. In other words, it's both cost effective and time effective.

One big advantage of developing the in house platform is that this platform is only developed with Saab in mind, and thus both the chassis and the drive line will be more than 100 kg lighter than the Delta II platform. In addition, Saab has worked hard on reducing the front overhang and moving the front wheel forward. This should give better handling, but also a more flexible engine bay which will make it easier to adapt to different engines suppliers. /.../

/.../ The front suspension will be a unique McPherson design, with aluminum lower A-arms. In the rear the suspension will be a 5-link independent design, which will be used on all future Saabs. This solution will give excellent set up possibilities and is also very light and stiff. This should give the car excellent handling. /.../

/.../ The one engine we know about at the time being is the four cylinder 1.6 liter petrol engine sourced from BMW. This is a compact aluminum head/block engine with cast iron liners. It has a double overhead chain-driven camshaft, four valves per cylinder with variable valve timing (inlet and outlet) and variable valve lift (inlet). Furthermore, direct Injection, intercooled twin scroll turbocharger and Bosch electronic engine management. It has Stop/start functionality and regenerative braking during fuel cut-off. In other words, a very advanced engine, which actually was recently awarded engine of the year. /.../

/.../ In the rear the next 9-3 will use Saab's in house developed electric rear axle. This will give the car four wheel drive with the internal combustion engine driving the front wheels and the electric motor driving the rear wheels. The electric motor will source its power from an air cooled 1.1 kW/h lithium ion battery pack, which will be charged through regenerative braking. The rear axle will provide the car with electric power boost, torque vectoring and traction support.

The great thing about the eXWD system is that it will not just give the car four wheel drive without fuel penalty – as the rear wheels are driven by regenerated energy from braking – it will actually reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emission up to 30 percent as the rear motor will take some strain off the internal combustion engine. The system is most fuel efficient in urban driving and low speeds when the car can go more or less just on electric power. In higher speeds the systems next big advantage is evident when torque vectoring gives excellent handling and grip through curves. Mangnus Rydell, sales manager at e-AAM, says that the system has a two year lead on the competitors.

Best of all about the eXWD system, unlike most hybrid systems, it is very affordable. A Saab with the eXWD drive will not cost more than a current XWD Saab.

So the eXWD system fits perfectly into Saab's vision of responsible performance, i.e. to reduce consumption and emission, but without compromising handling or the enjoyment of driving. /.../

/.../ In the next 9-3 Saab will debut a all new infotainment system named IQon. This system is built on Google's Android OS. In addition to controlling multimedia and car functions, the IQon system will let users download a wide range of applications, online services and multi-media functions provided through a Saab IQon store. And thus keep the system updated during the whole life of the car. /.../

/.../ The front of the next 9-3 will be close to the PhoeniX concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year. The head lamps will though be slightly bigger, but the body painted wing in the grille will continue into the headlights just like on the concept car. The shape of the bonnet will also be close to the concept, but the front fenders will be bigger and more pronounced, giving the car a more masculine expression. And the windshield will of course be wrapped around the driver. The roof line will be descending sharper than on the concept and the rear will be lower. The rear will have a horizontal tail light arrangement.

One of those who have seen the real car commented that "it had a Porsche-like rear with a fin". Another lucky observer said that "the car was a five door hatchback. It looked like a true Saab, modern, but the look of the 900 prior to the GM 900". A third observer said that "it will be a hatchback, a return to the Saab tradition. Compared with today's 9-3, the waistline is higher, the rear window descends less and the rear is quite high." /.../

/.../ It has been confirmed that the car will be available in three main variant; as a hatchback, a crossover and a convertible. /.../

Lisatud failid

"Why do those people who drive SAAB have THAT smile on their face?!" / J.Clarkson