CONTACT:LEN LONNEGREN
SAAB INTRODUCES THREE-DOOR EMS, FIVE-DOOR GLE FOR 1978
Modern, Fastback styling with Big Hatch Called Style of the Future ORANGE, CONNECTICUT Full versatility in transportation, with the handling, performance and comfort of a sporty sedans and with a load carrying capacity far larger than that in most normal sedans, is available to buyers of 1978 Saab 99 cars. For 1978, the Swedish car manufacturer has further expanded its line of 1he throe- and five- door versions to now of fer b0th the sporty EMS model and the luxury GLE venison with hatchback styling.
''The car of 1he future will have front wheel drive and hatchback stylingy'' said Bill Mitchell, recently retired head of General Motors styling in one of his many farewell interviews.
Front wheel drive has been in every Saab built since the first ones in 1950. The hatchback model, with a large rear opening extending all 1he way down to the top of the bumpers, was originally of fired in 1974, and became available in both three- and five-door versions for 1977.
The success of these models, which of fer load carrying capabilities close to station wagon standards, but still retain b0th the handling, performance, and comfort of sedan models, has been close to phenomenal, according to Saab officials. And the styling is now widely copiers both in imports and in U.S. made cars.
THREE-DOOR EMS
For 1978 the sports sedan version of the Saab 99, the EMS, is available as a three-door fastback with a large rear hatch incorporating the rear window. With the sporty, stiff er suspension, Bilstein gas-! idled shock absorbers, wide Pirelli CN-36 tires, tight steering and front air dam, the three-door EMS for 1978 promises to be as fine a performer as its two- door predecessor.
A sliding steel sunroof will be available on the EM5 as an option. Other special EMS features include aluminum alloy wheels, a new sports steering wheel with a large impact assuring center section; a rear seat armrest that can be f lipped out of 1he way when not wanted; tachometer with built-in clock, and impact absorbing inner door panels. For 1978 the inside door handles have been redesigned and relocated to be more accessible for rear seat passengers.
While the 1978 Saab EMS has been changed to the three-door version, the luxury Saab 99, the GLE, for 1978 will be a f ive-door model. An optional sliding steel sunroof is also available on this model, which also of furs such distinctive features as aluminum alloy wheels, luxury upholsterer headrest cushions both f root and rear, and electrically controlled outside rear view mirrors.
Both the throe- and the f ive-door Saabs can be converted in seconds to large cargo carriers. The rear seal folds down f 1a1 to extend 1he cargo area f loo: to over six feet in length, and the rear parcel shelf is easily removed for high loads. The rear door is assisted automatically to the f ully opened position by the simple use of gas pistons, allowing a clear headroom of almost six feel for anyone loading the car. TlAe total cargo space, with the rear seat folded down, is more than 53 cubic feet.
MANY NEW FEATURES
Besides the two top-of-the-line EMS and GLE versions, the Saab line for 1978 will also include the Saab 99 GL model, in two- three- and five-door versional and with a number of innovations such as:
Larger survivors with new center supports.
Redesigned and relocated interior door handles on a1l three-door models.
Redesigned headlined, recessed somewhat at the windshield to allow for more visibility.
New, larger inside rear view mirror.
Grab handles above all passenger doors.
Powering al1 1he 1978 Saab models is 1he same reliable two-liter overhead camshaft engine that has been used since 1973, and been continuously updated and improved for performance, durability and cleaner exhaust emissions.
Cars sold in the Eastern and Midwestern states have engines developing 1 15 horsepower (SAE net) and 123 f1. lbs. torque, and have a compression ratio of 9.25:1. Cars sold in Western and Rocky Mountain states are equipped with the well-known Lambda Guard emissions system with three-way catalyst. Cars in this version develop 1 10 hp (SAE net) and I 19 ft. lbs. torque and have a compression ratio of 8.7:1. A1l of them have the continuous fuel injection system (CI system).
A breakerless ignition system, made by Bosch of Germany, is one of the new engine features for 1978. Some other technical changes include:
New primary transfer system with a roller chain replacing the gear drive.
New brake master cylinder with a common fluid container for both brake and clutch.
New brake failure warning system, allowing for earlier warning of possible brake system malfunction.
New colors for 1978: are Jade Green, a medium green; and Azure Blue, a soft, light blue. Both of these will be available on the GL models. The Saab EM5 for 1978: is available in Sterling Silver, Cardinal Red and Anthracite Gray Metallics; while the GLE offers an extended color program of Cardinal Red, Sterling Silver and Anthracite Gray Melallics and Coral White and Dorado Brown. The GL models come in 1he new Jade Green and Azure Blue colors, plus Coral While, Antilope Brown, Solar Red and Dorado Brown. All colors come with matching or color coordinated interiors.
The 1978: Saab 99 models will be available at over 3O0 Saab dealers throughout the United States in November.
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