NEW SAAB 900 S TURBO COUPE COMMEMORATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST TURBOCHARGED SAAB
Priced at $24,500, Saab Blends Value and Turbo Performance in Lowest Priced Model
NORCROSS, Ga. - Twenty years ago, Saab caused a sensation in the automotive marketplace with the acclaimed Saab 99 Turbo. For the first time, the 'exotic" technology of turbocharging was available in a practical package at a reasonable price. Saab had established a milestone in automotive history by producing the first successful application of the variable-boost turbocharger for a small- displacement engine in an affordable, versatile automobile.
That first Saab 99 Turbo was acclaimed both for its dynamic performance and useful three-door hatchback functionality. In the same vein as the original, Saab introduces the 1998 Saab 900 S Turbo Coupe, priced at a remarkable $24,500 with the full-boost exhilaration of a potent 185-hp 2.0L turbocharged dual-cam four-cylinder engine. With zero-to-60-mph acceleration in under 7 seconds, the Saab 900 S Turbo excels as a sports car, but also offers unparalleled roominess, versatility and practicality. The 1998 Saab 900 S Turbo Coupe will be a limited commemorative edition designed to bring the many benefits of turbocharging to a wider range of Saab buyers.
A turbocharged engine utilizes an exhaust-driven air pump to push more fuel and air into the engine than would be possible through normal aspiration. The result is an economical engine that acts conventionally under light throttle, but quickly develops extra muscle when needed as the blades spin faster and pump in energy-laden compressed air. In addition to quicker acceleration and improved passing power, a turbocharged engine provides lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions compared to naturally aspirated engines with the same power output. While other manufacturers had originally designed turbochargers to increase their cars' high-speed potential, Saab took a different approach. Saab tuned the turbo to provide stronger low- end torque and power on demand from a fuel-efficient, small-displacement engine.
EcoPower Technoloqy is Intelligent Alternative
Saab's Turbo engine technology is collectively termed Ecopower. Each Saab Ecopower engine features four valves per cylinder with a center-located spark plug and direct ignition, intercooled turbocharger, Saab Trionic electronic engine management, preheated oxygen sensor and a catalytic converter positioned close to the engine for quick warm-up for optimum emissions performance. The 32-bit processor of the award- winning Saab Trionic system helps keep the exhaust emissions exceptionally low. The low-inertia, full-boost turbocharger ensures an aggressive torque curve and strong acceleration, with boost pressure monitored by Saab's Automatic Performance Control (APC). Saab turbochargers, with water-cooled bearings and maintenance-free operation, are an integrated part of the engine, and are designed to last the life of the vehicle.
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Saab 900 S Turbo Coupe, featuring a new hydraulically actuated clutch for ease of use and smoother operation. The hydraulic clutch system helps provide smooth, precise shifting action, and is entirely self-adjusting. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with three driver-controlled shift modes - sport, normal and winter- is optional.
The Saab 900 S Turbo Coupe qualifies as Saab's lowest priced car, but its list of standard equipment is far from entry-level. In addition to sporty 15-inch light-alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, the 900 S is equipped with a lengthy list of standard features including power windows and locks, CFC-free air conditioning and remote lock/alarm. The sophisticated alarm system includes an engine-immobilizing feature, intrusion sensors for the doors, hood and hatch and a glass-breakage sensor.
Upholstery for the Saab 900 S Turbo Coupe is an attractive luxury velour in Taupe or Charcoal, depending on the exterior color. For maximum comfort and optimal driving position, the steering column adjusts telescopically, front safety belts are height adjustable, the driver's seat features a variable lumbar support and the front seats are heated. The premium sound system is an 80-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers and power antenna. Options include leather upholstery and a power glass sunroof. Optional Mica metallic paints - including new Cosmic Blue, Green Silver and Golden Sand - are available at no additional charge.
Saab drivers typically lead active lifestyles. The Saab's 40/100 split-folding rear seat has a pass-through opening behind the center armrest, and folds down partially or fully. With a simple push of a release button, the rear crossbeam folds down with the seatbacks to fully open the rear area for maximum hauling capacity of a cavernous 49.8 cubic feet. The roomy Saab 900 Coupe shares the same platform as the 900 five-door, and therefore has the same generous passenger space. Designated a "Mid-size" car by the EPA, the spacious Saab 900 Coupe or five-door accommodates five adults. Rear seat passengers can enter and exit the 900 Coupe with ease, courtesy of doors that are nearly nine inches wider than the five-door 900 model.
Hiqh Performance Includes Safety Engineering
A high-performance car should offer a high degree of driving excitement, but not at the expense of occupant protection. Every Saab has been engineered with an extremely high level of passive and active safety. If a collision does occur, the Saab 900 Coupe includes a lengthy list of standard safety features to help minimize the chance of injury. Such passive safety items include dual air bags, ABS, lap and shoulder safety belts and head restraints in all five seating positions (optional rear seat center head restraint), side-impact reinforcement, the innovative rear "Saab Safeseat" and Saab's renowned safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones. To reduce damage to the car in a low-speed collision, the Saab 900 uses industry-leading 5-mph self-restoring bumpers. Daytime running lights are another proven accident- prevention device, making the vehicles more visible to other drivers during daytime hours.
With the rear seat in its locked upright position, the unique "Saab Safeseat" design integrates special crossbeams under the seat and at the top of the rear seatback. The sturdy upper crossbeam not only provides a cross-car reinforcement in the event of a side collision, but also anchors the rear headrests and three lap-and- shoulder safety belts. The "Saab Safeseat" complements the Saab 900's side impact protection, which has been strengthened for 1998 with modifications to the cross beams located in the doors and additional reinforcements to the A- and B-pillars.
Like every 1998 Saab, the 900 S Turbo Coupe is backed by Saab's four- year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, including 24-hour roadside assistance. In addition, the first maintenance service at 5,000 miles is performed free of charge and all 1998 Saabs are protected by a six-year perforation warranty with no mileage limit.
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