SAAB 9-3 VIGGEN FEATURES HIGH-PERFORMANCE,
AIRCRAFT-INSPIRED DESIGN
Norcross, GA - Nowhere is the connection between the Saab 9-3 Viggen and its namesake, the Saab JA37 Viggen jet fighter, stronger than in their exceptional aerodynamics and cockpit design. At Saab, form has always followed function, and that long-standing belief is readily apparent in the aerodynamic elements of the 9-3 Viggen.
Aerodynamic Exterior Design
The 9-3 Viggen's aggressive front spoiler, rocker panel extensions, rear bumper cover and rear wing aren't just stylish - they serve a purpose. Fully integrated into the already sleek shape of the Saab 9-3, these elements give the Viggen dramatically improved aerodynamic properties. The Coupe and 5-Door Viggen's coefficient of drag (Cd) has been decreased a full 8 percent to 0.31 Cd, and Saab engineers have managed to reduce lift forces at the rear wheels by 60 percent. The 9-3 Viggen Convertible's coefficient of drag is reduced to 0.33 Cd.
Instrumental in decreasing the Viggen's drag is the deep front spoiler and pronounced rocker panel extensions. The front spoiler pushes more of the airflow over the surface of the body rather than allowing it underneath. The integrated rocker panels contain and channel what airflow there is under the body rather than allow it to dissipate from the sides. When the directed underbody airflow exits the rear of the car, it properly integrates into the airflow off of the rear wing. These elements not only improve the Viggen's stability at speed, but also reduce both wind noise and fuel consumption.
However, the advantages of utilizing such an aggressive front spoiler present a challenge.
Increased airflow over the car adds to the lift forces at the rear of the car, which can have a destabilizing effect under heavy braking from high speeds. To counter this possibility, the rear wing was designed to dramatically reduce lift forces at the rear and regain the front/rear balance of the car.
The Saab JA37 Viggen's delta wing design provides the lift and agility necessary to enable this multi-purpose jet fighter to perform its airborne duties. In contrast, the inverted rear wing designed for the 9-3 Viggen, with greater surface area on the underside than on top, keeps the earthbound Viggen firmly planted on the ground by creating an area of low pressure beneath the wing. This provides enhanced high-speed stability and a more linear response to hard braking, preventing the 9-3 Viggen from "nose diving" during high-speed deceleration. Balance is the key, not only for Saab JA37 Viggen jet fighter pilots, but also for pilots of the low-flying Saab 9-3 Viggen automobile.
Interior Cockpit Design
Like the cockpit of the Viggen jet fighter, the interior of the Saab 9-3 Viggen is designed to provide superior driver ergonomics. The Viggen exclusive light-gray dashboard fascia is slightly curved around the driver with all controls and buttons logically grouped in order of importance. All components and switches are black so they stand out from the light gray panel and are easier to find at a glance. The 9-3 Viggen is also equipped with Saab's Night Panel system that enables the driver to turn off potentially distracting lights and instruments, improving visibility. Information is then displayed on a need-to-know basis.
Starting with the 9-3 Viggen's exclusive stainless doorsill plates with Viggen logo, every element of the car's interior is representative of its high performance character. The sport seat, unique to the Viggen, features a raised and extended center bottom cushion for excellent thigh support and pronounced seat side bolsters for lateral support during spirited driving. Saab engineers incorporated existing Saab safety features into the seats - such as the head and chest protecting dual-stage side airbags and the Saab Active Head Restraint (SAHR) system.
Viggen-exclusive leather treatments complete the sporty environment of the cockpit. All Saab 9-3 Viggens feature Rocky Black leather seat upholstery with textured leather inserts. The upper portion of the seatbacks, front and rear, feature embossed Viggen delta-wing emblems representative of the delta-wing shape found on the Saab 37 Viggen jet fighter plane. The textured leather carries over to the door panel inserts as well, and Viggen-specific leather covered sport steering wheel, leather shift knob and shift lever gaiter complete the interior package.
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