#5442 10/27/95 Message from R. Scott V. Paterson Subject: Press: 96 Saab New Model Line Find its Own Road to Success ================== 1996 SAAB NEW MODEL LINE FINDS ITS OWN ROAD TO SUCCESS Saab 900 SE Turbo 5-Door Headlines '96 Model News NORCROSS, Ga. -- Never one to follow the wom roads of convention, Saab Cars USA, Inc., the importer and distributor of Saab 900 and 9000 automobiles, debuts several innovations for the 1996 model year. Saab expands its award-winning Saab 900 line with the introduction of a sporty turbocharged version of the popular Saab 900 5-door. Saab emphasizes its strong commitment to the real-world benefits of turbocharging by offering its exclusive Saab Ecopower technology on every body style. The Swedish automaker's luxurious 9000 line debuts for 1996 with three distinct 5-door hatchback models: the 9000 CS, 9000 CSE and the performance powerhouse 9000 Aero. In addition, both the 900 and 9000 receive a number of refinements to enhance appearance and passenger comfort. The Saab color palette also expands for 1996 with a new "Sky Blue" metallic paint, available on all 900 and 9000 models except the Aero. Sky Blue is a rich medium blue, with a silver undertone and a warm hint of violet. Saab 900 Turbo SPorts Sedan Newest Member of Popular 5-Door Familv Saab's newest 900 family member is the introduction of the 1996 900 SE Turbo 5-door, a sports sedan that combines the driving excitement of Saab's potent 2.0L 185- hp turbo engine with the practicality and convenience of four doors and a cargo- consuming hatchback. By folding the rear seats, the Saab 900 5-door can handle an impressive 49.8 cubic feet of cargo. However, as in every Saab, utility and high performance are not mutually exclusive. The 2.0L Turbo engine benefits from a collective group of technological features known as Saab Ecopower: intercooled turbocharger, four valves per cylinder and award-winning Trionic engine management. Saab's advanced Ecopower engines are engineered for environmental responsibility, but still deliver dynamic performance that will put a smile on any driving enthusiast's face. Like the 900 Turbo Coupe, the Saab 900 5-door Turbo package includes a rear spoiler, lowered sports suspension and 1 6-inch Z-rated Michelin radial tires mounted on three-spoke "Viking Aero" wheels. Initially available only with a manual transmission, an electronically controlled four-speed automatic gearbox will be available later in the model year on all 900 Turbo models -- 5-door, Coupe and Convertible. Each of the 1996 models in the diverse 900 line offers a new four-channel ABS system with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). By precisely controlling. distribution of the braking effort between the front and rear wheels, regardless of the load in the car, EBD results in shorter braking distances and lower pedal effort. Other changes for 1996 include adjustable lumbar support for increased driver comfort, and a leather shift knob and boot for those models equipped with leather upholstery (standard on 900 SE). A reflective rear panel between the taillights, with matching pattern and color, adds a fresh style to the back end. For a sportier look, the Saab 900 S Coupe adds a rear spoiler as standard equipment. Revisions in the wheel and tire program include 1 6-inch tires on three-spoke "Viking Aero" alloy wheels for the 900 SE V6 Convertible (already standard on Turbo models). The well-equipped 900 S models continue to be powered by Saab's dual-cam 150-hp 2.3L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, available with a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Buyers who prefer a higher performance level, and additional appointments such as leather interior and automatic climate control, can specify the 1 70-hp V6-equipped Saab 900 SE 5-door or Convertible. An automatic transmission is standard with the 24-valve 2.5L V6, as is electronic Traction Control (TCS) with a manual override. Luxurious Saab 9000 Puts SPotliqht on 5-Door Utilitv Three distinctive 5-door models, each with unique powertrains, comprise the Saab 9000 line of "Large Cars." The 9000 CS, the highest volume-seller of the 9000 line, is powered by a 1 70-hp, 2.3L four-cylinder with Saab's innovative Light Pressure Turbo (LPT) technology. Introduced by Saab in 1994, the LPT powerplant was named one of Ward's Auto World's Top Ten Engines for 1995. An elegant new upholstery design and two-tone velour textile graces the interior of the 1996 Saab 9000 CS. Featuring full-boost turbo performance and a longer list of luxury features, the Saab 9000 CSE's standard 200-hp 2.3L Turbo engine speaks volumes to any driving enthusiast. The 9000 CSE Turbo is matched with either a five-speed manual or four- speed automatic transmission. A 3.0L four-cam V6, featuring a Saab-designed three- stage variable intake manifold (VIM), electronic traction control (TCS) and automatic transmission, is available as an option for the Saab 9000 CSE. Excellent low-end torque and revised gearing give the V6 strong response off the line or at highway speeds. An attractive new three-spoke alloy wheel is standard on the 9000 CS and CSE. Saab's "wild child," the 9000 Aero with its astonishing 225-hp 2.3L Turbo engine, sport chassis and aerodynamic ground effects, is perhaps the ultimate sport utility. The 1996 Aero's aggressive torque curve peaks with 252 ft.-lbs. at a low 1,950 rpm, delivering acceleration and top-end performance with unmatched gusto. While excelling as a sports car, the Aero also offers unparalleled roominess, versatility and practicality. All 1996 Saab 9000 models benefit from additional interior storage. A new rigid storage box, mounted on the right side of the center console, is specially designed to hold the Saab's leather document organizer. Both front seats will also have flexible storage pockets in the front edge. Every 1996 Saab 9000 features both front and rear dual cupholders, located in the front center console and the rear fold-down armrest. Saab Turbocharqinq: Todav and Tomorrow Saab's commitment to turbocharging began in 1978, when it debuted the acclaimed 99 Turbo. Since that time, turbocharger technology -- including such advances as watercooled center housing -- has increased turbocharger lifespans significantly. In addition, the advent of Saab's Trionic engine management system, as well as light-pressure turbocharging (first debuted by Saab in 1995), shifted the focus from pure performance to performance assist. Saab's renewed emphasis on turbocharging and related technology, known collectively in 1996 as Ecopower, is apparent across the Saab model line. Today's turbochargers actually contribute to fuel economy and cleaner-running engines, and Saab's own warranty analysis proves that these units are now rated for the life of a car (in Saab's case, 15 years minimum). Innovative new engine concepts utilizing turbocharging are being developed for Saab's future powerplants as well. All 1996 Saabs are also backed by Saab's no-deductible, bumper-to-bumper four-year/50,000-mile warranty, including 24-hour roadside assistance. A six-year perforation warranty with no mileage limit is also included. ================== EOF The Saab Network
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