#5445 10/27/95 Message from R. Scott V. Paterson (rsvp@warp.org) Subject: Press: 96 900 Convertible ================== SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE THRIVES ON THE BUSINESS OF EVERYDAY DRIVING, SHINES WITH THE PLEASURE OF FREE-SPIRITED MOTORING The Original Swedish Luxury Soft-Top Celebrates a Decade of All-Season Appeal NORCROSS, Ga. -- Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 1996, the classic Saab 900 Convertible is an all-season success story -- capturing more than a quarter of Saab's total U.S. sales in 1995. The reasons for this perennial performer's timeless appeal are simple. As a pioneer of the four-passenger luxury European convertible concept, Saab set the benchmark for the competitive set by engineering the 900 Convertible as a soft-top from the ground up. Integrating an unprecedented level of structural integrity, a triple-layer top that could withstand the vagaries of cold or warm- weather climates, and comfortable seating for four, the first-generation Saab 900 Convertible appealed to buyers' practical as well as leisure needs. Today's Saab 900 Convertible, which debuted as an all-new model in 1995, takes this seamless blend of business and pleasure attributes to an even higher level. Features such as a micro-computer controlled top (standard equipment on even the lowest-priced Saab 900 S Convertible) with a heated glass rear window, three distinctive powertrains, and a rear seat that folds forward for extra storage room, again set new benchmarks for the competition. Refinements For 1996 Like all 1996 Saab 900 models, the 900 Convertible driver's seats now integrates adjustable lumbar support, for an even greater level of operator comfort. For added value, hand-sewn black leather is now utilized for manual transmission equipped 900 Convertibles. Also new for 1996 is a reflective panel between the 900's rear taillights, which streamlines the back for an updated look. Saab's exterior color palette adds a vibrant new metallic Sky Blue. Buyers who specify their 1996 Saab 900 Convertible in this attractive color also receive a dark blue fabric top and a light gray leather interior. 1996 Saab 900 Convertible Has 40-Year Heritaqe Saab's first open-air motoring venture occurred four decades ago, in 1956, when the Swedish automaker crafted six prototypes of a spoty two-seater and called it the Saab Sonett Super Sport. The low-slung two-stroke, three-cylinder roadsters were built to compete in international rally races, but unexpected changes in rally rules rendered the cars unsuited for such competition. The Sonett sports car eventually evolved into a production hardtop coupe, and Saab's dream of a true soft-top was put on hold. That dream became reality when an open-top Saab was introduced to rave reviews at the 1983 Frankfurt Auto Show. After stunning the international audience with a pearl-white Saab 900 "Concept Convertible," Saab realized that a star had been born. The first 400 production Saab 900 Convertibles were delivered to the U.S. in 1986 -- one to each Saab dealer. Demand far exceeded expectations (and supply) as enthusiastic consumers applauded the idea of a four-passenger Convertible that could be driven in sun, sleet or snow. The Saab Convertible quickly earned accolades for daring to be different, while offering a high level of comfort, luxury, performance and versatility. Ultimately, over 50,000 first-generation Saab soft-tops were delivered before an all-new design debuted in the fall of 1994. For 1995, the highest number of Convertibles in the history of the company will be sold, the majority of them in the U.S. market. Engineered. Not "Chopped" to Be a Convertible Since this illustrious beginning, Saab Convertibles have been assembled on a dedicated production line. Because they are engineered and factory-built as true Convertibles, Saab 900 soft-tops boast an immediate advantage in the areas of structural integrity and quality. Rather than l'chop" the top off a coupe, the Saab Convertible has been engineered and factory-built as a true open-top car. Today's Saab 900 Convertible shares only its front-end design and lower side door assemblies with the equally new Saab 900 three-door Coupe. Unlike conversions, every inch of the 900 Convertible's chassis has been optimized to compensate for the lack of a hard roof structure. For example, Saab engineers added heavy reinforcements at crucial stress points, such as the base of the windshield and the door sill, and the car's A pillars are formed by a continuous G- shaped member that runs from the screen header rail, down the hinge post and into the sill. These designs add to an already rigid chassis, without adding weight. The 1996 900 Convertible weighs 27 Ibs. Iess than its previous design, but is 73 percent stiffer in torsion. Even more importantly, the 900 Convertible can withstand almost 30 percent more crush load than its predecessor. Structural integrity and safety go hand in hand, and the Saab 900 Convertible, like all Saabs, combines both beautifully. Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), daytime running lights, industry-leading 5-mph self-restoring bumpers, 1997 side impact protection and Saab's renowned safety cage construction with front and rear crumple zones are all part of the standard Saab safety package. Four Seasons of Fun are Standard Equipment The 1996 Saab 900 Convertible continues the tradition of uncompromising performance, integrity, versatility and a superb price/value relationship. Both trim levels -- S and SE -- offer a long list of premium equipment and amenities. Both offer a micro- processor-controlled power top that can be quickly raised or lowered at the touch of a button. Six electric motors, eight microswitches, three potentiometers and a trunk- mounted electronic control unit ensure that the top operates with a minimum of owner effort. All four windows can be lowered with a single push of an "express-down" switch in the center console, and after unlatching two header clamps, a button initiates the top's choreographed disappearing act. The folded top is concealed under a hard boot, which opens and closes automatically to maintain the Saab's aerodynamic profile. The Saab 900 Convertible's rugged top ensures that owners enjoyed their soft- top regardless of weather conditions. The durable top material, called Twillfast lll, consists of a special blend of colorfast polyacrylic fibers, a waterproof rubber middle layer and cotton inside layer. An additional fabric headliner traps about an inch of air space to ensure the interior is well insulated against extreme temperatures. A glass rear window with electrically heated demisting, as well as heated front seats and outside mirrors, keep the 900 Convertible well equipped for winter weather. And, a CFC-free Automatic Climate Control System (ACC) on the 900 SE delivers the perfect level of occupant comfort year-round. A special thermal sensor override initiates a manual temperature zone setting program as soon as the convertible top is lowered. Practicality is engineered into every Saab, including the Convertible. The top stowage well in the trunk is constructed of a flexible material. With the top up, the well can be hooked upward, expanding cargo volume from 10 cubic feet to 12 cubic feet. Saab then goes a step further than its competition by also integrating a fold-down rear seat and pass-through opening, which accommodate long items such as skis, snow boards or surfboards. Diverse Enqine Range, Lonq List of Standard Equipment on Everv Model. Allows Freedom of Self-Expression Three powerplant options -- a 150-hp naturally aspirated 2.3L four-cylinder, a sporting 1 70-hp normally aspirated 2.5L V6 and a potent 1 85-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder-- each provide a distinct driving character. The Saab 900 S Convertible is equipped with the naturally aspirated 16-valve four-cylinder with counter-rotating balance shafts for smoothness, matched to either a five-speed manual or electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. Luxury features abound, even on this lowest -priced of the Saab soft-tops. In addition to a power top and leather upholstery, the 900 S Convertible is equipped with a lengthy list of standard features including a premium stereo, power windows, CFC-free air conditioning, attractive 15-inch short-spoke alloy wheels and remote lock/alarm. The sophisticated alarm system includes an engine-immobilizing feature and intrusion sensors for the doors, hood and trunk. Saab's powerful 2.0L Turbo, one of the automaker's Ecopower engines, is the standard powerplant on the Saab 900 SE Convertible. Like all of Saab's turbo Ecopower motors, the key features of the 2.0L four-cylinder are four valves per cylinder with center-located spark plug, intercooled turbocharger, Saab Trionic electronic engine management, preheated oxygen sensor and a catalytic converter moved closer to the engine for quick warm-up. Ecopower advantages include high torque at low engine speeds, high power with low exhaust emissions and low fuel consumption. With exhaust emissions that currently fall below California's TLEV (Transitional Low Emission Vehicle) limits, Ecopower engines showcase Saab's commitment to environmental responsibility and driving pleasure. The Turbo engine is offered with a manual five-speed transmission or, later in the model year, a four-speed automatic. The transmission features three electronic shift modes: normal, sport and winter. Saab's sporty 2.5L V6 is available as an option on the 900 SE, matched to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with traction control. The smooth V6, with 24 valves and four overhead camshafts, provides generous torque at low engine speeds and plenty of smooth power for responsive highway acceleration. The SE model's dashboard is trimmed with genuine California walnut, crafted from trees that are specially cultivated for this purpose -- a reflection of Saab's commitment to environmental consciousness. Other standard features on the 900 SE Convertible include Automatic Climate Control, 1 60-watt stereo system with trunk- mounted six-CD changer, power seats and 1 6-inch tires mounted on three-spoke alloy "Viking Aero" wheels -- a new feature for V6-equipped Convertibles, formerly available only on the Turbo model. What Color Would You Like? Exterior color choices for 1996 Saab 900 Convertibles include Black, Cirrus White, Sky Blue, Imola Red (900 SE), Ruby Red (900 S), Scarabe Green and Citrin Beige, newly available on the 900 Convertible. In addition to Saab's four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper protection with 24-hour roadside assistance, the first maintenance service at 5,000 miles is performed free of charge. Perforation coverage extends for six years with no mileage limit. ================== EOF The Saab Network saab@network.mhs.compuserve.com